When Taneric the Great - or Tak, as he was commonly known in those days - returned to his homeland after Queen Zantina's coronation, he was accompanied by Harl, captain of her Castle Guard. Harl stayed with Taneric and his companions for two days, until they reached the Carfah hills; the border between their lands. There, he bade them farewell and returned to Casbur. Upon his return, he went straight to Zantina's apartments in the Castle, where he hoped to find her alone. To his disappointment, she was instead sitting on her throne in the state room, surrounded by a large group of courtiers and advisors. Before this gathering stood a stout, dishevelled man with a mop of untidy blond hair. The man was staring nervously down at one of the Queen's pets which had chosen that moment to sniff him in curiosity. He perhaps had good reason to be apprehensive, as Sunerian tigers are large animals and can be unpredictable.
"Ah, Harl, come and join us," said Zantina. "This is Joris, who used to be Chief Minister under my father. Xia! Leave him alone! Look, Harl is here!"
Xia, seeing Harl, padded over to welcome him and was joined by her sister Tori, jumping down from a couch in the corner of the room. Together, they nuzzled him, seeking his attention. He dropped to his haunches and wrapped an arm around each of their necks.
"Harl, you have never met Joris have you? He served my father for a short time, before you came to us here at the Castle. You have probably met some of his bastards, of which there are many, is that not right Joris? How many are there now?"
"Ah, well, your majesty, that is to say, quieta non movere, or, so to speak, better to___"
"Ha! I don't think he knows." said Zantina, laughing.
"I do not understand all your words." said Harl to the man, who was now squirming in discomfort.
"Ah yes," Zantina interrupted, "Joris is well educated, or expensively educated at least. He has studied old languages, tongues that were ancient even to the ancients. And he does not wish us to forget it. He is a man of many failings, but it was his relentless pursuit of the female sex that was his downfall. Is that not so Joris? In truth, I do not understand what any proper lady would see in you, unless she be aroused purely by power. I'll grant that you do have a certain clumsy wit which becomes tolerable after many goblets of wine. But Joris, you went too far when you impregnated two of my mother's ladies in waiting, did you not? And in the same night, in the same bed so they say. You shake your head, Joris? You should be proud of your carnal achievements, because you had precious few in government. Harl, my mother the Queen - Wodh rest her soul - had Joris gelded and sent far away. Renuntiatio amicitiae, eh Joris? You see, I play your little game too."
There were chuckles among the gathered group, and poor Joris looked down to the floor, crestfallen.
Zantina continued, "But I have decided that Joris has certain qualities, certain talents, that are greatly needed here in court. I have decided to bring him back so that he can continue to serve his monarch and her people. And now at least, courtesy of my mother, the ladies of my court will surely be unburdened by his attentions."
Joris looked up, suddenly encouraged, "Oh your majesty, you will find me the loyalest of your subjects, ever willing to do your bidding, a faithful donkey that needs neither carrot nor stick. I will be the thrust behind you as you achieve greatness, your footstool as you_____".
"As I mount my horse?" Zantina replied, "Yes, I like that, Joris. You see, I always said you were a man of ideas."
She leaned in close to him and whispered into his ear, "And you are right Joris, you shall receive no carrot. And as for the stick, I shall wield it myself."
He paled as she stepped back from him.
"And I have a gift for you Joris. A uniform that befits your new status. Go to the room beyond and dress. Come back to us quickly so we may admire you!"
A servant stepped forward with a package and guided the trembling man to a door at the side of the room as Zantina turned to address Harl.
"The Sons of the North left our lands safely?" she asked.
Harl nodded, but said nothing.
"A remarkable man this Taneric," said Tobas, the Queen's Chief Minister. "He appears strong and confident. And you found him to be good company, did you not Your Majesty? During the banquet." He added the last sentence after a short delay, concerned that the Queen might mistake his meaning. "Unusual for one who has been so long a slave."
