Page 128 of Tashama
“I thought you might set off the alarms,” Aleron said.
“Not now.” Tashama patted the necklace. “Elven magic.”
Aleron chuckled. “It was magical. I don’t understand why we weren’t questioned while we were imprisoned.”
“Valmor and Loran are on the battlefield fighting the combined forces of General Karam and Oshon. I’m sure Loran is trying to figure out how that ever happened. He’s probablynot even been told about the intruders in the palace. Those who captured us probably haven’t a clue as to who we are.”
“What do you intend to do now, Tashama?”
“I’m not certain. Something in Balthazar’s chambers is drawing me. I’ve given the matter of Valmor much thought also. He has no power over water. Water must be used to defeat him.”
As they arrived at Balthazar’s chambers, Tashama recognized the familiar royal blue curtained bed trimmed in gold braid, while drapes hung from the windows in the same color scheme. A crystal ball rested on a gold stand next to one of the windows, and dusty books on potions and spells filled numerous shelves on one of the walls.
Two gold dragons held a bench in another corner of the room while a carpet of blue embroidered with the figure of Balthazar as he mixed a potion, lay across the gold-tiled floor.
Tashama studied the rug while Aleron ran his fingers over the spines of the sorcerer’s books, and the thief stood guard. As Balthazar’s figure changed, Tashama knelt at the foot of the rug. “What are you trying to tell me, Balthazar?”
Aleron walked over to the rug. “What is it?”
“Balthazar is trying to show me how to mix some kind of potion.”
Aleron studied the rug, then hastened back to the bookshelf. He searched for a book on potions, then found one bound in purple and orange with gold lettering. He returned to Tashama. “It’s the only one there with this coloration.”
“The lieutenant is coming!” Jaran said from the doorway.
“Yes?” Tashama said to the lieutenant as he hurried into the room. He stared at Balthazar’s figure, pouring liquid into a cauldron, then shook his head.
“Lieutenant?” Tashama said. “What word have you for us?”
“Oh, my lady, the guards have discovered the missing prisoners and are searching the palace room by room.”
“Can you see that two of the 4throyal house come here at once?”
“My lady, you and King Aleron must leave here...”
“Two from the 4throyal house. No other will do,” Tashama said, then turned her attention to watch Balthazar again.
“Yes, my lady,” the lieutenant said and hurried out of the room.
Within minutes, the thief ducked back into the room. “The lieutenant is coming with two men.”
“From the 4throyal house, I would hope,” Tashama said. “You and King Aleron must hide momentarily.”
“I will not leave you,” Aleron said.
“Nor I,” the thief added.
When the three men walked into the room, the two guards unsheathed their swords.
Tashama studied the older of the two, and he nodded, then sheathed his sword.
“What are you doing?” the other asked his companion.
“The princess has work to do. We will leave her in peace.”
Tashama concentrated on the younger man, and he nodded. “We must guard Balthazar’s chambers.
“Yes, they’ve already been searched, and we’re not to let anyone in.”
