Epilogue: "The Shape of Things to Come"
The house in Billingsgate owned by Michel Freiherr von Dijkhuizen had a perfect view of the bustling riverfront marketplace. He could see fishwives, sailors, porters, thieves, pickpockets, quack-medicine men selling their self-concocted potions and lotions, and mere casual strollers. While Kreszentia tidied the room, humming a popular song she had been taught, her master was working on a literary piece he called Das Mädchen Mit Dem Goldenen Auge. Halfway through the current chapter, he stopped and put down his quill, walking to the window to gaze down at the urban life below.
"I fear our problems are far from over, my treasure," he said in German.
The servant girl ceased her work and turned to him. She did not speak, but she was looking at him in interest. Translating her silence correctly, he continued.
"Still, I am sure that whatever it is, we will be ready," he smiled and walked to her, ruffling her hair. "Such a good girl, you listen well. Come, it's time for duelling practise." Kreszentia smoothed the front of her dress and for the first time, her tiny mouth curved up at the corners.
XXX
Herstmonceux Castle was the home of the Whitehawk bloodline. The residence, and indeed, the Earldom of Sussex, had been won from the Fiennes family by Lord Tarquin's grandfather in a joust. The Earl himself stood in the great hall with his guest, who handed him a wrapped bundle.
"You…you are sure this is it?" he asked.
"I am always sure, Your Lordship," replied Sir Maxwell Wyvern slyly. "I am something of an expert in such rarities."
Tarquin sighed, recognising his superiority, and handed him a black purse of coins, which the great and eminent explorer stowed away beneath his coat.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you," he said. "I'll take my leave now. I must get started on my next voyage. Cheerio." When his guest was gone, Tarquin opened the package and the golden shine of its contents almost blinded him with its glory. He lifted it up and stared into its engraved eye.
XXX
AUTHOR'S NOTE (Scott): Wow, just wow, I cannot believe we finished this. This was really something special. Thanks for reading this everybody, you're all wonderful. I'd kiss you but I'm not that sort of chap, so please accept these apricocks instead.
AUTHOR'S NOTE(Hikari): We're done?
-looks at list of chapters-
Wow... guess we are, it's been great fun and don't worry readers you have not seen the last of the Queen of Games crew