Speaker was silent for long moments.
'I must consider all of this and what it means to us,' he said finally. He turned to the companions. 'You are exhausted. I see some of you stand by courage alone. Indeed'-he smiled, looking at Fizban who leaned against a pillar, snoring softly- 'some of you are asleep on your feet. My daughter, Laurana, will guide you to a place where you can forget your fears. We will hold a banquet in your honor tonight, for you bring us hope. May the peace of the true gods go with you.'
The elves parted, and out of their midst came an elfmaiden who walked forward to stand beside the Speaker. At sight of her, Caramon's mouth sagged open. Riverwind's eyes widened. Even Raistlin stared, his eyes seeing beauty at last, for no hint of decay touched the young elfmaiden. Her hair was honey pouring from a pitcher; it spilled over her arms and down her back, past her waist, touching her wrists as she stood with her arms at her sides. Her skin was smooth and woodland brown. She had the delicate, refined features of the elves, but these were combined with full, pouting lips and large liquid eyes that changed color like leaves in flickering sunshine.
'On my honor as a knight,' Sturm said with a catch in his voice, 'I've never seen any woman so lovely.'
'Nor will you in this world,' Tanis murmured.
All the companions glanced at Tanis sharply as he spoke, but the half-elf did not notice. His eyes were on the elfmaid. Sturm raised his eyebrows, exchanged looks with Caramon who nudged his brother. Flint shook his head and sighed a sigh that seemed to come from his toes.
'Now much is made clear,' Goldmoon said to Riverwind.
'It hasn't been made clear to me,' Tasslehoff said. 'Do you know what's going on, Tika?'
All Tika knew was that, looking at Laurana, she felt suddenly dumpy and half-dressed, freckled and red- headed. She tugged her blouse up higher over her full bosom, wishing it didn't reveal quite so much or that she had less to reveal.
'Tell me what's going on,' Tasslehoff whispered, seeing the knowing looks exchanged by the others.
'I don't know!' Tika snapped. 'Just that Caramon's making a fool of himself. Look at the big ox. You'd think he'd never seen a woman before.'
'She is pretty,' Tas said. 'Different from you, Tika. She's slender and she walks like a tree bending in the wind and-'
'Oh, shut up!' Tika snapped furiously, giving Tas a shove that nearly knocked him down.
Tasslehoff gave her a wounded glance, then walked over to stand beside Tanis, determined to keep near the half-elf until he figured out what was going on.
'I welcome you to Qualinost, honored guests,' Laurana said shyly, in a voice that was like a clear stream rippling among the trees. 'Please follow me. The way is not far, and there is food and drink and rest at the end.'
Moving with childlike grace, she walked among the companions who parted for her as the elves had done, all of them staring at her admiringly. Laurana lowered her eyes in maidenly modesty and self-consciousness, her cheeks flushing. She looked up only once, and that was as she passed Tanis-a fleeting glance, that only Tanis saw. His face grew troubled, his eyes darkened.
The companions left the Tower of the Sun, waking Fizban as they departed.
6
Tanis and Laurana
Laurana led them to a sun-dappled grove of aspens in the very center of the city. Here, though surrounded by buildings and streets, they seemed to be in the heart of a forest. Only the murmurings of a nearby brook broke the stillness. Laurana, gesturing toward fruit trees among the aspens, told the companions to pick and eat their fill. Elfmaids brought in baskets of fresh, fragrant bread. The companions washed in the brook, then returned to relax on soft moss beds to revel in the silent peacefulness around them.
All except Tanis. Refusing food, the half-elf wandered around the grove, absorbed in his own thoughts. Tasslehoff watched him closely, eaten alive by curiosity.
Laurana was a perfect, charming hostess. She made certain everyone was seated and comfortable, speaking a few words to each of them.
'Flint Fireforge, isn't it?' she said. The dwarf flushed with pleasure. 'I still have some of the wonderful toys you made me. We have missed you, these many years.'
So flustered he couldn't talk, Flint plopped down on the grass and gulped down a huge mug of water.
'You are Tika?' Laurana asked, stopping by the barmaid.
'Tika Waylan,' the girl said huskily.
'Tika, what a pretty name. And what beautiful hair you have,' Laurana said, reaching out to touch the bouncy red curls admiringly.
'Do you think so?' Tika said, blushing, seeing Caramon's eyes on her.
'Of course! It is the color of flame. You must have a spirit to match. I heard how you saved my brother's life in the Inn, Tika. I am deeply indebted to you.'
'Thank you,' Tika answered softly. 'Your hair is real pretty too.'
Laurana smiled and moved on. Tasslehoff noticed, however, that her eyes constantly strayed to Tanis. When the half-elf suddenly threw down an apple and disappeared into the trees, Laurana excused herself hurriedly and followed.
'Ah, now I'll find out what's going on!' Tas said to himself.
Glancing around, he slipped after Tanis.
Tas crept along the winding trail among the trees and suddenly came upon the half-elf standing beside the foaming stream alone, tossing dead leaves into the water. Seeing movement to his left, Tas quickly crouched down into a clump of bushes as Laurana emerged from another trail.
'Tanthalas Quisif nan-Pahf' she called.
As Tanis turned at the sound of his elven name, she flung her arms around his neck, kissing him. 'Ugh,' she said teasingly, pulling back. 'Shave off that horrible beard. It itches! And you don't look like Tanthalas anymore.'
Tanis put his hands to her waist and gently pushed her away.
'Laurana-' he began.
'No, don't be mad about the beard. I'll learn to like it, if you insist,' Laurana pleaded, pouting. 'Kiss me back. No? Then I'll kiss you until you cannot help yourself.' She kissed him again until finally Tanis broke free of her grip.
'Stop it, Laurana,' he said harshly, turning away.
'Why, what's the matter?' she asked, catching hold of his hand. 'You've been gone so many years. And now you're back. Don't be cold and gloomy. You are my betrothed, remember? It is proper for a girl to kiss her betrothed.'
'That was a long time ago,' Tanis said. 'We were children, then, playing a game, nothing more. It was romantic, a secret to share. You know what would have happened if your father had found out. Gilthanas did find out, didn't he?'
'Of course! I told him,' Laurana said, hanging her head, looking up at Tanis through her long eyelashes. 'I tell Gilthanas everything, you know that. I didn't think he'd react like that! I know what he said to you. He told me later. He felt badly.'
'I'll bet he did.' Tanis gripped her wrists, holding her hands still. 'What he said was true, Laurana! I am a bastard half-breed. Your father would have every right to kill me! How could I bring disgrace down on him, after what he did for my mother and me? That was one reason I left-that and to find out who I am and where I belong.'
'You are Tanthalas, my beloved, and you belong here!' Laurana cried. She broke free of his grip and caught his hands in her own. 'Look! You wear my ring still. I know why you left. It was because you were afraid to
