Catzenpewters-
Back at the palace, Eldric paced the floor of his daughter’s
room. Padraic was hardly the first to take off in pursuit 
of the Tegraine and the princess, but as yet no other heroes
had returned alive. He was doubtful that the young Prince
would fare any better. He smiled slightly. Padraic’s father,
King Rafe of the neighbouring kingdom of Pterora, was old
and frail. It would only be a few years until his death, until
the kingdom would pass into the waiting hands of young
Padraic, his only son. With any luck, Tegraine would kill the
young prince, and Pterora would be ripe for conquest. His
deal with the ice giant was the best he had ever made! 

Tegraine settled upon his chilly throne, and sighed. His deal
with King Eldric was the worst he had ever made! From the
first time he had seen Jandra, he had yearned to possess
her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever
beheld. His people had needed slaves anyway, so Eldric’s
offer had seemed to good to refuse. He could take the
princess, and Eldric could guarantee that would-be heroes
and suitors would come after her, supplying the giants with
healthy specimens.

But it had not worked that way. In the months since Jandra
had been with him he could feel himself changing, and he
was not entirely comfortable with these changes. Nor, it
would seem, were his brethren. He had begun to question
the morality of his deal, of keeping the girl against her will.
Now, instead of a trophy, he wished a wife. He had
changed her prison to allow some movement, some
communication, so that he might talk to her. He no longer
wanted just a sculpture, an exquisite decoration. Now he
called into question all of his beliefs, all that he had been
taught since he was a mere child, only knee high to a fir
tree. In all his years he had never felt any confusion, any
doubts; now he was beset by leagues of them. This was
definitely the worst deal he had ever made.