*The entourage, if that is what you can call it, has rounded the final turn and stops before the palace grounds. The effects of the devastating earthquake can still be seen, but also the progress of rebuilding and repairing can be found.

*The day is a magnificent day. The sun is shining and the wind is lightly blowing. Taking it all in with a sweeping survey of the area, Minos pauses to reflect and assess.

*With a long sorrowful look in his eye, and talking out loud, but not to anyone.

+Minos+ “I should have been here…I should not have been gone…gone...away.”

* Over hearing Minos’ words, and turning to face his friend.

+Julian+ “You did what you had to do, and the good you did far out weighs what you could have done here.”

*Reaching out with a strong arm and grasping Julian’s shoulder.

+M+ “I do hope you are right, Julian. For if not, then too much time was lost, and time is the one thing that even I can not reign.”

+J+ “Proton, enough of this, your Lady Varilla and the people of Knossos, await your return. Let us proceed without further ado.”

*Octivus runs ahead to the Palace proper while the group finishes the final distance to the palace. Moving through the outer walls, which are still in disrepair, a feeling of warmth and security begins to grow within Minos’ being. He is HOME, right where he belongs!

*The entrance to the palace itself has been totally redone. A familiar looking man is standing next to Octivus. It is Zegros, the head steward of the Palace.

*Allowing a broad smile to cross his face.
+M+ “Zegros, it is marvelous to see you. I am happy beyond words that you survived the earthquake and ensuing turmoil.

*He is more than a faithful steward, he is a friend.
+M+ “Tell me how it goes with the staff of the palace.”

*Zegros gives a quick account of the main happenings with the palace staff over the past years.

+M+ “We shall talk more of this in the days to come, but we *looking at Julian* have more important things to attend to.

+Z+ “All is ready for your arrival Proton. Don’t mind the mess and reconstruction. We hope to be done within the year. Please follow me to where you may refresh yourselves before meeting with Lady Varilla.”

*Minos & Julian follow Zegros through the entrance to the palace. Much here has been repaired or totally rebuilt a new. They go down several corridors and arrive at a small room.

+Z+ “I shall return shortly for you, Proton.”

+M+ “Excellent Zegros, I am almost too excited to dust off, but for Lady Varilla’s sake I shall!”

*The room contains pots of water and basins. Towels are along one wall on a shelf. A polished metal plate adorns another wall. A reflecting metal. Two servants wait to assist in anyway possible. Minos and Julian talk about the palace and its condition whilst they clean the dust off themselves.

*After several minutes time Autodikus enters the chanber and paces about a bit trying to get Minos’ attention. Finally, in between breaths…

+A+ “Proton, I do have important words to pass to you. *Looking at Julian* “Private words, Sire”

*Glancing up from washing the last bit of dust from his neck.

+M+ “OK Auto, you have been trying to get my attention since you returned from the palace before. Speak hastily, for I shall not delay to see my Rilla. What is it?”

+A+ “I would not bring this up, if I did not think you needed to know, but…when I was here the first time… the Lady Varilla and Jihanus were…

*At that moment Zegros enters and without waiting announces.

+Z+ “It is time now, Proton.”

*Turning to Auto, while walking out the door.

+M+ “You were saying Auto…”

+A+ “Never mind Sire, It will wait.”

*Minos and Julian follow Zegros down several more halls to the Throne Room. It is obviously still having work done to it, but it has been made up extremely well.

*Minos' reaction is to heads straight for the Throne built out of the wall. He proceeds in that direction. The Lady Varilla has not entered the room yet, and thinks it best if she saw him from there.