Elfshadow

"Where are we going now?" the dandy asked in a voice heavy with weary resignation.

"To see Elaith Craulnobur."

Suddenly energized, Danilo leaped up from the table and followed the half-elf out of the tavern. "Arilyn, this is not a good idea. He isn't going to like what you've got to say, and they don't call him the Serpent without good cause."

"I've been called worse."

Danilo grabbed her arm and spun her around to face him. "Wait! I've got a better idea. Why don't we just turn the elf in to the authorities?"

"On what proof?"

That stopped him. "Well, what about those two men? Barth and Hamit? They both were murdered, one by magic and one by a dagger."

Arilyn pulled away from the nobleman's grasp and started purposefully back toward Adder Lane. "There is nothing to prove that Elaith Craulnobur was responsible for the death of those men."

Danilo threw up his hands. "What would convince you? A signed confession?"

"Enough!" She snapped, stabbing a finger at him. "I've no time to argue. I'm going. You can come or not as you choose. If you're afraid, stay here."

Danilo sniffed disdainfully. "I'm not afraid of the elf, but I dislike being associated with such a scoundrel."

"You're with a suspected assassin," she pointed out.

"Ah, but there's a world of difference, my dear," Danilo returned with a smug grin. He fell in beside Arilyn, his polished boots clicking along the stone streets as he kept pace with her. "Different planes, altogether. An assassin is colorful, and therefore, almost respectable. At any rate, this adventure shall make for a most interesting song."

"Ever the bard," she mocked.

"I just hope I live long enough to sing this tale," he commented lightly.

There was more than enough truth in his jest to make Arilyn wince. "You've endeavored to deliver my shadow back to me, for which I thank you," she said. "Please do not feel obliged to stay on my account."

"You seem to forget that I, too, have a stake in finding this assassin," Danilo reminded her. "He tried to kill me once, you know. It could well be that he's the persistent type."

"You've run from the assassin already," Arilyn said. "Suddenly you're eager to confront him?"

"Actually," Danilo admitted, "no. I was hoping to be around when you caught up with him. It should be quite a show." At Arilyn's derisive sniff, he added defensively, "Well, someone has to be there to record the event for generations yet unborn. Can you think of a better means than a ballad, or a person better suited to the task than myself?"

"Yes."

For once, Arilyn's words seemed to pierce the noble's inch-thick hide. Looking thoroughly insulted, Danilo subsided into silence and allowed the half-elf to tend to business. Quickly they retraced their steps to Adder Lane, pushing through crowds and weaving through the vendors and street entertainers that had cropped up everywhere like mushrooms after a summer rain. When they reached Elaith's tavern, they were greeted by the new sign that hung over the doorway.

"The Hidden Blade, eh?" Danilo murmured. "Very reassuring."

Arilyn did not bother to respond. She stalked through the tavern-this time Elaith's giant doorkeeper did not attempt to hinder her-and threw open the door to the elf's office. He was at his desk, going through what appeared to be bills of lading, and he looked up at the intruders with a chilling glare. Immediately his handsome face arranged itself in a smile of surprised welcome.

Without saying a word Arilyn tossed the snuffbox onto his desk. Elaith gave it a brief glance and said mildly, "Oh, so that's where it went. Do you mind if I ask where you found it?"

"Do you know a man named Barth?" Arilyn said.

"Yes. I rather thought Barth had stolen it from me. He was inordinately fond of snuff and not at all happy with his partner for selling the snuffbox. Barth is dead, I take it?"

"Very."

"Good. I paid a considerable sum for the spell that killed him. It's always reassuring to know that one's money was well spent."

Arilyn exhaled deeply, disconcerted by the elf's revelation. "You had him enspelled to die if he tried to reveal your name. Why?"

"My dear, I should think that would be obvious. One must occasionally employ a man such as Barth, but it is hardly in good form to advertise the fact."

"Appearances must be maintained," Danilo noted without a hint of sarcasm, though the others ignored him.

"Why was Barth following me?" Arilyn demanded.

"It's rather a long story," Elaith said. "Won't you have a seat?"

"No."

"As you will. I believe you're acquainted with a man named Harvid Beornigarth?"

Arilyn straightened and folded her arms. "Sort of."

"I've employed him and his men in the past, on such occasions when finesse is not essential. Several months ago I heard him ranting about an 'elf-wench' who fought with a two-handed grip. He vowed to find you and settle some imaginary score. Since I was curious to learn more about you, I sent along a man of my own with his band."

"Barth."

"Of course."

Arilyn placed both hands on Elaith's desk and leaned forward, her face full of quiet menace. "Why?" she repeated.

Elaith was silent for a moment. "I knew only one etriel who fought that way. I thought that you might be Z'beryl."

Arilyn recoiled. Nothing could have prepared her for that answer. She was dimly aware than Danilo's arm had circled her waist, that he was guiding her into a chair. "I think you'd better tell me what this is about," she said in a dazed tone.

Elaith Craulnobur rose and walked to a window. He laced his long-fingered hands behind his back and gazed into the alley as if the answers to his past might be written there. "I grew up with Z'beryl on the island of Evermeet. We are related, although distantly. Many years ago we completely lost touch."

"I don't suppose you can support any of this," Danilo said from his usual place behind Arilyn.

The elf shot a sidelong glance at the dandy. "Of course. I anticipated that Arilyn would be back, and I had certain items brought here to me." He glided over to a wall safe and deftly opened it, taking out two silk-wrapped objects. The first he unwrapped and handed to Arilyn.

A small cry escaped the half-elf. She cradled the small oval frame in both hands, unable to look away from it. Danilo leaned down over her shoulder.

"Your mother?"

Arilyn could only nod. The portrait showed a young moon elf maiden, not quite a mature etriel, with long braids of sapphire silk and gold-flecked blue eyes. Beside her was a younger, happier version of Elaith Craulnobur. Both were dressed in ceremonial robes of silver and cobalt blue-betrothal robes? Arilyn raised incredulous eyes to the moon elf. His answering smile held an ancient sadness.

"There is also this," Elaith said, unwrapping an ornate sword and laying it on the table before Arilyn. Runes ran the length of the blade, and a white, blue-flecked stone gleamed in its hilt.

"That's a moonblade!" Danilo burst out, pointing.

"Don't be so surprised, young man. These swords are not all that uncommon to my people. I know many who either carry or own them, although admittedly most of these elves live far away, either on Evermeet or in the far reaches of the Dales, near the old site of Myth Dra

"You do not carry the moonblade?" Arilyn asked Elaith.

"That is so."

"I thought that elf and blade could not be separated," she said.

"While that is usually the case, this particular one is dormant. Whatever magic it once held is lost."

Arilyn's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure I understand."

"Z'beryl didn't tell you about moonblades? No, I see that she did not." Elaith leaned against the edge of the table and folded his arms. "Many centuries past, the first moonblade was elvencrafted in Myth Dra