An Unexpected Invitation

The doors to the captain's office suddenly opened and four men, followed by a fifth, entered the room. The four men were obviously soldiers but were much more resplendently dressed than the captain of the city guard. The fifth man was clothed in rich, green robes, obviously of expensive quality. Gem encrusted rings were upon his fingers and a gold band circled his brow. The man spoke a few, quick words in the strange language neither Fred nor Astra could understand and then he bowed to our two heroes.

"My name is Fazhad," he spoke in the common tongue. "It is my pleasure to have been sent for you by the King and Queen of Quaz'a'hwad. They wish your company and invite you to share theirs." And then he bowed a second time.

Fred and Astra looked at each other and then back at Fazhad. "Of course!" Fred smiled. Astra stood and bowed to the man and said, "We would be honored."

In the private chambers of the King and Queen of Quaz'a'hwad a man in blood red robes knelt before his lord and lady and reported that the Chosen One had arrived. He also told them though that another had come with him, a woman of striking beauty.

"Who is she, Mu'sharraf?" Queen A'yesha asked, her voice filled with unease.

"I do not know," Mu'sharraf answered honestly. "There is no mention of her in the prophecies."

"Then go back to your prophecies!" the King growled. "Hunt through every scroll and parchment, legend and myth you have! We need to know if she is a threat to us and our plan. We were expecting the Chosen One and he alone. If this woman be but a servant then we have nothing to worry about. But if she is something else..." The King regarded the grape he held in his fingers and then plopped it into his mouth. "She will not be allowed to interfere with our plan."

Mu'sharraf bowed low and then stood up and left the room.

"Nath'eyas," the Queen spoke after the mage had left. "We must tread carefully. As far as we know our designs are not in jeopardy. Let us not do anything foolish which would change that." The King gazed at his wife and nodded, "Fear not, A'yesha. Am I not a wise king, and patient? We shall watch and learn and not act until it is prudent. But after all the trouble we have gone through, not least of which was sending that sand worm out to collect our prize, well, I will not allow anything or anyone to get in our way now."

"Good," Queen A'yesha smiled. "But our guests will arrive soon. We must prepare. I will see to Al'esha. Our beautiful daughter must look her best when she meets the Chosen One."

1. When Fred and Astra arrive at the Palace...

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