For a brief instant there was nothing except the strange sensation of distance collapsing around Atheline, and then cold evening air struck his face.
Stone appeared beneath his boots. The Dark Elven court surrounded them, more specifically, the palace teleportation grounds.
Guards reacted instantly.
"Your Majesties!"
The entire palace seemed to come alive within minutes.
Their return wasn't treated like the conclusion of a diplomatic visit, it felt like the beginning of an emergency.
Atheline had barely crossed the first door when he noticed soldiers moving toward different sections of the palace.
Messages were being carried between administrative buildings, several officials had been summoned from their homes, and members of the royal intelligence network were entering and leaving through side entrances.
Klaith's name seemed to be everywhere.
"Seal the northern gate records."
"Check everyone who departed during the last week."
"Search the librarian's residence again."
