‘Obfuscation of what’s going on –
random murders, comms-mist, dragons;
brutal batch of treble trouble.
Coincidence or complexity?
I don’t presume coincidence,
despite it’s sure existence.’
Hall doors banged open, wooden blow,
Llewei rapid inward flowed, bowed:
‘Our united forces present unmitigated might;
Your esteemed generalship we’d never hope outrank.
We request that Angharad commands the left flank,
While dishonourable Cunedda holds the right.’
Palmyredes raised eyebrows high,
‘Well, nice to see you too, Llewei;
I take it sheer situational necessity
means dispensing with all pleasantries?’
Llewei smiled, softened back to first face.
‘Excuse my operational pace;
yes, it’s good to see you, mate.’
Gwair closed doors, ambled into hall,
‘We’re not doing that ritual any more.’
Palmyredes other movement clocked;
foster child from pack detached,
hovered expectant at the back,
while he maintained current tack:
‘Llewei, would you like a drink?’
‘Sure thing. How’re you doing, there, rat-think?
Cunedda sighed, rolled eyes, force smiled,
‘I have nothing of which I can complain.’
‘I’m sure it’s best it stays that way.’
Palmyredes poured, topped up Cunedda’s,
‘Gwair, come sit, Arcani are in on this.
Would you like to say hello now, Tudful?’
Bright eyed child bolt to Llewei’s knee
‘Auntie Llewei, it’s great to see you!
Auntie Llewei, is Ceinach coming?’
Llewei knelt, child hair wisp corrected,
‘It’s great to see you too, Tudful, yes,
Ceinach will be coming back shortly.
If your foster dad says that it’s OK,
you can escort him through the gate.’
‘Please, uncle Palmyredes, may I?’
Imploring eyes, long mock sigh;
pure pretence consideration time.
‘Dagger, cloak and woollens, young lady.
Make sure you check out through the sentry.’