Hamafil Sylerin, the green mage, lurked in the crowd, eyeing the strange quintet with curiosity and trepidation. Talice he recognized as one of Dervila’s Masters of the Yuirwood; previously undistinguished but loyal to the order. He expected her to wander back into the forest, and obscurity, within a few days. Although he could not place him, the forester’s reactions identified him as a native of the woodland or at least knowledgeable and respectful of the Yuir. Like most humans who achieved recognition beyond their worth, he would most likely live out his days basking in the glory of this one great deed. The male half-elf had the look of a city-dweller, most-likely an untrustworthy rogue; he would find the woodlands had slim pickings and greater hardships than he liked. Once his celebrity faded, he would head back to the comforts of the coastlands. The mage was clearly a Council serving puppet; one of the pampered fools schooled under the Simbul’s eyes. She was known send her “children” out into the world to serve as spies, but had kept them clear of the Yuirwood until now… The sooner he returned to Velprintalar the better! But the star elf caught his attention. She was a rarity, at best. There were some who choose the Yuirwood over Sildeyuir, and even a small cluster that dwelled in Relkath’s Foot, but they mostly keep to themselves; and she was a stunning beauty as well. The menhir circles were their legacy, and to craft such enduring magic required true mastery of the Art. Hamafil ponder what secrets he might learn from her, and just how he could pry them out of her, when Blindelsyn broke his musing; “You are all most welcome among the Yuir.” “What!” the wild elf sorcerer screamed within his head; she couldn’t be such a fool as to invite one of the Simbul’s pets to remain in the Yuirwood… she had just traded slavers for a spy! “You are most gracious, your highness,” Rynard replied, with a courtly bow, enthralled with the Princess’ beauty and grace, and totally unaware of Hamafil’s venomous glare. “There’s much to celebrate tonight,” Blindelsyn addressed the crowd, “a great evil has been vanquished!” There had been little for the people of the Yuirwood to rejoice about recently, and, although she mourned for those who were still missing, the rescue of so many gave them just reason for celebration. As a cheer rang out from the crowd, Hamafil was not the only one to turn in displeasure and slip away; another figure stormed off, her beautiful features twisted with rage and loathing. Courynna Telstaerr seethed with anger as she pushed through the door and faced her mother. “He’s back!” she hissed with tears of shame, frustration and rage welling in her eyes as she watched her mother flinch at the news. The town’s people had just begun to forget about him; no one had mentioned him for over a year. But now the shame and humiliation would resurface… all because her husband’s bastard son had returned!