Of course

“Of course I can. And I will too. The journey to here was dreadfully boring. I don’t have the patience for a second such trip in such a short time, so I’ll be staying. And while I’m here I may as well investigate these ‘troll spellcasters’ or whatever they are.” All the people present breathed in relief after hearing this. “So, what can you tell me about the trolls?” Ciara asked.

“Lord Garin? If you’ll be so kind?” The king said to an elderly man with white hair standing to the right of the throne. The man took a couple of steps forward before speaking.

“Not far from the capital there is an old mine. It has been abandoned for over a hundred years. Or at least we thought it was. Many of the trolls, perhaps even all, are coming from there. If you are going to get rid of them, a trip to the mine is in order. Perhaps there you might also find some clues as to the origin of the troll spellcasters.” Lord Garin paused to take a breath. “At first we encountered only individual trolls, which we dispatched easily enough. But soon they started appearing in small groups, then in larger groups, and then the spellcasters appeared. Now a group of 20 trolls is something common in our kingdom. They pillage our villages, kidnap our women and slaughter our men, and disrupt trade. The only safe places left are the towns. So far the trolls have not been able to get behind the city walls. But that could change at any time.”

“I see. Anything else you can tell me?”

“I’m afraid that is all the information we can offer you, milady.” Answered lord Garin before going back to his place near the throne.

“Now that you know what to expect, what are you going to do, lady Ciara? Are you going to go to the mine right away? Or maybe you are feeling tired after the journey and would like to rest? Or perhaps you would like to have a look around and buy some supplies?” Asked the king.

Ciara considered her options.

• She could go and investigate the mine right away, but there was no need to rush things…
• She could stay at the palace and have some fun. The guards she had seen earlier certainly would not say ‘no’ to her, especially the young man that had been staring at her chest. Ciara was sure she could make him do whatever she wanted. Or perhaps she could go find the pretty woman in the green dress. Ciara had not taken a good look at her, but she was certain the palace servants would know where she is. And then the two could have some women-only fun. Or she could go meet her prize, be it Sevilen or Avelina. After all, she would have to choose one of them, and so she needed to know what each of them had to offer…

• She could go and have a look at the town and its people. She could check the shops and see if she could find anything of interest, or she could visit one of the capital’s brothels. Or even have some fun with some of the whores she could find…

  After some thinking Ciara finally answered the king’s question.