I confronted the giraffe.

"Where did you send my brother, Floozy?" I mentally demanded as I hid under the table and Avogadro deflected pies away from me.

"Where did YOU send him, you insolent upstart?" the giraffe answered back.  "You are ruining centuries' worth of careful planning!"

Hmm.  This was troubling.  If the Sisterhood didn't pook Estmere away, then who did?  And where did they take him?  I had no way to track him.  It was way too risky to try to pook without knowing the destination.  What could I do?  All I could think of was to wait until the fancy dinner, on the assumption that he would be attending .. but he could meet with foul play before then, if persons unknown were able to pook him away at will!

......

In the Hall of Ancestors

Two of the Ixies flew away in alarm, leaving their less-wise sister hanging onto Alice's hand.

"It's very simple," the vixen explained.  "I just want you to tell King Estmere the truth about himself now that Nidab and Semos have done their work."

"I don't think I can do that," the Ixie murmured.

"Then I don't think I have sugar for you," Alice stated, closing her hand.

"Aw, come on," the Ixie wheedled.  "Thou'rt being unreasonable.  How would I even find the King right now?"

"As a matter of fact, I'm expecting him here quite shortly," Alice smirked.

Several aisles away, Estmere appeared with a soft pook.

"What in the Netherhells?" he muttered.  "Kidnapping, is it?  Well, whoever you are, I hope you're ready, cuz you got a fight on your hands."

"Peace, husband," Queen Edessa whispered.  "It was I who brought you here."

"Really?  Why?  You wanna do it in the Hall of Ancestors?  That's kinda morbid and kinky, babe, but if that's what you're into .."

"No," Edessa sighed.  "Not right now.  You are in great danger, my love.  I have read your doom in the Red Book of Appin, and its time draws near.  Perhaps the Vulpitanians mean you harm -"

"Nah, the Vulps are cool," Estmere insisted.  "They helped us conceive an elflet, and this goofy Convention is just a show of goodwill."

"Nevertheless, you would be safer away from the heart of their so-called festival of pies.  Furthermore your rebellious brother lies poised to besiege or invade the city."

"Adler wouldn't hurt me," Estmere scoffed.  "Psh.  I'd like to see him try.  I'd mop the floor with him."

"He may have the backing of the Duchess of Daisies," the Queen whispered.  "In either case, the Book clearly indicates you are in danger.  For my sake and the sake of our unborn child, please stay here in the Hall where it is safe.  Stay until the danger is past."

"It's not my style to hide, babe.  But since you asked so sincerely, I'll sit tight til you feel okay."

......

On the street

"I've got you now, Percy le Squab," the Klown growled as he shackled a suspect's hands behind his back.

"You've got the wrong guy!" the suspect gekkered back.  "I'm no squab!  I'm Stanley!  Stanley Cheapbeaks!  I'm an undercover agent!"

"I'm not falling for that again," the Klown barked angrily.

......

"That would imply," the great detective Webb continued, "that you are here as an Antglade operative, to keep tabs on the Prince and make sure things do not go contrary to the Duchess' plans.  Are you reporting back to her via scry-orb, perhaps?  I deduce now that it will be your duty to try to silence me.  Very well, young elf, you may make the attempt.  But I warn you:  I am a master of Frog-Jitsu."

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