?, ?, ?
A pair of voices converse in the darkness, their image hidden, swallowed by the shadows of night.
The first voice which resembled an old woman's raspy tone spoke first. "The young princess has left the protection of Zuland's walls…The little bird has left her cage thinking she has acquired her own freedom…"
"And?" answered the second voice. It was deep, laced with anger and seem to echo.
"Free from her cage the little bird is, but now she's ours for the taking."
"Why is it you're interested in this particular bird?"
"She carries the blood of Loralance, one of the four bloodlines, my lord. Should we not snare her while we have the chance?"
"We cannot waste time on the four bloodlines until we have the sphere."
"Can we trust that boy to get it for us, lord?"
"He has been feeding the girl lies of hope. I have waited decades for this and I will not risk the dawn of the black sun until we have the tool for their harvest."
"I understand. But may I ask when it is time to harvest the Loralance bloodline, that I be the one to do it? The young bird has such soft skin, I would like to flay her alive. My mouth waters at the thought of her screams. Imagine the shade of her blood…it would be a wonderous color for my nails."
"Calm yourself, Evana. Trust in me and you will have the Loralance soon…"
"Of course, lord…"