Found and Lost

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Found and Lost

The Palace Gates were only guarded by two guards, who were totally unaware of my presence. I slipped past them easily, making my way across the verdant grounds and into the Palace. I was quite familiar with the way to the dungeons, having spent an extensive time there, both before my exile and after. The halls were quiet at this hour, the time just being a few hours after midnight. I crept silently through them, scurrying hurridly towards my goal. I inched into the main hall that led to the dungeons below, keeping close to the wall. I leaned against the door that led to the guardroom that watched over the stairwell that led to the cells. I could hear voices arguing, but then all was silent. Something within me screamed to get away and I scrambled over to some deeper shadows, watching the door.
It opened, and a familiar form stepped out. His clothes were ragged and his grey eyes blazing angrily. A sandy blond lock of hair fell just over his left eye, as it was sometimes prone to do. I crouched out of sight for a moment, and something moved just behind me. I looked in that direction, hoping it wasn't some untimely guard. I drew the Dagger of Mystics, just in case, intending to throw it if necessary. However, almost as swiftly, I felt a sword edge against my throat, a voice rasping in my ear. I relinquished my Dagger, letting it fall from my hand. I didn't hear it hit the floor, but I was concentrating on surviving this encounter first.
"Who are you?" my adversary hissed in my ear.
"I was just..." I began.
"Kat?!?" he says in disbelief. The sword was taken away and the elf came fully into my forward view. My heart leapt at the familiarity, but some part of me hissed in warning. This could be yet another trap. I stared at him, trying to procure some clue as to the reality of this Krolaun. Finding no giveaway clue, I looked past him to a guttering torch in a sconce on the wall.
"You don't trust me," he said, taking a step towards me, "You seem as if you don't even remember me. Why are you so quiet?"
I concentrated on the flame of the torch, "I have been through much these last two nights. Another illusion would not be so bad an idea in this plan...whatever it is."
He dispelled my invisibility spell with a thought, and I looked at him. My green eyes were cold, I know, but I could not be sure. At least, this way, I would know for certain, "If you are Krol..."
"If??" he repeated, "You ask me if I'm Krol..."
I looked at him, allowing none of the agony I felt to show. I could feel the hurt and rage coming from him in waves, and it solidified my certainty that this truly was Krol. I would not feel such things from an imposter. Yet, still, I was unsure. I turned to the window, reaching for Bast to beseech him to show me the truth. However, I felt the cloak slip away from my shoulders and soft footsteps echoing down the hall away from me. I watched the slight shadow move before it vanished from my sight. I clenched my hands into fists, pounding them in frustration on the sill of the window. I stared in the direction the elf had gone, and I sighed.
At least I know he's alive.
I turned from the window, and summoned what little magic I could muster. I formed a glamorie around myself, making me look like a simple servant. As I did so, the Dagger of Mystics returned to its sheath at my hip, the enchanted weapon keyed to return to its bearer. I cast a glance after the elf, but could spare nothing more after that. I had a plan of my own to accomplish.