King Fionn would also be joining them for dinner, alone save for his bodyguard, so that the council could appraise him and decide if he would make a better friend or foe.King Fionn would also be joining them for dinner, alone save for his bodyguard, so that the council could appraise him and decide if he would make a better friend or foe. Dinner was for getting reacquainted by good food, excellent wine and even better old memories. The real planning would take place in the war room upstairs, a conclave which King Fionn would not be attending. After a time, the bell began to toll the first hour of the evening (sixth hour will put it about 2 am!) and a respectful knock came at the door. Moving to sit up straight, the Dark Lord gave the command to enter, and the door opened for the elite honor guard. They were dressed in their best parade armor and marched around the perimeter of the chamber in a precise fashion, assuming their posts at very precise intervals. The Dark Lord watched as the Captain of the Guard gave the orders and his troops came to attention and turned to put their backs to the walls. Satisfied, the Dark Lord nodded and, after a hearty salute pounded off his shoulder, the captain took his place to the right of the chair at the foot of the table. It was his privilege to occupy this seat whenever the elite guard was required for meals. After the guards, Lem followed, leading in all of the girls, except Rhea, Chandra, Morgan, Alia and Gold-lily. The girls quietly entered the room and situated themselves around the table, each selecting a pair of chairs to stand behind and between. Darlene and Dara, having their orders, took the head and foot of the table, standing behind and to the left of the chairs. All knew they would serve the men who sat in the chairs they had selected, providing them with anything that would satisfy them, including private entertainment later if they desired. |