"Amsca," Zaros said to his friend, "please, at my request, excuse this man from any wrongdoing."
"Done," Amsca replied. He kissed Enakhra's cheek. "I'm feeling generous today."
Zaros turned back to Ruari. "You'll return to Senntisten with me. What purpose can you serve?"
"I am a bodyguard," Ruari replied. "Not to be too confident, but I am quite skilled in the art of swordplay. I was the bodyguard of a great Uzerian dignitary before I came here."
Zaros nodded. "Fair enough." He looked around. The people had resumed their conversations. "Enjoy the party, I guess. We'll return to the Empire soon."
"I think I'll just stay over here with you until then," Ruari responded, pulling up a chair beside them and sitting.
"Hold on." Zaros turned and whistled. Immediately, a shadow leapt out of thin air beside him.
"Yes, Lord?" said the Mahjarrat man cloaked in black robes.
"Spyridon, this is Ruari. Take him to Akthanakos and brief him on security."
"Yes, Master," Spyridon replied. "But, sir, I have news. Azzanadra has claimed that there is little uprest in Kharyll, for a change."
"Well, that's good, isn't it?" asked Enakhra.
"Not necessarily," Zaros replied.
"Lord Azzanadra seems to think that the Sons of Raldeir have quieted down because they are planning an attack on you here. Therefore, he has sent additional security to meet us at Al-Kharid."
Zaros groaned. "Additional security? Who is it?"
"Kuura, and possibly Viggora and Mesta."
"I told him I'd be fine." Zaros sighed. "Well, I guess it's great that he cares. We'll pick them up, and I'm sure things will be fine." Zaros picked up a glass of wine and took a sip. "By the way, has Zamorak reported back to Akthanakos yet?"
Spyridon's face paled. "No. Was he supposed to?"
"No, but he hasn't come back to me yet."
"When did he leave?"
"During the ceremony. He's tracking an intruder."
"My Lord-"
"Don't worry," Zaros said. "He'll be fine."
29-May-2008 05:00:06