Chapter 18 "The Gathering"

A familiar glow of sunrise began to creep into the eastern windows of the hall. From his bed Termâs found himself looking toward the ocean listening to the ebb and flow of the relentless waves. Suddenly he began to realize why Yvayn so often sat by the sea. The soothing effect of the Plenar’s waves relaxed his troubled mind. While Careath slept, the ocean was easy to hear, as was the rush of wind over the waves. The view out of the south windows of the palace was impressive, but he had never before taken time to notice.

The marble floor of the great hall was damp from the evening’s heavy dew. Servants had not yet awakened to wipe it clean for the day’s events. Stars were fading from sight. One remained clear over the open waters. Morning birds began to sing loudly as they searched for morsels of food. Hundreds of them flocked into the courtyard behind the palace. Morning glories were still blooming in the chilled air. The first frost had not yet come to Careath, but the cool