84

Autumn advances in a blur of activity. As harvest time sets in around the realm, there's a great deal of courtly business to be transacted and shipments accounted for. Through it all, you're in close company with Their Majesties, doing what you can to ease their days with your skills.

One afternoon, you and Brute are with King Saul in the Gryphon Room, a chamber for royal business so named for the imposing tapestry on its western wall of the mythical beast. You've had quips to scatter throughout his working session with his ministers, including Lord Bisqueath. You haven't found a way to interact with His Lordship in a less-than-awkward fashion, so as much as possible you try to avoid throwing in jests that involve him at all.

A herald dashes into the room and quickly stops herself as all eyes swing her way. "I beg your pardon most humbly, Your Majesty," she says, stepping forward with a scroll, "but I bring you this missive from the village of Gallibran."

"What can it be? 'Prize sow gives birth to twins?'" jokes the minister of trade in a yokel's accent to scattered laughter.