"We have made our decision, Lora of the Elf Kin," said Kallen. "After a long discussion in which we have all participated."
"I understand," I replied. The exiled centaurs system was remarkably fair in that they did let everyone voice their opinion.
"Acting mainly on the words of Sallandarandas and Karlinallisallia, as well as our own observations of you. We have decided that you will have our trust and we will follow your advice for as long as it is prudent."
It wasn't the warmest endorsement I've ever recieved, but at least they were willing to let me help them!
"I am glad that you have made this decision."
"Please tell us now what you think we need to do."
I outlined my plan in more detail.
The women with children and the those too old to fend for themselves would be led by me to the Ogre's land. The rest would split up into singles or pairs, depending on their ability and travel Sandar warning the other centaurs of the new meeting place. Before they left I would place an illusion spell on them that would show a a human being to anyone other than another centaur.
The centaurs agreed for the most apart and Kallen soon squashed the minority of objections.
The day had grown late and it was nearly dark.
"We had best find a safe place to camp," said Kallen.
"If I may, we can stay right here," I suggested, "I can easily shield a group this size for a night."
"Will you still be able to cast the illusions tomorrow?"
"Yes," I agreed confidently. The spells were both basic, yet undetectable to non-elven mages and there were no elves in Sandar.
"Thank you."
The next morning I woke at dawn. Getting up quietly, most of the others were still asleep, I walked to the edge of the trees and watched the sun rise.
Karlina found me there, looking east though the sun shone full in my eyes.
"What lies to the east that holds you so captivated?"
"The Ogre lands, a great desert, a greater mountain range, then the greatest forest that has ever stood. The treetops soar high above the mountains. On the ground of the forest the light is as dim as after the sun has set. At the top it is as bright as dawn."
"You miss your home?... Of course you do, as do I. I do not miss the people though!"
"I know what you mean."
"Karlina. There you are. Good morning Lora."
"Good morning, Sallan," I replied.
"Good morning, love," said Karlina.
"I'll leave you two to say goodbye."
I forgot to mention that before, Sallan and Karlina have travelled different parts of the land so they were each going to the one they knew best. I guesed that they would want to be alone to say goodbye.
I walked back to the camp, Kallen caught up with me. Showing more sensitivity than the average centaur male he asked if I was well.
"I am well enough. Thank you Kallen."
"Good. The groups are decided and preparing to leave. If you take a place near the edge of the trees I will send each of them seperately to be... What do you call it?"
"I never really considered naming the process," I replied with a gentle smile. "Let us simply say shielded, it is an apt enough description of the process."
"Alright, I will send them to be shielded, after you have eaten."
"I broke my fast earlier. Send anyone who is ready."
So passed my morning; casting illusion shields over centaurs who looked at me with varying degrees of fear, respect, and disgust at my race - or possibly my gender.
Sallan and Karlina were the last to leave.
"I'll miss your music, though not your lack of taste in clothing." said Sallan by way of farewell. (Remember what I said about male centaurs and sensitivity?)
"I'll miss your tricks, though not your bathing habits!" I said by way of reply.
He grinned. I cast the spell over him.
"I don't feel any different."
"To human eyes you look like a human illusionist. If you have to perform don't use the real magic," I cautioned him. "It would probably counteract the spell's effect on any nearby human mages!"
"I won't," he promised fervently. He embraced Karlina quickly then trotted out of the woods, heading west.
"I don't think there's anything wrong with your clothes," said Karlina, smiling. I laughed and explained that when I met Sallan I was somewhat travel stained and he was somewhat in need of a bath.
"I'll miss you," admitted Karlina. "I have hardly known you any time at all but you are a very easy person to like, Lora of Sandar."
"Thank you," I replied sincerely, "I will miss you as well. Take care on the road."
"I will."
All too soon the spell was cast and Karlina was trotting north. I was left alone with the centaurs I was taking to the Ogre land. The irony of the situation struck me. Here I had left my home in part because of my people's customs and expectations, but because of those customs I had been taught how to lead a large group of people.
Too late to change your mind now, Lheora Yhanni.
Sighing, I walked towards the group of centaurs and whatever the new day would bring.