The Silver Knife

Chapter 19

The gates of the Manor creaked open as Aiden pushed it. The four of them dismounted their horses and walked to the dark polished door having a brass doorknob. Aiden knocked on the door softly. The door creaked open and through the slim crack in between the door and the wall, a pair of twinkling green eyes examined the person standing in front. The door then shut back and a pair of scurrying feet was heard on the wooden floorboards inside.

The four of the stood still for a while as the door opened again and a short maid stood and let them in. She shut the door again and ushered them upstairs and she scurried back to her work. The looked at each other in confusion and went upstairs and opened the door that led into a lavish bedroom. A figure dressed in all black with curly red hair that was pinned up tightly into a bun was seated on a divan by a large window. 

The figure turned around and examined the four people standing in front of them. Then the figure got up and walked to the four of them standing rooted. Lilith shivered slightly as she felt cold, slim fingers tugging her hood which fell back revealing her face. That was the first time Lilith looked into the face of the Necromancer.

The Necromancer was a beautiful woman, about two inches taller than herself. She had purple eyes flecked with gold with pupils that were slit like a cat. Her full lips were a blush pink that stood out on her pale skin and cheeks. She stared down at Lilith as a stray strand of hair escaped the bun and fell down onto her face. She had a hard, unwavering stare that could shake even the strongest of people.

"You are Lilith?" She enquired.

"Yes." Lilith replied cautiously.

"Thought so. Who are they?" She asked looking up at the three others. 

"My friends...." Lilith said slowly.

"Hmm. Ok. Although, I thought Finwe told me you were coming alone."

"I was....that was the original plan, but they wouldn't let me come alone." Lilith sighed.

"Well not a problem. You all will need a disguise to enter the royal palace before the coronation. Dressing as Nobles will not help, the only way is dressing as guards." She said turning around. "I am Laverra Alure." 

"Lavera Alure as in Lavera Alure of evil?" Aiden asked his eyes widening.

"Yes. And I believe you are Aiden Broffet?" She asked turning to him.

"Yes, but how did you know?" Aiden asked surprised.

"I used to go to your house when you were a toddler. Your mother was my friend....but I have lost all contact with your parents ever since I was falsely accused of the Royal death. I always knew the Steward was the cause of this, but since no one would believe a Necromancer, I could never prove my innocence." She said with a sigh. "Anyway, You all need to get disguised before leaving for the palace. I have guard clothes here with me.....don't ask how I got them." She said with a wink.

Lavera took them to a room and handed them four guard uniforms of the palace. "Now, do not worry about getting identified. As long as you keep wearing the cape hood it will hide your face. It is perfectly normal for guards to wear them." She said with a serious tone in her voice. 

"So....we are dressing as guards...ok..." Aiden said unsure of the idea. Soon three of them except Sansa were all in the palace guard uniforms and were standing in front of Lavera who was examining them.

"We.....have a small problem." She said suddenly.

"And that is?" Lilith asked.

"You. Your hair....Melody will easily recognise the long blonde hair." Lavera sighed. "I should have thought this through...."