The Notary Republic.
“We will halt trading, on the day, at the completion of the merger. After the 10K is filed, we will halt trading, and come back out the next day under the new symbol, and at $15 a share.”
The castle had grown quit and fretful. Many people seemed to have left or to have been killed during the Basher’s last raid. Even those Bashers once imprisoned in the dungeon had been freed. The Castle Guard had been reduced to a skeleton crew. The sarcophagus had been returned to its resting place in the Castle keep and the few moanings that were emitted from it seemed almost meaningless.
The Prince did throw a dinner party for a few of his close supporters. They dined on chips and salsa and combo plates of enchiladas. Margaritas, Mexican beer and the obligatory Crown Royale were served as beverages. The Prince gave a long oration about his successful campaigns in Finland, Canada, Venezuela, South Africa, the Philippines, Hungary, Brazil and Panama. Recounting his meetings with Popes, Middle Eastern Sultans, United Nations Officials, Famous Mayors and the occasional prostitute.
Name tags had suddenly become all the rage among the followers of haute couteur fashion. This was due to the fact that many of the Princes companions used aliases and couldn’t remember from one minute to the next what their real names were. It was not uncommon to hear one of them remark “I would tell you who I am but I prefer the anonymity of being whomever I please. Besides it could lead to legal problems.”
By contrast the Manor was a veritable orgy of pomp and circumstance. Players played and dancers dances and a fine feast of fresh venison with turnips, acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, various salads, and bread was enjoyed by all except a few vegetarians. . A whole room in the manor had been reserved just for the fresh fruits and desserts. Wine, Champagne, and a full open bar accompanied the meal.
The Bishop gave a short speech on the virtues of forgiveness. Afterwards there was the whole catalogue of Bond movies to choose from. Getting naked took on its old meaning and Riddle and Deniala spent the night in a hammock strung between to trees near the waters of forgetting. A lute played softly in the distance.
