(BEST VIEWED FULL SIZE!) Jobil beckoned to Mubela. "Do close the door, this must stay private." She raised a brow, but did as asked and sat at the table. "We need your help. Bellikor, please tell it again - all of it." Bellikor nodded. "The script in Aranée's book is Quenya, an archaic High-Elf dialect still sometimes used for formal affairs, but I don't have enough reference material to properly decipher it. I've also researched the history of the dead fortress and surrounding lands." He paused. "All of what we now know as the Disputed Lands, as well as the Aeritan Forest and a portion of the central Packrans, was originally known as Aeriteuin. It was a full-fledged High-Elf kingdom." Mubela raised a brow in surprise. Jobil shook his head in wonder. "Incredible. A bit small for a High-Elf kingdom wasn't it?" Bellikor nodded. "Tiny yes, but very special. It was renowned as a place of peace and judgment. Emissaries from many nations and many races went there for impartial arbitration - conflicts were resolved with wisdom and fairness. Issues that might have ended in war instead resulted in accord. I cannot imagine why anyone would destroy such a place." Grimly, Jobil nodded and looked at Mubela. "Can you read Quenya?" She shook her head. "My clan is of the Greys, we have always spoken Sindarin - Common Elvish. You must seek Elves with a Quenyan heritage, perhaps a Vanyar or Noldor enclave." Bellikor nodded. "I have a few books that may help us locate such a group. They are written in Sindarin - can you help me read them?" "Of course." Jobil pursed his lips. "I task you both: Locate these Elves and journey to them. Learn more about this Aeriteuin and see if the Elf world cares that it has fallen. Get what you need to reliably decipher Quenyan text - and inquire if Aranée has any relatives among them." Mubela exchanged glances with Bellikor then looked askance at Jobil. "Lord, why such interest in this matter? Aranée is a friend and her story is intriguing, but why all this effort?" Jobil fixed her with his eyes. "We would much prefer to have the Elves as allies rather than adversaries. Also, Aeriteuin must be restored or our borders will never be safe. But more than this..." He paused, his royal facade gone. "I have entrusted the two of you with my life for more than two decades, so I ask this not go beyond this room. My eldest brother ruled Jobil lands for nearly twelve years, but some forty years ago he disappeared. My second brother ruled another fifteen years - then he vanished. Jobil lands lay in disorder for nearly eight years before they found me as next in line." He paused, a grim look on his face. "Two brothers, both vanished in similar odd circumstances, the first at about the time Aeriteuin was dismantled." His eyes were sad but his voice carried iron. "Only a foolish man believes in coincidence." --- TO BE CONTINUED! View episodes in sequence for the entire story. My beloved wife continues to improve and is returning to work on a part time basis. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and your prayers. I'm still digging out so it might be awhile between episodes, but the story will continue... PLEASE leave your comments or criticisms - your words keep me energized! Image and story © 2010 by Larry Hodge