Barb Hendee - Rebel Fay

The doorway curtain bulged aside, and Brot'an stepped in. He immediately settled on the floor with a long slow breath. He looked so openly distressed, it unnerved Leesil.

Leesil would never understand this man's ever-twisting motives, but Brot'an had stood up for Magiere when no one else would or could. Grudgingly, Leesil was grateful, though he'd never say so to Brot'an's face.

"What's wrong?" Leesil asked.

"I have failed," Brot'an said flatly.

"Most Aged Father lost, and Magiere is safe," Leesil said.

"Safe?" Brot'an shook his head. "They did not even suggest replacing him, after seeing him… hearing him. The elders gathered to question why he allowed you safe passage, but he told them his decision was an internal matter directly related to the safety of our people."

He paused, as if not believing his own words.

"Some are still troubled that he allowed humans into our land, but they will not consider that he is unfit. Age is too much a virtue among my people."

A low throaty chuckle escaped Brot'an's lips. It sounded wrong coming from such a man.

"You mean Most Aged Father?" Magiere asked.

"All of you will be forced to leave tomorrow," Brot'an continued, running a hand over his scarred face. "Be ready by first light. At least Glean-neohkan'thva had the foresight to speak up and gain you a barge downriver to Ghoivne Ajhajhe. From there, you will be given safe passage by sea-the first humans to step foot on one of our ships. You will not need to cross the mountains again."

Leesil crouched down. "What?"

Brot'an looked at him with a saddened expression. "The elders are resolved. The claim against Magiere may be dismissed, but your presence will no longer be tolerated."

Wynn came closer, settling near Magiere.

"We can't leave," Magiere said. "Leesil hasn't even spoken for Nein'a. If he's now recognized as one of you, he has a right to-"

The doorway curtain lifted again, and Sgaile peered inside. He looked harried and exhausted. Leesil's cloak was draped over his arm.

"Leshiarelaohk," he said. "Your property is-"

"Don't call me that," Leesil warned. "It's not my name."

Sgaile sighed. "Your property is restored. I have brought your gear and blades… and Magiere's sword and dagger."

"Come in," Leesil said a little less sharply.

He didn't care for how that name implied he was one of them, but Sgaile only followed custom in using it, the same as with all of his people. And

Leesil wanted to hear another view on what had happened at the council. Of anyone he'd met in this land, Sgaile was the most trustworthy.

Sgaile shook his head, his tangled white-blond hair swaying. "I cannot stay. Grandfather and Leanalham leave at dawn. There is much to do, but if you would, come tonight to the third oak upriver from the docks and say your farewell. Leanalham has been comforted in meeting you."

Leesil chose not to press for his views on the council. Sgaile clearly believed this entire matter was finished.

"Tell Leanalham that I'll try," Leesil lied.

Sgaile set the gear inside the door and was about to depart.

"Send Leanalham for naming," Leesil said. "If that's something she still wants. There's no reason to keep her from it anymore. She can reach hallowed ground, if I did."

Sgaile didn't reply and slipped out. Leesil picked up his blades and began strapping them on.

"What are you doing?" Brot'an asked.

"I'm going to have a talk with Most Aged Father." He tossed Magiere her falchion. "Care to join me?"

She caught the sword and stood up.

"No more brash foolishness!" Bro'tan said. "Anythreats, and you will be killed. I have been considering another tactic… though it may cause unpredictable changes for my caste."

"What tactic?" Wynn asked. "What more could you do?"

Brot'an's eyes shifted several times in indecision. "Remain here until I return."

"What are you up to now?" Leesil asked.

"I will speak with Most Aged Father myself. It should not take long."

Leesil locked eyes with Magiere, and she nodded at him.

"All right," he agreed.

Dusk settled as Brot'an'duive headed for the massive oak. He did not call out for permission to enter and descended the stairs. Before he could enter the central root chamber, Frethfare stepped out and grew angry at the sight of him.

"Father has not sent for you."

"Leave," he whispered, stepping straight at her.

Frethfare's eyes narrowed.

He did not try to push past her but stopped short, waiting before the chamber's doorway so that Most Aged Father could see him.

"I would speak with you alone," Brot'an'duive called. "Please send your Covarleasa away."

The ancient leader reclined limply in his cradle of living wood, still shrouded in the same wrap he had worn to the gathering. His eyes were half-closed in weariness, but they opened fully at the sight of Brot'an'duive.

"I have no interest in the demands of a traitor," Most Aged Father said. "I will deal with you soon enough."

"Send Frethfare out," Brot'an'duive repeated. "You will have interest in what I say… to you alone."

Most Aged Father stared at him long, then slightly raised one hand. "Leave us, daughter."

"Father-" Frethfare began in alarm.

"Go!"

Frethfare turned a warning eye upon Brot'an'duive before she stepped around him. Brot'an'duive waited until her soft footfalls faded upon the stairs, and then he stepped into the ancient patriarch's root chamber.

"What worthless excuses do you offer for your conduct?" Most Aged Fatherasked, his voice cracking.

"No matter this day's outcome, the elders were disturbed by your behavior and demeanor. I expected them to replace you."

"With you, perhaps?"

Brot'an'duive ignored the question. "The ground you stand upon crumbles. If the elders learn what you have us do in the human countries, how long before they do as I hoped?"

"Manipulation… and open challenge?" Most Aged Father displayed only mock astonishment before he chuckled softly. "No surprise in this. I have long suspected you, deceiver."

Brot'an'duive shook his head calmly. "I serve my people, as our caste was intended from long-forgotten times… as all Anmaglahk believe when they take oath of service. It is we, as well as our people, who are deceived by you. Yet we have kept faith, just the same. Turning humans upon each other serves no purpose but to salve your own fears. They are not this enemy you speak of so sparingly, whatever or whoever it might be."

Most Aged Father's hands went limp. "You had my trust, my love… how long have you been a traitor among your kind?"

"I have never been a traitor to my people, though I no longer believe in your ways. And neither is Cuirin'nen'a. The elders may turn a blind eye for what you do to her, because she is one of us. They see it as an issue of the An-maglahk. But I would now barter for her release."

"Barter?" Most Aged Father returned. "Why, when you will soon join her?"

Brot'an'duive's voice grew cold. "You will release her tonight. Or I will tell the elders how you use the Anmaglahk to set the humans on each other."

Most Aged Father's dried features stretched in mounting fury, and Brot'an'duive stepped closer.

"I will break my silence before the council," he said. "I will tell them all that I know of what you have done. As yet, you have nothing to hold against me. Release Cuirin'nen'a, swear to her safety… and I will swear my continued silence."

He watched Most Aged Father and waited.

The ancient elf would cling to power at any cost, even for just a little longer. Whatever he feared was coming would drive him to it. He would accept this bargain, and once Cuirin'nen'a wasfree, Leshil would leave this place and have no reason to return. If not safe, he would at least be beyond the old one's reach, until it was time for him to serve his purpose.