““IT’S ABOUT TIME!” the queen yelled, and hit the table with a clenched fist. “How dare you keep your emperors waiting! Do it again and you’ll lose your head!” “My deepest apologies,” the cook said. The cook trembled in the emperors’ presence and could barely keep her hands still enough to pour wine into their glasses. When she was finished pouring, she bowed and rushed out of the room. The pirate and the queen raised their glasses before taking the first sip, but the hag didn’t join them. “None for me,” she growled. “I’m not much of a drinker.” “To us,” the pirate toasted. “May the three great emperors continue their mighty reign as the conquerors of the new world!” “Hear,””
