There was an awkward silence for a moment, then Jander cleared his throat. ”Changing the subject a bit, I am glad I ran into you. I... I won't be seeing you after tonight. I'm leaving Mistledale.“ Rhynn's beautiful face fell. ”Oh, Jander, why?“ Her eyes brightened with sudden hope. ”Are you going back to Ever-meet?“ Before she had met Jander, Rhynn had known of Ever-meet, the land of the fair forests, the realm of magic, the true, paradisiacal home of all elves. It lay far to the west, a secluded island where only the People were welcomed. The evil dark elves-known as the drow-and elves of mixed blood were not permitted to tread those blessed shores. When Rhynn had learned that her friend had been born there, she was a little in awe of him. Jander had intimated that he was unable to return to the island for some reason. Now she hoped that, somehow, whatever ban that had been imposed upon him had been lifted. But apparently such was not the case. Jander shook his head sadly. ”No, not there. I would have liked to have had one last drink with you, First Lieutenant Rhynn Oriandis. I must content myself with a farewell here.“ His hand gripped her arm tightly. ”I thank you for your friendship. I will never forget you. Sweet water and light laughter.“ Without another word, he turned and strode off toward the Black Boar Inn, his cloak billowing about him. Rhynn opened her mouth to call after him, then closed it. Jander was obviously distressed about leaving, and she had no desire to embarrass him by prolonging the farewell. She herself was grieved to hear of his departure. She would miss the gold elf, with his wonderful tales, gentle humor, and sweet smile. Rhynn sighed, shifted in the saddle, and resumed her patrol. The time passed with little to break the monotony. Many dalesmen passed through the gates, calling out greetings. Rhynn stopped those she didn't recognize, searched them, and politely confiscated all weapons. No one protested; they knew their arms would be returned to them when they left the little village. An hour or so after Jander's visit, Rhynn caught sight of a familiar figure clad in black leather armor walking toward her. Again, Moonmaid started, stepping about nervously, and again Rhynn gently calmed the mare. ”There, there, girl,“ she said softly, her attention focused on the approaching man. ”Lieutenant Rhynn, I relieve you of your duty. From this moment, your orders are to enjoy yourself at the bardic competition.“ Captain Theorn planted his big hands on his hips and grinned up at her, teeth gleaming whitely in the dim light. ”But, Theorn ... why? And where's your mount?“ His smile faltered. ”Either Moonmaid's lameness is catching, or else they need to replace some cobbles on the streets. Snow Lady sprained a leg.“ As Rhynn opened her mouth to voice further concern, Theorn added reassuringly, ”She'll be fine in the morning. I thought since this was a stationary patrol I'd do it on foot. Now, you go on ahead to the Black Boar.“ Rhynn's delicate blue brows drew together in a puzzled frown. ”Theorn, we went over all this three days ago.“ ”Are you telling me you don't want to go?"
“Certainly I want to go, but fair's fair, and-” “That's an order, Lieutenant.” Theorn's booming voice, normally so jovial, had gone suddenly cold. Rhynn whipped her hand up into a salute. “Aye, Captain,” she replied in a coolly efficient tone. Theorn's words stung her, but she obeyed. Rhynn “the Fair” was nothing if not an obedient soldier. * * * * * Jander sat at the bar with an untouched ale in front of him. His thoughts went back to Rhynn's grisly discoveries. Wolves, he had suggested. The elf snorted derisively to himself. Would to all the gods he was something as clean, as simple, as a wolf. Turning his attention to the crowded room, he surveyed the merry scene before him with sad silver eyes. The Black Boar was lit dimly enough to be cozy, but not so dark as to be threatening. Smoky oil lamps hung from the rafters, and the fire at the end of the large taproom burned cheerfully. This was the stage area, such as it was. At the