He watched them a bit longer making sure he was hidden from view. Gillyn’s face was reserved, perhaps fearful, cautious and even sad. As he watched, Lored kissed her. She returned his kiss but it seemed to lack passion. If Lored noticed he did not say so although Samnom was sure he must have noticed. He waited and watched a while longer. He could not hear what they said but he believed that Gillyn was not happy despite the fact that she responded to Lored’s attentions. Her response seemed to be unenthusiastic. Samnom guessed that Lored had returned after getting rid of him and given Gillyn an ultimatum. What the ultimatum could have been, he had no idea. The day grew brighter as the sun climbed higher. The shadows shortened and more of the city was revealed. Time marched on to the opening of the market and Samnom realized he had to move on to the market to be there by the time that the people who bought vegetables arrived. If he arrived too late, they would have spent their daily all

Gelyn’s eyes flashed. “You are sick. How the gods cursed us the day you were born.”“Many a great man has been hated by those who do not share his vision which is why you will never rise to be anything Gelyn. It is why you are what you are. Why the gods have given you your place among us.”Gelyn changed the subject. “Why do you need to have me here for this? You can simply announce it.”“You know as well as I do, that the uneducated need to see the proof to believe. It is proof they need to destroy to satisfy themselves that they have saved themselves and the world from what they fear.”The meaning of Breeger’s words was obvious. “So you mean to have me destroyed and Arnson to achieve your sick goals. You will not set us free.”Breeger smiled arrogantly. The look on his face was in itself an admission that Gelyn was right.“There you have it Gelyn. At last we under

Grimsor stood up. “The Alymcyte has a very high melting point and cools very quickly. What you are seeing is Alymcyte melting and cooling very rapidly.” “What? How? Why?” asked Semore. “I don’t know,” Grimsor replied. “None of it makes sense.” “So why are the men running from the mine?” “They are afraid of it. One man was badly burned when he put his hand in and then it was stuck when he tried to pull it out. The men think there are demons in the mine.” “Ridiculous! I need them to get back to work! Now!” “That’s easier said than done,” Grimsor replied. “They are terrified. They need an explanation.” “What do you think is causing it?” “I think we have opened up a fissure beneath the Alymcyte and that magma is now closer to the surface than we think.” “Impossible!” retorted Semore. “The volcano is dormant. It’s sealed tighter than my grandmother’s grave!” “Yes but all the blasting could have opened a crack and brought magma to the surface. What I think is happening here is that

Benedict took off his cloak and dropped it on the bed. He poured a cup of wine for himself and Hester. He planned to join her on the balcony but a knock at the door stopped him. “Enter,” he called. The door opened and the guard informed Benedict that Peter requested entrance. “Send him in.” Peter was allowed to enter and he bowed before Benedict. “How goes your search for Alexa?” Benedict asked. “I have some progress I believe your majesty,” Peter replied. Benedict arched his eyebrows in surprise. “Really?” “Yes your majesty. I must ask though if I may search your chambers and question Lady Hester.” “Search my chambers?” Benedict asked surprised. “I am the king. There is no such thing as you searching my chambers! Whatever for?” Peter hesitated. “Your majesty, I believe that Lady Hester may have had written letters from her daughter since Alexa returned to the city. I believe that these letters will have sentimental value and will therefore have been kept and hidden by Lady H

Semore decided to retain some Alymcyte to fashion tools which could be used to mine Alymcyte without blasting. His thinking was that Alymcyte used to mine Alymcyte would yield better results than any other tools which had all proven to be ineffective other than blasting. He did not inform Breeger of his idea as he was sure that Breeger would not allow it. Work in fashioning tools was slow as the heat required to fashion tools or anything from Alymcyte was extreme and could not easily be created. The Alymcyte which was mined was sold to neighbouring Kingdoms in small quantities so as to ensure that the price would always remain extremely high. The rest of the Alymcyte was transported to a secret location from where it was supposedly transported to the palace. The increased availability of Alymcyte had not gone unnoticed though and neighbouring kingdoms had been quick to inquire regarding the source and the anticipated quantity available. Information provided had been minimal so as to