------------- The Shadow Conspiracy – 2 of 7 – Aldeberron

“And what of the Shade?”

Nova could see the question had upset the Queen. She looked around nervously and caught Emma’s raised eyebrow. She concluded, “Your Majesty.”

“Aldeberron has been a fixture in the King’s court for only a short time. I’m afraid your acquaintance Quinn would know more about him than I, though I hesitate to even mention his name.”

A darkness stirred in the corner of the chamber. Nova could feel the power and the dark energy there. They might have all hastened to battle if they didn’t recognize the signature by now. Emma sneered.

“Forget something, Cameron?”

“Priestess. Your Majesty. It is time to take my leave of you. But I would not be so rude as to run off without saying goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Cameron. Don’t let the door,… well, you know the rest.” Serenity sat down and handed the Queen another goblet of wine.

Cameron smiled. A chill ran down Emma’s spine. She was sure he did that on purpose.

“You said this Aldeberron was one of your students, didn’t you?”

“Yes, Priestess. Not a very promising sort. But obviously, where I left off, the Shadows picked up.”

Emma lounged a bit and raised an eyebrow. The Queen motioned for the Vampyre to take a seat. Lord Galladorn stood there with his hand on the hilt of the Elven Mindsword. Cameron bowed politely and took a seat.

“Well, when I met him, he was a cast off, one of the Shades of Thundergloom, but even there, he was unwanted.”

Emma’s eyes widened, “Uncle Shadowjack?”

Cameron snickered, “Yes, the one you called Shadowjack. But he hasn’t gone by the name in a very long time. As you already know, the Shades of the Shadow Realm are divided; those who are loyal to their Baron, and the city of Thundergloom, and the rebels, under General Kodan. I believe you know the General’s daughter, Silverwraith. At any rate, Aldeberron was born to the shadows. In my days as a Shadowmaster, I traveled there and met some of the leaders of that place. In exchange for certain favors, I agreed to take a young Shade as an apprentice. I taught him for some five years before he simply vanished. Took several thousand gold and one of my best staves with him. This was long before I got tangled up with the Coven of Fenris. I ran across him after I became,… well, as I am now. He had changed. Even for a Shade he was dark and untrustworthy. In exchange for his previous betrayal, I left him with a few nasty reminders. The last time I saw him, he was plummeting down a Void rift I’d opened beneath his feet. His combat tactics always were a bit weak.”

“I guess he should have had a better teacher, huh?” Serenity snickered.

------------- Credits

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