Introductions

Astra looked at the girl in astonishment. "You find a naked woman chained up, and you ask why you should free her? What sort of person are you?"

"For all I know you're an evil demoness who has been chained up to protect the innocent," the girl replied.

"Far from it. In fact it was my exorcism prayer that turned you from skeletons back into living girls. By rights, I should be suspicious of you. But I will tell you who I am, as you asked. I am Princess Astra of Aqualaria. I was captured by the dragon of these Northern Caves - who is also a powerful magic user - and he chained me up here. And you are?"

"My name is Berenice," the brunette dressed in red said. "I'm from Gana. My mother is the Countess of the Southern Marches."

"I'm Lady Paula Sanchez from Hespan," the raven-haired girl who wore blue answered.

"And I am Princess Frederica of Allaria," said the blonde girl in the remains of a pink silk gown, for her memory had now returned.

"I think that you must be mistaken," Astra said, "for I know of no Allarian princess by that name." [8807]

"Belboz the necromancer made everyone forget that I ever existed."

"Well, this is all very interesting," Astra said, "and when we have more time I should like to find out how you three became living skeletons. But the dragon could return at any time to check up on me, so would one of you please now get that key and release me."

1. The girls found the key and got Astra down.
2. Despite looking all over, the key could not be located.
3. Just then, with a mighty roar, the dragon appeared outside the doorway.
4. Just then, with a puff of smoke, Crucius materialized.
5. Before they could do anything, Astra's shackles popped open and she fell to the floor. "That's very odd," she said.

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