Captain Jack approached the Queens doors. The guards eyeballed him suspiciously. He felt threatened by the Queen's guards, though technically he outranked them.
"Uh, yes I'd like to speak with the Queen," said Jackrabbit at last.
The guards said nothing, they simply looked at each other, then one of them slowly opened the door. The guards motioned him inside. In the grand foyer, filled with gold statues and detailed engravings, Captain Jack found the philosopher, the Wise dwarf Asmel, pacing back and forth.
"Uh, hello wise sage."
"Oh....you're one of the squad leaders arent you?" Jack nodded. Asmel then asked, "What brings you to this unholy place?"
Unholy?, Jack thought to himelf. "Uhhh....I actually just wanted to speak with the Queen."
Asmel's face went pale. "You'll have to be in the same room with her to ask her something....are you sure you want to do that? She's quite mad."
"Damnit! I dont have time for this! I simply wish to ask a question!"
"Bah! Then go, if you're so brave! Ha! It's easy to have courage when one doesn't understand the danger he faces!"
With that cryptic remark, the Philosopher shuffled off, mumbling under his breath. Captain Jack proceeded into the throne room.
The hall was dark...only two torches were lit at the far end of the room. In the pool of light, Urist sat on her Platinum throne, watching Jack intently as he came in.
"Ahhhh....one of my favored minions!" remarked the Queen.
Captain Jack smiled awkwardly. "It's good to know that I have not lost your favor, my Queen"
"Oh no...I will always favor those who would die for me. But why are you here?"
"Well your majesty...I *would* die for you....I will fight my hardest against your enemies and I will shed my blood if need be....but let that be decided on the field of battle....not some temple altar! I am a warrior, my queen! I beg you....when I die, let it be with honor!!!"
There was silence for a minute. Urist cracked a smile. At last she spoke. "I kill only those who oppose me or who are useless to me. You have a use to me still, and I know you cannot oppose me....who would you turn to Jack? Would you turn to the Duchess? Ha! She will have you beaten to death for serving me!"
"Your majesty I wish to serve only you! Regardless of death or beating! I simply wish to die like a dwarf, not some sacrificed animal!"
The Queen nodded, as if there was never a thought in her mind to the contrary. "You are the Brutal Square of Problems. You are not a slobbering peasant. When the dust settles and I have remade Dwarven society, it will be the seed of dwarves like you that grows in the rich soil. Now go...back to your guard duties. Make sure the peasants learn to heel. I am depending upon you, Captain Jack."
"Yes your majesty...thank you your majesty....of course your majesty," and with that, Jack bowed several times and then left the room.