Promise not to run

Duncan regards Madam Banntrach carefully. He is sorely tempted to lie and make a dash for it at the first opportunity, but she has hit upon a sensitive subject. "I am, indeed, a Prince of the Realm, and you are correct in saying my word is my bond. You need not restrain me; I will not run from here, assuming of course, that you are not planning on killing me."

Duncan is taking a horrible risk. He knows next to nothing about the Gratiri, and he knows even less of this mysterious Madam Banntrach, who seems to know so much about him, but has not yet even taken her cloak off. Realizing that his situation can hardly be better if he is restrained, however, he takes the chance.

"I cannot guarantee you will not die today, young prince, but if you do, it will not be by the hand of anyone here," she says and nods toward Cassandra.

That is far from the assurance Duncan had hoped for, but he nevertheless takes a non-aggressive stance, with his hands clasped behind his back, and looks toward Cassandra. She lifts her head from the pillow and props herself up with one hand as she looks intensely at Duncan. As she concentrates, she says, "You are right, Madam Banntrach; I should have sensed that something was amiss. I can feel the magic even now. Even as I strive to release my hold on him, it fights me."

Perspiration forms on Cassandra's brow as she concentrates. Duncan feels a tightness in his groin, as if something inside him is fighting for supremacy. It moves upward, and his heart pounds in his chest. Lights seem to sparkle in midair as he struggles for breath, and then, as suddenly as it started, it stops. Cassandra falls back onto her pillow, breathing heavily, and Duncan feels a weight lifted off him that he had not even been aware of before that moment.

"It is done," gasped Cassandra. Already, color is returning to her cheeks, and her breathing is returning to normal.

Returning her attention to Duncan, Madam Banntrach says, "I hold you to your oath. Please, be seated. We each have information of mutual benefit."

Duncan moves toward a chair but waits to be seated until Madam Banntrach and Gladys have both sat down. Banntrach nods with approval. "Your courtesy gives credence to your claim of nobility. Shall we begin with an explanation of why you are here in these lands? If this is the beginning of some attempt by the Crown to exert greater influence over these lands, we must know."

Duncan considers her question. He is taking a significant risk by promising not to run; perhaps the better option would be to insist that Madam Banntrach be the first to provide information."