347 Mont Blanc

Entranced by the word King, many inhabitants stood outside the Elder's house. The jarring cold didn't bother for they were prepared. The visitors, now considered guests, were well seated before the same fire-place. Intherna took many pleasurable gazes at the villagers. Some were old, some young, and some adults, all held a similar expression. 

 "Elder," spoke Staxius,"-thank you for such a warm welcome."

 "It's our pleasure to welcome the king," he said with a nervous smile. The king was sat crossed-legged on the bear-rug with Alice beside. The boy played with a toy. A grandfather, a mother, and no father to speak about. Thinking of what could have happened, Achilles was tactful as to not ask. The lady seemed in mourning, her face held a solemn grin, one of requirement opposed to heartfelt.

Sensing the room grow distant, "-how of it," spoke the King.

 "Of what, sire?" 

 "Of the monster problem."