“Do you mind some company back there?” he called to the back of the wagon one evening. Tara responded that she did not and a tall blond sith woman with dark eyes wearing a beautiful golden dress climbed in the back.
“Hello. I am Talia,” The woman said, “Who are you?”
“I am Tara, of Moonlake. Where are you from on Avalon?” Tara answered.
“Nice to meet you.” The lady said, “I left Avalon long ago.”
Tara made polite conversation about the weather and the scenery and asked where the lady was going.
“I am going to the Rising Keep.” The lady answered, “It is my home, my husband lives there.”
“Oh.” Tara said, feeling her heart sink a bit, “Is he a sith named Eldan?”
“No, I’ve never heard of anyone by that name, my husband is a human.”
Tara wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved that her journey had not been in vain, or disappointment that Eldan would not be at her current destination. The two of them continued to talk about various things. Eventually it grew dark and Tara drifted off to sleep. The next morning she opened her eyes. The sith woman was gone. She called up to the merchant to ask when she had left and he looked back in confusion. He had not stopped at any time, nor had he seen her jump off the wagon. Tara looked around but the woman was nowhere in sight.
“There’s the keep.” The merchant said and Tara forgot all about the woman.
Other merchants were lined up in front and there was a dwarf collecting tolls. They waited for their turn to go in to the courtyard and Tara took the opportunity to look around. The keep, which seemed to glow in the morning light, was surrounded by green fields and a moat of clear blue water.
As they moved into the courtyard she noticed a familiar du sith with white hair looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
“Hello Lady Tara.” Gruffydd said then he turned to a small red cat and said, “Go get Eldan.”
“Hi Tara.” The cat called out.
“Hello Ninmere.” Tara said once she realized who it was.
Ninmere scampered away into the keep, leaving Gruffydd and Tara staring at each other. He appeared to be sizing her up.
“So what brings you here?” he asked.
“I need to see Eldan.” She answered.
He escorted her into a dining room where people were preparing to sit down to breakfast. Eldan appeared a few minutes later and sat at the head of the table. The human, Sir Thomas, came in and Eldan re-introduced them.
“Greetings Lady Tara.” Sir Thomas said with a grand bow, “Have you had any trouble on your way here from Avalon?”
“A couple of trolls,” Tara shrugged, “nothing I couldn’t handle.” |
