Valin (Book 3 of the White Lily Trilogy)- first draft

Chapter 13- Duel at the ball

The name struck a chord in her head; she knew that name from somewhere. But try as she may, that name didn't bring back any memory to her.

"Have we met before?" she had to ask.

He frowned and shook his head. "Not in any of my recollection. I wouldn't forget such a face. But of course, I know who you are anyway. You're rather famous in this city." Isildilia sighed in response to that, hating being called that.

"Don't remind me," she said, looking back up at the window. Biloth chortled at her response causing her to send a small glare in his direction. "Care to share what is so amusing?" she added.

"You certainly are a strange woman. Most of those in this city would relish being the centre of attention, to be stared at to be admired. Yet you are out here, avoiding the crowd."

"I prefer the peace and quiet," she simply stated. He bobbed his head in agreement.

"I do not blame you." He then proceeded to look around. "Is Lord Valin not present with you?" he asked, looking around the garden. Isildilia chuckled and shook her head.

"No, he became bombarded once we stepped inside." Biloth stepped up to her and indicated if he could sit down. With her approval, he flapped his cloak out behind him, so he didn't sit down on it.

"And he just let you wander off on your own? What sort of husband allows his wife to do that?"

"Most men in this city," Isildilia laughed. "I gather you aren't married then?" she looked sideways to see him shake his head once more.

"I spend so long in these walls that I never get chance to meet a proper lady. Those in the guild normally do not have time for anything else but the guild." Isildilia could agree. She didn't see Valin as much as she would like.

"It doesn't bother me all that much," she lied. "Besides, I'm sure women of the city would line up to be married to such a fine gentlemen as you."

"Ha! Now who is attempting to use flattery?"

"A compliment, hardly flattery," she retorted, folding her arms. Brief silence between them promptly followed. The silence wasn't complete all around them, for the fountain still tinkled away, as well as the muffled music behind the window. Isildilia occupied herself by looking around the entire garden.

It was then she remembered she saw the girl running out here. She turned to Biloth.

"You didn't happen to see a girl running around out here?"

He frowned at the oddity and suddenness of the question. "No, the only ones I've seen out here is you and I." Isildilia kept looking around, just in case they were being spied on. "Why, is this girl...important?" he asked, taking the time as well to look around.

"I just wasn't sure if I imagined it. I had a strange incident last time I saw the same girl, and I swear I saw her sat on the steps inside."

"I would be odd if you did, children aren't brought to these events." He pointed out to her. She scrunched up her eyes as she tried to stare at the far tree-line, slowly scanning along. It was then she saw something that caught her breath in her throat.

It wasn't the girl, but the shadow. The shadow she saw in her room. It was standing between two of the trees. It looked less like a shadow, but more like a gaping hole where a person once stood. It wasn't effected by the shape of a tree or wall, it was standing on its own accord, not on a surface.