Antonio politely ushered his guests out of his office and accompanied them to the portal that would take them back to Paris. He gave the translator that had accompanied them a dirty look and wished the deceitful woman ill.

His French though not fluent had proved adequate to untangle the mess the woman had been creating either deliberately or through sheer incompetence.

‘Note to self, use the core’s linguistic capabilities to pick up more languages. Even that of Nuestros Hermanos as irksome as that might prove.’

« Moonbeam, Felicia we have problems. The French Government have accepted our terms and we have to get a protective detail out to Martinique. As we guessed tourism is being hit by the prevalence of assorted sea monsters. »

« Why don’t you use one of the new sea elves from Feira dos Namoradeiros as an agent to open a portal in the waters of the island? » asked Felicia.

« Because Antonio can only have one Voice for land and one for the sea. Right? » Explained Moonbeam.

« Yes. » Sighed Antonio. « And I love Isabella as if she was my daughter. I would react violently if anyone hurt her, so there is absolutely no way I’m severing my link to her, as that could prove fatal. »

« How about hiring a few mages to open a gate? » asked Felicia.

« She barely fitted through the previous gate and she has grown since. But it’s an idea worth following. » Agreed Antonio.

« Why don’t you have them swim? Your squid are fast. » asked Felicia.

« Because if something happened and we had to send reinforcements across quickly then Isabella would have to accompany the first group to cross so that I could create the portal. And I don’t want to risk her. She’s still so young. Then again Martinique is only the first. »

« What if I use scuba gear, then you can dismiss the first shallow water portal and Isabella can help you set one up at a more acceptable depth. » suggested Felicia.

« Maybe, but the problem is how everyone is watching you now. I don’t want you getting into danger either. »

« Why don’t you buy a plane, that way you could send guards, » Moonbeam giggled. « You could even create your own airport. »

« You know Moonbeam, I kind of like that idea. »

* * *

Alexander Vasilyevich Manukov bowed politely to the huge spreading oak tree, at his side Valentina Vladimirovna Kosmodemyanskaya did the same.

A statuesque leaf clad beauty stepped out of the oak and smiled. It looked forced, “while I am happy to greet my mother’s countrymen in my forest realm, I feel I must ask why you have come.”

“Tsarina, when we learned of your existence you were seen as too far away as to merit a visit. However someone consulted a seer. His reply resulted in other seers being consulted.

“In short, we learned that your realm would soon be attacked by the Slonatar nomads in alliance with the lich lord of the north. We were also informed that if your realm was to fall ill would come to the Russian Federation.” Alexander spread his hands, “that is all we were able to learn, and so here we are.”

Tsarina Anastasia Alexandrovna Romanov paled, “The Russian Federation, does that mean the Communists are no longer in power?”

“The communists are no longer in power, and I don’t believe they will ever be able to resume power,” replied Valentina.

“We accept your offer of help. I must consult my seers.”

* * *

Windchime, Antella and Fidenia were sitting in a new beach bar. They were gazing at the distant islands with their large buildings that they still found hard to believe were part of the local dungeon.

“Antor and Tessara are too young for their current level but—” Windchime grimaced.

“—The System will have its way as always, I’m more worried about that title – dungeon king. That is only borne by the members of the first party to defeat a dungeon rated Elite or better,” complained Fidenia.

“Nothing we can do about it. Now about Ocean Elf, from what I can see they are tied to the sea even more than us. More worryingly I can see that further changes are likely in the future.” Antella said worriedly.

Fidenia nodded, “on the other hand their bodies are far tougher now, far more resilient to damage and I suspect capable of regeneration. Not fast like a troll but give them a week or so and I suspect they could replace a limb.”

* * *

Manfred and Moonbright used the trick suggested by Antonio to claim the transport hub, and after a bit of thought they hid their linking portal in a small chamber Manfred created for the purpose.

Early the next day Alice left with a packed suitcase headed for the airport. She had warned Manfred that she was going to Pearl Harbour and to the American Institute in Taiwan. And that she would use the phone to tell him when to set up the portal.

« Phone? Why Alice, we can just talk when we wish. »

“Manfred, you’ve seen the video of Felicia when she goes to claim the terminal for a gate. She always uses a phone. Your grandfather must have a reason for doing it that way.”

« Oh! Secrets. He really likes to keep his cards up his sleeves. Phone it is, don’t want to irritate the old man. »