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“I don’t know!” Tika snapped. “Just that Caramon’s making a fool of himself. Look at the big ox. You’d think he’d never seen a woman before.”

“She is pretty,” Tas said. “Different from you, Tika. She’s slender and she walks like a tree bending in the wind and—”

“Oh, shut up!” Tika snapped furiously, giving Tas a shove that nearly knocked him down.

Tasslehoff gave her a wounded glance, then walked over to stand beside Tanis, determined to keep near the half-elf until he figured out what was going on.

“I welcome you to Qualinost, honored guests,” Laurana said shyly, in a voice that was like a clear stream rippling among the trees. “Please follow me. The way is not far, and there is food and drink and rest at the end.”

Moving with childlike grace, she walked among the companions who parted for her as the elves had done, all of them staring at her admiringly. Laurana lowered her eyes in maidenly modesty and self-consciousness, her cheeks flushing. She looked up only once, and that was as she passed Tanis—a fleeting glance, that only Tanis saw. His face grew troubled, his eyes darkened.

The companions left the Tower of the Sun, waking Fizban as they departed.

6

Tanis and Laurana.

Laurana led them to a sun-dappled grove of aspens in the very center of the city. Here, though surrounded by buildings and streets, they seemed to be in the heart of a forest. Only the murmurings of a nearby brook broke the stillness. Laurana, gesturing toward fruit trees among the aspens, told the companions to pick and eat their fill. Elfmaids brought in baskets of fresh, fragrant bread. The companions washed in the brook, then returned to relax on soft moss beds to revel in the silent peacefulness around them.

All except Tanis. Refusing food, the half-elf wandered around the grove, absorbed in his own thoughts. Tasslehoff watched him closely, eaten alive by curiosity.

Laurana was a perfect, charming hostess. She made certain everyone was seated and comfortable, speaking a few words to each of them.

“Flint Fireforge, isn’t it?” she said. The dwarf flushed with pleasure. “I still have some of the wonderful toys you made me. We have missed you, these many years.”

So flustered he couldn’t talk, Flint plopped down on the grass and gulped down a huge mug of water.

“You are Tika?” Laurana asked, stopping by the barmaid.

“Tika Waylan,” the girl said huskily.

“Tika, what a pretty name. And what beautiful hair you have,” Laurana said, reaching out to touch the bouncy red curls admiringly.

“Do you think so?” Tika said, blushing, seeing Caramon’s eyes on her.

“Of course! It is the color of flame. You must have a spirit to match. I heard how you saved my brother’s life in the Inn, Tika. I am deeply indebted to you.”

“Thank you,” Tika answered softly. “Your hair is real pretty, too.”

Laurana smiled and moved on. Tasslehoff noticed, however, that her eyes constantly strayed to Tanis. When the halfelf suddenly threw down an apple and disappeared into the trees, Laurana excused herself hurriedly and followed.

“Ah, now I’ll find out what’s going on!” Tas said to himself. Glancing around, he slipped after Tanis.

Tas crept along the winding trail among the trees and suddenly came upon the half-elf standing beside the foaming stream alone, tossing dead leaves into the water. Seeing movement to his left, Tas quickly crouched down into a clump of bushes as Laurana emerged from another trail.

“Tanthalas Quisif nan-Pah!” she called.

As Tanis turned at the sound of his elven name, she flung her arms around his neck, kissing him. “Ugh,” she said teasingly, pulling back. “Shave off that horrible beard. It itches! And you don’t look like Tanthalas anymore.”

Tanis put his hands to her waist and gently pushed her away. “Laurana—” he began.

“No, don’t be mad about the beard. I’ll learn to like it, if you insist,” Laurana pleaded, pouting. “Kiss me back. No? Then I’ll kiss you until you cannot help yourself.” She kissed him again until finally Tanis broke free of her grip.

“Stop it, Laurana,