Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: When memory is veiled, can the love forged between two hearts survive?

A/N: If you have not read the first seven stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, and Reflected), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Thirteen: Duplicity

"Your man is dead."

Mordad jerked around, scanning the shadows that danced along the cavern walls almost as much as the flickering flames in the brazier. He could feel that demon of a sorcerer's gaze on him. His fingers itched to stab him with one of his poisoned blades but the sorcerer held too much of the power…for now. "How do you know?"

"I watched as Lew's Daughter broke his neck before he could poison the younger queen." A shadow detached itself from amidst its fellows and the sorcerer's raspy chuckle grated on Mordad's ears. "Perhaps this will teach you to discuss assassination plans in front of someone who would interfere if able."

"The blade-"

There was a red flash within the hood and then the sorcerer raised his hands. They glowed red, tendrils creeping up his pale skin and then blossoming into a globe with tiny flames racing along its smooth curves. In the center floated a blade. Mordad recognized the serpent head hilt. It was the blade he had given Achan along with the falsified documents proclaiming him a count of the Lone Islands (an expensive trick to keep the documents flawless enough to pass even the most thorough of inspections).

"I have often wondered why the Great Cat shows such mercy as to keep extending opportunities to those who fail Him, who constantly err and falter at the tasks He sets them to," there was an edge to the sorcerer's voice as he spoke. "But, fortunately for you, Mordad, I have decided to experiment and see if a failure can truly, what is that word the Great Cat's followers are so fond of, ah yes, redeem. Redeem yourself, Mordad, by not failing me again. And consider yourself the most fortunate of men that I chose to step in and summon your pretty little dagger before the Narnians could find it. The ones she yet attempts to protect in her own pathetic little way no longer trust Lew's Daughter." Mordad threw himself flat on the cave floor as the dagger came hurtling toward him. There was a thread of mocking amusement in the sorcerer's voice as Mordad lay prostrate before him. "Surely even you can take advantage of the situation and fulfill your bargain."

Anger burned in Mordad's heart as the sorcerer vanished. He gripped the hilt of his dagger, rising to his feet. He would find a way to kill that demon. But first, he would ensure that his men knew what to do for the next phase.

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A/N: Please Read and Review! Yes, I know this one's short, but longer chapters are coming your way. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.

A/N2: MissMelanieWilkes was kind enough to create another lovely banner for my story ALitD: Shadowed. The link is in my profile, do check it out and let me know what y'all think. :D