race thru my brain as Rilla and her handmaidens crash thru my door. By their dress I know my screams did not wake them, but it is why they have entered.

+M+ *Gasping for breath* "Rilla, it was terrible, just horrible. I dreamed that Corwin was in a battle for his life...and lost. I know not what to make of it."

*Rilla sits next to Minos. She takes his hand in hers*

*As she is about to speak, Anna stops her with a touch of the shoulder and a saddened look*

+A+ "My Lady Varilla, Proton Minos...A messenger has just arrived, and I was bringing this news to you my Lady, when we heard you scream Proton. The news is of Phaistos, and King Corwin."

*Looking at Anna seriously*

+M+ "Make haste with it youngin', what is this news?"

+A+ "I'm not sure how to say this...but the palace of Phaistos has been over run, and...*tears begin to sweel up in her eyes* and...*her face begins to quiver*...King Corwin has been slain in its defense.

*SHOCKED...Minos looks at Rilla.

*MORTIFIED...Minos grasps Rilla.

*DENIAL...Easing Rilla away from himself and standing.

*ANGER...Turning to gather his things.

+M+ "Fooka"

*From the shadows of the far side of the room a figure appears. At first Rilla and Anna can not distinguish between the shadow and the man. As he emerges into the light they know why. This man, if he is a man at all, is as dark as a moonless night sky. He glides across the room, without making a sound.

+M+ "Fooka, go and wake the others. Prepare the ship. We sail immediately."

*Nodding his head in understanding, Fooka departs the room... through the window.

*Anna rushes over to peer out, but she can see nothing.

*Looking at Rilla, with all the emotion and seriousness she has ever seen from Minos.

+M+ "I MUST GO! DO NOT TRY TO STOP ME! CORWIN WILL BE AVENGED, AND CRETE WILL BE SPARED ANY FURTHER DESTRUCTION BY THESE PIRATES!"

*Donning his garb and effects, Minos stops in front of the bewildered Rilla.

+M+ "I do this for Crete, I do this for You.

*Before she can speak, he grabs her shoulders with both hands and draws her in, there is no resistance. He kisses her long and passionately, but all to brief.*

*The emotions of all that has happened causes Rilla to swoon and then passout. Minos easily lifts her slender body, and places it on his bed.*

+M+ "Anna, take care of her, and tell her I shall return when this is through."

*Minos heads out the door, and is met by several of his band. They fall in behind their leader without question.