Elfshadow - Elaine Cunningham [70]
The young man looked a little chagrined. "No, but my sense of chivalry certainly is. There was but one bed, and I had it. The chamber was very dark, and I suppose the assassin presumed that a gentleman would take the floor."
"I see. You're all right now?"
"I didn't get much of the poison. If you're through, I have a few quick questions." Danilo leveled his gaze on Khelben. "Why are you so concerned with Arilyn's sword? What does it have to do with this assassin?"
"It is possible that there is no connection," Khelben admitted. "Given the sword's history, however, it was something that I could not ignore."
"I think it is time for a history lesson. In more ways than one, I have a personal interest in this." The young man spoke quietly, but he held up his branded palm for Khelben to see. "But please, make it quick."
Khelben nodded. "Yes, it's time you knew." He passed one hand over his salt-and-pepper hair and took a deep breath.
"Before you were born, Arilyn's parents inadvertently used the magic of the sword to open a portal between these mountains and the elven kingdom of Evermeet. The damnable gate stayed open, and the best any of us could do was obscure it and move it elsewhere. The elves ordered Z'beryl to dismantle the sword. Arilyn's father took the magic moonstone away with him. As it is today, the moonblade carries potent magic. Restored, it could be used to unveil the gate to Evermeet."
Khelben concluded his terse recitation with a sigh. "So there it is. If there was a chance that someone knew of this gate and was after Arilyn for her sword, we had to know about it."
"I see," Danilo said, though his mind was racing through all that Khelben had told him. Given the fabled riches of the elven kingdom of Evermeet, an open portal would be an invitation to plunder. The elves of Evermeet were fiercely reclusive, and the island was guarded by the powerful elven navy of Queen Amlauruil, by lethal coral reefs, by hosts of mysterious sea creatures allied with the elves, and by ever-shifting energy fields that could reduce an invading ship to ashes and seafoam. In comparison to these defenses, any guard that could be posted at the magic portal would seem a small obstacle. Secrecy was the best protection for the gate to Evermeet, for if knowledge of this portal spread, the last stronghold of the elves would be compromised and the very existence of the dwindling race threatened. Danilo wondered how Arilyn would react to the knowledge that she was in part the keeper of the elven kingdom.
"By the way," Danilo added, "why didn't you tell me that Arilyn was elven?"
"A half-elf. Her father was human, more or less." Khelben said. "Whenever I see her, she's usually passing as human."
"Indeed. She was a Sembian courtesan when we met. Great disguise," Danilo reminisced with a grin. "I managed to recognize her from Rafe Silverspur's ring, and, believe it or not, from your portrait."
Khelben smiled sourly at his nephew's good-natured insult. "Which reminds me: according to your mother, my esteemed brother-in-law is none too happy with his 'shiftless son' for taking off with 'some fancy pleasure girl.' You might check in with him when time permits."
"Another lecture from dear father. The gods know I've been such a disappointment to him," Danilo drawled flippantly.
Khelben eyed the young man keenly, sensing a new note in his act. "Thinking of quitting?"
"What, being a disappointment?"
"No. Playing the fool in the service of the Harpers."
Danilo shrugged. "What options do I have?"
"There are always options," Khelben asserted. "After this assignment, if you like, come out in the open. You're a good agent. The Harpers would surely welcome you."
Danilo stood to go, his face more reflective that Khelben had ever seen it. "You know, Uncle, I just might take you up on that."
Moving swiftly through the magic door, Danilo left Blackstaff Tower, mounted his horse, and sped back