Elfshadow - Elaine Cunningham [122]
"Gladly, but at a later time," Bran said.
"Just tell me one thing," Quentin pressed, "is Kymil Nimesin in any sort of danger?"
"Count on it," Arilyn promised in a grim tone.
None too gently, she ushered Bran and Danilo out of the room. Once they reached the academy courtyard, she turned to confront the Harper. "Why did the headmaster call you Raven?"
The Harper drew back a step, a little surprised by the intensity of her question. "My given name, Bran, is the word for raven in an ancient language of the Moonshae Isles. Why do you ask?"
"Hearing it just then brought to mind something I'd almost forgotten," Arilyn said slowly. "I trained at the academy with Filauria Ni'Tessine's brother, Tintagel. He carried the broken shaft of an arrow with him like a talisman. A tiny brand-a raven-was burned into the wood of the arrow shaft. Tintagel said it was to remind him of his purpose in life. I learned from one of Tintagel's friends that his father, Fenian Ni'Tessine, was killed by that arrow." Arilyn glanced up at the Harper, her face wary. "Was that arrow yours?"
"I cannot say. The name Fenian Ni'Tessine is not known to me," Bran said quietly. He reached back into his quiver for an arrow and handed it to Arilyn. "Is this the mark?"
She examined the brand and nodded. "Does it help to know that Fenian Ni'Tessine was killed on the second day of Ches, in the year 1321? The year before I was born." She spoke the last statement in a barely audible voice.
"No. I'm sorry."
"Perhaps this will help you remember: King Zaor was assassinated that day by a gold elf, who was in turn shot by my mother's human lover." She lifted her guarded eyes to the Harper's. "Moonstones are not commonly worn by humans, and the gem you carried fit my mother's sword. Am I wrong in thinking that you are the one who killed Fenian Ni'Tessine?"
"I did not know his name, but it would seem that you are right," Bran admitted. The lines of pain and regret that creased the Harper's face answered Arilyn's unspoken question, as well. Their gazes clung for a moment in silent acknowledgement. She handed Bran back his arrow, then turned away, deeply shaken.
Danilo, who had followed this exchange in silence, let out a long, slow whistle. "That means Bran Skorlsun is-"
"Arilyn's father." Bran said quietly. He turned to the half-elf. "I would have told you in time."
"You waited a bit too long," Arilyn observed in a faint voice. Her face hardened and she said, "But you can tell me why you had the moonstone."
"In truth, I cannot," Bran admitted.
"More Harper secrets?" Danilo said with a touch of sarcasm.
"Not on my part, at least," the Harper said. "A tribunal of elves from Evermeet and Master Harpers decreed that I must carry the moonstone until the day of my death, but I was never told why."
"Then let's get back to Blackstaff Tower and find out," Arilyn said flatly. She turned on her heel and headed for the academy's stables.
"A woman of action, your daughter," Danilo observed to Bran as the men fell in behind her. The Harper nodded absently.
A chatty family, Danilo thought wryly. A hint of a smile lit the young man's face as he contemplated the murderous expression he'd seen in the half-elf's eyes. To his way of thinking, Uncle Khelben had it coming.
They rode back into the city in virtual silence. "You wait here," Danilo instructed Arilyn and Bran when they reached the wall around Blackstaff Tower. "It's well past sunset, and Uncle Khelben expected us hours ago. It's probably been quite some time since someone kept the archmage waiting, and he's sure to be frantic. Give me a moment to calm him down." So saying, the young nobleman walked through the courtyard and disappeared into the solid granite wall of the tower.
After a few moments Arilyn moved to follow him, but Bran put a restraining hand on her arm. "Wait. It is difficult to use invisible doors without the guidance of a mage."
Arilyn shook off his hand. "I can see faint outlines. Secret doors are difficult