I? Taurn was quiet, and the staff was silent as I stood in my rooms. A shimmer in the mirror drew my attention. The silvery liquid rippled and the image of the main street of RhyDin formed, and there was Vanion, surrounded by vampires on a scale I had not seen before. There were 4 small children, zombies really, moving around what appeared to be a pyre of some sort. And then Commander Wilder?s image focused, and she was surrounded and alone. ?Vanion!? I could make out upon her lips as she advanced upon the vampiric elf.

Without a second thought, I headed for the center of RhyDin. If Vanion had zombies and an army of vampires, things were about to go south in a hurry.

I arrived in time to hear a vampire I did not know say to Vanion, ?sir, this woman seems hostile.?

Vanion sneered to Karen, and a vampire I did not know, ?Ah, Lady Wilder. I was hoping you would watch. This all, concerns you.? He swept his arm around the square in an all encompassing manner.

The Commander took in the scene with the experience of a battle hardened warrior, ?Ye?ve made a big mistake Vanion.?

My appearance had not gone unnoticed, ?What of this one, sir?? The creature pointing me out was called Utau, and he seemed rather close to Vanion, a sort of body guard perhaps?

One of the zombie children turned slowly, almost falling over as he did so. His neck had clearly been broken, but the abomination that had once been a child began to make its way toward me. My staff shone white in the darkness as I located the Commander and Vanion, but before I could move toward them, the child zombie would need to be destroyed. I took a quick step away from it and turned my attention on its destruction. My fingers slid over the runes and Annaran whispered into the darkness as I executed a ?Raise Dead? spell that should have ended the creatures suffering. I watched it fall to the pavement before resuming my approach toward Karen and Vanion.

Vanion?s words were mocking as he spoke to one of his lieutenants, ?They are outnumbered, and we are blessed on this night!? He looked up at the moon, and it appeared to be nearly filled with a crimson wash of color, ensanguined and my heart skipped a beat at the vision.

As Karen slid her helm onto her head with a grin, she told him, ?Ah, but yer playin? in my city.?

Vanion gave her a cold glance, ?You know Karen? That is exactly what I expected you to say. ?Your? city. The city of men and women and creatures who do not want to fear the night. I am here to show you that this is a city for those of us who no longer wish to fear the day as well. You have missed the pre-festivities, but I do hope you will stick around for the rest of the show.? He turned away from her and began walking back toward the pyre.

Karen paused, ?Ye?d only needed tae live in peace, an? ye?d be left alone,? she retorted to Vanion and Utau. If they truly only wanted to be left in peace, all they needed to do was abide by the laws of the land, and yet, they could not seem to manage that task.

Vanion gloated, ?Peace, is not in a Vampire?s nature.? Then he had an unconscious, beaten Catholic Knight tossed into the pyre and stood there as the man regained consciousness amidst the flames. His screams rent the night.

Suddenly there was a whispered voice from behind me, and in the shadows closes to me stood a vampire named Obsidion Slate. ?Go no further,? he warned me.

I went very still, and as I turned to face the shadow vampire, ?Prithee, why effer nae?? I asked of him.

He whispered from the shadows again, ?Your efforts will only fall short. You cannot stop us.?

I quirked a sable brow at him, ?Ye dinnae thin? sae?? My fingers slid over the runes embedded in the staff.

Vanion was speaking still to Karen, ?If you had been wise enough to bring an army, you might have stopped us, however, tonight, Myr?Khul has blessed us for the Ascension.? He then turned toward Utau, ?If they bother to attack, focus on Alais.?

The vampire smiled a sickly smile, ?Understood sir.?

Vanion then told Tybalt, Jono, and Brother to focus on Karen, but that they need not bother using magic. I had heard Vanion, but had not taken my attention off the vampire in the shadows, Obsidion as Karen scoffed, ?Army? For ye Vanion?? Her laugh rang with derisiveness, ?Ye should feel honored thet I showed up m?self. Any child could beat ye.?

Vanion?s words were laced with hatred and venom, ?Considering the hundreds or thousands of children I have fed off of, I would doubt that to be true. And I prefer them young. Very young. Usually a girl.?

For all of the vile things I had heard of Vanion, those words were the worst yet.

Obsidion smiled a parody of a smile, his fangs bared at my response, ?tonight is our night. Do you not know?? He was working at keeping me distracted to keep me out of the picture when suddenly he was summoned elsewhere and vanished with a hiss into the shadows. I moved once more toward the pyre.

I heard Obsidion?s hiss at Vanion, ?I would?ve liked to taste that one.?

As Vanion told Karen yet again that we were too late, she dashed to the side, putting the Pyre between herself and the gunmen, ?We?ll see ?bout thet!? She began cutting at the fire, dislodging the wood with her blade.

I vanished into a mist and flowed toward the fire as Utau used his senses to track my energy signal. He readied himself for my arrival, ?leave my fire alone ma?am. Katon! Karyuudan no Jutsu!? A dragon shot from the flames directly toward me. I dispersed as smoke, but continued closer to Karen.

Utau grumbled, ?How troublesome. Oh my, I can hit two with one dragon!? He began to steer his dragon toward both Karen and I with his hand seals.

Vanion raised his arms to the sky, and a beam of light shot down from the moon toward him, encompassing him to the point of invisibility, and a slow rumbling from deep beneath the surface could be heard.

?Vehemence!? he shouted, and the stored up spell was released. A bright red circle appeared on the ground, encircling both images.A large pillar of fire shot up from the center of the circle, its energy spreading throughout the circle.

Tybalt was reloading his pistols as Utau realized the projectile had been silver, ?Much too close!? Tybalt took careful aim, and fired at the left most Alais. The image faded into the dark as the bullet impacted.

Utau was watching his spell play out, smugly certain he had trapped me. But, a rune on my staff flared to life as I drove the point of the staff into the red circle inscribed upon the ground. Pain raced through the staff and into my hands. Burning instantly the flesh on my hands as the circle parted slightly. His eyes widened as he gave a low whistle. The image moved through the small parting in the inscribed circle as the remainder of the column consumed everything within it.

Tybalt appeared suddenly beside the image that had just left the inferno, ?I?m sorry sweetheart, I can?t let you do that.? He spun the flintlocks and fired at point blank range.

A bullet tore through the corporeal form, and crimson instantly began spreading onto the charcoal silver robes, turning them nearly black in the night. Utau watched, remaining slightly wary as Tybalt turned his attention on Karen.

The image dropped to her knees, blood spreading from the bullet wound, bloodied hands wrapped around the white staff as she focused on Utau, the image sent a tendril lancing up from the ground at his feet, an attempt to impale him in place. His expletive echoed in the night, ?Damn!? as the tendril speared through his foot, pinning him in place. The tendril began envenomating him and the image crumpled to the ground.

Utau watched where the image had collapsed as though he felt there were more tricks up the sorceress? sleeves, ?Ow madam!? The tendril could not be normal as he began to experience the effects of the venom and was paralyzed in place. That gave the image behind Karen time to pull a small silver dagger from her robes, striking out at Obsidion as he clung to his shadows.

A pained roar erupted from the shadows as the silver sliced into them. The shadows parted, leaving nothing behind, but I had scored a strike. Animalistic growls surround her, and then a pair of red orbs flashed as the shadows returned to hunt down the image. Then the collapsed image fades from sight.

Then I was moving stealthily toward the speared Utau, preparing to sink the blade into his chest to pierce the withered heart within. Utau could feel my approach, but could not move as the tentacle continued to bite into him, leaving the venom to do its work on his nervous system

Vanion?s voice boomed above the chaos, ?Enough! It comes.?

I was panting heavily from the pain and the exhaustion. I had expended almost as much energy as I had on Matlal, but this time I was not prepared for such demand on my abilities, and then Vanion?s words sent a chill down my spine. What was coming??

I had landed in the shadows of the building in my escape from Utau?s flames only to find myself face to face with Obsidion. Oddly, he did nothing more than smile from ear to ear with fangs in full view. It was an utterly terrifying sight. Uncertain just what his intentions were, I swung the staff hard, aiming to take his legs out from beneath him, but the ground was quaking violently, and movement was uncertain at best when a symbol burst from the ground.

The totem that rose slowly from the ground depicted horrible scenes, and the ground continued to rumble as the totem rode into the night. I put as much distance between myself and Obsidion as I could as he swore at me, ?I will drain you completely!? He reached for me with taloned hands, slashing into my skin and scoring deep gouges in my flesh, but he did not hang on.

Utau was distracted by the wraithe I had sent after him, who was unaffected by the shaking ground that immobilized most of us. Glee radiated from the wraithe as it moved in on Utau. Utau gathered a huge amount of energy to him as he prepared to try to ward off the wraithe. ?I have one last trump card, Mr. Wraith, sir.?

The object continued to rise into the night, and a closer look proved it to be an architectural construct made of bones and magic. It was utterly gruesome in its grandeur. Vanion was rapt with joy, ?You are all missing the beauty.?

I whirled around to face Obsidion, stabbing my staff into the ground at my feet, but Vanion growled and turned, one arm unleashing a powerful blast of dark energy toward me, and then casting a binding spell on the wraithe.

The energy slammed into me just as I summoned up a shield against the vampire. Obsidion made a hasty retreat into the shadows. I was breathing hard as the vampire fades from sight. Karen turned once more toward Vanion and began moving forward with marked determination. ?An? I shalt live? her words punctuated by her words as she feinted a brutal slash at the tentacle Jono was assaulting her with.

The Wraithe vanished in a conflagration of red fire cast by Utau and then he transformed back into a normal state. His enhanced energies depleted.

Vanion rose into the sky and all eyes turned toward him. The last explosion settled the construct into solid permanence, and find dust was scattered over everything. As the dust settled, Vanion rested atop the Totem Tower. He raised a hand, and the fire met cold, causing only harmless gas in its wake. Dozens, perhaps as many as 50 stood on the black steel platform surrounding the Temple of Myr?Khul. All of them were armed with weapons of varying kinds. ?Cease and desist, or my followers will murder you, and strike at your Temples.?

Vanion gave her a smug smile, ?I wanted you both to witness the rising of a new Temple in the city. One you cannot ignore. One that will give shelter to every creature of the night, who wishes for a better life. One that will preach Nature. The Temple of Myr'Khul is here, and will remind you that we are also here.

Karen whirled to face Utau. ?If ye wanted equality, ye'd only needed tae ask fer it...?

"Is that so? Is anything like this really so easy to where we can just ask for it? I think not!" Utau was glaring at her as he spoke.

?But ye must accept equality under th' Law as well... an' that is what ye've always balked at.? Karen was not mincing words with the vampire.

Vanion snarled, ?The "law" does not treat us as citizens, Karen. But it will.? And he motioned to his small army of vampires. ?Go back to your Temples. Tell them what you have seen.?

Obsidion sniffed at the air. "Fresh blood doth approach." His gaze shot with precision toward me.

My gaze locked with his as I slid ever closer to the shadowy form. He instantly disregarded Karen to assess my threat, ?So you wish to deliver the final blow?" A rancid stench came from the cavity in his chest where Karen had managed to throw Holy Water on him.

I stifled a gag reflex and moved quickly, throwing the dagger hard and fast. It stuck just as Obsidion began a lethal stalk. He roared in pain, reaching to withdraw the small blade, but only managed to scorch his palm on the silver weapon. ?WRETCH!? he screamed at me.

Karen continued to try to get Vanion to engage her, ?A murderer is nae a citizen, Vanion! A killer o? th? innocent is less than a dog! Tae be hunted down!?

He smirked, ?You have murdered innocent Vampires, have you not? I may be a butcherer... yes. But these men seek a better future. They act out only in Nature.?

Karen denied his charge, ?Nay Vanion, not a one.?

Utau was completely indignant, ?So, woman!!! You mean to say that not one vampire in existence is innocent?!"

Karen scoffed, ?A Vampire who does nae kill th' innocent... one who does nae force his state upon others... One who exists in peace with those around them... Aye, there are such innocent vampires. But I dinnae see any such here.? She spat at the new Temple.

As my blade sank deeply into Obsidion, Vanion issued another psychic call, and a series of simultaneous blasts of varied energy were unleashed by the robed spell casters at me, and pain assaulted me on all levels. ?This is more than enough for tonight,? Vanion announced. I curled up on the ground in sheer agony.

Vanion studied Karen a moment, ?Vampires, by nature, feed. Just as humans feed on cattle. You are, predictably blind and unaware, as most ... Catholics ... are.? She shook her head, ?Yer wrong Vanion.?

Pain. Burns do not allow for rest. They go on burning, as though the nerves do not recognize that the stimulus is gone. My hands had been burned the worst. The blisters on my arms and legs hurt, but nothing like my hands, which had taken the brunt of breaking Utau?s crimson fire circle. Pain.

I had tried to rest. Tried to remain quiet and work to heal the damage with my own limited healing abilities, but pain had relentlessly driven me to keep moving. They say there is no rest for the wicked, and perhaps there is truth in this old saying. Neither my mind, nor my body would find quiet this day; and thus I left I? Taurn for the Inn. Avoiding the dueling venues to seek out a quieter location, I entered the Red Dragon Inn.

I arrived in a column of sparkling silver, and glanced around the Inn. I quickly located an empty table in the corner, and began to move toward it when I spotted what appeared to be an old, familiar face. I quirked a brow and softly said, ?Kairee??

She winked her trademark wink and I smiled as she said, ?it?s been a long time Alais.?

I altered my course toward her, where she sat upon the lap of a man I had never seen before, and as we began to talk, I grew aware of someone studying me, seeking answers to questions unvoiced. My gaze shifted to the man with Kairee, and instantly the probing sensation vanished. ?Aye lass, ?t hath been a verra long while. Prithee, ?ow dae ye fare??

She gave me a radiant smile, ?dandy, babes.? Then shifting slightly, she glanced between the man and myself, ?Braxeus, love, this is Alais. I?ve known her from years before.?

We greeted one the other, and as he offered his hand, I quickly cast a glamour over my appearance before offering him my own, which I know felt cold, but there was nothing to do for that effect. He raised my hand to his lips, placing a brief kiss on my knuckles before releasing it. I then slid both hands back into my robes, and we began to catch up. The pain was crushing from the brief contact, but he had no reason to know how much pain his brief touch caused.

?So you have known Kairee a long time? I have only known her some months now, and so I know only a few of her friends.?

I smiled at Braxeus, ?fer manna years, although, Ah haff nae seen ?er in a verra, verra long time. Whence Ah didst first come tae RhyDin, Ah didst work fer th? lass ?n th? Inn.? My years away were spent in Riverbend and Annara, and I wonder if Kairee remembered Morrin or Glum, but that would come another night.

He laughed, ?an enterprise she still maintains through the gentleman Panther.?

Giving him a mellifluous laugh, ?Och, Ah?m nae surprised by tha?.?

He then inquired whether or not Kairee and I had worked together outside the walls of the Inn, in terms of magic. And I told him we had not before asking Kairee when she had returned to the city and public life.

She remained firmly seated in Braxeus? lap, ?early in the year, I had never been far, and came to check on things from time to time, but Panther manages it well for me.? She glanced at Braxeus, ?there was a time I thought this Nexus point would disappear, but with care, it?s growing in strength.?

I was about to agree with her when I felt a presence I did not expect to feel again, and involuntarily I stiffened. There would be no keeping my current wounds a secret from this one, and my gaze quickly swept the Inn. There came a slash within the fabric that made the reality, and through that slash stepped Khirsah. His pale hair and features a stark contrast to the jet black stones he wore, and the black stones that graced a sword that I had only seen briefly in our short meeting in the darkness.

Braxeus frowned, and followed my gaze, ?is everything quite alright??

Kairee had missed the arrival of the Elder and asked where I had been keeping myself. My attention though was riveted on the Elder, and the changes that had been wrought on him, then very softly I whispered his name as I wondered what had brought the dragon here, now. And I felt the blood drain from my features.

Blinking, I turned back to Kairee, ?Ah?ve been ?n th? Emerald Isles.? There seemed no point in going into the details of why, nor how long. War was not a topic most people liked to discuss.

Braxeus and Kairee then both glanced at Khirsah as I took a deep breath. ?Trouble, babes?? came Kairee?s softly voiced query.

I glanced between Khirsah and Kairee, ?Ah dinnae ken, th? Eldest hath been away, through th? troubles.? His abrupt appearance seemed odd, and knowing Khirsah, there had to be a reason for his timing. A casual ?dropping in to say hello? would not be something Khirsah would do.

I glanced at Kairee, ?Ah?ve nae doubt lass, mayhap ?n a bit Ah?ll join ye,.? If Khirsah left, I would be free to cast the glamour once more and join Kairee in the champagne, but not with the Elder present. I was also studiously avoiding providing him with a response. Though I know the Elder could already sense it. But I was not certain he knew the full extent.

About that point, Xenograg walked in, and made his greetings to everyone, and we invited Khirsah to have a seat and join us. I had asked him what had brought him to RhyDin, again hoping to get him focused on another topic, but it was not to be. He looked straight at me, ?as for the other reason, let us say that last night was?.interesting.?

I paled in mid sentence, ??t was?? He knew? He was not there, not that I had sensed. How could he know I was there? Or, had the raising of the Temple brought him from the Primordial Darkness? Had he come to see this presence for himself?

Xeno spotted me, and vague recognition flickered in his eyes as he glanced at Khirsah, greeting him as well.

I moved to take a seat on the other side of Kairee, putting a bit of distance between Khirsah and myself, but his knowing smile said he knew precisely what I was doing. He then pointedly inquired, ?Why have you not asked the Younger to mend you??

I closed my eyes at the question, then honestly answered him, ?Ah?ve nae seen th? Younger.? But I would not ask Tass to heal these wounds, he had his own to heal, and my damage would mend with time. Time was something I had, but do not believe I should. A stab of guilt ripped through me as I remembered seeing Morrin once again anchor his people into hell. Once more to go through the process and the suffering that are his now to bear.

Khirsah prodded, ?Ahh, so it is you are ashamed??

I felt my temper rise at that, ?Ashamed? Ah?ve nae reason tae be ashamed o?mine actions m?lord.? Well, at least not from last evening. Some of my other actions left me with much to be ashamed of, but going to Karen?s aid was not one of the things I would rue.

A cold smile touched his lips, ?perhaps.? Was all he said.

Kairee spoke up then, ?be careful of him, Alais.? And I was confused, whether she meant Khirsah or Thoth, and when I asked her, she laughed, ?No doubt both of them!?

Xeno chuckled, telling Kairee she was a big help, and I grabbed the opportunity to change the subject and agree that Kairee was always helpful in such situations. But, Khirsah remained focused, and I shifted uncomfortably again, ?Pleased Ah am ye?ve r?turned. Tass?ll haff need o? ?elp tae ?eal th? Isles.?

He slowly perused the sleeve of my robes, ?are you? The Isles are not mine.?

Even though nothing showed of my hands, I could not suppress the urge to pull them further into the sleeves, ?th? Isles b?long tae yer people, ?n Ah dae ken tha? Tass doth r?ly ?pon ye.? The fact that the Elder had not wanted the mantle of leadership was well known to me, and the fact that Tass respected his brother?s logical evaluations to temper and balance his emotional judgments was also well known to me. Khirsah was a perfect foil and balance for Tass, and Tass had the wisdom to recognize that.

Khirsah gave me a thin smile, ?do they now? Then answer me this Lady d? Nitesong, why is it that Matlal and Kadir heals while Odhran does not?? Odhran was the main island, and was the citadel of Tass? world.

I raised my gaze to his, I could only surmise that Tass had his reasons for not immediately beginning the process on Odhran. ?Tass? resources ?re stretched thin. Mayhap ?e doth await yer r?turn?? I believe though, that part of Khirsah?s point was that an Elf now held responsibility for Matlal, and Sai Jon now held responsibility for Kadir, but I was not going to get into that discussion, as the silver dragons are slowly coming to accept my guidance, and in my absence, they trust Garl implicitly. I then asked him if he would be helping Tass rebuild the Isles.

Khirsah remained impassive, where I had once again asked for his help to aid Tass, he was once again declining. ?he does not need it, not from me.? If not from his own brother, then whom would Tass have need of?

I frowned at his answer, and then cringed as Sylus walked into the Inn. He was clearly displeased with me, but Xeno headed him off, inviting him to come to the bar to have a drink. Sy declined initially, ?I?ll take up that offer as soon as I drag a stubborn female elf back to bed where she should be healing.?

I tried to hide the wince at the tone in Sy?s voice. Then turning to Khirsah, ??e may nae ask ?t o? ye, bu? th? Isles ?re yer ?ome ?s well,? I reminded him.

Xeno nodded in agreement, ?me too.? But, the old dragons can do that to people. Their vastly superior ages and experiences make them impressive, and sometimes a bit contemptuous of mortal creatures. They have seen so much, how could we understand their ways? Our perceptions of time and space differ so vastly from their own. We have little in the way of intersecting points of understanding.

I was shaken from my shock at seeing Khirsah?s matching scar by Kairee. ?Do you know Thoth? Or Alais? Or Khirsah?? She was speaking to a man I had never formally met before, and I dragged my attention from Khirsah to Brian.

Brian Ravenlock turned, held out a box to Kairee, ?Can?t say that I have.?

Kairee proceeded to make the introductions, and I was thankful for the distraction. Brian inclined his head, ?Well met.?

I smiled at Brian, ?Ah haff ?eard yer name aboot, bu? haff ne?er met ye.? His name had been mentioned in the Inn, but this was the first time we had actually met.

Dimitri entered then, and looked at me, ?Alais? Are you alright?? He had been there with Karen and I in the end, and I dropped my head, ?Ah?ll ?eal laddie.? The last thing I wanted was to open this discussion up yet again, but Dimitri continued, ?I?m sorry I couldn?t have been more help.? The previous evening would leave all three of us with bad memories, and scars to bear from Vanion?s new Temple and followers.

I fidgeted again, hazarding a glance at Khirsah, ?Ye didst enou? laddie, ?t was enou?? He let out a dragon?s growl, disagreeing with me as he said that since the new Temple did exist, it was clearly not enough. At that point, I gave him a sympathetic look, ?We couldst nae stop ?t Dimitri, there were nae enou? o? us.?

He muttered, ?Yeah, I guess so, I?m going to try to bring that temple down from the inside.? He glanced at me before continuing, ?Going to live up to my destiny that Vanion sees.?

I shook my head, ?nay laddie, yer nae.? I could not see him following the path that Vanion worked so hard to convince him was his ultimate destiny.

I glanced at Khirsah, perhaps it was better for us to walk together. There were too many people entering who knew us, and I needed to know just how much Khirsah knew about last night, and to find out what had brought him out of Primordial Darkness to return to RhyDin, when even the war in the Isles had not been able to convince him to come back.

Sylus had watched us, but was speaking quietly with Xeno, ?what?s the best way to throw her over my shoulder and take her home without getting fried??

Xeno chuckled, ?I have yet to find that, myself.?

Sy frowned as he rose and walked toward us, and just as I proposed to Khirsah that we leave, Sy?s hand came down lightly on my shoulder, ?Alais, time to go home.?

Khirsah had just begun to ask me which road I wished to walk down, but his words were cut short by Sy?s proprietary action.

I jumped at the unexpected touch, even though it was light, ?Sylus. Ah?ve need tae speak wi? Khirsah taenigh?.? I was not prepared to give up this opportunity. He was angry, and his tone brooked no argument, but I was not about to return to I? Taurn alone, to be with the pain, and miss the opportunity to speak with Khirsah for the first time in a very long time.

?You should be resting, not up and cavorting about.? Sy admonished.

Khirsah was angered by the intrusion, ?I presume you believe you are her keeper.? It was not a question, and it boded ill for a simple end to this meeting.

I glanced at Sylus, ?Ah?ll ?eal ?ere, ?re elsewhere, forsooth,? Healing would not happen any faster at home, and there I would have time to dwell upon the pain. Then I glanced at Khirsah, ?prithee, which road didst ye mean tae suggest?? I turned the question around to see if he would give me a clue to which path he believed should be traveled.

Khirsah?s eyes never left Sylus, ?it would be wise for the young pup to mind his ways. It would not do to tell another what they can and cannot do, especially one of the Lady d? Nitesong?s nature.?

Khirsah had the truth of it. I had never responded well to being told what I could or could not do. And right now, with my nerves stretched taught as the wire of a piano, I could not deal well with being forced to do much of anything.

Sy looked at Khirsah, ?you can speak with him at I? Taurn while you rest, now we?re heading home.? We were what?! I was not ready to return to my home!

Sylus then simply scooped me up over his shoulder, ?Really Khirsah??

I had left the Emerald Isles with the aid of the dragons there. My hands did not burn as they had and I could see the start of healing setting in. There were things I needed to do in RhyDin, and against Khirsah?s recommendation, I returned to my home on Gold Dragon Way.

The night called to me though, and I found myself returning to the Arena, and thought I?d found an empty room until I found Cory sitting at the bar with a glass of bourbon in his hand. He tipped his Stetson to me, and I found my sofa near the back of the room, careful to keep my hands from sight.

As I asked Hubie for a glass of liquid fire, Cory laughed, ?Why dun?cha jus? ask fo? vodka??

I chuckled softly, ?b?cause Ah dae pr?fer th? wee bit o? orange, ?n th? Liquid Fire.? Then as Hubie approached, I whispered in Annaran for the glamour that would keep prying eyes from seeing the devastation to my hands.

Cory chuckled, ?Tha' sounds tasty. Bu' iff'n ya wan' the taste o' orange ya can always add a splash of orange juice.?

I gingerly curled my fingers around the glass just as Sylus arrived. He was wearing a deep frown from our altercation the night before, and he headed for the bar. So much the better, I did not want another argument with him so soon.

As I savored the taste of my drink, there came a rustling sound in my thoughts, it was telepathic intrusion, and began as a low hiss that only I could hear. <<?I pray you are healing well, my lady?>>

I quickly looked around the room for the voice, but all I could see were regular patrons and the corners cast in shadows. The voice was not from any one present. Then Imp poofed in, and flailed as he saw me, ?ALAIS!? He poofed into my lap for his traditional greeting, ?Hey babe! How?s one of my favorite womens?? I smiled thinly as pain exploded in my hands and arms from his enthusiastic greeting.

Cory called Imp ugly, and I laughed, ??ow couldst anna call ye ugla??

Imp grinned, ?That's cause they are jealous, babe. They can't handle my blue grandiousness.? He then licked my cheek before poofing back to his couch.

My distraction by Imp did not stop me from seeking the source of the telepathic whispering, and I followed the trail.

Sylus released a slow sigh as he drifted in his own thoughts, a finger was tracing some sort of symbol on the bartop.

In that moment, the current Overlord entered, and requested a duel. Sylus and I both responded to his request simultaneously, but it was then that the intruder?s voice lifted again, only this time in a friendlier tone, ?Do not fret my dear. You are safe for now. Enjoy the company of the living." What followed could only be described as a strained laugh. ?You are in the company of friends.?

I shuddered at the voice in my thoughts. I had placed that voice, and it belonged to the vampire called Obsidion. The one I had wounded 2 nights previous. Revenge it is said is a dish best served cold, and this vampire had revenge in mind.

I blinked as Sy waited for me to present my hands and shook my head, ?Nay, nae ?ere m?dear, nae ?ere.? He frowned, and then shrugged as he returned the container to his bag of holding. I softened my expression, ?Ah?m sorra Sy, bu? Ah dinnae wish tae r?move th? glamour.?

He said he understood, but his expression was at odds with his words as he took a seat beside me. ?If it?s not too bold to ask, what?s got you jumpier than a cat in a dog pound?? His words were overly solicitous, and I did not care for this shift in his dealings with me.

I told him that I had attracted a telepathic stalker, and he rolled his eyes, ?everyone needs at least one. This stalker have a name??

Obsidion?s voice threaded into Sy?s thoughts, ?You may call me Brother.?

Sy glanced around the room then, ?I don?t even call my sibling that, any other name I can use??

I gingerly reached for the crystal snifter as I answered him, ?Obsidion.? As my fingers touched the glass, they left a hint of crimson.

Sy leaned back into the sofa lazily, ?well now, this should make things interesting. Been a while since I?ve played this kind of game.? He looked at my hand holding the glass, ?At least let me take care of that, if nothing else??

I followed where his gaze rested and frowned, ?Ah mus? haff opened ?t whence Ah dueled.? But I did not permit him to touch the wounded appendage.

He shook his head and murmured, ?must have.?

The intrusion from Obsidion ceased for a time, but I could feel eyes upon me as we sat there watching the duels. Apparently Sylus felt it too as he leaned closer, ?Ohh, I?m really going to enjoy this dance, reminds me of my former life.?

A cold shudder whispered up my spine then. ?Ah?m nae enjoyin? this. Ah?ve neffer ?ad a vampire swear tae ?taste? me b?fore.?

He laughed merrily, ?I have, not something I recommend, though some enjoy it.?

I smiled then, ?bu? Ah didst wound th? creature soundla!? I could still hear his scream of rage and pain as the silver dagger had sliced into the shadows where he lurked two evenings ago.

Sy shifted subjects then, ?I know I've probably asked this before..but can I move one of my portable forges to the house? So I can bring some of my work home with me??

I canted my head at that and asked him how soon he had in mind. Several things went through my mind then, but foremost was why he wanted to do so now. Why when Ulysses has only just returned did he seek to bring his new found passion into my home?

Sy sighed, shook his head, ?Uh huh, Peter Pan said the same thing.?

I turned to look at Sylus, ?whom??

Sy pushed his glass aside, ?I?ll read the story to you later.?

About then, Karen Wilder made her way into the Arena. She was moving stiffly, and her right hand was bandaged, but otherwise she seemed none the less for wear.

Jesse and I were called to our ring, and I did not have an immediate chance to speak with her, ?that?s us toots, don?t worry, I promise I?ll take it easy on you.? His wry grin promised me that he would do his very best to best me this night. Jesse then cracked his knuckles, ?alright toots, let?s see what you?ve got.?

As Jesse and I began our match, Xenograg walked in. He was dressed in light blue, knee length topcoat with a yellow sash around the waist, brown trousers, and black boots. He also had a wide, gilt swordbelt that suspended a wooden scabbard as he greeted everyone present.

But Xeno?s joviality was dampened when Vincent arrived. Vincent, the man who was a member of the Temple of Divine Light, and had gone in against everyone?s feelings about that place. Vincent had greeted Xeno as ?The Liberator.? And Xeno had repeatedly asked him not to do that. Xeno turned away from him and walked toward Commander Wilder.

My duel with Jesse was taking more out of me than I thought it would, and as I panted for breath, I noticed several drops of blood falling from the hilt of Morvinyon into the sand. Sy had noticed too, and I quickly returned my focus to Jesse.

Sy rose and approached Xeno, ?I us, swallowed a bit of pride and apologized to her for going too far last night.? Xeno smiled, and told him it was a wise action.

I concluded the match against Jesse with a fast slash right through his fancy parry to secure the win, and quickly sent Morvinyon back into Oblivion. Xeno?s voice reached me through the haze of pain, ?Well done, Overlord, especially on the mend.? Blood dripped steadily from my fingers as I slid my hands back inside the robe?s sleeves. ?g?e?en Xeno.?

Both Karen and Cory sent congratulatory comments as I approached Karen for a brief discussion with her, and unfortunately intruded upon her discussion with Rena. I had not meant to drive off the woman, but it was imperative that I warn Karen about Obsidion.

Xeno followed and approached Karen and I as Karen told Rena that she had been shot in the hand, and received a couple of cracked ribs. Rena saw me standing there, and nodded as she moved away. I gave the Commander a nod, ?Mayst Ah haff a wee moment o? yer time??

She nodded, ?certainly.? Xeno and Sylus joined us then

The pain was abating, whatever Khirsah had done had eased that, and the ointment Xenograg had provided was helping as well. I could flex my fingers, though with pain, and the raw and burned flesh was filling in, though was not completely healed, and certainly would not support holding a sword hilt without tearing the mending tissue to shreds. I went to the Annex not with the intention of dueling, but with the hope of seeing Xenograg after he had some time to consider what I had told him about the rise of the Temple of Myr?Khul, and Vanion?s actions that night.

As I arrived, I headed for my old sofa near the back, and heard the object of my concern seeking matches with Warlords. I settled onto the sofa, casting a glamour over my hands before conjuring a glass of Liquid Fire. Sylus was busy calling, and I sat a moment in peace and savored the taste of my drink.

Xenograg must have felt my arrival, for he rose and moved in my direction, and I invited him to join me. He elected to do so, and as he sat, Lorance inquired about Queen Teleperien, whom I learned was in Eldicor, and unavailable of late. I asked him how things were going, knowing the Queen did like to keep tabs on what was going on in RhyDin, and he told me that the last of Vanion?s taint had finally been removed. I was very glad to hear that. I know she suffered greatly from the kidnapping and subsequent torture she had endured at his and Iggy?s hands.

Xeno sat with his glass, and leaned closer, asking softly how my hands were doing. I frowned and told him that the fire the vampiric Oracle had used had been magical, and very powerful, but the healing was progressing. He wondered if I needed another healing potion, or perhaps Queen Teleperien herself, but I would not impose upon the Queen for such a thing, especially since she had only recently been healed of her own travails. ?Ah haff used th' potion ye didst giff me, bu'...? I did not finish but rather let him see the extent of the damage to my hands, lifting the glamour for a moment. He frowned deeply as he inspected them, and inquired if Oracle was his title. I explained that I believed it was his race, before his taint with vampirism.

As the glamour settled once again over my hands, I picked up the glass, swirling the liquid a moment before asking Xeno how things had been during my absence. I had not had an opportunity to catch up on events in RhyDin, and I knew that Xeno would know the things of importance to share in a short period of time. He told me that too much had happened, and I lifted a sable brow at him, inquiring if there was anything I could assist in, but he shook his head, ?No, it is over.?

I gave him a puzzled look, ?o?er? Prithee, wha? ist o?er?? It was the way he had said it that gave whatever it was a gravity that I knew affected me in important ways, the question now, was what had transpired during my absence that weighed so heavily on his mind?

He sipped his wine a moment, then very softly, so as not to be overheard told me, ?I have dealt with Legendazona? permanently.? He took another sip of his watered wine. The fact that he did not call her ?Grace?, nor ?High Priestess? spoke volumes. The ghost and he had crossed paths once too often, and a frission of apprehension slithered along my spine.

??ow?? It was all I could muster at that moment.

His voice remained low, ?not in public. She pushed me too far, and I did what I had to do.? He reached then and slowly pulled his Rouwanwood scabbard from its belt suspenders, and set it upon the table before me. It was partially carved with runes and symbols, many of which I recognized, and there were three gemstones and a single hexagonal bronze disk. The craftsmanship was very nice, not the elegance of elven work, but finely crafted none the less, and I ran my hand just above the scabbard, testing the magical properties without actually touching the piece. I lifted my eyes to his as my hand approached the bronze hexagon. He surreptitiously tapped the disk and withdrew his and, casting a quick look around the Annex to see whom else may have taken note. My finger tips lightly touched the disk, and there was an instantaneous backlash. I distinctly heard the screams of rage, ?Let me out!?

Closing my eyes, I said a quick prayer to the Goddess, ?she willnae suffer?? I did not want my old friend to suffer, never that, despite her attempts on me, and my children. Xeno shook his head, other than rage at being trapped, Legend was in no danger, and he told me, ?Her curse was the inability to change, willingly or not. How could she be any different now??

I sighed, ?She was strong 'n 'er beliefs Xeno.? To which he replied that he had no quarrel with her beliefs, but as I learned form him, she had violated his personal sanctum, and managed to get to Barsi, with threats to his family. I understood now why Xeno had done as he had, and knew that Legend would be safely locked away where her vengeance would not surface ever again.

About then, Dmiitri walked in, and looked around. He spotted Xeno and I and walked toward us. ?Hullo there.? And I bade him join us, I did not wish to speak more of Legend?s fate in such a public place.

But Xeno added one last thing, ?I never hated her until after she was dead Alais. I pity her too.? That explained his use of her name rather than her titles, and I understood his pity. She had been unable to adjust, and her hatred of half elven beings had driven her to expulsion by the Goddess from the Holy Mountain, and she had chosen to vent her frustration on Xeno in my absence. I reached out my lesser burned hand, resting it lightly against Xeno?s fore arm. I knew he had not hated her, and what she had done was simply more than he could stand. He took the sheathed blade and scabbard and re-hung it from his belt, ?So, I have another legacy for Amanda.? He gave a shrug, but he was leaving his daughter with the potential for a very vengeful ghost should she ever be set free.

Vincent glared at me then, ?He's always been welcome to have it. He just needs to show the initiative.?

I lifted silver gaze to Vincent and simply shook my head, ?Ye've nae r'turned wha' doth b'long tae 'im as 'e hath r'quested. an' decency wouldst dictate ye dae.? The Temple held Xeno?s blade despite his repeated attempts to reclaim his property Vanion took a sudden interest in our discussion as he turned around to listen unabashedly.

?We consider the blade a sacred relic, and it would not be within our beliefs to part with it any other way.?

I gave him a skeptical look, ?'t ist th' property o' one whom hath nae gifted ye wi' 't. Ye've stolen property tha' doth nae b'long tae ye.? Xeno softly corrected me, advising that it had not been stolen, but rather lost in the battle. The Temple however had found it, and knew to whom it belonged, and refused to return it. To me, that was simply unacceptable. I glanced at Xeno then, ?Ye've r'quested th' r'turn, haff ye nae? Didst ye giff 't tae th' Temple?? I knew he had not gifted the Temple with his blade, and it was to drive the point home to Vincent that it was no gift, and holding it was unethical. Further they wanted Xeno to come alone, and that simply reeked of being a set up.

Xeno shook his head, it had not been a gift, ?They are not interested in the still-standing monetary reward for its return.?

Vincent sighed, ?The alone part isn?t really an issue. Heck, bring an army for all I care.?

Xenograg nor I were reassured by Vincent?s rebuttal.

?There ist nae reason 'e shoulds haff tae coome tae collect wha' ist 'is. Ye ken well enoug' where th' Dojo ist, ye couldst r'turn 't, bu' as ye haff said, 't ist a relic yer nae willin' tae part wi', sae e'en doth 'e coome, ye'd nae giff 't tae 'im, there ist nae point tae 'is coomin' tae yer trap.? I was weary of the Temple?s adamant refusal to return property that did not belong to them, and which had been claimed by the rightful owner. Xeno sighed, ?An impasse, as has been the case since the beginning.?

Vincent gave me a reason to laugh next, ?My personal assurances Alais, if he shows, he will get it.? Oh, yes, have Xeno walk into the Temple to claim his blade, and have someone run him through with his own blade! The Temple?s interest in having Xeno claim it himself simply reeked of entrapment.

I gave him a disdainfilled look, ?Ah didst trust yer 'personal assurances' once Vincent, ne'er again.? He had once said the same thing to me, just before he entered the service of that vile Temple. I would never again trust him. Never.

He chuckled, ?I suppose that?s warranted. Although, you still have my package I hope?? He had left me with a package that was safely stored away, but given his change I could not foresee a reason to remove it and do as he?d requested.

I turned resolutely once again toward Sy and Xeno, but was experimentally testing the fingers of my right hand. Xeno had finished his watered wine and rose, ?It is getting late, and I should get home.?

I bade him fair travels as he departed, and thanked him for letting me know what had happened to my friend and mentor. He nodded, ?She could not find you. She harassed me so I would tell her. She miscalculated badly.? All I could do was nod in agreement. He had done what needed to be done. Though it weighed heavily on his heart.

I frowned and picked up the glass again. Sylus and Vincent were exchanging words, and I began to think of returning home myself. Vincent claimed he had not kidnapped nor tortured, nor caused random chaos, but to me, vile is vile, no matter the wrappings.

Vanion how ever was not about to forget his challenge to me. He turned to me once again after finishing his glass of blood wine, ?So, the General is gone. Duel??

I took a deep breath, uncurling my fingers slowly and trying to cover the wince of pain before glancing at Vanion. ?Magic then?? I could cast, but not hold a sword. He shook his head. ?No, make me a Baron.? So, that was the reason he sought me for a match so ardently, he needed to defeat a Warlord. And I was his chosen target.

Dimitri perked up, ?Alais? What is going on?? I glanced at Dimitri and told him that Vanion was seeking a duel against me, and he paled slightly, ?Don?t fight him. He is going to do something.? Dimitri was adamant that I not get in the ring with him.

Vanion scoffed, ?Dimitri cannot make me a Baron Alais, you can.?

I raised a brow at him, ?Ye thin? Ah?d make ye a Baron?? He was very confident about the outcome.

He smiled slowly as Dimitri again told me not to do it. ?Well, you would be the magic number, yes.?

I glanced down at my hand again as Vincent spoke up, ?I say do it Alais. Prove him wrong. Get him worked up and smash his hopes for tonight when you win.? I bit my lip. I could not hold Morvinyon, let alone take the assaults I knew Vanion would be certain to dish out.

He smirked, ?Why are you hesitating? I promise I will not bite.?

I quirked a brow at Vanion then. ?Ye wouldst nae li' what ye tasted were ye tae dae annathin' sae foolish Vanion.? I had enough of the Annaran influence that should he indeed seek my blood, he would be in for a very nasty surprise.

He laughed, ?You?re right. You are far too old for my tastes.? His reference to his many slaughter of female children rankled, but tonight I could not meet him with blades in hand. But, my time would come, and I would seek retribution for those innocents.

I rose then, looking Vanion in the eyes, ?Soome s''prises 're best left as they are.? I would let him ponder those thoughts as I whispered in Annaran and departed for my home, leaving behind only a column of sparkling silver.

Confusion would be the best way to describe my thoughts and emotions for these last days; torn in four directions simultaneously, with no resolution in any direction. I pondered the irony of that, four roads, four choices, and the prime four directions that are used to praise the Goddess herself. Four cardinal directions my life could take. Four radically different outcomes depending on the direction I set me feet to travel.

I walked for some time around RhyDin, aimlessly for the most part, but ultimately I found myself near the Red Dragon, and it had been within the walls of the Red Dragon that I had met Ulysses so long ago, and again upon his return. It was there that I found myself seeking the table in the corner near the fireplace, and silently making my way toward it. I seated myself and curled up with a glass of Liquid Fire, content to remain solitary with just my thoughts for companionship, but it did not take long before I heard Artemus in the room. I glanced his direction, and found him with a woman he seemed very fond of. Good, he would not intrude upon my solitude.

Kairee arrived, and I greeted her, but other than that, had maintained my silence as I pondered my situation. The flames radiated heat, and inexplicably I needed the warmth they provided. It was not long after that I felt the presence of the Eldest. He made his way through the doors of the Inn, and his silk clothing whispered nearly silently, but enough to raise the hair on my arms, he was moving in my direction. I glanced up at him, he was unchanged from the other evening, with the exception that at his side was a sword that could only be described as ?ordinary? when everything else about the dragon was extraordinary. Very softly, I bade him good evening, and asked if he would care to join me, since his focus was solely upon me, he had not come for chat with the locals.

I heard Artemus explaining to the woman he was with that there were only three women in his life, one being his daughter, and then a surprise as he said, ?The other you've seen, That's my brother's fianc?.? I glanced his direction before once more focusing on Lord Khirsah. But Artemus? snorted then in response to the woman?s question, ?She'd rather fry me I think, :: I haven't always been the person you know me to be. I said things about my brother that I should not have...and I doubt I'll ever get the chance to take them back.?

Khirsah had moved through the crowd and made his way to my table as he took the chair I had offered him. ?goodevening, Lady d'Nitesong.? Always formal and proper with me was Lord Khirsah. Always.

Artemus shook his head in response to the woman, ?Be that as it may...my comments got a bell-ringing slap out of her. But a person cannot go through life without at least a few regrets. They come part and parcel with living.?

I tried to tune out Artemus then, focusing on Khirsah, and tried to remember if I had ever seen him with a drink, but could not recall that I had ever seen him ingest anything, and finally gave up and inquired whether he would like something. He did not. Then I commented about his continuing presence in RhyDin, and his answer sent a chill down my spine, ?there are certain.. matters.. which require my attention.?

I sat quietly studying the old dragon, ?Ye?ve changed m?lord.? He had, his coloring, his appearance, and even his demeanor has been altered by his time in the Primordial Darkness, but it was his presence here that seemed most out of character and place. Khirsah had seldom left the Emerald Isles in the past. And had gone into Primordial Darkness and could not be recalled. Why was he now here in RhyDin? What task did he see important enough to be here? I glanced at him, ?prithee, wha' didst 'appen tae ye there??

His expression didn?t change except for a slight quirk to his lips as his voice held an almost toying tone, ?Have I?? He remained otherwise impassive as he asked me back, ?what happens to one anywhere??

?Change? I answered. Khirsah did not usually answer straight forward questions. He was more likely to ask you a question in return. Make you think about your own question in another way.

He simply sat watching me, ?and why does one change??

That was a query I did not want to answer, and I shifted topics, ?Haff ye seen th? younger?? I had not heard whether or not Tass had ever found his daughter, and perhaps if Khirsah had seen Tass, he would have news of her where abouts. But, true to Khirsah?s view on things, the child had never been lost in her view. She knew where she was the entire time, she was only lost to us while she protected herself from Malchor and his army during their inhabitation of the islands. And again, there was that toying tone of voice with a hint of a smile twitching at the corner of his lips.

There came three knocks beneath the counter, and then the wood groaned as Braxeus arrived already seated next to Kairee at the bar, and I had to smile. They made quite a pair. His crimson stare shot my direction, and he nodded greetings before focusing intently on his lady love.

Khirsah had waited patiently, ?and of yourself??

I glanced quickly at my hands, ?Ah?m well enou?, thank ye.? My wounds were healing slowly, but they were healing. I would bear scars, and for elves, that meant the injury had been serious indeed.

I shifted in my chair, curling my legs beneath me, ?Nay, nae one o' mine roads. Wouldst ye tell me aboot th' Darkness m'lord?? He had astutely pointed out that Morrin was never was a road before me, and once more Khirsah was trying to get me to address the issue that had driven my restless feet here tonight.

?so what decisions have you come to, concerning these four roads?? He actually managed a smile as I had sought to change the subject, and I shook my head, telling him perhaps the road alone was the best road to take. He lifted a brow then at me, ?and would this solve the dilemma? or would it make it worse??

I pondered that, ?Bu' ye've seen manna more aeons thence effen th' long lived elves dae, ye mus' needs haff 'n opinion.? Perhaps he would give me some insight into his feelings, but he simply agreed that everyone has opinions. So I pointedly asked, ?wilst ye giff me yer opinion thence??

His lips twitched slightly, ?one is the loneliest number.?

? 't ist lonela, bu' ye've been tha' way longer thence anna.? If anyone could relate to many years alone, it was Khirsah. He had seen aeons and remained alone. When he agreed that he had been, I asked him ?sae 't mus' nae be unbearable??

He simply watched me then, and under his scrutiny I shifted, then he softly pressed, ?so still you are faced with four roads.?

I took a deep breath, ?Nae realla, Ah dae see three.? There was no point in thinking I could go through life alone. I had experienced the great joy of having my one true lifemate. I had had the joy of meeting someone who could touch my heart after a lifemating, but not my soul, and in Khirsah I had found a soul who could touch my soul, and that fourth road just did not seem a logical direction at all.

He simply said, ?I see.? And I gave him a wry laugh, telling him that I hoped he saw the right thing, and not the closure of a door.

He shifted slightly then, ?They are all such, in their individual way, which is right for you??

Artemus had earlier tried to reach me telepathically. He had used a gentle, questioning touch, but I had maintained an icy wall that I was unwilling to open to him. But now he tried again, with a bit more push, and with an inward sigh, I did the proverbial peek out the cracked door, asking what it was he wished to say to me. He began by speaking of rumors, and I told him then that they were not rumors, that in fact Ulysses had returned, and so he told me that it was important that I make the right decision for the happiness of all, and not just one or two and that I should speak my heart openly to all. This was easier said than done however.

I turned my attention back to Khirsah, ?Prithee, 'ow dae ye ken th' righ' road whence ye've nae traveled 't??

He told me that such was something I would have to answer for myself. ?Cruel, is it not?? The edge of his lips twitched in the parody of a grin.

I sighed, ?Verra, ist there annathin? Ah mayst ?elp ye wi? ?n yer time ?ere ?n th? cita??

He shook his head, ?it would seem you are more than enough to worry over.?

I quirked a sable brow at him, and he mirrored my reaction, ?Ask.?

?Ye've come fer me? 're dists Ah mis'ear tha'?? My surprise was evident as we sat there beside the fire.

He then dashed my hopes, ?I believe you misheard, Lady d'Nitesong, the road you are choosing.?

I had embarrassed myself, he was only here to watch over my choices. ?Ah dae thin' one o' th' roads ist verra challengin'.?

He nodded, ?it would seem each are.?

I sipped the drink, ?One more sae thence th' oothers,? and I watched him intently for a moment. ?'n one o' those roads ist th' least expected.?

?the one most difficult, and further in the future?? he observed.

?Aye.?

He nodded again, ?and for the other three??

I shifted in my chair, ?Ah dinnae see much o' a journey 'pon two o' 'em.? And he had touched upon the crux of the problem, the future, ?Ah, there ist th? problem.?

He asked me if it truly was, and I told him yes, for one of those roads goes off into the abyss of darkness, where I could not follow nor see beyond. He smiled then, ?it would seem a second has done something similar, and in fact, Ulysses had done just that. So two of my roads had the power to vanish into the abyss and leave me behind.

I laughed softly, ?mayhap yer right. Yer nae gae'in tae answer mine oother queries, are ye m'lord.? I finished my drink, and glanced at Khirsah, ?mayhap yer right. Yer nae gae'in tae answer mine oother queries, are ye m'lord.? Then lightly touching his sleeve, I rose, ?Ah'm gae'in tae r'turn tae I" Taurn, wouldst ye care tae walk wi'me a wee bit??

We left the Inn together and walked into the darkness toward my home.