Battle For Arohanui - The arrival of Kili and Odessa

Queen Millie and her counsel looked up as Bridie burst into the chambers. She was flushed and seemed agitated and they were surprised to see her accompanied by two very emaciated and filthy hounds.
“Bridie,” Millie started but stopped when she realised just who these poor creatures were. “Kili! Odessa! What has befallen you? How is it you are come to Arohanui in such a state? Bridie you must have food brought for my sisters at once!”
“I have already ordered it mother,” she replied.” Is there anything else I can get you aunts?” she asked, turning to the older ladies.
“No Child! Food will do for now. And later a bed to rest our weary bones,” Kili said tiredly but not unkindly.
“Mother may I stay, please?” Bridie asked of the queen. Millie gave her a considered look and nodded for her to take a seat. Her daughter was becoming a sage counsel and she knew she would be of value here. Kili and Odessa ate ravenously, their hunger so great they did not stand on ceremony or etiquette. Everyone sat in grim silence waiting for them to have their fill.
When at last they were replete Millie asked her sisters if they were now feeling able to giving a report on what had brought them back to Arohanui and the palace in such a state. Odessa was deeply traumatised and in a state of shock, she had not spoken a word since they had arrived, so it was Kili who gave their account.
“Sister! Things are much worse than you could possibly know here in Arohanui. King Bruce has completely lost his mind. He has given his ear to that worm Dread Goat Roberts. Together they concoct the most evil of plans. They have a few knights who follow them either in mistaken loyalty or because their minds have been poisoned. All who do not follow are imprisoned in the dungeons at the Taumaha Castle, along with their families.” Here she sighed.
“This is how Odessa and myself became imprisoned. The king would not risk us showing our loyalty to our kin and imprisoned us very early on. The conditions in the dungeons were not good.”
Here Odessa looked up, her eyes reflecting her tortured memories. She looked as if she were about to say something but then her eyes fell to her paws once more and she was wrapped once again in the silent wretchedness that had shrouded her since their arrival. Kili looked at her sadly and continued.

-Battle For Arohanui-