Country of Pesok

Sharazad looked at Amaretto and then smiled and said, "The Crown Chase. I should have realized that as servants of the Sky Father, you would not be interested in the mortal realm below. Forgive me for my presumption."

Katherine smiled as benevolently as she could and Amaretto tried to stifle a giggle. "It is alright. We have been admonished only recently for not paying attention. Surely though, you did not need our help to do this Crown Chase do you?"

Sharazad smiled only briefly and then frowned. "The Crown Chase is not necessarily needful of any help or of any divine intervention. I simply cannot participate if I do not have a coordinator to help me with the run."

Amaretto raised an eyebrow. "The run?"

Sharazad pursed her lips tightly and then said, "The Crown Chase, where we choose the new ruler. It is tradition that the crown is hidden within the tallest building in the City of Pesok and from there, we run to capture the crown. Whoever reaches the crown first is able to become the new ruler for the next five years. The previous ruler can run as well, but it is generally frowned upon."

Amaretto tried to cover the shock that had come over her at this revealing. "You mean it is not passed from generation to generation by blood?"

Sharazad laughed and then said, "No. We choose not to do that, for what if a ruler's child or progeny or heir apparent is cruel. The Crown Chase allows only those who are crafty and wise to be able to get to the Crown."

Katherine nodded her head and then said, "I see what you are referring to, but I also take it to mean that this is not just some run from start to finish. There must be traps and other such things?"

Sharazad nodded her head in enthusiasm. "Indeed there are. Last year there was a rope bridge that was only a three pieces of rope and half way through it would shake violently due to the wind. Many people did not make it across." Sharazad paused for a moment and looked downwards, and then looked back at the two 'Bright Ones' in front of her. "Surely you can help me this year. After all, no one says that it is forbidden for you to help."

Amaretto looked at her Aunt and Aunt Katherine shrugged her shoulders. "Any sign of Tempus yet?"

Amaretto shook her head. She was a little worried.