The royal guard rode out of the heart of the Elven realms and thundered through the darkness, their own eternal selves creating a soft, white, ethereal light as they glided along. Niamh followed Lorcan closely, for although she could see well, the queen had no idea where they were headed. The King would often look back to make sure she was near. Through the woods of twisted trees and gently sloping glades, the King and Queen of the Elves rode with purpose. Fergal came to perch on Niamh's shoulder, gripping tightly, and seemed to be the only one enjoying the ride. Niamh's hair seemed to glow in the night, and when the moon's light shone upon it, her hair resembled embers of an undying fire against her armor.The answer to the question of their destination was answered eventually when the company rode into Shandalar's village. The owner of the King's Pub was mounted, and as the royal guard continued through the village, Shandalar and many other Elves appeared from between houses and tre

General Konnyr laughed harshly.Stepping over the still form of Fergal, the general ran off into the forest on the other side of the clearing with the rest of his loyal followers. Niamh stood silent, and numb, her breath coming quick and shallow. "Lorcan!" she called, finally able to form words.As she kneeled by her falcon, a loud, ripping sob escaped from her shaking body. "Fergal!" she cried. "Oh no, no… no."The falcon was limp, but blinked his eyes as Niamh scooped him up. She cradled the injured falcon as she heard her name being called from behind her. General Aengus came leaping through the forest like a deer, followed closely by the intimidating form of King Lorcan Broinar."Nimah! Niamh!" Lorcan took the sobbing Queen in his arms. "Are you hurt?"He ran his hands through her hair, cupping her chin and looking desperately into her eyes. Niamh shook her head, sniffed and tried to speak, but was only able to hold out the brave Fergal."What happened?" General Aengus kneeled

"It is good to see the daughter of Nildrian visiting her father's home, and the Emenasari region rejoices to be visited by our High King and Queen," The Elven priest in the pale-blue robe bowed low.Heads turned to look at Niamh, then at Lorcan. "Please tell me you all have heard of my father and his homeland!" Niamh whispered over her shoulder to her company reproachfully. A few warriors looked away in shame.Lorcan stepped forward, "Who are you?""My name is Kharis Traeliorn," the priest placed a hand on his heart and dipped his head. "High Priest of the Emenasari Mountain Temple.""What happened here, Priest?" Lorcan looked at the sword in the elf-priest's hand. "Who attacked you?"Kharis looked slightly confused, "Attacked us? Oh, My king, it is not a long story and you shouldn't worry. Those who live here are not as helpless as we look, we have the light of the Elves within us."Lorcan was now standing, stone-faced, before the priest."Who busted down your gates to get in here? W

Lorcan and Niamh turned to see Kharis, the Emenasari High Priest, walking smoothly towards them. "The waters have been known to cleanse weary souls that have become so full of bitterness and regret, among other things, allowing the soul to shine through.""Why didn't you tell us at the very beginning?" Niamh asked breathlessly, a little annoyed at the bravery of this priest. Kharis replied with a shrug, "Would you have tasted the water? Many who need to drink don't, as they are reluctant to change, to cleanse themselves of the emotions that are holding them back."Lorcan had remained silent, but now, as Niamh watched, a tear filled his turbulent, blue eyes, then run down his thoughtful face. Naimh cast a worried glance at Kharis, but he smiled gently and motioned with his hand to let the King be. "A meal has been prepared. Come and eat when you are ready," the Priest then bowed to the Elven King and Queen and left."Lorcan went to the wall and leaned against it heavily and sliding

The King of the Elves looked sternly around the room."I was summoned to a meeting and I doubt it was about my clothes. What is the meaning of this sudden gathering?" Lorcan leaned on the table, his gaze never wavering.Trajyr gave a dry look to Tormil and spoke, "While you and the Queen traveled to find Lord Tigherneach and his family, the council sent riders and scouts out through the villages and forests, but we cannot find General Konnyr. We do not know where he is hiding. The council recommends you and Queen Niamh stay close to the palace and have guards until he is found."Lorcan rolled his eyes, "I'm sure we will continue to be as careful as possible, but we will not be contained to the palace. Eventually, Konnyr will show himself.""Could he be dead?" Wynbalar questioned.General Aengus stepped forward, "That is highly unlikely. The Queen saw him escape with her own eyes."There were harsh mumblings from around the council table. "The only injuries he had were inflicted by Fer