After two nights, the wedding guests were reduced to camping out in the courtyard. Their fine attire had grown rumpled at best. Xaja and Cerasa had handled it better than most, in part because they chose with some eye for comfort. Joe and John had long since stripped down to the fatigues that they had worn under their suits and ties. Xaja held counsel with them. "They cannot hold us much longer without the risk of losing control of their own Realms," Xaja said. "If we move, we can overcome them and free the others."

"I suppose," his Lady said. "Or we could, you know, tell them to let us leave."

"Oh, I'm sure they would not stop us," her husband said. "But we have a certain duty to this World. They still think of us as villains, and rightly so, but we can show them we can be better. It is in our own interests, too. There is more to this than there appears. The longer we are here, the more we can learn."

Lemmia was seated at a table on the stage with her mother. "My armies are at the border," Hama said. "The Biarmamen have massed in the north. If Naam yields his throne to you, it will be a peaceful cession. It will not even remove Pruna's offspring from the line of succession."

"No, but it will give you time to seek a more permanent solution," Lemmia said, crossing her arms. "What else will you do after that? Try to make me take a husband?" She shook her head. "But you cannot break the peace. The Middle Kingdoms will not stand for it. I know you have tried to make deals with them, but there will be some that honor their pact to aid one side against the aggressor. The ones that do not will be the ones you cannot trust. Either they will turn against you for their own ends, or they will desert you at the first setback. You know this."

"We shall see what comes," Hama said. "The Myrmidons have taken Naam where no one can reach him. There will be peace when a deal is made for his release, not before."

Aeacus returned to Lady Daffodil's cell with Amyclas. "Hello, your Majesty," he said. "There have been communications from… interested parties. It is their wish that you be reunited with King Hector at the earliest opportunity. We wait only to see what he might offer in return."

Daffy beamed. "I knew it," she said. She kissed Prince Robert on the cheek. "You hear that? We're going back to Daddy soon." She nodded and smiled when he held up the doll of Hector.

Aeacus cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, it is not that simple," he said. "There are further concerns whether a deal would be honored. If it came to that, there might be a possibility of open battle. As additional security, it is directed that your son should stay on the Geryon while your own release is completed. It should be very brief."

"Oh," Daffy said. "Well. At least it is… something. And you and Robertito do get along. Is there to be anything else?"

"I will have Marpessa remain as your guard," Aeacus said.

Daffy picked up Robert. He looked up at her. "Robert, you are going with Uncle Aeacus," she said. He looked toward the Chieftain at the sound of his name. "It will be just like a visit with Grandma or Uncle Ajax. You will have a good time, you can bring Frog Frog, and you will be sad when you have to come home. Don't worry about Mama." Robert put his other toys in his little frog purse. "Oh, don't forget this…" She reached for the Hector doll. The Prince picked it up first, and offered it to her. She bit her lip again as he curled the arms in a hug. She smiled and tickled his chin as Amyclas took him from her arms, then accepted the purse. The Chief took him in turn. She held up the doll and waved. Robert put his arms around the Myrmidon's neck as he walked out.

"Well, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Hylas said. He leaned against the doorframe. "Time to go back in your cell. We don't want the baby to cry, do we?"

"Come on," Marpessa said. "You're better off in there than out here." Daffy freely and quickly stepped back into the cell.

Hylas still ventured inside the cell block. "You know, there's all kinds of stories going around since we started coming here," he said. "They say the local ladies are only fertile for a week once a year. Only, when it does happen, they go into overdrive. A few guys who get around have been saying, when they find one in gear, she just can't say no."

Marpessa scowled and turned. Daffy raised a hand. "Come here," she said. Hylas approached, smirking. The Queen smiled as she stroked the doll of Hector. "You know, I could act like I might give you what you want, if you would let me out. But I'm an honest woman, and I want this to be very clear."

She gestured graphically. Hylas drew his legs together instinctively. "I am, as you put it, in gear," she said. "But when I burn, it is for my Lord and King. Not just because I am pledged to him. Not just because he is the father of my children. Not just because I love him with all my heart and soul and loins. No, it's because he is a better lover and a better man than you could ever be, and I would rather dream of him while I tend to myself than touch a creature like you. And one more thing, my King or his brother will come for me, and when I am free, you had better be sure I tell them you did me no wrong. Got that?"

Hylas quickly withdrew. Marpessa nodded in respect. "You got through to him," she said. "Take it from me, that takes some doing."

"Oh, it's not hard," Daffy said. She giggled. "I'm just used to a man who listens…"

Ajax sat at a table, reading a message brought by a Bladderfish. He shook his head. "I wondered if Manny was part of a plot," he said. "I thought no more of it after Agaric was exposed."

"It is possible the two plots were not connected," Pruna said. "I warned you based on a report from a source in the Middle Kingdoms. There are more than enough schemes for coincidences."

"Too easy," Mel said. "Darmim clinches it. When people will pay for a Pyroderm and the Myrmidons, there are no coincidences."

She rested her chin in her hands. "Removing you was just a trial run to what's happening now," she said. "Something that would help, without putting the bigger plan at risk. The real question is, was that even the first try? There was Kabango, and that crazy creature Hector fought. I didn't tell him, but I've been to Zadokkua. It has a paranatural signature that makes the Disc look normal. Speaking of, should we check on him?"

"First, let us consult the Eightfold Orb," Ajax said. He set the Relic on the table. "I, King Ajax, summon the wisdom of the Eightfold Orb. I authorize Lady Meliboia and Empress Pruna to question it as well. Orb, do Queen Narcissa and Prince Robert live?" The answer was immediate: Proposition affirmative. "Will the Myrmidons ask a ransom for them?" The Orb became cloudy without giving an answer. Ajax reworded, "Would they ask for another prisoner in exchange?" The answer resolved itself: Proposition highly likely.

Mel nodded and spoke herself. "Orb, do the Myrmidons intend to return Lady Daffodil alive?" The answer was quick: Proposition negative. She sighed and shook her head. "Will the Myrmidons seek to capture Empress Pruna?" The answer took only a little time: Variables favorable.

"So," Ajax said, "we know what they want. Orb, will Daffodil be spared, for a time, if Pruna is offered in exchange?" The Orb took longer than usual: Variables unstable. Ajax shrugged. "Then there is a chance." He rose. "Let me go speak to Hector."

High King Hector was in the Royal Cabin, stretched out on the bed. Around him were Relics his Guard had managed to bring him. He held the Hammer of Hector as he stared upward, dry-eyed. A doll of Daffodil a Royal Cubit tall, originally made as her own anniversary present, lay on the bed beside him. As Ajax approached, he heard his brother speak. "I don't know, Daff," he said. "You would look so beautiful in your wedding dress again. You could wear it for our anniversary…" He sat up at Ajax's approach. "Sorry, I am okay. I am just… picturing her." He sat up. "Is there any word?"

"Morrie and his plotters are still holding the Kings hostage, but the Palace Guard has them contained, and Prunus and the Princesses are secure," Ajax said. "I have consulted the Eightfold Orb regarding Daffy and Robertito. They are alive, as Mel believed. It is likely that they will remain unharmed if the Myrmidons believe that Empress Pruna would be offered in their place. But the Orb forecasts treachery. It seems likely that they mean to eliminate Daffodil."

"Good," Hector said. "It will be easier, if we have to kill them."

Ajax looked intently at his brother. "We never did much of that," he said. "At least, not with things that could look us in the eye. Naam has told me about the true state of the Lindorms. Their stock has decayed so far that many are barely fit for the simplest labor, let alone battle. No wonder we could usually get around them."

"I always thought as much," Hector said. "Things were different in the Aquamarine Isles. Zog's troops meant to kill us and knew we would do the same. It was for the best that you did not spend much time in that campaign."

Ajax nodded in respect. "I often think you have had an easier life than mine," he said. "But I know your trials have been hard. You simply faced them with a good woman at your side."

"Oh, she can be trial enough," Hector said, amused. "She always sees the good in people, but with me, she is not afraid to draw it out by fire. Then there are the children. Sometimes, she is afraid to say how much she worries. There are times when I must draw her out."

Ajax put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "I know you are brave," he said. "You do not have to hide anything from me."

Hector held up the Hammer. "Remember this thing?" he said. He gave a half-hearted swing. Ajax nodded. This was surely avoidance, but it was a response. "When we had it on Earth, it was a regular sledge. But when we came here, suddenly, it was different. Nobody cast a spell or carved a magic rune in it. I just showed it off to a few Mushroom Men, and they swore it could break through anything. The funny thing is, after that, they were right."

Hector turned to his brother. "I can see you do not understand," he said. "I believe we will save Daffy and Robert. I must, because it is useless to think of what will happen if we fail. As long as I believe there is even a chance, whatever laws govern this world will try to give it to me."

"That's my kid brother," Ajax said. "Ah, but I do love them so!" Then they embraced each other as they both wept.

The call came from Pytheas, the unseen pilot of the Ataraxes. "There is a communication from Aeacus," he said. "He reports that he is in communication with Meliboia. She requests to speak with High Queen Narcissa."

"Finally," Marpessa said. She set up a camera on a tripod, with a screen that swung out of the side. She pointed the camera into Daffy's cell. She pressed against the glass. "Mel!" she called out. "Is Hector with you?"

Hector nearly jostled Mel out of the way, though she made room with a smile. "I am here, my Blossom!" he said. "Are you all right?"

"Oh, yes, my King!" she said. Her eyes flicked off camera. "Aeacus has assigned a lady of the Myrmidons to care for me. He allowed me to see Robert too, before he… moved him. They say they are ransoming me, but not what they ask in exchange."

"Oh, do not fear!" Hector said. "We will get you out, and they will not dare harm a hair on your head! Oh, my darling, when I think of you, it is like seeing you in my dreams. When I dream of you, it is like holding you in my arms!"

"Oh, my lover, my Lord!" Daffy said. "Oh, is my sister with you?"

Pruna stepped into view. "Of course I am," she said. "I am so glad you are all right. Daffy, it is me they want. Aeacus has offered to release you in exchange. He has promised that once I have surrendered, he will release Prince Robert also."

"Oh, sister!" Daffy said. "You know I would do the same for you. But do not fear for me. As I told you, I am being treated well. Aeacus has been kind to me. His people obey him. I am sure I will not be harmed."

"Oh, Daff," Pruna said. Just offscreen, Mel shook her head. "We will have you out as soon as we can." She adjusted the camera. "Now listen, Aeacus. These are the terms by which I will surrender. Send Ataraxes to the coordinates of the Sky Palace, with only the crew and Lady Daffodil, configured as it was for the wedding. We will send away the skyship and our gurds. Remember, we have the means to confirm both her well-being and the details of the craft and its crew. It may deploy its escort craft, but they must hold at a distance of not less than 200 Stadia. We have marked an area beside the Palace for the Ataraxes to land; it is at the foot of the most heavily fortified section of the structure. When it sets down, you will bring High Queen Narcissa to the boarding ramp. I will approach, covered by Lady Meliboia. I will board freely, as she descends. Once I am aboard, the craft will leave. There will be no other offer."

"Yes," Aeacus said. "I call on Janus to witness that I swear to honor your terms. The Ataraxes will arrive within 8 hours." He smiled, and Daffy beamed as the transmission ended.

The Chief turned immediately to his Second. "Summon Nauplius and Autolycos," he said. "The Euphonia is to shadow Ataraxes, with a full Agema and a fighter escort. The rest, they will know."