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As I flitted through the city streets, making my way back to the Palace, the sun began to set, sending shadows stretching across the face of the world. I safely made it past the guards at the gate, and made my way back into the Palace. I wandered the halls, trying to get a clue as to where Olan's chambers might be. I stood in the center of the entry hall, glancing down the two side corridors. Too late, I heard footsteps and a voice booming behind me."You there!" said the aging Tyberan that trundled down the steps, "You! Come here!"
I meekly made my way over, making sure to keep my eyes upon the floor, "Y-yes, milord?"
He pointed to a door down the hall, "The Council Chamber needs a good cleaning."
Inwardly, I grumbled, but I nodded and made my way to the door. Once the Tyberan was out of sight, I growled, pushing the door open. Indeed, the Council Chamber was a mess. Wineglasses and half-tasted bits of food were strewn across the table. There were large square areas that were clear of debris, I presumed that they must have been occupied by some sort of paperwork. I entered the room, walking around it, assessing the mess. I frowned in distaste as I heard a squelching noise and felt my foot crush something very soft. I knelt to see what I had stepped on, and was surprised to find a half-sheet of paper. It was crumpled and stained, but still quite legible. I picked it up and read.
...the forces moving on the Border. Reports show that nearly a third of the troops are failing due to severe losses on the front. Line Commander Volshev and his entire forced had nearly been decimated by the Outsider's Alliance Army. The Scout Forces report almost daily of losses accumulating by the hour. While an official toll has not been made, the death toll has been unofficially declared at some three thousand troops.
Reports from General Brion state that an escapee from the Palace dungeons is on the prowl, presumably an assassination attempt on the life of Her Majesty Queen Amyrl. All Commanders are to issue the order to the Patrols to be on the look out for a pale-skinned, pale-eyed Outsider.
I nearly dropped the page, "Krolaun..." I murmured. If this order had been issued, that would place Krol in grave danger, as much danger as the discovery of an exile, if not more so. He would not be protected by the Laws of Sekhmet, as I had been. He would be an Outsider against the Nation, easy prey.
I left the page upon the floor and took off out the door. I had to find Olan. He would know what to do. I loped down the hall, but I wandered to and fro with no avail. Finally, I had to ask. I stopped a page and inquired as to the location of the chambers of one Captain Armitanis. He quickly and quietly instructed me, though letting me know that my incompetence would one day get me in trouble. Palace servants were required to know every inch of the building. I nodded, dismissing his advice and taking off down the corridor.
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield