"Hail, worthy riders! Come down and be welcomed, if no mischief lies in your hearts."
"Hail, sentinels of the realm!" they returned, the senior of the two outlanders paying the proper courtesies. "Many thanks for your offer of welcome. But our lord commands we return straightaway, once we have seen our charges safely home. We bring word from our master, who sends thanks and good will to your Queen for her treaties and fine gifts."
The sentinels exchanged glances, but returned the courteous heralds of the outlanders. "Will you not tarry for the night? The sun's rays have passed on, and the forest holds many dangers at night. Come, your horses will be well cared for, and you shall have soft beds for your backs."
"Nay, good sirs. Our orders come directly from our lord, and his bow will be 'cross our backs should we disobey. But we greatly look forward to your hospitality during the upcoming tournament. Even in our own lands, we have heard many tales of the revelry during your festivals here. Welcome us on our return, and we shall drink enough mead to stagger the Gods!"
To this, the guards brightened greatly, and shouted hearty goodbyes and kind-hearted jeers as the outlanders turned to head back to their camp. As they passed the prince, they gave low nods, and drew alongside the princess and the maid.
"We have brought you through the wilds by orders of our lord, but should you ever require us; we offer our swords to you both, by our own oaths. May the heaven's keep you safe, until we meet again under the High Moon." The maid and the princess nodded graciously, and watched with heavy hearts as their cheery riding companions headed out under darkening skies.
The prince, the princess and the maid passed though the arched gateway, and led their horse to the stables. Several pages and stablehands ceased their milling about, and went straight to tending the tired horses as they travelers dismounted. One of the older squires informed the princes he was required to make straight for an audience with the Queen.
The princess and the maid, weary from the travel, headed off to their chambers. As they wound their way through the castle, all 'round was a buzz of activity. As they past the vast kitchens, delicious aromas tickled their noses, and their bellies growled loud protests. Along the way, they passed a few of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting, who drilled holes in them with their eyes, but smiled great toothy smiles just the same.
Down they went, round the long spiraling stair, and into the Chamber of Delights, which led to the princess's chambers. They were surprised to see many torches and candles had been lit throughout the vast space, and the princess caught a momentary breath of the heady scent that had overtaken her that first night. Though it touched her nose for only a hairsbreadth, it lit her senses ablaze.
They opened her great wooden door, and fairly collapsed into her chambers. Weary from the road, they both longed for a steaming bath and a deep slumber. They stopped suddenly, both spying their visitor at exactly the same moment.
Their master, the Inquisitor, sat quietly in a great broad-backed chair, his hand folded and raised together to form a point before his lips. His hood lay back 'round his shoulders, and his eyes burned brightly from behind his burnished mask. Though they were both startled to find him waiting in the chamber, perhaps the most shocking part was his rich flowing hair.
It had turned completed white.
