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A few weeks later, rumors circulated through the Inn that Sharidia was alive; I didn't think to pay them much heed, because they were only rumors, after all. I spent the evening in quiet, having seen no one I was familiar with. I eventually grew tired of the solitude and sought the solace of my room.I changed into a cool silken night-shift of pale rose and stepped to the window, opening it. A zephyr waltzed in, coming up from the lake, caressing my skin, making me purr in delight. I half-closed my green eyes, standing there a moment in the small wind. Smiling slightly, I sat at the vanity, taking the bit of ribbon from my hair, letting my long, deep brown locks fall loosely down my back. I took up the brush on the tabletop and slowly ran it through my hair. I used some scented oils on the brush as I brushed my hair, leaving my long locks rendolent of orchids. My eyes were almost closed as I drowsily attended my mane, slowly letting my thoughts drift away.
Knock. Knock. I came instantly awake, looking at the door, for I was not expecting anyone at this late hour. As I rose, headed towards the door, a note slid under and light footsteps headed away. I knelt, picking up the note and carefully breaking the wax seal. It was an invitation from Krolaun.
I wasted no time; hurridly I changed from the nightshift to my customary fighting leathers. I grabbed my cloak from the bedpost, throwing it haphazardly over my shoulders. As I maneuvered the steps and the Taproom, I quickly drew my hair up into it's usual topknot on my head.
I arrived at Krolaun's keep and the door admitted me before I could reach for the doorhandle. I stepped inside just as another oaken door across the room opened. I walked over and cautiously went beyond it.
The room was small and well-appointed, all the furnishings a deep, rich black. A soft sofa sat on one wall, but the center of the room was primarily occupied by a raised dias, in which was a small pool of water. I ascended the dias and looked curiously into the pool. I stared at it for a moment, suddenly feeling very weary. I fought the urge to sleep, but it was to no avail. The enchantment that gripped me was too strong, and I gradually fell into slumber.
* * * I saw myself standing alone, shadowed against the line of the forest. Krolaun approached, placing his hands on my shoulders. I stared in disbelief, watching my double walk and talk with Krol.
Something surged in me; I felt terribly angry and hurt. I couldn't understand what I was seeing.
My double continued to walk with the elf, but finally she turned, taking his hands in hers.
No. . .
Krol returned the gesture in kind, drawing my double closer.
I shook my head, not wanting to believe my eyes.
Krolaun embraced the imposter and her eyes opened, revealing slitted, amber eyes.
No!
In a flurry of motion, the glamorie fell away, and she kicked the elf int he ribs, forcing him to stumble away, a look of shock on his face. The images blurred and Krol was suddenly locked hand-to-hand with Sharidia. She forced him down into a kneeling position, as he valiantly fought back. She kicked him down and he fell on his stomach, not giving her the satisfaction of any noise.
By all that is Bright, please, no!
Shard shoved her knee into Krolaun's shoulderblades, grabbing a handful of his sandy blonde hair, pulling his head up. She placed her sword against his exposed neck. His grey eyes seemed to stare at nothingness as his voice echoed.
"Forgive me. . ."
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield