Time of the Twins

This took nearly a half hour of reading and pondering. At last she believed she understood. Or at least most of it. The memory of why she had been journeying to the Forest of Wayreft returned. So, Par-Salian had known. He had been expecting her. All the better. And he was right—the attack by the death knight had obviously been an example of Paladine’s intervention, insuring that she come back here to the past. As for that remark about her faith and her virtue—!

Crysania rose to her feet. Her pale face was fixed in firm resolve, there was a faint spot of color in each cheek, and her eyes glittered in anger. She was only sorry she had not been able to confront him with that in person! How dare he?

Her lips drawn into a tight, straight line, Crysania refolded the note, drawing her fingers across it swiftly, as though she would like to tear it apart. A small golden box—the kind of box used by ladies of the court to hold their jewelry—stood on the dressing table beside the gilt-edged mirror and the brush. Picking up the box, Crysania withdrew the small key from the lock, thrust the letter inside, and snapped the lid shut. She inserted the key, twisted it, and heard the lock click. Dropping the key into the pocket where she had found the note, Crysania looked once more into the mirror.

She smoothed the black hair back from her face, drew up the hood of her robe, and draped it over her head. Noticing the flush on her cheeks, Crysania forced herself to relax, allow her anger to seep away. The old mage meant well, after all, she reminded herself. And how could one of magic possibly understand one of faith? She could rise above petty anger. She was, after all, hovering on the edge of her moment of greatness. Paladine was with her. She could almost sense his presence. And the man she had met was truly the Kingpriest!

She smiled, remembering the feeling of goodness he had inspired. How could he have been responsible for the Cataclysm? No, her soul refused to believe it. History must have maligned him. True, she had been with him for only a few seconds, but a man so beautiful, so good and holy—responsible for such death and destruction? It was impossible! Perhaps she would be able to vindicate him. Perhaps that was another reason Paladine had sent her back here—to discover the truth!

Joy filled Crysania’s soul. And, at that moment, she heard her joy answered, it seemed, in the pealing of the bells ringing for Morning Prayers. The beauty of the music brought tears to her eyes. Her heart bursting with excitement and happiness, Crysania left her room and hurried out into the magnificent corridors, nearly running into Elsa.

“In the name of the gods,” exclaimed Elsa in astonishment, “can it be possible? How are you feeling?”

“I am feeling much better, Revered Daughter,” Crysania said in some confusion, remembering that what they had heard her say earlier must have seemed to be wild and incoherent ramblings. “As—as though I had awakened from a strange and vivid dream.”

“Paladine be praised,” murmured Elsa, regarding Crysania with narrowed eyes and a sharp, penetrating gaze.

“I have not neglected to do so, you may be certain,” said Crysania sincerely. In her own joy, she did not notice the elf woman’s odd look. “Were you going to Morning Prayers’? If so, may I accompany you?” She looked around the splendid building in awe. “I fear it will be some time before I learn my way around.”

“Of course,” Elsa said, recovering herself. “This way.” They started back down the corridor. “I was also concerned about the—the young man who was... was found with me,” Crysania stammered, suddenly remembering she knew very little about the circumstances regarding her appearance in this time.

Elsa’s face grew cold and stern. “He is where he will be well cared for, my dear. Is he a friend of yours?”

“No, of course not,” Crysania said quickly, remembering her last encounter with the drunken Caramon. “He—he was my escort. Hired escort,” she stammered, realizing suddenly that she was very poor at lying.

“He is at the School of the Games,” Elsa replied. “It would be possible to send him a message, if you are concerned.”

Crysania had no idea what this school was, and she was afraid to ask too many more questions. Thanking Elsa, therefore, she let the matter drop, her mind at ease. At least now she knew where Caramon was and that he was safe. Feeling reassured, knowing that she had a way back to her own time, she allowed herself to relax completely.

“Ah, look, my dear,” Elsa said, “here comes another to inquire after your health.”

“Revered Son.” Crysania bowed in reverence as Quarath came up to the two women. Thus she missed his swift glance of inquiry at Elsa and the elfwoman’s slight nod.