She was flanked by two large, rough-looking humans with clubs in their hands and mean scowls on their faces. Shannias expression was set in confidence as she pointed to Odif. aJohn, Hal, make her put down my great-niece and throw her out!a Calmly, Odif laid Erica back in her carriage. Tickling the babyas chin again, she said in a musical voice, aIall be right back. Big sisteras got to kick some ass, yes, she does.a Standing to face the men, she gently pushed Art away and spoke in a more serious tone. aYou and your friends move over there for a few minutes.a Art backed up, shifting his eyes from the guards to her. aYouare gonna fight?a aIam going to teach them a lesson.a Odif moved away from Erica and waited. Shanni stopped. The men continued on to halt a few paces in front of Odif, sweeping her with their eyes. Neither had seen womenfolk who walked around in just a thin shirt and shorts, let alone a pretty one like her.

John motioned toward the gates, almost apologetically. aMaaam, we donat want to hurt you. Please, just go.a Folding her arms in front of her, Odif said, aYouare both handsome men; I really donat want to hurt you, either. Can we be friends, and you just let me wait for Jeni?a aGet her out now!a the woman yelled.

Hal glanced back at her briefly, aLook, Lady Shalenthansia wants you out. We have to do as she says.a aThatas right, maaam, you can come back later,a John offered.

Odif let out an irritated sigh. Raising her hands, she tried to explain. aI came to find my father, and Jeni Redman is my best lead right now. I am not leaving until I talk to her.a aIam sorry, you have to leave now.a John reached to take her arm.

In an unhurried motion, Odif grabbed his wrist and pulled his arm past her then tapped the back of his knee with her foot as she twisted his arm so it was locked straight up behind his back. Before he knew it, he was kneeling and looking at the ground, unable to move.

Holding him immobile, Odif asked, aMay I please wait?a aLet him go, maaam,a Hal said firmly. aWeare not fooling.a aNeither am I.a She stepped in back of her captive then let go of his arm and gave him a shove with her foot. As John dove face-first onto the ground, she stepped up to Hal. He tried to grab her only to also find himself diving for the ground.

Odif stepped back, waiting as the men regained their feet. aI really donat want to hurt you. Why donat you just stay down?a Both men got up, flustered and angry.

aWeare through playing with you!a John hissed. aEither you leave, or weall make you leave!a Odif snorted at him and shook her head. aI donat think so.a Both men came at her, striding side by side. She waited until they reached to grab her arms then she made her move. Spinning low into them, she kicked Johnas knee and elbowed Hal in the ribs. Passing between them as they stumbled, she dropped down and swung a leg to kick Halas feet out from under him. As he fell, she jumped up and kicked John square in the back, sending him flying onto his face once more. She backed off, waiting again for them to get up.

Shalenthansia was glaring at the men, flustered at their failure. aGet up and throw her out!a she barked.

Odif pointed an angry finger at her. aIf I have to hurt them, Iam going to hurt you next!a Art called out, aHey, Aunt Shanni, please let Odif stay!a Hal had gotten to his feet. Hearing Art, his scowl softened. Looking at her cautiously, he asked, aYouare Odif...the druid?a aYes, can I stay now?a Holding his scraped nose, John asked, aHow do we know youare her?a Holding her arms out, she spoke firmly. aPiorga Flammar!a Fire shot out in a stream just above the menas heads. They ducked, looking at her fearfully then bolted for the gates. Shalenthansia followed, uttering a mix of crying and screaming sounds.

Alone with the children, Odif went back to the carriage. She wouldnat mind sitting with her sister--it would be a welcome change of pace.

Some of the children went home, but others, including Art, sat near her as she held Erica and played with her. She was asked all kinds of questions, from whether druids really lived inside trees to if she really ate people. She was amazed at some of the things their parents had told them. Patiently, she told them what druids were really like and how they lived. Leading them to the gardens, she explained to their eager ears how living things grew and how each form of life depended on others. By the time Erica was becoming hungry and cranky, she was gaining a small group of converts.

Erica sat on Odifas lap, whining and sucking her fingers. Odif looked around for something to give her, but none of the plants near her were edible to a child.

aArt, do you know where Ericaas food is?a Jumping up, he said, aYeah, Iall go get her goatas milka and ran off towards the mansion.

aGoatas milk?a She was expecting something soft, but goatas milk?

A girl in a yellow jumpsuit grinned at her. aThatas what babies eat! I get to hold the bottle for my baby brother.a aWhatas wrong with your motheras milk?a The girl bit her lip, holding back a grin. A boy asked, aWhatas motheras milk?a The girl giggled and pointed to her chest, which got them all giggling.

Odif didnat understand what was so funny. Looking quizzically at the girl, she asked, aWerenat you fed your own motheras milk?a The giggles turned into laughter. The tallest girl, who wore a frilly white blouse and light blue skirt, blushed and lowered her head. The girl in the yellow jumpsuit cried, aThatas what goatas milk is for!a Odifas brow furrowed. She spoke a little more harshly than she meant to. aAre you goats?a The laughter died out as they saw her stern look.

aWell, are you?a she asked firmly.

aNo,a one boy said meekly as the others shifted in place.

aThen you should not be raised on goatas milk!a Slipping her hand up under her shirt to clasp her right breast, she concentrated on producing milk. The unused glands started to fill, becoming sore as they were suddenly stretched like lungs taking in air. Her breast became heavy as it swelled. She ignored the prickling pains and lifted her shirt, coaxing Erica to drink.

aGoatas milk!a she huffed. Smiling down at Erica she said in a musical tone, aYou donat need to drink goatas milk this day, no, you donat.a Erica began suckling in earnest as milk flowed from her nipple. Odif found the sensation pleasant, even satisfying. She was feeding a child with her own breast. It made her wish she were able to have a baby of her own.

But that was one joy she would never know; so instead of dwelling on what was never to be, she resumed talking to the children. They were gaping at her, clearly very uneasy.

aWe should go now.a one boy said, and drifted away. Others filed after him, and soon only the tall girl remained. She hovered for a moment, not sure whether to go or stay. Once the others were out of sight, she settled down by Odif, watching Erica intently.

aDoes that hurt?a she asked quietly.

aNo, it actually feels nice. Whatas your name?a The girl looked up. aMy friends call me Ali.a aWell, Ali, this is why woman have breasts; there is nothing to be ashamed of.a she said gently.

Ali nodded slightly. After another moment, she asked, aCan I try?a Odif suppressed a chuckle. aSorry, but no. Youare a bit too young. When you grow up, Iam sure you will have your own babies to feed.a Ali looked at her like she was about to ask another question then shifted her gaze to where the others had gone. aMaybe I better go, too.a Before she got up, Odif asked, aHas anyone ever explained things like this to you?a Snapping her head back to look at Odif, she said, aWe donat talk about private parts.a Odif raised an eyebrow. a'Private parts'?a Ali blushed again, giving a half-hearted gesture to her chest and groin. aYou know, parts that are always covered up.a aOh.a She got the picture. Alias mother thought it was rude to talk about basic life functions. The poor girl would probably be terrified the first time she had her cycle, and be even more so with her first boy, not having any idea what to expect. She wanted to go slap the woman silly for keeping her daughter in the dark. Ignorance never helped, and she had seen plenty of times when it hurt or ruined lives.

Laying her hand over Alias, she softly said, aAnything you want to ask, Iall talk about with you, okay?a Ali gave a shrug. aIam not allowed.a aWe can keep it our secret,a she coaxed.

A glint of gratitude shone in Alias eyes, a slight smile came to her lips. aOK, but donat ever tell Mother or Father.a aThatas a promise,a Odif said with a wink. aI donat know how long I'll be here; but while I am, you can come see me at any time.a Ali cracked a grin. She checked to see that none of the others were sneaking back then asked, aCan we even talk about boys?a Odif nodded. aWhatever you like.a Erica tugged at the bottom of her shirt, partially covering her face as she played with the cloth. In a few jerky movements, she pulled it out and down, concealing herself.

An excited cry of aMy baby!a came from the courtyard, followed by someone barking orders.

aAli, you better go tell them where we are.a Odif said as she pulled her shirt up. Erica grabbed one of her fingers and gazed curiously at it with one eye as she nursed.

Ali had no more than left when a troop of armed elves came into view led by a frantic-looking elf woman in a brightly flowered dress. Her head jerked from side to side as she searched the garden. Her eyes settled on Odif and she stopped in her tracks, extending her arms to the sides to halt the others.

The lead elf, wearing the dark blue clothes of a noble, stepped up beside her as he commanded, aWait here.a The elf woman slowly approached. Stopping just a few paces away, she said, aPlease, donat hurt my baby.a Gently getting Erica to release her finger, Odif said, aYou must be Jeni.a aYes, please give me my baby,a the woman said in a frightened tone as she held her arms out.

Odif studied her. Her bright blonde hair was offset by dark blue eyes that almost looked purple. With her slim form and well-tailored dress, she was quite pretty. She could use more muscle in her thin arms and be a bit more aggressive about getting her child back, but no one was perfect.

aI am not going to do any harm to Erica. I came to talk to you.a The noble elf laid his hand on his sword. aReturn Lady Jenasalinthia's child--or else.a Quickly scanning the group, Odif didnat see one that looked seriously threatening. They had swords and most had shields, but not one was armored.

aOr else what?a she snorted.

Jeni turned to the elf. aBelenaris, please let me handle this.a Shifting his gaze between Odif and Jeni, he nodded briskly. aTry, MaLady, but weall be here if she refuses to give up Erikenthansia.a Jeni turned back to Odif then noticed Erica was nursing. A blush came to her face. She reached out tentatively, stopping as Odif held up a hand.

aCan you wait until sheas done feeding?a Jenias face screwed up in frustration. aWhat do you want?a Calmly, Odif said, aI am looking for Eric Redman. I was told you were the last one to know where he was.a On her lap, Erica began to play with her shirt again. This time, she shoved it up to expose what she was doing to the men a few yards away. A couple stared, a few others grumbled and looked at the ground.

Jenias face softened. aWhat do you want with my husband?a aI need his help--itas very important I find him.a Shifting in place like she wanted to snatch Erica away but was afraid to, Jeni gave her a shrug. aI want to find him, also, but heas nowhere to be found.a Her voice sounded a bit strained as she asked, aWhy do you want to find him?a Odif had no idea who knew what about him and didnat want to talk in front of two dozen men. She wasnat even sure if Tayan knew he was alive. She nodded towards the men.

aCan they leave? I think we should talk more privately.a Jeni stiffened and glared at her. aYou come here, scare the wits out of my aunt then hide in the garden and suckle my baby. I demand to know right now who in the abyss are you, and what do you want with my husband!a Meeting her gaze, Odif spoke evenly. aI am Odif Longforest, and your husband is my father.a aYour father?a she asked breathlessly. aImpossible.a aItas impossible heas still alive,a Odif corrected, abut he is my father and I need to find him.a Regarding her for a moment, Jeni folded her arms over her chest. aHow do I know youare telling the truth?a Odif shook her head and sighed. aIf youare asking for proof, all I can tell you is my mother saw him two years ago in the Jude. One of my friends, Zit, told me about him when we went to clear hoarcs out of the Jude Fortress.a aThe place where Eric fought the black knight.a aRight.a Odif winced as Erica found a few strands of hair in easy reach and tugged. Rescuing it from the babyas grasp, she sat her up and started patting her back to burp her. Erica noticed her mother and gave a gurgle as she reached out for her.

aGo see Mommy?a Odif asked as she lifted her to Jeni.

Jeni wasted no time in taking the child and enfolding her in her arms. As she stepped back, Belenaris yelled, aNow!a Odif shot to her feet. Bringing her arms up to the sides, she concentrated on the insects of the garden. Behind her, a cloud of bees began to congregate. The first men to come at her would find themselves being stung on every exposed inch of skin. To her surprise, Jeni stepped in front of her, facing the men.

aNo! Stay back.a Pointing his sword at Odif, Belenaris spat, aJenasalinthia, she tried to steal Erikenthansia!a aI did not!a Odif gasped.

Jeni glanced at her then told the man, aBelenaris, if she really wanted to take Erica, she would have done it. Itas all right--thank you for coming.a It was obvious by his pose he didnat trust Odif. He moved up beside Jeni as if to protect her. aI am only looking out for you and your precious child. Iall send my men away but prefer to stay beside you.a Jeni shifted her gaze from him to Odif indecisively a few times. Finally, she said, aAll right, but whatever we discuss goes no farther, understand?a aAs you wish, Malady.a Turning to his men, he dismissed them with a wave of his hand. Glancing at the cloud of insects behind Odif, he asked, aCould you make your friends go away?a Odif let the tiny creatures go about their business. The ones that flew towards Jeni, she directed away. This didnat seem to relieve Belenaris--he watched her as if she was going to grab Erica and run. She sensed unease from Jeni, though she looked happier now she was holding her baby.

aDo you want to talk inside?a she offered.

Jeni eyed Odif, still clearly not sure what to make of her. aYes, this way, please.a Belenaris remained tight to Jenias side as they went into the mansion. Odif walked a few steps to one side, taking in the finely carved stonework and smooth marble floors. Although there was very little gold work, the wood and stone were polished to a glassy finish. They went through a large foyer and into a study that had high, arched windows filled with glass.

aIs this all yours and Ericas?a Odif asked absently.

Jeni glanced at her. aThis house belongs to my grandmother. We only live here.a aNo doubt the lady is awestruck by the finer things in life.a Belenaris smirked.

Odif shook her head. aQuite the opposite, this place is dead. It reminds me of the mausoleums in Paladnia. I prefer to be surrounded by living things.a Jeni led them to a half-circle of upholstered chairs near the windows. aPlease have a seat.a She sat down herself, cradling Erica on one arm. Belenaris took the closest chair to her. Odif went to the window and sat on the floor with her back to the wall, facing them.

aDonat you use chairs?a Belenaris asked.

Odif ignored him. Her position was defensive, should he decide to call in his men. aWhat can you tell me about where Eric might be?a aWhat do you know?a Jeni asked in a cool tone.

aI know he was here right after he left the Jude. Zit told me he had gone with King Alderlanas caravan when they started home. The caravan was attacked about fifty miles this side of Spring Valley. There were few survivors--Tayan was badly hurt and Lucinthia was killed. I tried to get more details out of them, but no one would talk to me. At the time, I was more concerned with Tayan...he took Lucinthiaas death very badly.a Jeni bit her lip. aAnd Eric?a aExcept for rumors, no one spoke of him. Based on what I learned of the attack, he should be dead, but he isnat.a aAnd how do you know that?a Belenaris asked caustically.

Odif studied his glaring face. She could not tell if someone was evil or not, since druids didnat readily define people as such. At the moment, she wished Amber or Frieda were here to tell her if it was safe to speak freely in front of him. The unnatural forces at work had to have many spies to deal such devastating blows. She could not trust he was not one of them.

aI know.a aSo do I,a Jeni said softly. aYou know as much as I do. How can we find him?a On her lap, Erica gave a kick and tried to get comfortable. Lazily, she grabbed Jenias collar. Jeni looked down at her for a long moment, lost in thought.

Odif got up with a sigh. aI was hoping you would know more. Thanks for your time.a She started to walk away and Jeni rose to grab her arm.

aStop! You canat go yet--how will we find him?a Odif looked into her stricken face. That was a good question, how was she going to find him? He was gone without a trace--even wizards needed somewhere to begin looking. aHave you tried a seer?a Jeni despairingly shook her head. aA few. One told me he died, which I know isnat true. Others had, well, not very believable explanations.a aDo you have anything that belonged to him--clothes, weapons, anything?a aYes, let me put Erica down and Iall show you.a As Jeni left, Belenaris sauntered over to her. aYou are very convincing. How much do you want?a aWhat?a Standing stiff-legged, he planted his hands on his hips. aLady Jenesalinthia has lost her husband. She does not need any more false hope from the likes of you. It is bad enough she pines over a dead human; I will not have you using her misery for personal gain.a She shifted her weight to her left as she turned her right side to him. aAny more from you and sheall be grieving over a dead elf,a she warned him.

Wearing a look of disgust, he snorted, aReally?a aReally.a Snapping her foot up, she kicked him under the chin hard enough to throw his head back and lift him off his feet. He landed flat on his back, out cold. She knelt down beside him and laid her hand on the unconscious elfas forehead. He had cracked his skull hitting the floor and a couple teeth would ache, but he would live.

aNext time, I wonat be so gentle,a she told him then followed Jeni.

She came in as Jeni put Erica in her crib. The baby swung her arms and made grabbing motions at Odif.

aNaptime, sweetheart,a Jeni coaxed, but when she made her lie down, the child kicked and cried.

On the other side of the crib, Odif leaned on the railing. aTry singing to her, it might help.a Shooting a glare at her, Jeni focused on Erica, rubbing her belly and cooing to her until she quieted down. It took a while, but eventually Ericaas eyes started drifting shut. Once she was sleeping, they crept out into Jenias sitting room.

One of the maids came in, looking worried. aMrs. Redman, young Lord Tolham has had an accident in the study. Iam afraid he is unconscious.a aThat Belenaris guy?a Odif asked.

aHis proper name is Lord Tolham,a Jeni explained.

aNo accident--I knocked him out.a Jeni gaped at her. aWhy?a Odif thought about explaining how pompous he had acted or how callous he was. Instead, she just shrugged. aHe was being an ass.a Jeni put a hand to her forehead as pain crossed her face. aYou canat just...knock someone out like that!a aYes, I can.a aNo!a Jeni said, flustered at her. aThis is not the woods!a Odif didnat have time for nonsense. If a man acted badly, he paid for it. aAre we going to find Eric or not?a aYes,a Jeni sighed. To the maid, she said, aPlease attend to Lord Tolham and give him my apologies when he wakes up.a aYes, Malady.a the maid said with a bow and walked out.

Odif had a seat as Jeni went to get one of Ericas belongings. What she returned with was a battered chunk of metal. At first, Odif thought it was some kind of art--the thing was bent nearly in half, splotched with dark colors and had holes torn into it.

Jeni handed it to her. aThis is one of the few things we found at the place where the caravan was attacked. Itas the chest plate to the armor Eric was wearing.a Inspecting it, Odif saw the dark colors were bloodstains. She wasnat sure, but the thing looked like it had been beaten on by vlaks. aHe lived through this?a she asked.

aI believe he lives. What about you?a She didnat see how anyone, even Glier, could live through a thrashing like that. Vlaks didnat leave people alive once they attacked. aOur wizards had a vision. In that vision, they saw three hammers. I donat think they know what it means, but I do. I believe it means three people: myself, Tayan and Eric. The thing that lives on the plains can be destroyed only if all of us are there at the same time. Since he has to be there then he must be alive.a Jenias voice sounded strained. aYou came to make him go fight this thing?a Odif looked up to see her gazing crossly at her. aPartly, yes. I also really want to meet him. By Tayanas description, as well as all the stories Iave heard, heas a monster. I donat think thatas the case, is it?a Jenias face softened. aNo. Eric is a good, loving man. He did what he did because that is what he believed at the time.a She looked at her hands as she rubbed her thumbs together. aAt first, I really didnat believe the things he did. Later, I came to realize it was all true. It broke my heart to think he was like...that. But I also realized he was only doing what he thought was right. He was not evil, he was misguided.a Waving a hand towards the room where Erica was sleeping, she added, aIn there is a beautiful child. A child that deserves a good father, and he deserves her.a Stopping to wipe a tear from her eye, she looked up at Odif. aWe need him here. I need my husband back.a The way she spoke, Odif had no doubt Jeni loved him. aAll right, but when I find him, I have to borrow him for a while.a aIs he really your father?a Odif nodded. aAnd Tayanas.a Nodding to the twisted backplate, Jeni asked, aWhat are you going to do with that?a Odif traced the ragged edge of a hole. aReal seers do not need hints, nor do they try to pump you for information to help make their vision. A real seer also has an aura about them. Iam going to take this to every one I can find. Somewhere in this city, there has to be a true seer.a aLet me come with you. I can show you the ones Iave already visited and help weed out the ones we know are frauds.a Glancing at the door, she added, aAnd I can help keep you out of trouble.a aGood luck with that part.a Odif smirked.

Chapter 10.

Odif agreed to wait in Jenias rooms while the elven woman saw to Belenaris and calmed down the household. While she waited, she explored the apartment. Besides the plush sitting room with its overstuffed chairs and polished wooden table, there was a bedroom with a large canopy bed big enough for at least three people. A small desk with one chair nestled between two closets across from the bed, and a wide chest of drawers sat on either side of the room. Noting the bed table had a folded letter on it, she went over and unfolded it then sat down to read it. The script was crude, like a child had written it; a few words were lined out and re-written.

Dear Jeni, I love you more than life. I ache for you every day. The scrolls you told me to study I do every day. I can read pretty good now. Every time I pick them up and look at them I can see you writing and rolling them up for me. The bag Arthur gave me is very useful. I keep everything in it under my armor. Sergeant Kelnac says we will be a few months getting to the border of Elrad. Tayan does not know I am here. We are in Old Castle right now. Not much has happened except for we pulled a woman from under her wagon that turned over and I ran off a few hoarcs. Sergeant Kelnac wanted to go back and tell everyone how good I did. I made him stay quiet. There was only eight hoarcs, and Tayan might find out I came with him. I want to tell Tayan how sorry I am about what I did to his mother. I know he hates me for it. I do not blame him for hating me. I only wish I can make it up to him. I have seen him a few times riding with the elves. He looks good on a horse leading the soldiers and I am very proud of him. We are going to stop again in a place called Spring Valley. I will send a letter from there. I will always be thinking of you.

Eric Odif felt a lump rise in her throat. This was a letter from her father. She read it a second time, and a third. The man who wrote this was no monster; he was the loving man Jeni described. He was a man who had feelings, good and bad, just as any other. He was a man of nature.

The third time she read it, she focused on his mention of the bag. Tayan had the bag he was found in. She remembered Entaurus had found what he thought were childrenas scrolls in it, scrolls that had the alphabet on them. She also remembered the painting they found. Tayan had told her who the people were--the baby in the painting was Jeni. Suddenly, she wanted to find Amber and root through the bag again. If Eric had it then maybe there was something in there that could help her find out what had happened to him.

aDo you always go through other peopleas things?a The elf woman standing in the doorway had slightly darker blonde hair than Jeni and her eyes were a much lighter blue, but she had Jenias facial structure. She stood with arms crossed over her chest and wore a dark green jacket over her lighter green frilled dress.

Odif blinked back the tears clouding her eyes. aYou must be Saur...enthansia,a she said, hoping she got the name right. Tayan had told her the name of the woman in the painting. aJenias mother, right?a aYes,a she said crisply. aWhat is this I hear about you being Ericas daughter?a Odif nodded and held the letter up. aI was hoping that this would tell me a little more. It has, but no clue as to where he has vanished to.a Saurenthansia gave an irritated sniff. aThat belongs to Jeni. I am asking you to have some common decency. If you have any respect for Jeni or Eric then please put that back where you found it.a Odif folded the letter and placed it back on the table exactly as it had been. She was in no mood to be snapped at but decided to hold her temper. City people were trying, and she would have to deal with them.

Clasping her hands between her legs, she said in a calm voice, aI want you to understand something. I do not want to start trouble. I came to find my father, and I will do whatever it takes to find him. If that offends anyone then so be it. I do not have much time, so may the gods help whoever stands in my way.a aWe have no intention of getting in your way. If you can find him then we will do everything we can to help.a Saurenthansia walked over and sat on the bed beside her. aJeni has been at witas end searching for news of him. Lately, sheas been taken with the idea she needs to go looking herself. The only reason she isnat running all over creation is Erica. Weave sent word all the way from the Sylvanari to Newburg and we have heard nothing.a aThatas pretty much what Iave learned so far,a Odif admitted. aBut I have to find him.a Saurenthansia got up, motioning for her to follow. aYou can call me Sally--or Sauri, as Mother does. Come meet the rest of my family; and if you would be kind enough, apologize to my sister for scaring her out of her wits.a Odif shrugged. aSure, as soon as she apologizes to Art for her insult.a Sally stopped and looked at her. aWhat insult?a Recalling the moment as well as she could, she quoted, a'If your mother would have stuck to her own kind, you wouldnat have happened.'a Rising, she added, aI have learned to deal with remarks like that, and so has Tayan. Maybe Art should be spared such insults from his own family.a Sallyas nose flared. aCome with me,a she said, her voice sharp, and strode out.

The ring of chairs in the study was full. Jeni sat by an elderly elf woman. On her other side was a graying human man with broad shoulders and a leathery, aged face. Next to him was Art, who sat by a well-dressed, stiff-backed elven man; and across from Jeni was the elf woman who had run screaming from the courtyard.

On seeing them come in, Art jerked the aging humanas sleeve. aDad! Look, I told you, itas Odif!a The stiff-backed elf shot to his feet, watching them approach with a critical eye. As Sally walked over to him, he said in a chilled tone, aMy wife has been assaulted by this...a Pointing a finger at Odif, he spat, a...woman! I demand she be arrested!a Sally moved around him and faced her sister, staring down hard at her. aDid you insult Arenthanas?a Shalenthansia glanced at Art then Odif. aNo.a she said coolly.

aLiar,a Odif growled.

The elf pointed his finger at her again. aYou be quiet.a Odif let the chest plate fall to the floor. aUnless you donat want that finger anymore, stop pointing it at me.a Shalenthansia gave the man a frightened look. aHoney, please sit down, that witch shoots fire.a aFire?a Odif asked malevolently, aWill fire get the truth out of you?a aOdif, no!a Jeni and Sally chorused at the same time.

aEnough!a the older elf woman rasped, striking her cane on the floor. Glaring at Shalenthansia, she said, aShanni, the truth!a Her neck muscles seemed to be working hard as the woman forced herself to look up at Sally. aI am sorry if Arenthanas heard anything he thought was...demeaning.a aI heard it from the other side of the courtyard,a Odif stated.

The old elf woman turned her stare to Odif. aHush!a Returning her gaze to the seated woman, she took a couple of labored breaths and asked, aShanni, do you owe Art an apology?a Shanenthansia studied her lap for a moment. Swallowing, she said haltingly, aI never meant Arenthanas to hear it. If I hurt his feelings, or yours, Saurenthansia, I am sorry.a Sally nodded slightly. Looking at Art, she asked, aDo you forgive your aunt?a Art forced a nod as he watched his lap. aYes, Mom,a he said dully.

aThen itas forgotten,a she stated. She turned to Odif, flicking her eyes briefly at Shanenthansia.

Odif sighed. Unfortunately, that would be the best apology either of them would get. Stepping close enough to see her face, she told Shanenthansia, aI am sorry for scaring you. I too, forgive you for what you said. I was just as hurt by it as Art was.a aThen it is settled,a the old elf woman stated. Looking at Odif, she said, aI understand you are looking for Eric.a aYes. Jeni is going to help me while Iam in the city.a As Odif looked at the old woman, she noted that her face had become paler. She wasn't sure what, but there was something wrong with her.

Shanenthansia and her mate rose, neither looking pleased that Odif was planning to stay. The man bowed slightly to the old elf woman.

aWe have other matters to attend to, with your permission, Malady?a The old elf woman nodded. As the pair left, Sally introduced her and the man next to Art. aOdif, this is my mother, Salinthia, and my husband, Arthur. I take it youave met our son, Art.a Odif noted the manas gray hair was lined with strands of dark, as if the color was trying to defy old age. He still bore a sturdy build and bright eyes. Envisioning him with a smooth face and dark hair, she imagined he had been quite handsome. aHello, Arthur, Salinthia.a Clasping his hands under his chin, Arthur asked, aWhat makes you think you can find Eric when no one else can?a Odif sat on the arm of a vacant chair and explained. aJeni is going to help me find a seer. Once I know where he is, it should not be that hard to go get him.a aOdif can tell if a seer is real,a Jeni added. aI can reschedule a few meetings to make time, and Iall visit the coach yards as we go through the city.a Salinthia reached over and laid a hand on her arm. aJeni, Iam sure what Arthur is concerned about is your getting your hopes up again.a She stopped to take a few breaths that started to become labored. aYou must prepare yourself...in case you can never find him.a aWe will find him,a Odif assured her. As Salinthia paused in her fight for breath, Odif saw pain briefly cross her face. She assumed it was the aged elf's breathing muscles giving out with old age.

Arthur flailed an arm at her. aHow can you be so sure? You find out he may be alive and come here, getting Jeni all excited. Weave been looking for years, not days--a aDad, please...a Jeni winced.

He ignored her. aYou donat see Jenias disappointment when a lead turns cold or rumors are found to be just rumors.a Leaning forward, he said, aI am tired of having Jenias hopes smashed again and again. I want proof you can do what you say.a Looking at the family, she tried to put herself in their place. They were city people; and from what she had seen, they had no option but to trust others. Apparently, that trust had been misplaced. Only in cities did she find people who were skilled at just one thing. This family most likely would be hard-pressed to survive without the servants who saw to their daily needs. Jeni looked anxious, which was understandable. Odif had no idea what she was going to find--maybe it was best if she did this on her own. Getting up, she scooped up the chest plate.

aI have to go. If I find anything, Iall be back. Tayan is coming; I would appreciate it if you help him gather an army to help us. He'll probably see your duke first then come here for support.a Stopping, she added, aOne thing is terribly important. No matter what, Tayan has to go to the city in the middle of the plains. I donat care if he has only himself and a bent stick to defend himself with, he has to be there.a Her piece said, she started to leave.

Jeni shot to her feet, intercepting Odif, aI have to come with you! You could use my help, and I need yours.a Odif frowned at the small woman. aPushy, arenat you?a Staring up, she said, aYou might be a great druid, but you know nothing about dealing with civilized people. If you go out there and bull your way around, no one will tell you anything. Iall take you, and Iall do the talking. We'll both get more information that way.a Her parents werenat going to appreciate it, but Odif figured Jeni had a right to go. She only hoped the girl was strong enough in case they found bad news.

aAll right, letas go.a Glancing back to Sally and Arthur, Odif told them, aDonat worry, Iall watch out for her.a Jeni called for a coach. When it came, Odif climbed aboard, noting the Redman name on it.

The city turned out to be a miserable place. Beyond the protective walls of the estate, the crowds were endless, as were the various stenches of rotting garbage, horse manure and sewage. The people seemed oblivious to the reek as they went about their affairs. Odifas nose started to run, and her eyes burned. The only winds were brief gusts that seemed to do nothing other than stir up more filth from ground level.

aHow can you stand this stench?a she asked, swallowing a gag.

Beside her, Jeni wrinkled her nose. aIt gets bad some days. Iave learned to live with it. There are good things about being in the city.a There had to be thousands on the streets. She noted a peddler with his wagon on a corner offering his wares--whole fish, a few fruits and bread loaves. How wonderful they must taste after being in this all day. Even the halshaken would not eat fish half a day dead, let alone one hanging in stinking heat.

aLike what?a aWe have plenty, there are always things to do, and we are well protected by the guardsmen.a Two of the guardsmen she referred to were walking by. They eyed Odif and whispered to each other. She didnat notice anything special about the; they were just men with armor and weapons. They werenat even paying close attention to what was happening around them. She bet that a hoarc could take them both out fairly easily. As for the rest, the forest had plenty, too; and she was never at a loss for something to do. Jeni had to be making the best of her situation. She didnat see how anyone could like this place.

Odif spent a grueling day searching for a legitimate seer. They found two Jeni hadnat already eliminated. Although they lived what seemed like miles apart, both had the same signs proclaiming their all-knowingness and had very similar dark and heavily curtained rooms in which the bandana-crowned women in voluminous dresses wanted hard coin before they could asummon their spirits.a It took Odif only a short time in their presence to realize the only thing they were all-knowing about was how to get peopleas money.

After their visit to the second fortuneteller, Jeni suggested stopping for lunch. By what Odif had seen of the city so far, she was hesitant to eat anything. As it was, she had a queasy stomach from the unrelenting foul smells. She needed a break from the odors, someplace where real air could find its way into her lungs.

Remembering that Tolina was built on both sides of the Jude River, she asked, aCan we go down to the waterfront for some fresh air?a She desperately needed a drink to clear her throat out.

Jeni gave her a queer look. aFresh air...at the waterfront?a aIs that a bad idea?a Jeni wrinkled her nose again. aIf you donat like this then youall vomit at how that smells.a Odif felt faint. They had fouled the river, too? aYouare kidding.a aNo, the sewers drain into the river. The city walls are built high on both sides to help keep the smell out.a aDear Goddess,a Odif whispered, raising a wrist to her forehead. She remembered seeing the fish for sale. They ate fish from...