Rebel Fay

Then as they passed an enormous sycamore with large roots reaching from the bank into the river, Wy

"We are close to Crijheaiche," Leanalham said.

Wy

"How close?" Leesil asked, craning his head around.

Leanalham pointed to two broad elms.

Wy

Sgaile stood up when five long docks appeared on the shore ahead, with barges and smaller boats moored along them. Wy

From what she understood, they would enter one of the largest communities in all the elvenTerritories. But Sgaile did not appear nervous. Was he not worried about their reception?

He put two fingers in this mouth and let out a long whistle.

Kante stood in the barge's prow and dipped his pole into the water. All four of his crew around the vessel did likewise, and the barge turned smoothly toward the docks. Where the docks met land, no trees blocked the view, and Wy

The doorways in these trees were larger than those she'd seen elsewhere, and some trunks bulged to impossible size at their bases. She saw stalls of planked wood and shaped flora and colored fabrics. Inside these, occupants were busy at many kinds of work. One place appeared dedicated to the purification of beeswax. She heard rhythmic metallic clanks but could not spot anything like a smithy. There were fishmongers nearer the river, or the elven equivalent of such.

As the barge slowed in order to make harbor, a wild tangle of aromas filled Wy

For all the industry here, everything was still interwoven with the natural world.

Kante set his pole to stop the barge as four Anmaglahk trotted through the open bazaar and down the dock. Their long hair of sandy to white blond blew free in the breeze. None wore his or her cloak tied the way the few Wy

At first, only a few other elves turned and stared at the new arrivals, for barges landing here would be a common sight. From a distance, Leesil and even Magiere appeared to escape scrutiny. Perhaps their elven clothing obscured their true nature until an onlooker peered more closely. But a few eyes widened at Chap. Apparently, a majay-hl riding a barge was not a common sight.

The first of the four Anmaglahk to reach the barge's side was young, with blunt but prominent cheekbones.

"Sgailsheilleache, well met," he said in Elvish. "Frethfare hoped you would arrive by today."

He did not look at Wy

"Where is she?" Sgaile asked without greeting.

"With Most Aged Father," the young one answered. "I will tell her you have arrived."

"Has anyone seen En’nish?" Urhkar added.

The young Anmaglahk became rigidly formal at the sight of him and bowed his head in a reverent fashion.

"Yes, Greimasg'ah.She arrived two nights ago."

That one strange word eluded Wy

Sgaile nodded. "Have the quarters been prepared?"

"Yes, of course," the young elf answered.

Sgaile turned to Leesil, switching to Belaskian. "My caste has prepared a comfortable place for all of you. Please follow, but first… you must relinquish your weapons once more."

Leesil snorted. "You want to get us out of sight? Then where is my mother?"

"In truth, I ca

Wy

"All right," Leesil said, unstrapping his punching blades. "But I want to see this leader of yours, and soon.Today."

He held out his blades and his stilettos. Sgaile took them with a hint of relief in his eyes. Once again, Magiere was last to relinquish her falchion, but she handed it over without a word. Leesil placed his hand on the back of her neck, combing his fingers through her dangling black hair.

Throughout the community up the slope, and across the other docks, numerous elves in bright clothing went about their business. Wy

Kante picked up Leanalham's bundle before she could do so and held it out to her. The gesture made the girl fidget nervously, and she would not look him in the eyes.

"You have my thanks…" Sgaile said to the bargemaster, but trailed off, unable to say more.

Kante raised a hand in polite dismissal. "No need. You always have my service."

He offered his hand to Leanalham. This made the girl even more uneasy, but she took it as he helped her onto the dock. Leesil lifted the chest of skulls and slipped his arms into its rope harness. Osha and Urhkar handed baggage off to their newly arrived comrades.

As Wy

Before Leesil could strike, Magiere stepped in front of him, shielding him from any assault. Sgaile shifted instantly between her and the others.

"No!" he snapped. "Move on!"

The young anmaglahk looked at Sgaile as if he had committed some violation. Osha, who had always kept silent behind his elders, startled Wy

"He is bearer of the dead," Osha said in Elvish to the others."Leshil, descendant of Eillean."

The young anmaglahk before Sgaile blinked twice. He glanced once at Leesil and Magiere, both still poised for a fight.

"I beg forgiveness," he said.

"Attend your duty," Urhkar added flatly.

The four anmaglahk quickly took up the baggage. Not one of them said anything more.

Solid wood of the dock and then sound earth beneathWy

Wy

A way past the shoreside bazaar, Sgaile halted before an enormous elm. He pulled aside the door hanging and motioned them inside. Only Wy

"Be comfortable," he said. "You are safe and my caste will make certain of it. But do not leave this dwelling without Osha or another I designate. I will send food and drink as quickly as possible."

Leesil stepped toward him, and his mouth was taut in anger. Before he uttered a word, Sgaile cut him off.

"Soon," he said, and his expression seemed troubled. "You will speak to Most Aged Father soon. But heed me, Leshil. Do not leave this dwelling until I come for you."