City of Snakes - Book 2 The Council of the Light

-Seven-

As usual, when Clarence entered a room, he was announced by two doormen and everybody stopped what they were doing and fell to their knees. The Hall of Fire was exactly as its name suggested, in the centre of the room a long fire pit burned and the smoke was funnelled up and out through a vast chimney in the roof. Around the fire pit were two long tables set for feasting and Clarence saw that most of his court had turned up, along with the Ironnook party and a number of castle dogs who were slouching around under the tables waiting for the food to come. He put Madness down and the wolf pup scurried off to amuse himself. Clarence walked to the head of his table and took a seat next to Grendal, whilst Fraggle settled to his left in a place of honour. At a nod from Grendal the music started up and the court carried on with the festivities. Grendal leaned across Clarence and studied Fraggle, his eyes shining with amusement, "You look terrible," he said by way of greeting.

Fraggle looked down his nose at Grendal and snapped "Well, at least I have an excuse."

"How I have missed you, Fraggle," Grendal sighed and to Clarence's horror Fraggle laughed at him.

"Did you? I have really rather enjoyed the silence, life became far less complicated when I no longer had to keep up with you."

"Don't tell me you are out of practice, where's the fun in that?"

"Oh I have a few tricks left, old man."

"Old man! In that, at least, you are ahead of me."

"And will remain so," Fraggle told him, he sounded rather smug. Clarence lent across their dialogue to put food on his plate. "Who are my servants Grendal? Are they all Innismen?"

"Well, you didn't bring any of your own," Grendal chuckled.

"It's no matter, I have a list of people who served me when I was last here, you can reinstate them."

"I could," Grendal said, "But I would have to follow formal protocols. In the meantime, my men are the most trustworthy people you could hope to meet and I am honoured to lend them to you."

"Best get started with your protocols," Fraggle gave Grendal a wide smile. "I have a long list of requests actually, we will have to meet more formally to discuss them."

"I'm sure."

"Tomorrow?"

"Maybe not," Grendal's eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow is a very full day."

"Then I will visit you before you get up," Fraggle gave a theatrical sigh, "When your men are done checking through my luggage could you ask them to put the silk nightgown out for me, the one with the silver cuff clasps."

"Why don't you go and introduce yourself to everybody Fraggle? I'm sure that the court is eager to meet the inventor of the double-breasted surcoat."

Fraggle reached for his wine and sipped it before he gave Grendal a wide smile, "I shall," he said. "I couldn't deny them my genius now, could I?" Fraggle swooped up and practically floated down the tables greeting old friends and being welcomed by very well dressed diplomats.

"How do you find Fraggle of Northdale?" Grendal asked, he was enjoying the evening, his cheeks were ruddy and his eyes tracked Fraggle with amusement.

Clarence nearly said 'quite unlike his brother,' but he caught himself in time. "He's not what I was expecting."

"Behind that facade of frivolous witticism is the most calculated bastard I have ever had the misfortune of meeting."

"So calculated he couldn't save Northdale from being sold to the Druids?" Clarence muttered as he ate.