(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) Galen's crusty end of bread and some root vegetables along with her bit of cured venison, dried herbs and tea created a surprisingly pleasant meal. Afterwards, with Kuila stalking and pouncing on dancing shadows, they laid their bedrolls on either side of the campfire. His usually confident features turned pensive - clearly something was on his mind. Finally, Aranée said "You are holding something back, what is it." He stood, walked to the edge of the light, and after a moment turned back to face her. "Ever since the fight at the tavern and learning of your other exploits," he gestured at the cub, "I've had an idea in my mind." Warmth blossomed on her cheeks again but she merely arched an eyebrow. "I want you to join me on my patrols of the Disputed Lands - as a deputy of sorts." Her eyebrows flew up in surprise, and he hurried on, "I am a stranger in this land, and people are reluctant to trust or confide in me. You, however, are well known, have their trust, and," a wispy smile, "you're pretty cool-headed in a fight. I am returning to report to Lord Jobil, come with me and meet him. I am certain he will compensate you for your assistance. I know you care for these people, do this to help them. What do you say?" Conflicting emotions danced on her face, but finally she shook her head. "I am flattered, but no." Withdrawing the Book from her pack, she related her quest to get into the abandoned fortress, and how she believed both it and the Book would help her bridge the gaps clouding her childhood memories. Clearly disappointed, he reluctantly nodded, and then crouched to examine the Book in her hands. She was surprised to find she trusted him enough to allow him to touch it. "This is incredibly old. Very well made - this leather feels like hammered iron." Gently opening the cover, he lightly touched the pages. "This is not paper, it is extremely thin and still supple after centuries of use." Examining a page he said, "This is some unusual type of Elvish - can you read it?" She shook her head, "Only a few words and phrases. I study it almost every night, but it is difficult to learn. I spoke and read a little standard Elvish as a child, but this is a bit different." With a thoughtful look he went to his saddle pack and carefully withdrew and unwrapped an object. "I got this from a Greener, but I would like you to have it. It's very light so it won't burden you." He gently set something in her lap. With a sharp inrush of breath she looked at a fabulous object. It was a small, finely wrought sword made of a very light, faintly glowing metal. Exquisitely etched and gilt into the mirror surface of the blade and on the gleaming hilt, was the same beautifully ornate Elvish script as in The Book. As she held the sword she turned pale and trembled, electricity running along her spine. Alarmed, he asked, "Are you all right?" She nodded and shocked him when, clutching it tightly to her breast, she looked up with tears in the corners of her eyes. "I-I know this sword. It is from my own past - I-I don't remember how, but it is connected to my father and mother." --- TO BE CONTINUED! View the series in numbered sequence to get the entire story. PLEASE leave a comment, it means SO much to me! Image and story © 2009 Larry Hodge