Too Many Astras?

As he slowed to a walk, he noticed that the mists were thinning as he left the subterranean lake behind. He had totally lost his bearings, and had no idea whereabouts in the cave system, as shown on his sadly inadequate map, he was.

Turning a corner in the tunnel he was following, his mouth fell open at what was revealed. Chained to the wall was the statuesque maiden whom he had left behind at the lake-side no more than ten minutes earlier. On seeing him, she gave no sign of recognising him, but said: "Unchain me, please! Perhaps together we can defeat this Dragon of the Northern Caves... but with his magic powers he has toyed with me!"

"B-b-but what are you doing here?" Fred stuttered. "It's not possible."

"Well obviously I chained myself up here, seeing as how I've a bondage fetish," the maiden said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm here because this is where the Dragon chose to put me, of course. I don't know how long I've been a prisoner, but it must be several days at least."

"But I just saw you down by the lake," Fred said, pointing in what might, or equally might not, have been the correct direction. "You rowed across it in a skiff."

"You must be mistaken. It wasn't me. I'm Princess Astra of Aqualaria, by the way, but just call me Astra."

"I'm Lord Frederigo D'Honaire from Allaria, but please call me Fred."

"Pleased to meet you, Fred - for the first time, I can assure you."

"You have a twin sister, perhaps?" Fred said, conscious that he was clutching at straws.

1. "Nope."
2. "As a matter of fact I do. Could Ingrid have come into the caves to search for me, I wonder?" "Wait a minute. I remember now that she said her name was Astra."
3. Before Astra could reply...

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