Chapter II: Blades in Motion
"There is nothing as promising as the opening of a book.
There is nothing as final as its shutting."
- Keeper Scribe Lessons, Part 4 (Thief: Deadly Shadows)
"There is nothing as promising as the opening of a book.
There is nothing as final as its shutting."
- Keeper Scribe Lessons, Part 4 (Thief: Deadly Shadows)
The Sorceress' expression was indifferent, with a profound lack of pity for the shadow elf being dragged across the throne room towards her. Tortured to the point where he was barely able to stand, he was simply tossed before Ilhirel's feet. Niara followed closely behind, clad in her signature green armour with gold trims. As she came to a halt next to her kneeling compatriot, she heard him speak to her.
"Niara..." His voice was weak, the look in his eyes desperate. "Why? Why are you doing this?"
"I already told you." she replied, her tone neutral in contrast, if a bit annoyed. "I serve Ilhirel now. Have for quite some time now. You waste your breath."
Ilhirel, on the other hand, smiled. "Your life as well. Perhaps you should have followed Niara's example. She did well for herself."
The elf frowned, his eyes containing nothing but hatred. "And sided with a fallen sorceress as a traitor to my own people? Never." He looked back to the she-elf. "Niara, how could you? Don't you see? She will destroy us all!" he shouted, springing forth with what little strength he had left, but his outburst was promptly punished by one of the guards behind him. A blow to the head and a yank on the chains that bound him, and he was back in his original position.
Guessing her mistress' thoughts, Niara delivered her report. "I succeeded, despite his initial lack of cooperation."
"And?"
"The Great Library of my people in Aboran. We missed something on our first inspection. Apparently there is a hidden section underground."
"Do we still need him?"
"No." she answered, full of determination. "I learned all that we needed to know."
A devilish smile appeared on Ilhirel's face. Oddly, it did nothing to make her any less beautiful. Just more deadly. "Did you hear that, elf? According to Niara here, you've just expended your use."
Defeat dominated the elf's grey eyes. "Then kill me. You can both go to hell. My only regret is not being able to send you there myself."
"You have no idea what true hell is." said Ilhirel, her face serious all of a sudden, an odd cautious look in her eyes. "And lucky for you, you never will. Take him out and execute him." she ordered.
The elf didn't say another word after that, nor did he resist while the guards dragged him towards the exit. He shot one last look at Niara, a look of disappointment and sadness more than contempt, and then he was gone.
"Aboran it is, then. Make the preparations, and well done Niara."
The general readily bowed her head. "Yes, Mistress. Thank you."
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