A young scout stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Your Majesty… we have reason to believe she had help."
The council erupted into gasps.
Queen Isilfaris' eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Help? How could any elf risk such betrayal?"
The scout hesitated, then spoke.
"It had to be someone high ranking… there is no other way she could have escaped."
Another elder leaned forward.
"What nonsense is this? Are you accusing one of the council members?"
The scout took a deep breath.
"I apologise for my insolence but that is the only explanation. Right before my eyes, I witnessed a strange figure that vanished on the same day she was freed. One moment, he was there... the next, he was gone, like a shadow fading in the wind."
Queen Isilfaris clenched her fists.
"Find them. Find the person responsible. We cannot allow this to go unpunished."
Elder Vareth's voice rang out, full of venom.
