Returned Home

“Are you certain this is what you want to do?” the woman questioned as her daughter crammed her belongings into her pack.

The younger elf straightened and turned to study her mother. She inclined her head slightly and chose her words carefully. “I understand why you and father chose to come here. I even understand why you encouraged me to study at one of the mage academies. However, I’m grown. Word has come of the state of our homeland. I want to help.”

Her mother placed her hands on slender shoulders, squared the younger woman, and wrapped her in firm embrace. “Your father would be so proud of you. Your skills are impressive and the new king would be more than fortunate to have you at his side.”

For a moment, her gaze dropped to the floor between them. “I certainly hope I can prove you right.”

The woman patted her daughter’s cheek. “Off you go, now. I know you can travel far, but even your significant skills cannot take you across the ocean unaided.”

She bobbled her head, took a step back, and made a simple gesture with her left hand. The world around her shifted from her room in her family home, to an empty alleyway. A slight smile turned up the corners of her mouth. With a deep breath, she stepped out into the bustling streets. She made her way toward the docks. It was easy to secure passage to Karnak.

The voyage was uneventful.

After she disembarked, she made her way to a quiet alley. She took another deep breath and focused on a residence she knew intimately.

The elf woman yelped and jumped back several steps. After an uttered curse, she flung her arms around the younger elf woman. “Blessed Ardole, it’s good to see you.” She gave her a playful slap on the arm. “Your skills have clearly improved, Silestria.”

She inclined her head and grinned. “I couldn’t help myself, Drusilla.”

“Good,” she replied with a sly smile, “then you’ll fit in perfectly in his court.”

Silestria’s brow furrowed as she took in her friend’s words. “Whose court?”

“King Tarak.”