Betrayal (Part 1)

In her eyes were tears, and they were also running down her face. Next to the queen, seated in an oak chair, was an old man. His gray hair reached a hand length past his shoulder and it was tangled. His old, but intelligent, eyes scanned Verin as he entered. The old man, who Verin could easily tell was a wizard, was dressed in a long white robe, with gold designs. The robe was very old but clean and in relatively good shape. Next to him was an oak staff with a green gem at the top. This gem was no ordinary gem. It was a gem of power. It allowed the staff to increase the wizard’s magical power. Verin looked to his gauntlets, which each had a red gem of power in them. He then looked back to the old man. He realized that this man was not only a wizard but also a seer, a fortuneteller of sorts. Verin was the first to break the silence.

Queen Enuluss...We caught the assassin and he has been disposed of. He is buried back in the woods. Also we have doubled security around the entrances to the castle. What was it you wanted to speak with me about?"

"Verin, Thank you so much for catching the assassin. I don’t know if I could go on if it wasn’t for your loyalty to...my husband and me...Even after his death you remain loyal. I would like to introduce you to my associate Voltaire, he is a respected wizard and he is also a seer. He predicted the murder of my husband, and came here to warn me, but it was already to late." Another tear dripped down her face. She paused for a moment and continued. "I told him he could stay here for a little while. I called you here to meet with him and also show him to his room. If you could do that I would appreciate it."

Verin looked at her and spoke, "I would be honored my lady. And I wanted to express my condolences for your husband. He was a good man and he didn’t deserve such a death." Verin then looked back to the wizard. The Voltaire extended his hand. The soldier took it and shook it. The wizard didn’t let go though, and the general was suprised at the strength the old man possessed. Verin glanced into the man’s eyes and noticed something different then the first time he saw them. He felt as though his mind was being searched. The gems on his gauntlets flared and the old wizard stepped back. He had been kicked out of the general’s mind. The wizard was shaken by what had just happened. The only way it was possible would be if the man dressed in black platemail before him also harbored some kind of magical power. The wizard looked to the black gauntlets and realized the gems were gems of power. He knew he better not cross this man, for now at least.

"Queen Enuluss, I will take Voltaire to his room now, I think you should get some rest. Also your daughter should also. I have a feeling it is going to be a long and painful day tomorrow." He looked to the queen, who was wiping another tear from her flawless face. She then replied.

"Yes. I agree Verin. My daughter was in bed, and I hope all the commotion didn’t awaken her. I hope I will see you tomorrow. Farewell." She then stood up and walked towards a door near the back of the room, On her way there she handed a small piece of yellow parchment to Verin, along with the parchment was a small golden key. As he read it he realized it was a note telling him where to take the wizard. She reached the door and disappeared into the darkness of the sleeping area of her chambers.