"The reason why I have alleged sold out Aquitinian secrets. Me and a fellow officer were cursed when we traveled there a few months back. He was afflicted with my illness, and I remain afflicted with his comparative youth. Nobody has been able to clarify what needs to be done to break the curse, and thus my very identity is in question these days."

Both of the Admiral's brows raised. "Yes, I can see how that would be a...detriment," he replied. "Well, then...ah. How, precisely, do you expect me to believe this very implausible claim? Clearly, you know who I am."

Renaud sighed a little "Last time we met in the Wreath islands, you had shot your granddaughter and wanted me to arrest her for a thief. Apparently you were possessed by a demon at the time and is not normally that vicious. Hre, you ended up shot in the head while trying to free your son, whom I temporarily inducted in the navy to help out with some problems I had at the time. Ah, and while you were believed to be deceased, your wife remarried. I believe she can vouch for me should you need further proof." He smiled thinly at the not older man. "At least I did not come back from the dead."

The Admiral gave the younger man a very dry look indeed. "Where is the birthmark on my wife's thigh?" he asked nicely.

"None as far as I have seen, but there are a pair underneath her left breast." Renaud returned the look with equal dryness. "I do believe it is not customary for people to return after they have been shot in the head, I hope you are not holding too much of a grudge that she moved on while you rested in the ground."

"Grudge?" the Admiral asked with a chuckle. "Me? Never. Just keep an eye on your back," he told the younger man, a twinkle in his eye. "So. This officer. Who has your sickness. Is he anyone of note?"

"Just a junior midshipman who happened to insult the feelings of one of the creatures that dwells over there. I think that the purpose was to teach him some humility, though I have to admit to not fully understanding the motivations of some of those more... magical beings that lives over there." Renaud grimaced a little. "One of their healers dealt with it temporarily, so he is in good enough health until the curse is broken."

Renaud gave the admiral an amused look. "I always watch my back, but alas, some things do creep up without warning."

The Admiral chuckled. "Well," he replied. "I had come looking for you because I thought I had found a cure to your sickness...but if you're no longer sick, perhaps I'll take it elsewhere."

"This is a curse" Renaud remarked "I am enjoying what time it gives me, but I have no illusion it will last forever." He took a deep breath, the thought of his health going awry once more sent a chill down his spine. "I would still be in the market for a cure, however... you will find me of a lot more limited means these days I am afraid." He would not point the admiral in the direction of Dumas, because the thought of the frenchman working with the prince was not something that would make him sleep better at night.

The Admiral raised a brow. "And your fellow officer?" he asked. "Is he a man of means, then? Might I be able to cure him? For you, naturally."