Any reply Thoran might have made was interupted by a haughty female voice.
"Why should we care to ally ourselves with mongrel part breeds, such as yourself?"
The newcomer was taller, by about two inches, than Thalon and Thoran. She had long pale hair and dark green eyes.
"Althelia."
"Daughter of Salia," added the woman automatically. She looked closely at Thalon.
"So this is the Fire Master, how disappointing, I thought you'd be taller."
"Why are you here?" interrupted Thoran.
"Mother sent me."
"Oh."
"I really don't see what all the fuss is about. You don't look all that heroic, 'Prince' Thalon."
"Well, I hardly care what you think of me. This was a private conversation you so rudely interrupted."
Althelia raised her eyebrow and laughed at him.
"Thoran, how terrible of you to not tell him!"
"This is not the time, Althelia."
"Oh? I suppose you expected my sister to tell him before they arrived. Poor Jhenna is in trouble isn't she."
"What do you mean?"
Thalon looked suspiciously at the woman.
"Just that you delightful naivety is amusing. Your 'private conversation' could not be less so if you shouted it from the tree tops. These woods hear all that is said in them, they see all that is done. Unlike your pathetic race, we are all part of the woods, we can see and hear as well as it does. If Thoran had truly wanted your conversation to be private he would have shielded the area. If the interjection of my opinion offends you so much, take it up with him."
"So you over heard me, that's fine, if you have nothing to say on the matter I would like you to leave," Thalon replied as politely as possible.
Althelia rolled her eyes rudely.
"Not to put too fine a point on it, this is my home not yours. Anyway, I'm waiting for my sister, but of course, she is your sister too isn't she. Irritating as she is neither of us can deny the relationship."
Althelia sighed theatrically, presumably, lamenting her unfortunate family connection with Jhenna.
"I will then have the dubious delight of your company and conversation, or lack thereof, all the way to the border."
"I was just getting to that when we got off the subject."
Thoran looked pointedly at Althelia, willing her to be quiet.
"Why would you be joining me? Your attitude tells me you'd rather be as far away as possible."
"So you haven't mentioned that little point yet?"
Thoran shook his head, knowing Althelia would continue anyway, he didn't protest.
"You've heard of the Shadow Realm?"
"Yes I have. Why do you ask?"
"Going through it is the only way for you to get to the Human Lands without being detected. It's another Realm, connected to this one, it is also a physical place. I am the one who is going to guide you through it."
"I'm sure that will be great fun," answered Thalon sarcastically.
"Yes. I'm sure your brother's relations will be thrilled if they see you. Thrilled to rip you to bits anyway."
"That is what I meant, Althelia."
"What? No shocked exclaimations asking how I know about Vyran? I'm almost surprised."
"If you know about the Shadow Realm, then you know about Vyran. You know about the Prophecy and you know how we are related. I know the Shadow Realm knows of me. The fact thay want me dead is no surprise. As you have declared yourself my guide, I have a question, how do you plan to get me in and out?"
This was the longest statement Thalon had made. Althelia smiled genuinely in reply.
"Not just me. My Brothers and Sister as well, you've met Kendar, Jhenna, and now me, Jhenna went to find Denkarsen. He and Jhenna will join us at the Border."
"I understand. One last question; how do I know I can trust you?"
The question surprised Althelia she blinked thoughtfully, for a moment, before replying.
"Since when do you have to trust me?"
"I see. So our business relationship will be based on your word then. Oh, about my height, it's the result of interbreeding."
"Your height?"
Althelia recalled her earlier comment about expecting him to be taller.
"Very droll. As for our 'business relationship', you don't really have any choice about trusting us, Mother prophisied our involvement before any of us were born. That's why she's the Lhea."
During the conversation Thoran, having worked out that his wife had a good reason for sending Althelia, had disappeared.
"I see. I would prefer to have some time alone now."
"Yes, you should get some sleep, we will leave just after dawn.
One last thing, you don't have any health problems do you? React badly to stress or shock? That sort of thing."
"No. Why?"
"Just checking. Sleep well."
Althelia left Thalon, with the light, and disappeared into the trees to find her mother.
"How did it go?" asked Salia, when her oldest child caught up with her.
"He's the most insufferable, irritating, male I have ever had the misfortune to meet!"
"So it went well?"
"He didn't have a panic attack. Are you absolutely sure he's the right person?"
"Yes."
"His Master?"
"He passed on, it would not be right to ask his help, we must make do."
"I pity Jhenna she has to travel the whole way with him. It figures that Rishane would be the one to choose a male representative."
"Shayina and Ryphai have as well."
"Only as a second option, though, that's different."
"It was decided many years ago. Are you prepared?"
"Oh yes. I'm feeling very suicidal today."
"You've done it before."
"Not with someone Blood-Linked to the Chosen servant of Chaos!"
"Your siblings have faith in you."
"Hardly. They trust what you have foreseen.