Barahil swept through the Citadel almost silently, watching all the hurry in an uninterested manner. Some of the people were still unaware of their King's disappearance. "That is as well," he thought. "We don't want panic just yet." He smiled darkly to himself.
He passed Lhingril as he passed through one hall; the mage seemed to have been speaking to the Lady Arwen. Barahil's silver-blue eyes met with Lhingril's dark ones as they strode past each other. The message was conveyed in that glance: the message was delivered, and the Lady would be unaware of her husband's sudden disappearance. "For now at least," the mage's voice came to the noble's mind. "Though how long that will remain has yet to be seen."
"For some time, I think," Barahil replied curtly. "You should have more faith in your associates." The mage arched one eyebrow, as though doubting Barahil's words, then continued on his way. Barahil continued up the corridor, pausing for a moment to bow to the Lady Arwen as she read the piece of parchment in her hand. Lovely, as always; though now her fine features were slightly creased with worry.
Barahil stopped before her. "Does something trouble you, Lady?" he asked, with every pretense of concern.
She looked up at him. "No, nothing," she said, but her voice betrayed her; the tinge of worry and suspicion was easily detected. "This message was just unlooked for, that is all." She made a noble effort to smile. "Aragorn doesn't usually do things so suddenly, without telling me."
"I'm sure it is nothing to be concerned about," Barahil said reassuringly. He bowed to her again. "I bid you good day, Lady." He swept off up the corridor, the dark smile touching the corners of his mouth again.
__________________
The Hitchhiking Ghost
|