The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

Vance Scarab has returned to his hiding place... He was sheltering with the Gwump for a spell, but he's moved on from there, as the Gwump is a target now too, although he always was anyway.

I know Vance has his informers, but his gang the White Scorpions has been virtually wiped out. They were not the worse gang in Grimney...

Vance was quite talented in his time, but no more time for him to write and draw, not now he's an outlaw, but I'm sure I saw him sketching you.

Between you and me, he is accused of many horrible crimes, but I doubt his guilt, although he has killed, but only to defend himself. I can't say much more, you never know who is listening!

You think I judge him too harshly? To tell you the truth Urat, he confuses me. What sort of man leaved a portrait for a mermaid with a rose and then refuses to acknowledge her in a tavern. I know the Gwump speaks well of him but the Gwump is an innocent. I don't know why I even care, it's not like I'm short of admirers.

Wait, did you hear that sound? The kelpie is near. Now I must go and pretend to a lost human in the mire. With luck I shall see you in the morning with my new steed.

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Yes. indeed Philomena, I suppose he is confusing. I cannot speak for Vance Scarab, he keeps himself to himself most of the time. I would guess that he does not know who to trust, it's tricky when you've got a price on your head...

A lost human? The way you mermaids transform is a mystery to me. When does the tail grow back? Is it on contact with water? Or do you take some kind of potion? Hope you find that kelpie, do let me know! Hopefully Oak will fix up the stable and you can rest him there on the morrow

Urat, I found this boy wandering in the mire... He said that he was attacked, can't get much more out of him, he's in shock I reckon... His head is badly cut, and I don't know how bad it is.... Can you bandage him up and give him a room for the night? Nearest doctor is in Toraz, he wouldn't make the journey...

Oak has been working hard on your stable I see. He is a dear, do glad I persuaded him to come and meet some people. I think he was rather lonely. If you go in the stable I think you'll see something rather interesting. Had a bit of fun trying to break him in, he was a bit surprised that he couldn't drown me in the mire and then he galloped across the bottom of Grimney lake. Took him to Hobsbane Waterfall in the end, managed to calm him down enough to get a bridle on him and now he's as gentle as a lambkin. He's such a beautiful creature and is 10 faster than a land horse. Be careful though, he's a bit wary of humans.

How to I change into human form? It's all done with combs you know. I have over a hundred different combs but this double-sided one is the most important. If I ever lose it I would be stuck in human form forever. I've heard of mermaids losing their combs and wandering the land for centuries trying to find it. Some men have even taken to stealing the comb to force a mermaid to marry them! That's why I always keep a spare.

I hear you have a visitor upstairs. Is he still alive? I'm not sure it is safe for you to have him here?

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Don't worry Urat, that is merely a beard comb. I don't think the comb works on humans.

I saw nothing of the attack but I can guess who was behind it. The kelpie only recognises me as his mistress. I will take the boy to Toraz myself, if Silas Shantee arrives please set him up a tab and I will pay it. Do make sure he eats something as well as drinks. What is Toraz like? Would it be better for me to go in human form?

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