| Though it was hard to get Lady Andrea to return to the keep, eventually
they started back. Andrea went on horseback, and Astra on foot. However,
as they neared Croix Keep, they noticed that not all was right. The portcullis
was up, and the two night watchmen were unconscious. It looked as if they
had been knocked out from behind.
"Tell me you didn't leave the portcullis open..." Astra whispered harshly. "No, Princess, I did not. I left through a back passageway..." Andrea hissed back. Cautiously, silently, they made their way through the keep, not knowing what to expect. Then, suddenly, several yards behind them, the portcullis slammed down. They could spy new, shadowy figures operating in the guard posts. Concentrating even more on stealth, they continued to pass through the keep, wondering what new force seemed to operate about them. As they came to the base of the tower, though, they could see what it was that had taken Croix Keep. The tower bore not the Croix coat of arms, but the sinister standards
of the dragon...
|
"No one could take Croix Keep unassisted,"
Andrea whispered, "There must be a traitor!" 