A stronger breeze unleashed more cherry blossoms, and she smiled at the pink petals swirling in the sky. A murmur of voices caught her attention, and she closed her eyes to concentrate.
Soft voices speaking in a language much like Elfish. The Kings of the Forest? Were they in this area, too?
Since she was alone at the moment, she figured it was safe enough to drop the shield around her mind. That way, the giant redwoods would be able to hear her call out to them mentally. Kings of the Forest, can you hear me?
It is the Elfin woman.
We have heard of you.
The Kings in the south told you about me? Gwennore asked as she rose to her feet.
Yes. The news has spread north with the wind.
Where are you? Gwennore asked. I’d like to meet you.
Go north along the Norva River.
Past the waterfall. We are by the lake.
Gwennore hesitated, reluctant to venture off on her own. But she knew the lake wasn’t far and as long as she could see the towers of the castle, she couldn’t actually get lost. She remembered from her travels the day before that the path down to the village of Dreshka went in a southerly direction. So she should take the other path, the one that circled around the eastern side of the castle, headed north.
When Puff had left her in the garden, he’d flown off that direction. If she followed the path, would she find him? And the Kings of the Forest?
She was too curious not to try it. So she hitched the canvas bag over her shoulder and headed for the path. After circling the castle, she noticed that the path split—one branch leading to a dead end at the northwestern tower, and the other widening into a road that led into the forest.
As she wandered down the road, the sound of rushing water grew stronger. She had to be close to the river. She gazed into the forest, searching for giant trees. The pines and firs were tall, but slender.
Are you close to the castle? she asked the Kings of the Forest.
Not far.
Why are you in the land of the barbarians?
I’m a healer, Gwennore explained. I’m trying to discover what is causing the health problems here.
You mean the curse?
You know about that? Gwennore asked.
There is little we do not know.
Would you be willing to tell me about it? Gwennore asked. I would really appreciate your help.
There was a pause, then she heard multiple voices whispering to one another. They seemed to be arguing. Some were objecting to helping the barbarians who had no respect for them.
Gwennore was wondering if she should join the argument when suddenly, she discovered a large clearing to the left. A field had been cleared of trees, and situated close by was a log cabin with a grass roof. No smoke drifted from its stone chimney.
“Good morning!” Gwennore called out, but no one emerged from the small house.
“Hello?” She stepped up onto the front porch and peeked inside a window. No one inside, but there was a table and chairs. Boots on the floor. Piles of clothing on the table.
A gust of wind caused the door to creak open. She peeked inside. No bed. No cooking utensils. Apparently, no one lived here. The clothing on the table seemed familiar, so she ventured inside for a closer look.
Brown breeches, some made of leather, some of linen. Green linen shirts. White linen underpants and woolen socks. Leather breastplates. Green, hooded capes. These were uniforms worn by soldiers. What on Aerthlan were they doing here?
She picked up one breastplate and noticed the two brass stars. Could it belong to Aleksi? But then there was probably more than one captain in the army. Another breastplate had three brass stars. A colonel like Dimitri would wear this.
Her breath caught when she spotted a breastplate with four stars. This had to belong to Silas. She ran her fingers over the stars. They needed polishing, for the star on the left had turned green. Why was he keeping a stash of clothing out here in a cabin?
A sudden creak made her jump, but it was just the wind pushing the door further open. She adjusted her canvas sack on her shoulder, then left, closing the door behind her.
She glanced back at Draven Castle. It was a quick walk from here. Since Silas, Dimitri, and Aleksi all had rooms at the castle, why did they have clothes out here?
It was strange, she thought, but her head hurt too much to dwell on it. As she wandered down the road, she was soon surrounded again by forest. The sound of rushing water grew increasingly loud.
The road narrowed into a path that led her straight to the Norva River. Holding on to a tree, she gazed down into the ravine and spotted the river below, crashing and foaming around numerous boulders. So beautiful! She would really miss this place when she returned to the palace at Ebton. Eberon was a pretty country with its green rolling hills, but not nearly as stunning as Norveshka.
The sound of roaring water became louder as she walked around a bend. She stopped with a gasp. The waterfall! The water spilled over a cliff to crash into the ravine far below. She stood still for a moment, letting the beauty of the scene soothe her soul. Mist dampened her skin, and a cool breeze kissed her face. Her headache faded away.
She loved it here.
The thought struck her unexpectedly, but she realized it was true. Somehow she felt at home here in the mountains and forest. As if she belonged here. Perhaps it was in her elfin blood, for she’d always heard that Woodwyn had vast forests and mountains, too.
On the other side of the waterfall, a lake stretched out before her,
