Stunned to silence Teleperien sat for a moment gathering her self-constraint.

"Where is the girl now?" The queen asks in low voice.

"With your one of your healers Majesty. She is not hurt, but has a few bruises." Xenograg answers in an equally controlled voice.

Tele turns to a servant that stood near the dais. "Please instruct those attending this girl to be sure to give her food and drink, and then bring her to my study."

The servant bows then leave the hall. Tele sat quietly for a moment thinking through the situation.

Tele stands. Stepping down from the dais she gestures to Xenograg.

"Gwindor, come along. Xenograg, I will reimburse your monies. I am very grateful you rescued the girl. It's the least I can do."

As they walk to Tele's study her voice shakes with rage. "Slavers. In Eldicor. How did they enter without notice" They must have studied the movements of the archers and knew when to take their prize."

In the study she tells Tom to fetch the money box. "What was the price of the prize?" Tele asks with a tone of disdain. When Xenograg tells her Tele's eyes grow wide then she shakes her head. "Tom, I think you will need to go to the treasury."

"Aye M'lady, I agree. I will return quickly." He snatches up the ring of keys and hurries out of the room.

"I need a cup a tea after this. Join me?" Tele asks as she rings the bell.

"I could use a cup myself." Xeno answers settling in a chair near the fire. Once the tea was ordered then delivered, the young girl attended by Lucy appears at the study door. She appeared to be of 15 of age, growing to the graceful figure of a Noldorian elf. She dips a curtsey to the queen.

"Come in child." Tele says to her gently. The girl was remarkably composed in spite of her ordeal.

"What is your name child?"

"Thanneth, Milady."

"Thanneth, tell me what happened." For a moment the girl fell silent as her eyes reflected the fear of the horrible event. Taking a deep breath she started;

"I was walking along the river's edge near my village collecting pretty stones when three men came from behind me and took me. They were too strong for me. They covered my mouth with a cloth and tied my hands."

The poor girl covered her eyes and her shoulders started to shake as she tries to stop her tears. Tele stood and went over to the girl and placed her long slender fingers on Thanneth's arm. A soft white glow showed through her fingers. Thanneth took a long shaky breath and continued.

"I was placed in a covered wagon where I was rendered senseless. When I awoke I was on a ship where I was with two other girls in a cage. The next thing, I was in a pen waiting to be sold. This is when.."

She pauses and nods to Xenograg. "He paid my price."

By this time Tom had returned with a rather bulging leather bag. Tele gestures for Tom to give it to Xeno.

"Gwindor. I would have you take this poor child home."

"I know that area. I will be honored to escort her home. I will bring a few archers along and look about the area to see how they may have entered Eldicor."

"Very good. Do you have a portal stone? It is a good two day ride, it will save time." Tele replies.

"I do M'lady. I will get our young charge home."

"Thanneth. I am sure your parents are frantic. Please go with Gwindor and he will see you home."

The young elf smiled for the first time. "Thank you Mi"lady. You have been so kind."

"On you go!" Tele replies with her own smile. When they leave Tele collapses in her chair. She takes a long sip of the now cold tea. ?With the Dark Forest looming ahead of us, I am reminded we are not protected by our mountains. As time goes, I am afraid this will not be a single event."