Once Forgotten 1.1

Arden stepped aside as an elderly looking man rushed past, his purple robe flaring about him, a wizened staff at his side. He bowed respectfully to Kurel. "I assume that Sari has informed you of our situation." Kurel nodded.

"What I don't understand is why now? Why now does he enter our lands?" She voiced.

Kadic nodded sagely. "Yes, the tragedy of Calthin. It appears he has come full circle. However, I believe that, thanks to our dear Sari here, I may have discovered something. His actions suggest that he is up to something. And not everything happens because of him. No, I believe that there is another force at work."

Kurel frowned. "That doesn't bode well, Master Kadic. But still, what is Kadrin after?"

Kadic went to the window. In the fading light, a figure could just be made out on the horizon. "I have not the fainest clue, my Queen."
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Nothing had changed. In his time away, the land of Salcar had not changed at all. Life had continued to prosper. He paused at the closing stalls. There were wares from across the land, including some recently invented items. As the light faded, magic lamps began to glow. The people just getting off work were now headed to the taverns or to their homes. However, tonight there was some sort of night festival. Nothing had changed.

He continued on, knowing his destination. No one noticed him until he entered an alleyway. A boy jumped out of the shadows, followed by a girl, who was quickly fixing her hair. They froze when they saw who had interrupted them. Smirking behind his mask (not that they would ever know), he started to move forward. The boy shoved his lover behind him, a short dagger in his hand.

Kadrin sighed: this could escalate quickly. He stepped back and motioned for them to leave. The boy frowned. "We can go?"

"If you wish to leave, then go." He said, his voice a penetrating and commanding whisper. The two lovers quickly left, leaving him alone in the alley. He continued on. After a couple of turns, at which he sensed for any others, he arrived at a small run down shop. It was an odd little shop. The windows were dusty, a few were cracked, the door looked like it was barely hanging on its hinges. Over the cracked doorframe, a sign hung. The Old Charm it read. Without hesitation, Kadrin opened the door, which was surprisingly stronger than it's appearance, and entered. The shop appeared empty, a fine layer of dust everywhere.

"Ah, you're just in time. I was just about to close shop to attend the spring...festival?! Stars above!! It's....it's you!!!" A little old man entered the main part of the shop. "Kadrin!" He gasped.

"A fond greetings to you, Gartrand." the masked man said, giving a slight bow of respect.

The old man hurried to the door. After quickly looking about, he quickly slammed it shut and locked it, both dead bolts. He took several deep breaths. "You really must be more cautious! And I told you to quit with that...that name. He's dead."

Kadrin chuckled. "No more dead than I, and if he is, then I speak with a phantom."

The old man chuckled as well. "Well, I suppose you do have a point there. How goes your search?"

"That would be why I am here, Gartrand. You knew that I would be back. You were feigning surprise." Kadrin stated.

"Hugh, nothing gets past you anymore, does it? You've grown, Kadrin. Your much stronger than you were when you first left. I'm not saying this 'cause you caught my little act. Anyone with common sense would have got past that. No, you have a presence. Even normal folk recognize it. But may I ask one thing?" Gartrand asked, knowing already the answer.

"They made their choice, Gartrand. All I wanted was the Artifact. They didn't even realize what it was they had. Even the royalty knew nothing of it. But he did. He knew it was there."

Gartrand's eyes grew wide. He quickly lit incense and muttered incantation after incantation. "Would you shut up! He knows when he is spoken about!"

Kadrin let out a laugh that shook the shop. Gartrand shrank back from the figure before him. "You think that I fear him?!"

Gartrand's eyes turned from shock to almost adoration. "You've faced him?? You've faced him and stand before me now! Praise the powers, there is hope!"

"So, you know why I'm here?" Kadrin asked, for once, his voice sounding what could be guessed as unsure.

Gartrand fell silent, thoughtful for a moment. "Yes, I suppose I do. You are but one man. You need help, but I am too old. And the Guild certainly won't help you. No, there is but one place for you to go: to the Masters."

"The Masters?? Me? Go to the Masters? You're senile, Gartrand!" Kadrin stated shock filling him.

"I'm dead serious, Kadrin. You'll find what you need there." the old man answered.

"Then it appears that I am headed to the last place that I ever wished to go to." the figure sighed.

Gartrand inspected his friend with grave concern. "Are you strong enough to do this?"

"I would believe so. Why?"

"Because what you are searching, it isn't a what. It's a who." Gartrand slipped into the back of the shop.

Kadrin stood, his hand trembling with shock. He clenched his fist, allowing his emotions to flow. He took a deep breath, then unlocked the door and left the shop.