The squire stumbled back into the woman in the purple cloak. She looked down at him with curious eyes.

“Are you afraid Tobey?” She asked. Her voice was mesmerising. A gentle and soothing tone that calmed him. She put her hands onto his shoulder.

“N-n-no.” He replied. How did he know his name? They had only met just a moment ago and yet he felt he had known her for ages.

“Do you think you’re seeing things? The candles playing tricks on your eyes?” She kept her hands there.

“Yes. Maybe. I don’t know.” He felt like his mind went from panic to placid and he couldn’t tell why. He no longer had skeleton and bats in his mind but this woman. The more he thought about it, the more she felt like someone he knew. His mother, but she was dead. He sheathed his dagger as his mind told him there was no threat.

“I don’t feel too good.” This was true. “I need to get some air.” This was partly true. In fact, he wanted to warn the Prince about the strange feelings that were in turmoil in his mind. Emotions that he had long forgotten.

She let go her grip and he felt dizzy. He felt slow. He tried moving but he was wobbly. Tobey reached a hand onto the side of the corridor to keep his balance.

“Do you want help?” She asked.

“No. I’m fine.” He lied. In his gut, he knew this lady was up to no good. He fumbled along back the way they had come in.