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"I'm no boy," Baylee corrected, feeling defensive. The night without sleep on top of the fierce battle had left him feeling unbalanced.

"My apologies," Cthulad amended. "I meant no disrespect."

"None taken," Baylee said. He took a deep breath and let it out. "I'm not myself this morning. That's why I came out here to be alone." Soon after the morning service for the dead was over, he'd slipped away from the forgathering, getting away from friends as well as the watchful eye of the Waterdhavian watch lieutenant. But even here, in the midst of the forest, he did not feel any better.

"None of us are ourselves this morning," Cthulad said. "I had no wish to intrude on your thoughts."

Unable to feel comfortable saying anything, Baylee turned to the old ranger and asked, "What exactly is it that brought you out here?"

"I'd heard you'd lost Golsway," Cthulad said. "I was greatly sorrowed to hear that."

"Thank you."

"I trust you are going to search for the people who did this."

"Of that," Baylee said, "let there be no doubt."

The old ranger nodded in approval. "Spoken as I was sure you would. There are many among us who think we should provision a band and send them in search of the drow female who led the attack last night, tracking her even to the Underdark should it be necessary."

"I think that would be a mistake," Baylee replied.

"As do I. I said as much to the people who came to talk to me."

Baylee wasn't surprised that the justifier had been consulted. Of them all,

Cthulad was one of the most seasoned in battle. "A large group can be tracked more easily than a small one."

"Agreed," Cthulad said. "Which is how I was able to convince them that they should allow me alone to go in their stead."

Baylee shook his head. "No disrespect intended, but this is mine to do."

"I understand your feelings. My mentor was killed when I wasn't much younger than you are now. Hector Glayne was a brave, fierce man. As a warrior, I'd seen him clear rooms, just him and that axe he carried everywhere he went. He was attacked and killed from behind by two men he considered to be friendly to his cause, if not friends indeed. It took me three years to find them and bring them to justice for his murder."

Baylee looked at the man.

"Those people that lost loved ones and friends," Cthulad said, "need that same release you're hoping to achieve by finding that drow female. I've undertaken the job of representing their interests. That way they can get back on with their lives, trusting me to help them lay this to rest."

"I could lose you in the forest," Baylee said, "just as I could lose those Waterdhavian watch members."

"Maybe," Cthulad grudgingly admitted, "but I've been hunting and fighting men longer than you've got years…" He cleared his throat. "You are very good at what you do, Baylee, but exploring isn't the same as handling military engagements. It may well be that you could use someone with my experience."

Baylee thought about the offer.

"There are things you haven't considered," Cthulad said.

"Such as?"

"Calebaan, Lieutenant Cordyan's partner, has been keeping wards up against any who would scry on this area. Have you any protection against that?"

"No," Baylee had to admit.

"You're aligned, for whatever dark purpose we ultimately discover, against foes who have vast resources at their command." Cthulad regarded him quietly. "I'm asking you to let me help you."

Baylee, Xuxa said. He's right.

I know. But Baylee's own independent nature warred against accepting anyone he couldn't control into his sphere of operations. He looked back through the trees, at the fresh graves that littered the hill behind them. If I fail, I've no right to deny these people the chance to right the wrong that has been committed here.

Tell him.

Baylee turned to the old ranger and offered his hand. "I'd be glad to accept your help."

"You won't regret this, Baylee Arnvold."

Baylee gave him an ironic smile. "Let's just hope you won't."

15

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