The Emperor and his heir were consulting with the members of the War College. Two of the empire’s high admirals were present.

“Can anyone explain to me how a small island state was able to neutralize the Pirate Shore, destroying Port Gull and Skull Tower, and capturing and occupying the other four main pirate havens in just over a month?”

Admiral of the Red Gal-svoor bowed to the Emperor’s heir. “Fast ships, new weapons we have as yet no answer to and those giant serpents. They also have competent commanders.”

Prince Amillbaaros frowned. “So can they do it to us?”

“Preposterous, unthinkable your highness, there is no way they could do that to us.” Stated Magister Roos-avaaros head of the War College.

The Admiral of the Red looked grim. “Our navy could overwhelm them if they consent to fight us head on. Or if we’re lucky, but the cost would be terrible. Until the Magister and his colleagues can give us an answer to their new spell or weapon they could cause havoc. Magister Roos-avaaros however is correct. They can’t conquer us.”

“So will they abide by the treaty?” asked the Emperor.

Sir Emmallio Trazantor bowed politely to his cousin the Emperor. “The treaty was signed in the Temple of Ocidon under the god’s eye by Ocidon’s acknowledged consort. Yes your Imperial Highness, they’ll abide by the treaty.”

“So if we are not very careful we will find ourselves involved in the prophesised Gods War.”

“Yes your Imperial Highness. That too.”

* * *

Drinna returned to her parent’s rooms, hugged her mother and collapsed into her bed. She was asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillow. Joy and Pounce flowed onto their bed, arranged themselves comfortably on their living pillow and settled in for a nap.

Rhondaa looked in on her soundly sleeping daughter and eyed her husband as he entered their home. “So why is your daughter so exhausted?”

Viriaathos smiled. “She was dealing with the representatives of the Rustling Leaves Merchant Assosiation. They wanted their ships back but didn’t want, or couldn’t pay the price Mother was asking. So now they are leasing them. Drinna got a good deal but it took most of the day.”

Rhonda placed her fists on her hips. “Really, why did Mary put our daughter through something like that?”

“Because our daughter took it upon herself. Mary was all for running them out of her domain.”

Rhonda just looked at her husband in disbelief. “Since when does a Voice argue with her dungeon?”

“Danilus has a theory. But he refuses to share it with me. He has been giving Drinna private lessons, and that worries me.”

* * * INTERLUDE 1 * * *

“... and like, I chose to be a cool Werewolf, ‘cause, like you know, Harry’s gone for Vampire.”

Mary looked down at her tray of basically inedible ‘stew’ and stiffened. Surely nobody could be that stupid? She looked up and inspected the pretty senior. Yes indeed they could. Werewolf with no qualifiers or variants.

‘What to do? Her family do not deserve what’s comin’ to ‘em next full moon. Beep it, not my problem but...’

The she saw Tod making his way to her table with his tray. Mary watched him sit across from her and grinned at the look of disgust he directed at his purported meal.

“Never had ‘em but I bet even MREs would be preferable.”

Tod snorted, “Wouldn’t be surprised, and is it always this bad? Oh I’m Tod by the way, Joanne’s brother. I believe you’re the go to person for fishing?”

“Hi Tod. Not usually. Well I kinda like fishin’.” A burst of laughter met this statement proving that their conversation was being eagerly listened to. So the two had a desultory conversation about fishing and the best locations. Mary used the conversation as a mask for what she really wanted to say.

« Figured out how to talk like a dungeon yet Tod? Oh and by the way I trust you have someone you can report dangerous idiots to. The brown haired girl with goth tendencies over there has gone and chosen werewolf. Then ‘cording to her, her even more idiotic friend Harry has gone for Vampire. And as she went with the default, bet Harry did too. »

« So? » then Tod’s eyes flickered as he sought out information. « Shit! »

« Beep Bluey, as a dungeon he’s only a few days old, an’ he’s sixteen by choice an’ you’re not censuring him. That’s just not fair. » Mary whined.

Tod gave Mary a dirty look. « He’s chosen to be a near mindless monster that needs life force to survive, right? »

« That’s how I read it. Can evolve into somethin’ better but only after a lot of deaths. She’s gonna turn into a bloodthirsty monster for three days every lunar month an slaughter her family and friends. Guess the monster finds it easier to take over fulltime if she is feelin’ guilty an’ has no support. »

Tod studied the girl sitting opposite him calmly eating a thick slice of grilled fish while the ‘stew’ languished on the table.

« So what do you think we should do about it? »

« We? » Mary gave Tod an incredulous look before returning to her meal. « I’ve pointed it out to you ‘cause I figure it wouldn’t be fair on their families to suffer for their stupidity. Bet they are not the first an’ there’ll be plenty more. Done my bit. »

« But, but can’t you do something for them as a dungeon? »

« Can kill ‘em. Got affinities for Water, also Life but none for Death or Infernal. Not wastin’ time clearin’ up after idiots. »

“So, you gonna come to the beach after school for some fishin’?”

* * * INTERLUDE 2 * * *

Commander Simon Meadows looked over the sports cruiser as the two powerful diesel engines were being fitted. The company had accepted the navy’s interest and participation with poor grace. The sports cruiser was going to be overpowered but her lines were interesting, nothing revolutionary but he suspected the she would be able to handle full power on a calm day.

“Sir, the bomb was linked to the throttle. Second time someone asked for three quarters power it would have gone off.”

“Any idea who installed it?”

“Yes, Frank Carstairs. He died in an auto accident the day after he installed it. The accident is being investigated again.”

“You’re in charge lieutenant. I’ve got to go and take control of the close in protection detail. Hopefully I’ll get to ride in that beauty when she’s done.”

* * *

When Tod got back to the house he found Commander Simon Meadows already present. “Good afternoon Sir.”

“Top, is that you? I hardly recognised you.”

“Better call me Tod sir, Mary pointed out how absurd it was for a sixteen year old to call himself Top. Also sir I’m glad to see you. We have a problem with some of the kids at school. Well you see...”

After Tod had left with his new used fishing gear Commander Meadows went into their office and picked up the secure phone. He had a problem to pass along.