Still standing at the window of the Library, Muldran smiled again. It was odd, he mused. He was terrified about what he'd done, but it couldn't be part-time, couldn't be pretend. And with the reactions of the Court to what he'd done in agreeing to adopt Tim Hunter, he had to show he was serious.


In front of the fountain, the Court were stunned at Tim's appearance - as well as Muldran's decision to adopt Tim. But that wasn't all they were surprised at. Muldran knew he had to take a further step.

He stood forward, Tim at his side, and told the Court that he hadn't planned this. It was earlier on, as he'd seen Tom totally take over Tim that he knew he had to have a drastic action to shock him back, but to do it and then just say "Oh, I did that just to save you" would show the action was hollow. And also - Muldran had felt responsible for Tim and the many troubles he had experienced.

He then apologised for upsetting the Court again, and said
...which seemed to course an even bigger storm, with people stumbling over words, and even Tim tugging on his sleeve.

Muldran was steadfast, but he still laughed. He suddenly felt lighter. "Who would have thought it!" he chuckled out loud, "I've made a huge change to all of our lives - and I didn't even use magic!"

As the Court discussed this further, Muldran held up his hands, "This is not the end of the Court. We have two Lords Cardinal - Cherry and Gorthyn - who should continue to direct the Court. You will all need to convene, to decide who to nominate as your Shadow King. The members of the Court can then vote as to who should be your Shadow King."

Palirond immediately pledged his fealty to Decardo who smiled, and spoke about his support for Gorthyn. Cherry, meanwhile, looked aghast, entreating Muldran to not make this hasty decision. Muldran agreed it was hasty - but that he wasn't going anywhere - and he'd decided. He was no longer the Shadow King.

Long Live the King!