Sinta hurried to work. She had scried Shunati briefly that morning. He couldn’t talk long. He was traveling with the army, heading north. Trolls were amassing. She was concerned. He said not to worry. He wouldn’t be involved in any fighting. He’d just be healing the soldiers. But, if the soldiers were beaten, the healers wouldn’t be spared. She stopped by his parents’ place to let them know. He’d be limited how much he could scry people. His parents were nice enough. They were clearly strict traditionalists where his first pledge had been arranged at his birth, and only traditionalists live in the glen. It was the one place non-elves have never been allowed, even before King Arlin closed the borders. But, they were for reopening the borders, and they accepted their son had become a round-ears. From what she could tell, Shunati was more of a round-ears than he’d let on too. She didn’t care. Her family was anything but traditionalists. Sure, they observed traditions, usually. They just weren’t dogmatic about it. They had no problems with outsiders, were willing to include outsiders in traditions, and observed traditions from outsiders too, unlike Pisha’s family. They weren’t traditional or progressive. They were narrow-minded curs. After what they did to Pisha, were still doing to her, and not be in prison was horrible. Sinta knew they’d all been involved with the beating, but only the father had ended up in prison. The cousins were giving her a hard time for being involved with a round-ears. She was beginning to hate that term. It wasn’t really meant to be bad. It was just a way to refer to elves that follow the ways of the round eared to outsiders. But, some people felt it was wrong and those elves should be banished, or worse. She quickly found Deyama. She needed to be told about the trolls. “Deyama, I spoke with Shunati this morning. The human army is headed north.” “They come to attack,” Teya, another aide, declared. “If they were planning to attack us, they wouldn’t be bringing Shunati.” Deyama frowned at the interruption. “They go to meet the trolls. He didn’t have many details, but Shunati said Sir Pt’this had been flying just east of Paosij and saw the troll army heading south. He couldn’t tell if they were headed for Paosij or Resdelk,” Sinta told them. Deyama nodded. “This is Lyra’s work. Have the army make ready to leave while I meet with the elders. We will go help them. They won’t be able to deal with an immortal alone, and if the humans are defeated, they’ll come after us too,” she told Teya. He bowed in acquiescence. “Come,” she told Sinta. Deyama led her toward the elders meeting house. As they passed Green Glen, a shadow passed overhead. A green dragon landed before them and took human form. She knelt before them, producing a collar and shackles of eta-vie, a metal that blocked magic and burned mages, and her diamond vial. She was offering to allow them to make her powerless. “For my trespass into your lands, I put myself at your mercy, your majesty,” she said in broken Elven. Deyama frowned at the collar. “Why have you come?” “The Dragon High Council has asked it of me,” she said haltingly. “Do you speak Menthan?” Sinta asked. Most dragons learned it is children, although some forgot it with disuse. She and Deyama both spoke it fluently. Neither spoke much dragon. The dragon nodded and switch to that. “There has been a report that troll armies are on the move. The Council has sent dragons to the other kingdoms to aiding communication.” Deyama nodded. “Put you things away and come with us,” she said and continued on, not waiting to see what the dragon did. The dragon woman followed quickly. The elders frowned at the intrusion of a foreigner. “What is this human doing here?” One asked. “She’s not human,” Deyama said. “The troll armies are on the way south. The human army is headed north to meet them. The Dragon High Council has sent this woman to allow us to communicate with the Menthanlans. We will be sending the army to assist.” Sinta translated this to Menthan for the woman. Pisha had been the elder’s translator and even though she’d been in a coma for three years, they had yet to hire a new one. “Why do we need a dragon to help us communicate? We can scry as well as they can,” another Elder asked. “We can. King Emeton can’t. He’d have to wait for us to contact him,” Deyama pointed out. The dragon nodded. “The Council has sent Sir Nimitinas to Sen-gan to travel with the army. Sir Pt’this and Princess Ann are in Paosij and heading to Resdelk. The prince-general is with them. Trenu is on his way to Grywell to warn the dwarves.” The first Elder frowned. “All the mighty Baj-tisk can spare is three dragons? It’s The War of the Living Night all over again.” “The Council has sent six other dragons with Nimitinas to Sen-gan. He told me they have created wagons large enough to transport all the foot soldiers. The six dragons will pull those wagons and make the trip shorter. Once the army has arrived at its destination, they’ll bring the wagons here to transport your troops too, if you so desire,” she explained. “We don’t have an army in Baj-tisk. Few are foolish enough to attack it. The Council is in deliberation as to what other help they can send.” Sinta translated her words for anyone present to might not speak Menthan, which was most of them. The elders whispered among themselves. Soon, Deyama joined them. Sinta couldn’t hear what was being said. Then Deyama turned to the dragon and nodded. “You may stay, and you won’t need to be collared or turn over your vial. We see you’re here as a friend.” The dragon bowed. “Thank you.” “Will our new friend care to tell us her name?” Deyama prompted. “I’m called Rin. If it would make the people more comfortable, I am able to take elf form too. That’s part of why I was the one sent here.” Deyama nodded. “That would probably be best.” Rin shifted. “Sinta will take you someplace you can stay while you’re here.” “I don’t need special accommodations, even the square or an alley would be okay,” Rin assured them. Deyama smiled. “One thing elves and dragons have in common, we’re not afraid to be outside. Humans are quite odd in that, aren’t they? But, we won’t put you in an alley. Sinta will show you where you can stay.” “And where am I taking her?” Sinta asked. They didn’t have inns in the capital. Deyama thought a moment. “Vor hasn’t used his room and years. Talk with his parents.” “What if Vor comes home?” Sinta challenged. Deyama smiled. “I’m sure he can find someplace to sleep.” “Are you offering?” Sinta whispered. “Maybe.” Deyama smile grew. That surprised Sinta. They might be talking again, but they were far from being reconciled. “Come with me,” Sinta told Rin. Rin followed obediently. “This really isn’t necessary. I don’t want to take anyone’s bed.” “Vor doesn’t live in Erilu,” Sinta assured her. “He has a place in a city he doesn’t live in?” “No. Elves live with their parents until they’re married. Vor’s pledged isn’t ready for that. You’ll be staying with his parents. They’re traditionalists, but they don’t object to outsiders.” “They won’t mind me staying?” Sinta shook her head. “I doubt it. They’ll be happy to do a favor for their son’s pledged.” “And that’s you?” Rin guessed. “Me? No. I’m pledged to his cousin, Shunati. Deyama is his pledged.” “She just became queen. Is that why she’s not ready to marry?” Sinta stop. “She did just become queen. How did you know her as such?” “Pt’this told me to look for the one with the jeweled staff. I was looking for man honestly. I’m not familiar with Elven customs. Humans usually have a man for a ruler.” “We did just have a king, but we have queens also.” They reached Vor’s parents’ house, and Sinta explained the situation. They were happy to let her stay. Sinta knew they’d also keep an eye on her. Then she went back to Deyama, allowing Rin to get settled. **** After a long day of meetings in planning, they were having drinks in the meeting house. Rin had relayed information but Nimitinas it also scried them to allow Deyama and the elders to speak to Emeton directly. He also acted as translator. Sinta had been impressed with how long Nimitinas could hold the spell. She wasn’t a strong mage, but she’d seen few mages that could hold that spell for that long. It explained why Princess Ann was apprenticed to him. She was amazingly powerful for a human. Some whispered she had immortal blood, but the healers denied that. “Excuse me a moment your majesty,” Rin said. Rin’s eyes glazed over, something Sinta had come to associate with her talking telepathically with someone. “It’s Pt’this. Vor is with him and is asking for news. What shall I tell them?” “What is Vor doing in Paosij?” Deyama frowned. “Should I ask?” Rin offered. “No.” Deyama shook her head. “He probably hasn’t heard the election results,” Sinta pointed out. Deyama nodded. “Tell him I’m queen and that we’ll be sending support as soon as possible.” Rin nodded. A moment later she said, “He’s asking for permission to stay and help.” “He can stay. They’ll need him as a scout. Even if he returned, he’d have to go back with our army,” Deyama reasoned. Rin nodded. “Message sent.” “Thank you.” “It’s no problem. However, it’s been a long day. I was up all night last night with the Council and then traveling here. If it’s all right, I’d like to get some rest.” “Yes, please. Be my guest.” Deyama nodded. “If you need me, please don’t hesitate to send for me,” Rin said and left. “How are you doing?” Deyama asked Sinta. “I’m not bad. Did you need something else?” “I wanted to scry Vor and was wondering if you’d sit with me,” Deyama said. Sinta could tell she was nervous and needed a friend. Of course.” Sinta smiled. “Thanks.” Deyama took some time to prepare and then cast the spell. “Vor?” She asked when he appeared. “Deyama? Is everything all right?” Vor’s face was a mix of surprising concern. “Come on, Rem. Let’s make sure Rejenn and Fists are behaving,” Sinta heard a voice say. Then she heard someone leave. She knew Rejenn and Fists were friends of Vor’s. She didn’t recognize the other voice or know who Rem was. “Everything is fine. I was just checking on you,” Deyama assured him. “Me?” Vor looked surprised. “Are you okay? What are you doing in Paosij?” “I’m fine. I came with friends. Do you remember me telling you about Shimmer? She accidently transported her brother up here, and we came to get him.” “All of you?” “The girl’s crazy. We came to make sure she didn’t get in trouble.” “Vor, be nice.” Deyama scolded. “Deyama, the girl tried to sneak through Retamlic pass when she was ten.” “She didn’t get caught by the trolls?” “Of course, she did. She was a prisoner in Lerjao for three years before escaping. Two years ago, she went back there to steal something.” “She is crazy,” Deyama agreed. “She almost was captured again. She was missing for two years. We thought she’d been killed. She just returned a few days ago. “We’re leaving for Resdelk tomorrow. She has something she needs to get. Then, we’ll meet up with the army and help them.” “You be careful.” Deyama admonished. “Yes, ma’am.” “That’s an order. If you get yourself killed, I’ll banish you, you human loving round-ears.” Vor smiled. “Yes, ma’am.” “Goodnight, see you soon,” she said. “Goodnight, my love. Stay safe,” was Vor’s response. Deyama ended the spell. “You know, every time he talks about that Shimmer, I think of Princess Ann,” Sinta said. “Did you do seem similar. Both are quite reckless from what I hear. I hope to meet this girl while we’re there.” “We? ‘We’ as in the army or ‘we’ as in you’re bringing me?” “I’m undecided. I know you want to get out of the valley some. And I know you want to see Shunati. I also value your advice and help. But, this is dangerous. I don’t want to put you in danger if it’s not needed.” “I understand. Whatever you think is best.” Sinta nodded. She wasn’t sure how she felt. She knew her parents wouldn’t be happy, but they wouldn’t go against the queen. “There’s plenty of time to decide. We don’t know where to go, and the wagons won’t be here for some time yet.” “Let’s get some rest too,” Sinta suggested.