Dragons of Winter Night - Margaret Weis [87]
“Why would you do this for us?” Laurana asked. “I’m sorry, Silvara. I don’t mean to be suspicious—but you don’t know us, and what you’re doing is very dangerous. Surely you could escape more easily on your own.”
“I know you carry the dragon orb,” Silvara whispered.
“How do you know about the orb?” Laurana asked, astounded.
“I heard the Silvanesti talking, after they left you at the river.”
“And you knew what it was? How?”
“My … people have stories … about it,” Silvara said, her hands twisting. “I—I know it is important to end this war. Your people and the Silvan elves will go back to their homes and let the Kaganesti live in peace. There is that reason and—” Silvara was silent for a moment, then she spoke so softly Laurana could barely hear her. “You are the first person who ever knew the meaning of my name.”
Laurana looked at her, puzzled. The girl seemed sincere. But Laurana didn’t believe her. Why would she risk her life to help them? Perhaps she was a Silvanesti spy, sent to get the orb? It seemed unlikely, but stranger things—
Laurana put her head in her hands, trying to think. Could they trust Silvara, at least enough to get them out of here? They apparently had no choice. If they were going into the mountains, they would have to pass through Kaganesti lands. Silvara’s help would be invaluable.
“I must talk to Elistan,” Laurana said. “Can you bring him here?”
“No need, Laurana,” Silvara answered. “He has been waiting outside for you to awaken.”
“And the others? Where are the rest of my friends?”
“Lord Gilthanas is within the house of your father, of course—” Was it Laurana’s imagination, or did Silvara’s pale cheek flush when she said that name? “The others have been given ‘guest quarters.’ ”
“Yes,” said Laurana grimly, “I can imagine.”
Silvara left her side. Creeping quietly across the floor of the room, she went to the door, opened it, and beckoned.
“Laurana?”
“Elistan!” She flung her arms around the cleric. Laying her head on his chest, Laurana shut her eyes, feeling his strong arms embrace her tenderly. Everything will be fine now, she knew. Elistan will take charge. He’ll know what to do.
“Are you feeling better?” the cleric asked. “Your father—”
“Yes, I know,” Laurana interrupted him. She felt a dull ache in her heart whenever her father was mentioned. “You must decide what we are to do, Elistan. Silvara has offered to help us escape. We could take the orb and leave tonight.”
“If that is what you must do, my dear, then you should waste no more time,” Elistan said, sitting by her in a chair.
Laurana blinked. Reaching out, she grabbed hold of his arm. “Elistan, what do you mean? You must come with us—”
“No, Laurana,” Elistan said, grasping her hand tightly in his own. “If you do this, you will have to leave on your own. I have sought help from Paladine, and I must stay here, with the elves. I believe if I stay, I will be able to convince your father that I am a cleric of the true gods. If I leave, he would always believe I am a charlatan, as your brother brands me.”
“What about the dragon orb?”
“That is up to you, Laurana. The elves are wrong in this. Hopefully, in time, they will come to see it. But we do not have centuries to talk this over. I think you should take the orb to Sancrist.”
“Me?” Laurana gasped. “I can’t!”
“My dear,” Elistan said firmly, “you must realize that if you make this decision, the burden of leadership will be upon you. Sturm and Derek are too caught up in their own quarrel and, besides, they are human. You will be dealing with elves, your own people and the Kaganesti. Gilthanas sides with your father. You are the only one who has a chance to succeed.”
“But I’m not capable—”
“You are more capable than you give yourself credit for, Laurana. Perhaps everything you have been through up to now has been preparing you for this. You must waste no more time. Farewell, my dear.” Elistan rose to his feet and laid his hand on