Chapter 79 - In the Enemy's Lair

A gentle, golden light permeated the deep woodland as the sun lingered just over the horizon. Masque rode with the messengers from the Brannon estate, still masquerading as Luna Katherine. As they returned to the estate, the sound of their horses' hooves thumping the ground in time with the beat of the earth raised dust clouds. The horses' steady gallop was the sole sound to accompany them on their trek through the tense atmosphere. Masque was accompanied on horseback by the towering, severe-looking head guard. He looked at the woman he thought was Luna Katherine from time to time, clearly showing curiosity. At last, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, he chose to speak. "Please pardon me, Luna, but where were you? When you vanished, we were rather worried” he said, Masque glanced slightly at the guard while retaining Luna Katherine's air of distance. Although the man spoke in a respectful manner, Masque sensed a trace of over-familiarity. Masque met the guard with a