The morning sun filtered through the trees and the sound of female laughter woke Thalon.
“Good morning, Prince Thalon,” said Lady Salia. “Did you rest well? I have brought you food.”
“Yes. I did, Lady Salia. Thank you for the food.” Thalon stood up to greet Salia.
“By the way, you don’t have to call me by my title. Just call me Thalon.”
“That would be an improper way to address you,” replied Salia. She handed Thalon a tray of unfamiliar food. “None of it is poisonous for your kind. The tea is particularly good today.”
“Thank you. I wanted to ask you something. Have you seen what the future holds for the Elves? Will there be peace?"
“There are many possible futures diverging from this point. No, not even the Gods, can say which of them will come to pass. However, if the Dark Ones are held back, Princess Corinna will see the division of your people revoked. She is a very strong willed young woman and very intelligent too. Althelia gets along very well with her which says a lot for the girl’s character.”
“That is good. I hope to stop the division reoccurring for as long as possible.”
“If you are alive. That is not yet a certainty. Finding the Temple of Kotanu is the first step. Passing the Tests to gain the Amulets is the second. Using them to hold back the Dark Ones is the third. It will be a long and perilous journey and I would be truly happier if my Jhenna were not involved in it. However she is the one who heard what I spoke and she is the one who can guide you.”
“I understand the dangers. I also understand how you feel, Lady Salia. I know there are only two people who will worry about me. My mother and Master Debrone.”
“You forgot to mention all the delightful young ladies my daughter told about. Not to mention your collection of female relatives.”
“Yes. I know. I was referring to the people closest to me on that list.”
“I see.”
Salia fell silent for a moment.
“I had a dream-omen last night. I believe it was a warning.”
“What sort of a warning?”
“That all things are not what they seem to be.”
“I have learnt that myself. I am not as strong as you in the Sight. I am the strongest Non-Priest of my people though.”
“Yes. Your future sight, however, will not work outside your homeland. I think that you did not know that.”
“No. I didn’t.”
“I must be off now. I need to see if Jhenna has found her brother yet. You’ll begin the Crossing just before noon. My children will provide your Shield. Do as they say until you reach the human land.”
“You don’t have to worry. I will do as they say.”
When Salia had left the clearing Thalon set aside his tray of food and sat down.
He relaxed and entered the Elven meditation position, which strangely enough, resembled the position humans called the Lotus.
Jhenna entered the clearing quietly sometime later.
“Well.” she remarked, “That is the first time I’ve seen someone sleeping in such an odd position.”
“I was not asleep, Jhenna.” said Thalon, opening his eyes to look at her. Jhenna grinned and adjusted the sword belt she’d acquired at some point.
“Good. Where’s your bird gotten to? It’s time to go.”
Fraka squawked from high above them. Thalon stood up and lifted his arm. Fraka landed on his arm and walked to his shoulder.
“Good. Let’s go.”
“Althelia, Kandar, and Denkar are meeting us at the border,” said Jhenna as they started walking.
“I hear you met my half-sister last night. I’d wager you are glad she’s not your sister.”
"She is not that bad. A bit rude, however."
“She was either in a very good mood or you are being very diplomatic. If it’s the latter, don’t bother. I know how disagreeable she is!”
“I do not doubt that.”
“And here we are” said Jhenna. She pointed to a large sandy area, just outside the edge of the forest. It seemed she had once again performed her trick of movement.
“The Border of the Shadow Realm. You won’t be able to see the Realm itself until noon. Only those of Elven or Shadow Blood can see it. Other races see a vast desert, even at noon.”