"With high regards, His Royal Majesty Korox."

No sooner had the Royal Husband finished reading than Rosalind looked to Atreus. "Well, explorer, how can we help you and make your king happy with us?"

Atreus could not help smiling behind his makeshift hood, for it had not occurred to him that he was an explorer until he heard Korox's letter. "I am planning a journey into the Yehimal Mountains. Any assistance you can provide by way of a guide and porters would be greatly appreciated. I will, of course, pay all the necessary expenses."

"Then how very fortunate it is that I am standing here," said Rishi. "My affairs in the ginger business-"

"At the moment, Rishi, we are not interested in your ginger," said Rosalind, cutting off the Mar. "But we will be in a better position to help our explorer if he cares to tell us what he is seeking. Unless, of course, it is a secret."

The queen fixed her eyes on Atreus's view hole and waited, leaving no doubt in his mind that the help he received would come in direct proportion to his candor.

"I am happy to name my goal," Atreus said. "I am searching for three peaks called the Sisters of Serenity."

"My goodness, what a happy coincidence!" exclaimed Rishi "By a great good fortune, it happens I passed there just last-"

Scowling, the queen filled the air with an angry torrent of short syllables and guttural clicks, chastising the Mar in his own, language.

Rishi gasped at the rebuke. "Oh no, I would not want that, Most Radiant Queen! I am so sorry of the mistake and from this moment onward shall say nothing more. It is not necessary to trouble the Royal Husband, as no harm was mean! or intended or expected, and I will be forever silent until you again give me leave to speak. I was only trying to be helpful, as I have journeyed into those same mountains a hundred times and would happily spare your Brilliance the trouble of seeking a guide for our esteemed-"