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[Thrax]

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Despite having rid himself of the threats to his identity posed to him by the Papuan woman and the lycan, Thraxas became increasingly concerned over what might happen when Ishtar returned home.

Having a woman's innate sense of things in or out of place, would she eventually determine that he was not her husband?

What if she asked him about something, as Poppy had, that he should know about, but did not?

What if she had placed magical safeguards, some sort of spell, that would identify him to her?

What if she took action before he discovered he had been found out by her?

Too many 'What if's'!

He saw the wisdom in having a backup plan; a trump card to play in the eventuality that his plans were discovered. After some careful thought, something came to mind.

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The day's classes had ended. Anduril's teacher at the Haven mage school was pleased by his progress. "Your studies go well, young man. Only a few more classes and I think you will have mastered them," he told his pupil.

"Thank you sir. I have you to thank for that," Anduril humbly replied.

"No, not really. Your natural skills are good, but the intensity of your desire to excel is the main factor in your success. Never allow your enthusiasm to wane, young man. It makes you quite extraordinary!"

Anduril beamed. He thought very highly of his teacher and the compliment greatly boosted his self-esteem.

They had walked together to the open door of the school. The instructor put a friendly hand on Anduril's shoulder. He smiled broadly. "You get some rest and I will see you on the morrow! We'll practice some of those spells that have been troubling you, all right?"

Anduril returned the smile, bowed, and said goodbye, stepping out the door. In the waning light, he began the usual stroll toward the Inn where he had a room all his own. He pulled his elvish cloak tightly around him to ward off the chill of the evening air.

Hearing footsteps not far behind him, he turned suddenly. Two men, dark and hooded, were approaching rapidly. One stopped, extending an arm and pointed to him---"An Ex Por!" Anduril froze as the second man ran and swung the blunt end of a sickle smashing it against his head.

He felt a sharp pain, lights flashed, and all went dark.

The son of Thraxanduril and Ishtar awoke and tried to focus on his surroundings as his head throbbed painfully. The only source of light came from a brazier's flames which popped and crackled nearby. He tried to move but found himself restrained, chained to a damp stone wall. The reek of rotting flesh was overpowering and in turning his head he found out why. To his right, clasped in irons similar to his own, hung a putrid, skeletal, corpse of a man. An involuntary cry of horror escaped his lips... and apparently alerted his captors.

A door he could not see opened and closed with a deep, metallic clang. Two figures, concealed in black hooded robes, Umbran death shrouds, strode forward and stood before him, their hands tucked into sleeve openings. From his seated and very uncomfortable position, he looked up at them in anger. One stepped closer, looking down at him.

"Greetings, Anduril," he said in a low whisper. "How do you like your new home?"

"Let me go!!" he protested, rattling the chains. "You have no right to do this!"

The two chuckled. "Light-bearers always talk about rights," the other stated. "Only a fool speaks of rights."

Anduril went limp, ceasing his struggles. "Kill me and get it over with then."

The man standing in front of him knelt down. "That won't be necessary, unless you make things difficult for us."

"Who are you?"

"All you need to know, young one, is that we are your guardians. Your life is in our hands. As long as you cooperate, we will keep you fed and healthy..."

As if to demonstrate his power both to protect and kill, the man standing spotted a rat and slew it effortlessly with a pain spike spell.

"Some day," the kneeling man continued, "we may even release you, if you do as you are told."

"What is this all about?"

The kneeling man stood back up. "You are serving as insurance. When things... cater... to our liking, then you will go free. All you have to do is to obey us while you are here."

Anduril took a deep breath. He was smart enough to at least feign compliance. "You hold all the cards, obviously. Very well, I will not give you any trouble; I will do as you ask."

"You are most wise. Your new "studies" begin tomorrow."

[Ishtar]

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The affairs of state kept her from home far too long, she missed the children and was happy to see the welcoming gleaming marble of Whitehall as she approached it. Her sister and brother in law rarely called on her to do much, but they needed her aid while they were traveling the realm, as they trusted very few to look after their affairs.

Her nephew was a wondrous help and escorted her home, as they said their goodbyes she was quick to dismount and hastily make her way up the stairs. She had been away from Thrax far too long and was hoping he was home. She was pleased to see him at his usual perch in front of the fire place. "My love I have missed you." she walked up to him and embraced him before he could stand.

"And I you.", he hugged her close and rose to his feet. "It is good to see you home.", he smiled at her and motioned for her to sit.

"Where is Poppy, I was surprised she did not answer the door?", she asked.

He paused a moment and began to explain her whereabouts as Ishtar listened...
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"Knowledge is not information, it's transformation."
-Osho-
Atlantic Shard News Reporter