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Together, we turned to head back to the Palace, but no sooner than we had taken a few steps, someone called out from behind us."Katja! Katja Armitanis??"
A few passerby glanced at me, but said nothing. Krol and I turned; the elf sliding a hand toward the sword at his belt. I looked at who called me and I blinked in surprise.
"Kellador??"
The soldier came stepping out of the press, his sea-green eyes filled with mirth as he stepped forward and embraced me. I held myself away stiffly, but made no comment.
"I haven't seen you in months! I trust everything is well?"
"Well enough, Kell," I replied, "And yourself?"
"Fine! Fine! Say, who's this you've got with you? Outsider, hm?"
I nodded, "This is Krolaun the Defiant," I gestured, "Krol, this is Kellador."
Krolaun extended a hand, "I have heard a lot about you from the little miss."
Kellador shook the elf's hand enthusiastically, "Really? I'm surprised she talks about me at all," he grinned.
"You underestimate yourself," Krol insisted.
Kellador looked at me, "So what brings you back?"
I sighed, looking over my shoulder at the distant Palace compound, "Just a small bit of business."
Kellador nodded, "What about all that ‘Exile' business?"
Krolaun growled low, but I motioned for him to keep quiet, "I don't know anything about that. I'm just here to take care of a few things."
Kell leaned in close, whispering into my ear, "You really shouldn't be here then."
I glanced at Krolaun, but he was not looking at me. Quickly, I took the proffered chance of escape, "You know...You're absolutely right." I waved a hasty good-bye as I stepped into the crowd, swiftly vanishing into the masses.
I could hear him behind me, "Let's get together and reminisce sometime!" There was another comment that I didn't quite hear, but from the look on Krolaun's face, I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear it.
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield