Trik - Betrayal in Rule

Trik and Durben made for the palace doors, but their armor was heavy and encumbered them. Everywhere about the palace Mortimer’s soldiers lurked. As Trik and Durben reached the palace doors, the magic that disguised them began to ware, and little by little it faded.

“Your arm,” said Durben, as Trik reached for the palace doors. Trik’s arm, once covered with leather, was now bare.

Trik glanced at his naked flesh. “Nob,” he cursed. “The magic is fading too quickly.”

They stepped out into the courtyard. Across the courtyard was the gate, and it was patrolled by Mortimer’s guards. “We won’t make it through the gate,” said Durben, and as he said that, Trik’s helmet disappeared and was replaced by his own long dark hair.

Trik’s eyes narrowed on the guards. “Yes, you will,” said Trik. He turned to Durben. “Take this,” he said, handing Durben the rolled parchment from the Emperor. Give it to the Captain of the Garrison. Make sure he gets it.”

Durben placed the parchment in a pocket in his cloak. “What are you going to do?” he asked.

“Go now,” said Trik, “before the magic wares off.” He pushed Durben ahead.

Durben walked up to the guards at the gate, and there he was stopped by the lieutenant. “Where are you going?” asked the lieutenant.

Suddenly one of the other guards shouted, “the prisoner.”

Both the lieutenant and Durben looked back at the courtyard. Trik was running across the courtyard, and making a good amount of noise.

“Get him,” shouted the lieutenant.

As the guards rushed into the courtyard, Durben slipped through the gate. The guards surrounded Trik and drew their swords. The lieutenant approached Trik, smiling at him. “The elf prisoner,” he said. “Mortimer will be pleased to see you.”

“So I’ve heard,” said Trik, glaring at the lieutenant.

“Search him,” said the lieutenant to one of the young guards.

The young guard searched the elf, unbuttoning his shirt and emptying all of his pockets. After finding nothing, the young guard stepped back. “He’s clean,” said the young guard.

“So,” said the lieutenant, “you were foolish enough to return. You’ll regret that soon enough.”

“I regret nothing,” said Trik.

The lieutenant nodded and smiled. “We’ll see,” he said. He clapped iron shackles on the elf’s wrists. “Come along now,” he said. “You don’t want to be late.”