I have caught up to the parrots who were bearing what they thought were pike-staffs. (a couple of branches from decorations). With many gestures they let me know that they had fought off the Beast, the Wyrm and a dog that was skulking around in the dungeons looking for rats. The parrots can't talk but they can give a fine demonstration of: "Have at it ye scoundrels, take that and that, one, two, one, two and a couple more!" Time to go upstairs where candles beam brightly and Ed, dancing and food await. I have changed the parrots into their top hat and tails for the dancing. They have white canes ala Fred Astaire and are practicing twirling them as we K-lomp up the stairs on the LEFT - am I being misguided? And what about those two - Mistress Agnes and Mrs P ? Are they claiming to be the armoured ones? Ah, a bottle of something at the top of the stairs, just right. I have had nothing to eat or drink since I arrived here. I will give the parrots a little sip, they must be very thirsty and then I will ... ooh what is the matter with the parrots? They are goggle-eyed and staggering about making strange noises - snurty, ghorky, wince, herly, thunk - their idea of singing "I've got a lovely bunch of cocoanuts!". Someone has left that bottle here on purpose... could have been Duchess Daft or Mistress whatsername. Thath OK, I am thober ath a thkinny rat and I think I will........K-lunk - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Limp Lorna

Lorna, so glad you found the bottle we left. Mistress Whatsername had added a cupful of aphrodiasics to it, so mind how you go! Best wishes from Duchess Daft - now sitting on the wsard's knee in a dark corner!!!