“At this time, I have been assigned the duty of ensuring all is safe in this area since our queen will be visiting soon.”
“Perhaps,” Jildarin said, “given the possibility of a curse, this wouldnotbe a good time for her to visit.”
“So I suggested,” Tassani said with a nod. “But she is already en route and looking forward to enjoying spring in the north.”
“The cursed north,” Rylana murmured.
Tassani's gaze returned to her. “You battled our kind in the war, but, as far as our records can tell, you did not act dishonorably.”
Rylana blinked, not sure what to make of the transition. “That was never my goal.”
“But the assassin of unknown origins… used treachery and stealth to sneak into our camps and leave slashed elven throats in her wake. Presumably, she was ordered by her cowardly commanders to rid the world of elves of power and political importance, those who opposed the insidious presence of humans and orcs in our mountains. No doubt, she gleefully carried out their tasks.”
“Sylin obeyed orders during the war, but I assure you that glee wasn’t involved. I don’t think she’s ever been gleeful in her life.”
Jaw set, Tassani looked at her without amusement.
“After a discussion with the elders, I’ve chosen not to detainyouat this time,” Tassani said, but a glance toward Jildarin made Rylana think her dragon ally was the only reason for thatchoice.
“I’m delighted,” she said.
“Do not make us regret it. One way or another, we will ensure thatassassinis not present in the city when the queen arrives.” Tassani strode between them and into the enclave, adding in a low voice, “Perhaps not present in thisworld.”
“Isn’t he a friendly chap?” Rylana asked.
Unperturbed, Jildarin led the way through the arch and into the park outside.
Sighing, Rylana jogged to catch up with him, though sheglanced back a few times, wondering ifone way or anothermeant the elves might follow her, hoping she would lead them to Sylin.
Jildarin delved into a pocket and pulled out another piece of paper, then handed it to her. “I also obtained this while conversing with the elders.”
“Chalora Lakewalker,” she read the top line.
“An elven plant master who uses her magic to create magnificent gardens for clients around the city whose projects intrigue and challenge her. She’s selective, I’m told, but we may submit a request.”
“Installing a garden on a rooftop with no soil and a troll-god curse in place ought to challenge anyone.”
“It was suggested that she might also be enticed by mushrooms and soup.”
Rylana returned the paper to him. “On the way back, I’d like to stop at a temple for the troll gods. If my memory serves, there are a couple in town. If you need to get back to start cooking up orders for your elven clientele, I can go alone.”
“Satisfying the elves is not my priority right now. Besides, since I cannot fly about the city, delivering the meal would require more long walks.” Jildarin paused to squat, then do a couple of hip circles. “I’ve grown accustomed to standing in the kitchen and moving about for many hours a day, but all this walking of late is not natural. What a slow, tedious, and tiring way to navigate the world.”
“Does that mean your legs are sore? We did have to walk uphill to get to the enclave.”
“They feel heavy with fatigue. As a dragon, I could fly all day without growing weary. If your wings do grow fatigued, you can spread them to glide for a time. Legs are incapable ofgliding.”
“Yeah, being a land-based creature is disappointing.”
“It must be infinitely so. How do you tolerate it?”
“They say suffering is good for the soul. As for the food delivery,I’m sure you could send Rolf on a bicycle. Though he would complain about the hill too, and he’d want to be tipped handsomely. Do elves tip as part of their culture?”
“They are more likely to share wisdom than money. Did the elder who spoke with you offer any information? She appeared to be telling a story rather than interrogating you.”
“She offered… a story, yes.History. Maybe more than I wanted to know. She also suggested talking with trolls to find out what they leave for their gods as offerings. Maybe, if we get some specific items that the troll deities love, I can take them over to the castle and set them on the pedestal. From what she suggested, the chamber under the castle might not only be the remains ofatroll temple but one of the first in our area.”
“Perhaps there will be trolls at the temple you desire to visit in the city, and they can advise you.”
