Familiar Face Part Two

   When I opened that door, my past quite literally stood there looking me in the face. It was a face aged ten years, but I would be damned if I were unable to recognize the face that had haunted my dreams as well as every waking moment. She had the same close-cropped blonde hair, the same blue eyes that evil could never exist in, the same kind expression that made others feel at ease, the same girl who fell into the abyss. It was Aretha.

   I stood in shock for a moment before coming to my wits. "it isn't Aretha, she died ten years ago, there's no way she could have possibly survived. Don't ruin the plan Attleberry." During my moments hesitation I happened to notice that there was a large man standing behind the girl. He was wearing a full suit of holy armor so it was hard to tell his size. However, he wasn't wearing a helmet, leaving his ruggedly good looking face and smooth brown hair out to the elements. I also happened to notice that despite having a great sword by his side, there was a large shield attached to his back. The pressure emanating from him made it clear that he was prepared to fight. The girl in front of me however was wearing a long white dress with a blue cowl emblazoned with the imperial insignia draped across her shoulders. She was holding a staff that, from my training, I could tell could be used to cast powerful magic. Despite that fact however she had a very kind presence around her, a presence that reminded me so much of Aretha. The girl suddenly spoke to me, breaking me from my thoughts,
   "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to be the Sorcerer Arlan would you? My companion and are seeking aid from you."
   "I'm sorry to disappoint you but I am not he. Might I inquire as to who you might be." I responded to her. Before she could speak, the man behind her spoke up,
   "We are residents of the wasteland and would like to seek the assistance of the Sorcerer Arlan. if he is not here we will take our leave." upon hearing his testimony I couldn't help but smile.
   "Residents of the waste lands hmm? And what did you do to cause your daddy to exile you Prince Henry?" The prince was obviously taken aback by what I said. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the girl sigh and I turned towards her.
   "Very well then, I shall admit it, this is the crown Prince Henry of the Empire and I am the high priestess of the Empire, Leoma. I shall ask you as such, is the sorcerer Arlan here?" The girl told me curtly.
   "I thank you for telling me honestly, and yes Master Arlan is here. In fact, we've been expecting you for some time now. While he is busy at the moment we are about to have supper, and I would encourage you to join us." Having said that Leoma thanked me and headed inside. Prince Henry made his way inside slower and more cautiously. As he passed by I whispered to him,
  "Now now princey, I should warn you, unless you are prepared to lose everything you hold dear I would suggest you stop this little quest immediately." Henry jumped at my words, and then glared at me. Without another word he followed after Leoma.

I closed the door behind them, locked it, and tucked the key in my pocket. I hurried to the kitchen to bring out the food. I didn't want my guests to feel unsatisfied, after all, it might be their last meal in the physical plane.