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even the titans, nodded their mute assent.
    “Good. Now, if I can get representatives from all concerned parties to meet with me here in ten minutes, we will plan the exploratory expedition. Mr. Nilred, may we requisition supplies from you for the expedition? I have an open Treasury writ for that purpose.”
    “Certainly, Sir Tol-u-ol. I will bring a manifest of the available gear for your selections.”
    An hour later Tol, Nilred, Episk Grato (for RSCA), and Tartag stood at the edge of the crevasse that led into the underground city, carrying full packs and hung with ropes, hooks, lanterns, and other assorted tools of exploration. They synchronized timepieces and comm units with those remaining at the surface. “Keep one of these comms tuned to arcane and one to conventional,” instructed Tol, indicating two commercial comm base stations, “That way we can use either encryption channel without having to pre-arrange it.”
    “All right gentles, we’re ready to get started. I would like for Mr. Nilred to take the lead, as he is primarily concerned with our safety in respect to the structural integrity of the caves and associated formations. Please follow any instructions he may give in that regard. If we get separated, the smaller party stays in place while the larger searches. Do not wander off on your own or take any side trips without reporting your intentions to me first. The authentication slash covert trouble code word is Tropsalla . That means if you need help but can’t say that out loud or want to verify that who you’re talking to is really one of us, use that word or ask us for it.”
    “Why would we need precautions such as these?” asked Episk.
    “Hopefully we won’t,” Tol replied, “But when heading into an unknown tactical situation it’s best to be prepared for any reasonable eventuality. Gear up!”
    With Tol and Koxo in the lead, the explorers stepped down into the crevasse.

Chapter the Fourth
    in which Boogla uncovers an ongoing crime and the King travels to an unusual woods
    “Good morning, Your Majesty,” Boogla said in a sleepy voice, rubbing her eyes, “Did you sleep well?”
    Aspet ran his fingers down her arm. “I always sleep well after... that. How about you?”
    “Like a baby. I had no idea how fulfilling married life was going to be.”
    Aspet laughed. “Nor did I. I’m looking forward to fulfilling you for a long time to come.”
    She grinned. “Don’t get me excited or you won’t get any work done this morning, my king.”
    “I guess I better watch myself, then. The Solemadrina trade delegation talks start today.”
    “You’ve got a Minister for International Commerce. He can handle them just fine.”
    “Yes, I know, but the formalities have to be observed, and that includes the monarch formally opening the meetings. Goameel would never forgive me if I deviated on a point of protocol.”
    “He is a bit of stuffed shirt, isn’t he?”
    “I can’t really blame him. Some of the trade delegations he deals with are downright rigid about that sort of thing. He needs to be that way in turn to keep face. If he’s seen as weak or out of favor they will tear him apart in negotiations and that hurts the entire country. If I can keep the price of woven baskets, dray wheels, and trolda sprouts down just by showing up wearing the crown, I think I owe that to the Tragacanthan economy.”
    “Oh, very well. Duty calls, and all that. There will be tonight.”
    “Indeed there will. I have the string quartet scheduled for eight to nine, on the terrace.”
    “Oooh,” she squealed, “That’s so romantic. I think I love you.”
    “Glad to hear it. Keeps the rumors down, you know?”
    Goameel Jigha was a distinguished career bureaucrat who accepted the Minister for International Commerce position when the previous MIC retired upon Aspet’s ascension. He was not a goblin of particularly strong wit or good humor, but he was solid, competent, and a tough negotiator who knew the