Aellyn arrived in her mother’s sitting room to find her father sitting at her mother’s writing desk, a collection of books spread open before him. He was dressed in simple green robes and looked every inch the studious scholar sitting there. He looked up curiously when she entered, and smiled warmly when he saw her.
“Ah, Aellyn,” he greeted, standing.
“Good morning, father,” she replied. “Where’s mother?”
“Resting. She was a bit worn out from all the excitement,” he explained. “Come, bring a chair, we have much to discuss.” He seated himself once more and waited. Aellyn glanced around, found a small chair set off to the side, and pulled it over in front of the desk. She seated herself, smoothed her skirts, then looked to him expectantly.
“We haven’t really had much of a chance to talk, just the two of us,” he began.
“There’s been a lot going on in a short amount of time,” Aellyn acknowledged.
“Yes,” he agreed. “Well, there is something I need your help with, but first, there are things you need to know.”
“I see,” she said carefully.
“You’ve already been told that I am a prince,” he began, and she nodded. “Our kingdom is called Albrieth, hidden deep in the Minnefair Wilds, far to the east. Few mortals know of its existence, but it is considered the greatest of the elven kingdoms. Our capital city, Nemathyr, is a place of great magic and beauty, its history spanning millennia. It is there that our family has resided in the palace since the city’s founding, and it has been our responsibility to protect and guide our people.” He paused to give Aellyn a chance to absorb these revelations, or ask questions. When she remained silent, he continued. “When the city was founded, our family was chosen to rule for a number of reasons. First, our ancestors were mages and scholars of considerable power and wisdom. But second, and perhaps more importantly, our ancestors possessed a relic of tremendous magic, and it was believed that this relic had been gifted to our family by the goddess, Taena, and had the power to choose a worthy leader for our people.” He paused, and turned one of the books in front of him to face her. On the page before her, she saw a detailed sketch of an ornate circlet studded with gems. “The Twilight Diadem.”
“It’s beautiful,” she said, not sure what else to say.
“Yes,” Ilbryen acknowledged, she detected a note of regret in his voice. “And it’s gone missing.” She looked up at him in alarm. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
“Is that what you need my help with? Finding the Diadem?”
“Yes,” he sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I was searching for it when I met your mother. The clearing in the forest, which you’ve visited yourself, is considered a sacred space of the goddess. I’d gone there to perform a ritual that I had hoped would reveal the Diadem’s location.”
“But instead you found mother.”
“Yes,” he confirmed, glancing in the direction of the bedchamber with a fond look.
“And that’s why you had to leave,” Aellyn realized. “You had to keep searching.”
“Yes,” he said again, turning back to her. His look was sad, and she could see the plea for forgiveness in his eyes. “But I haven’t had much luck, I’m afraid.”
“But if you haven’t been able to find it, how am I supposed to help?”
“Well,” he began, obviously reluctant. “I’ve promised your mother that I would stay here with her, and I intend to keep that promise. But the search for the Diadem must continue.”
“Why not have your brother or sister continue the search?” She asked, confused.
“Because they don’t know the Diadem is missing,” he explained. “No one knows but my father and myself, and now you. We’ve been careful to keep its disappearance a secret, to prevent panic and uncertainty.”
“Ah,” Aellyn nodded, understanding.
“I can give you what information I have,” Ilbryen assured her. “And I’ve summoned my most faithful servants here to guide and protect you during your search. They will keep you safe, though they don’t know the specifics of your task. No one can know.” He paused, meeting her eyes across the desk. His look was serious and pleading. “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but I hope you’ll agree to take up this search on my behalf.”
“That’s a lot to digest,” Aellyn said noncommittally. She looked down at her hands folded in her lap, thinking.
“Yes,” he agreed readily.
“Who are these servants you intend to send along?”
“A brother and sister, twins. Their family has been in service to ours for generations and their loyalty is absolute. I’ve traveled with them many times and would trust them with my own life. One is a High Priest of Taena, and the other is a Knight of the Order of the Owl. They would serve you well.” She nodded thoughtfully.
“And if I say no?” She eyed him carefully, gauging his response.
“Then I would have to break my promise to your mother and continue the search myself,” he admitted with a heavy sigh, his expression full of regret. “I do not relish delegating this task, but I’ve already abandoned your mother for this once. I would not break her heart again if it can be avoided.”
“Well,” Aellyn declared, “that decides it.” He met her eyes, his expression hopeful. “I didn’t go to the trouble of finding you just to have you go running off again. I would do anything for my mother,” she explained. “Compile what information you have, whatever you think might help, and deliver it to my chambers. Send your servants to me as well. If I’m going to be traveling with them, I’d at least like to meet them first.” She stood. “I’ll begin preparations now. We can set out after the wedding,” she declared. He rose to his feet as well, his expression grateful.
“I’m sorry to have put this burden on you,” he said quietly.
“Like I said, I would do anything for my mother,” Aellyn reassured him. “And if this means that you can remain by her side, then I’m happy to do it.” She smiled at him. “Besides,” she continued, “you’re my family, too.” He returned her smile.
“I am proud beyond measure to have you as my daughter, Aellyn,” he said. “I am only sorry we haven’t had more time together.”
“I understand,” she said gently. “Just take good care of my mother while I’m gone, and we’ll have plenty of time together when I return.” He smiled, nodding his agreement. “And since it seems like I’ll have my work cut out for me, I should see about getting a start on things,” she sidestepped the chair and turned toward the door. “Send me what you have,” she called over her shoulder, and made her way out.
Aellyn returned to her chambers feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything her father had told her. She paced her sitting room anxiously, wondering where to start. She’d never undertaken anything like this, and she wasn’t entirely sure she was worthy of the faith her father had placed in her. But she’d agreed, she reminded herself, so it didn’t really matter if she was worthy or not. She would have to do her best, for her family. A knock at her door interrupted her pacing.
“Yes?” She called out, looking nervously to the door.
The door swung open, and two elves walked in, a male and female, nearly identical. The male was slightly taller, but only just. He was slight of build, with deep blue eyes and shining auburn hair smoothed back from his face and cropped to the nape of his neck. He wore a robe of muted green hues that fell to his feet, embellished with simple gold embroidery at the collar, cuffs and bottom hemline. He carried a stack of books and loose papers in his arms. His companion, a female of surprisingly sturdy build, had matching blue eyes, and her auburn hair fell in a long braid that hung over her shoulder. She wore a tunic and breeches of the same muted greens and gold. The both sketched identical bows to her when they entered.
“Your Highness,” the male greeted her as they both straightened. “I’m Daelar, and this is my sister, Dacyne. Your father sent us.”
“Yes,” Aellyn responded. “He told me about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“The honor is ours, Highness,” Dacyne said.
“Come in,” Aellyn motioned to the couches nearby. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.” The pair paused for a moment, exchanging an uncertain look, but, seeming to come to some unspoken agreement, made for the couches, Dacyne leading the way.
As the pair passed, Daelar paused to hand his books and papers to Aellyn. “His Highness instructed me to deliver these to you,” he explained. She nodded her thanks, taking the materials from him. The pair took their seats and looked to Aellyn, waiting.
She set the bundle on the low table separating her two couches, then straightened.
“Before we get started, let me ring for some refreshments,” Aellyn said, moving to the corner of the room and pulling the bell rope. “In the meantime, I think I’ll change into something a bit more comfortable.” She turned and made her way into her dressing room without waiting for a response. When she emerged a couple minutes later, she was clad in a linen shirt of midnight blue and black breeches. As she reentered the sitting room, her chamber door swung open and her maid breezed in.
“Ada,” Aellyn greeted as she came around to sit on the couch opposite the twins. “Could you bring us a tray of refreshments, please?”
“Of course, my lady,” the maid dipped a quick curtsy and rushed off.
Aellyn settled herself on the couch and pulled a book off the stack on the table, flipping it open in her lap. She wondered when Conrad would put in an appearance. He should be part of this discussion, she thought to herself as she thumbed through the pages. “Are either of you familiar with these materials?” She asked without looking up.
“The volume you’re holding is a history of Albrieth,” Daelar replied. “I’ve read it many times. But the other two books there are your father’s private journals, so I couldn’t guess at their contents.” Aellyn nodded thoughtfully, placing the book she held back on the table. She reached for the loose papers and leaned back, looking over the parchment she held. The pages seemed to contain an accounting of a ritual of some kind. “Those pages are an outline of entreaties to the goddess Taena.”
Ah, Aellyn thought, this must be the ritual Father spoke of. She made a thoughtful sound, acknowledging that she’d heard Daelar’s words but giving no hint of her inner thoughts.
The chamber door opened and, thinking it would be Ada bringing a tray, Aellyn didn’t glance up.
“Oh, you’ve got company,” came Conrad’s deep voice. She looked up then, startled. He looked surprised and uncertain.
“Please, come in,” she called to him before he had a chance to leave. “You should be here for this.”
“And what is this?” He asked, coming over to take a seat beside her. He eyed her and the papers she held curiously.
“It’s a bit of a long story, but it seems I’ll be leaving after the wedding,” she began. “I’d like for you to come with me.” She looked up at him hopefully. “Well, with us.” She amended. “This is Daelar and Dacyne,” she indicated the twins. “They serve my father, and he’s asked them to help me.” She turned to the twins, “this is Conrad.” The three exchanged acknowledging nods before turning their attention back to her.
“Of course I’ll come with you,” he assured her. Before he could say more, her chamber door opened again and her maid entered carrying a tray. She set the tray, laden with a collection of cheeses, bread, a bowl of dried fruits, a pot of tea and four mugs, on an empty space on the table before them. She suppressed a knowing grin as she cast a quick glance at Conrad.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, my lady?” The maid asked, straightening and stepping back a pace.
“No, thank you, Ada,” Aellyn replied. “That will be all for now.” The maid dipped a curtsy and quietly left the room. “Please, help yourselves,” Aellyn said absently, motioning to the tray with the papers she held. She studied the sheets while the twins helped themselves to some bread and cheese and Conrad poured tea for all of them. He picked up two mugs and, leaning back, held one out to Aellyn. She took it from him with a murmur of thanks, but didn’t take her eyes from the parchment she held. She sipped thoughtfully, then raised her eyes to regard the twins over the papers she held. “What has my father told you of this assignment?” She asked, eyeing them closely.
The twins exchanged a quick glance before Daelar answered, “he was seeking the guidance of Taena,” he explained. “His Highness wished for divine insight into the future of our people. He said he believes it important for you to make your own communion with the goddess.” Conrad cast a skeptical glance in Aellyn’s direction, but said nothing. She nodded acknowledgment, pursing her lips as she returned her attention to the papers she held.
“I’ll have to go over these materials before I can begin to formulate a plan,” Aellyn said at last, leaning forward to set the papers down on the table with the rest and return her mug of tea to the tray. “I’ll send for you both once I’ve looked things over, and we can decide how to proceed.”
“We’re at your service, Your Highness,” Dacyne said as the twins both stood in unison, bowed, and left her chambers. Once they’d gone, Conrad turned to her.
“So what’s really going on?” He asked.
“My father has sworn me to secrecy,” she sighed. “But I can tell you that the task I’ve taken up was once his, and is of great importance to his kingdom. It’s what kept him from my mother all these years, and he’s asked me to take on the responsibility so that he can remain with her now.”
“And even those two don’t know what this is all really about?”
“No,” she confirmed.
“But he trusts them enough to send them with you?”
“Yes,” she turned to regard him. “I don’t like the idea of keeping secrets from you, but this isn’t my secret to share.” Her look was apologetic.
“I understand,” he replied, reaching out to lay a reassuring hand on her thigh. She covered his hand with hers and gave him a grateful smile.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
“So what’s all that?” He asked after a moment, nodding to the books and papers on the table.
“A history of my father’s kingdom, a couple of his personal journals, and a ritual to their goddess,” she explained.
“I take it the journals are for your eyes only?”
“Yes,” she confirmed. “But the rest is fair game.”
“Well, hand me a book and let’s get started,” he gave her a reassuring smile, and she leaned forward, taking the books from the table and passing him one.
After spending a couple hours skimming through her father’s journals, Aellyn felt no closer to understanding. Conrad lounged beside her, absorbed in the history he held in his lap, seemingly oblivious to the passage of time. She’d have thought he’d be the first to grow impatient, but she’d clearly misjudged him. She’d never seen this studious side of him, and she found it both annoying and attractive in equal measure. With an exasperated sigh, she set the journal she held aside and leaned back, rubbing her eyes.
“Nothing?” He asked, breaking into her thoughts. She looked over to find him watching her, his expression concerned.
“No,” she grumbled. “At least not yet. But he wouldn’t have sent these if they didn’t contain something of use.”
“Why don’t you go ask him?” He suggested.
“Because he didn’t seem to have much information himself,” she explained. “He’s been on this since before I was born and didn’t seem to have made much progress. I’m not sure how helpful these journals will actually be.”
“Well,” he mused, “at least it’ll help to know what he’s already tried so that we can cover different ground?”
“Mmm,” she murmured. “I have the sinking feeling that’s the only help his journals will be.”
“It’s better than nothing.”
“Yeah, I suppose so,” she agreed reluctantly. “I’m sorry,” she said after a moment. “I don’t mean to be negative, I’m just a bit overwhelmed by everything, and frustrated because I have no idea what I should be doing.”
He set aside the book he held and turned, setting his back into the corner of the couch, and held his arms open to her. She scooted close to him and leaned into his chest, drawing her legs up onto the couch. His arms came around her and he pulled her in close. “You don’t have to apologize to me,” he said as she rested her head against his shoulder. He pressed a kiss into her hair, then rested his chin lightly on top of her head. “I understand,” he assured her.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.”
“Well,” he drawled, “I expect to be repaid for my efforts with sexual favors, so it’s not entirely selfless.” She laughed, feeling some of the tension drain away. She nuzzled in closer to him, drawing strength from his embrace.
“Hey,” she began suddenly, leaning back from him so she could see his face. His brows rose quizzically. “About what you said last night,” she began nervously. She watched him for a reaction, but he merely waited, returning her gaze steadily. “I…” she stammered, suddenly feeling very unsure of herself, but knowing she couldn’t avoid the subject forever. He deserved an answer, deserved to know how she felt. “I love you, too,” she said at last, her heart hammering in her chest. He reached up to gently cup her face.
“You do?” He asked. His voice was quiet, and there was a rasp to it that she’d never heard before. His expression was unreadable.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“You’re not just saying that because I said it?” His gaze was intense.
“Of course not,” she replied, a little offended. “I would never say that if I didn’t mean it.” He leaned in and kissed her then, rough and demanding, almost desperate.
Shifting, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close. His hands went to her waist then, and he lifted her, breaking their kiss momentarily to bring her into his lap, her knees framing his hips. He leaned into her then, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tight against his body. His kiss was insistent, almost bruising, but it thrilled her, and she matched his ardor with passion of her own. She wanted desperately to show him the truth of her words, needed to show him the truth of her feelings for him.
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They lie sprawled on the couch together some time later. The room had grown dark with the coming of night, the only light the flickering amber glow of the fire in the hearth. Aellyn drifted somewhere between sleep and wakefulness as she lay cradled in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, and found it somehow comforting. The slow, gentle stroking of his fingers through her hair only added to her drowsiness, and she yawned sleepily.
He moved then, lifting her carefully so he could ease himself out from under her. She looked up at him curiously, but he merely smiled and favored her with a wink. Then he bent and scooped her up into his arms. She laced her arms around his neck, and he carried her in the direction of her bedchamber. When he reached the bed, the lowered her gently to the mattress and slid in beside her. He bent to straighten the covers they’d left in disarray that morning and pulled them up over the two of them, then settled himself in beside her, drawing her into his arms. She settled herself against him, resting her head on his shoulder, and let sleep claim her.
When she awoke, to her surprise, she found she was alone. She sat up, looking around the room in confusion, wondering where Conrad might have gone. With a disappointed sigh, she climbed out of bed, collected her robe from the back of a nearby chair, and shrugged into it. She made her way into the sitting room and was surprised anew to find him sitting on one of the couches. He’d put his pants back on and sat with an ankle propped atop the opposite knee, a book spread across his thighs. His hair was tousled from sleep and his expression was focused and thoughtful. He looked incredibly attractive sitting there, she thought.
“Good morning,” she greeted, coming over to stand beside the couch he occupied. He paused his reading at the sound of her voice and glanced up to regard her with a grin.
“Well, good morning,” he said. “Sleep well?”
“Mm,” she murmured in assent. “Find anything interesting?” She asked, indicating the book in his lap.
“Oh, plenty,” he assured her, but his tone carried a note of sarcasm. “I’m not sure how helpful any of it is, though.”
“I’ll ring for some breakfast, and you can tell me what you’ve learned so far,” she suggested. She went over and gave the bell pull a quick tug before returning. She slipped carefully past his legs and seated herself on the couch, folding her legs under her and turning her body to face him, giving him her full attention.
“Well, for one,” he began, “it seems like your family is kind of a big deal.” He favored her with a raised eyebrow and a wry grin.
“Yes,” she agreed. “So I’ve gathered.”
“There’s a family genealogy included in one of the indices, tracing the royal family all the way back to the kingdom’s founding. It would seem you are a direct descendant of the founding ruler.” He watched her carefully, measuring her response.
“Yes,” she said again, “my father implied as much.” He nodded and continued.
“This history goes back thousands of years,” he explained. “It doesn’t go into much detail, but simply provides a basic overview of the major events in Albrieth’s history.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Does your father have any other volumes?” She shrugged. “It’s interesting stuff, honestly. I’d like to read about it in more detail some time.”
“I can ask him,” she promised. He nodded his appreciation and continued.
“So, it seems that Albrieth was founded by a group of refugees,” he explained. “Well, maybe ‘refugee’ is the wrong word,” he interrupted himself, his tone thoughtful. “Not relevant,” he declared, shaking his head and waving the thought away. “Anyway, this group separated from their original homeland—it doesn’t provide specifics about this old homeland, such as geographic location or what it was called, unfortunately—and traveled to the vast forest that eventually came to be known as the Minnefair Wilds, where they established their new kingdom.”
“Does it say anything about what prompted them to leave?” She interrupted him to ask.
“It’s fairly light on specifics, but it was essentially over some fundamental differences of philosophy, or maybe theology, among the nobility and others,” he explained. “The situation was probably pretty complex, but at the heart of it, it seems like there were two opposing factions that disagreed pretty fervently about how this original homeland should be governed, and so rather than come to blows over it, one side simply chose to leave and found a new kingdom elsewhere.”
Aellyn made a thoughtful sound and lapsed into silence.
“You think this might be related to whatever your father has you doing?” He asked.
“Maybe,” she murmured. “We’ll need to find out more about this exodus before I can gauge if it’s relevant or not.” She pursed her lips, thinking. “I want you to come with me to visit my father,” she said suddenly. “This would be a lot easier if you knew what this was really about. I don’t think there’s any danger in your knowing the truth, but that’s not for me to decide.”
Before he could respond, the door to her chambers opened and her maid came in bearing a tray. The tray was heaped high with the usual fare, but this time with enough for two, and there were two mugs of tea. The maid brought the tray over and set it down on the low table before them. She straightened and regarded them with a warm smile.
“Apologies for the delay, my lady. Is there anything else you need?”
“Thank you, Ada,” Aellyn responded with a smile of her own. “Could you send word to my father that I’ll be paying him a visit after breakfast?”
“Of course, my lady,” the maid curtsied and made her way out.
“Well, your maid has adjusted quickly,” he remarked with a grin, taking one of the mugs of tea and a slice of toast from the tray.
“Yes,” Aellyn agreed with a chuckle. “Her adaptability is to be admired.” She took her own tea and sipped gratefully.
“So, breakfast, clothes, then your father?” He asked.
“If you don’t mind?”
“I don’t mind,” he favored her with a reassuring smile.
They ate their breakfast at a leisurely pace. When they were finished, he pulled on his shirt and boots and she likewise pulled on a casual outfit of shirt, breeches and boots, and they set off for her parents’ chambers down the hall.
Walking into her parents’ chambers, Aellyn was surprised to find the usual tranquility of the sitting room shattered by chaos. Annika and her daughters were there, as well as several elven attendants, all seated on the couches before the hearth and chattering excitedly among themselves. There were fabric swatches, sprigs of flowers, and a tea tray stacked with half-eaten cakes and treats, all spread on the low table between the couches. The women were so engrossed in their conversation that none even looked up when Aellyn and Conrad entered.
Ilbryen sat at the writing desk looking rather put out by the proceedings. He glanced up from his books and papers when they entered, and relief washed over his face when he saw Aellyn. He stood, gathering the materials from the desk into his arms, and hurried over to them.
“I’m afraid we’ll have to take this elsewhere,” he said apologetically. “I don’t think we’ll make much progress midst all this… excitement.”
“Mother and I have a small study down the hall,” Aellyn suggested. “We’re the only ones that ever use it, so it should be quiet there.” Ilbryen looked relieved.
“Perfect,” he breathed. “Lead the way,” and he motioned her ahead.
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The room they entered was a small study, similar to Aldun’s, with bookshelves full of tomes of all shapes and sizes lining the walls and a large carved wooden desk and comfortable leather chair set prominently at the back of the room facing the entrance. A pair of simple audience chairs sat facing the desk, and there were two plush reading chairs positioned in front of a small hearth on one side of the room, separated by a small end table that held an oil lamp. The carpet and drapes of the room were in the family colors—blue and silver—and, while ornate, seemed a bit dated. Though the room was free of dust, it was clear it was seldom used. Aellyn and her mother each preferred to do their reading and correspondence at writing desks within their own chambers.
Aellyn motioned for Ilbryen to take his seat behind the desk. He moved around the large desk, setting his bundle down and taking his seat. Aellyn and Conrad took their seats in the audience chairs facing him. Finally taking note of Conrad’s presence now that they were free of the commotion, Ilbryen eyed him curiously.
“Father,” Aellyn began, a sudden wave of nervousness making her stomach flutter, “this is Conrad. He’s been in service here since he was a child, and he’s a trusted friend.” She stumbled a bit over the last word, unsure if this was the time or place to disclose the true nature of their relationship, and feeling a bit foolish. The two men nodded to each other in acknowledgment. “I brought him with me because I wanted to ask you… would it be possible to disclose to him what you told me? I intend to bring him with me, and I believe he could be more helpful if he knew more about what was going on.” She was careful not to let slip any hint of the true nature of her father’s request. It was up to him to share his secret, if he so chose. Ilbryen met her eye, his gaze sharp and penetrating.
“I assume you would not ask if you did not trust this man implicitly,” he said, both a statement and a question. Aellyn nodded. Ilbryen turned his attention to Conrad then, his gaze assessing. “You’re the one that went with my daughter to the forest when she was looking for me?”
“Yes, my lord,” Conrad answered, meeting the prince’s eyes with his own steady regard. Ilbryen digested that quietly for a moment, thinking.
“I assume my daughter has explained the sensitivity of this information?” He asked.
“She has, my lord,” Conrad confirmed.
“And yet she has brought you before me anyway,” he pursed his lips, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair and steepling his fingers in front of him. “Very well,” he said at last, and Aellyn felt the knot of tension in her stomach ease.
When Ilbryen finished the tale, he fell silent. He watched each of them carefully, both momentarily lost in their own thoughts. After a moment, Conrad spoke up.
“Could you tell me more about the exodus that led to the founding of Albrieth, my lord?” He asked. Ilbryen’s brows rose in surprise.
“It was the result of political and theological disagreements regarding the governance of our people,” Ilbryen replied quietly. “My ancestors were originally nobles within that society, members of the Ruling Council, though their primary focus was scholarship.”
“Was your family in possession of the Diadem prior to the exodus?”
“Technically, yes,” Ilbryen replied carefully. “It was crafted by my ancestors in a very meticulous process spanning months that culminated in a great ritual to the goddess Taena, in which it was imbued with great power. This process was completed the night before my ancestors, and others, left their homeland.”
“Did anyone know of the Diadem’s existence prior to their departure?” Conrad pressed.
“I wouldn’t have thought so. The Diadem’s creation was a carefully guarded secret.”
“You think it was stolen by someone from their homeland?” Aellyn asked, turning to Conrad somewhat incredulously. “Thousands of years is a long time to hold a grudge.”
“Elvish memories are long,” Ilbryen interjected. “It is a possibility I hadn’t considered,” he admitted.
“Does your family have any other enemies or rivals?” Conrad asked.
“Nemathyr is a peaceful place,” Ilbryen responded. He looked tired suddenly. Clearly this line of questioning distressed him. “There is seldom cause for disagreement among the noble families.”
“And your siblings clearly support you as heir,” Conrad observed. “So the most likely culprit would be an external influence, capable of infiltrating Albrieth and Nemathyr.”
“Few mortals even know of Albrieth’s existence,” Aellyn added. “And even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to pass through the city unnoticed.”
“The Diadem was kept in a locked and warded chamber,” Ilbryen explained. “Hidden deep within the palace. To get in and out of that chamber at all, let alone without our notice, would require great stealth and very powerful magic.” These thoughts seemed to disturb him.
“You mentioned theological differences,” Aellyn recalled. “What sort of differences?”
“As you know, our people worship Taena, the goddess of the moon,” Ilbryen replied. “But she is not the only deity in the elven pantheon. There are many; it would take hours to explain them all. I believe Daelar could provide a couple volumes if you’re interested. In our homeland, worship was more evenly distributed. There was a sect of worshipers of the goddess Atia that were gaining favor among some of the noble families because it was believed that she would bring them wealth and power. It was this growing hunger for power that ultimately drove our people to seek a new home elsewhere.”
“Could these worshipers of Atia have something to do with it?” She asked.
“It’s possible,” Ilbryen sighed.
“Is there anything you left out of your journals?” Aellyn changed tack. “It didn’t seem like you’d turned up much over the years.”
“Most of my search has been focused closer to home,” Ilbryen admitted. “While I didn’t suspect anyone from Nemathyr, I had to be sure.”
“So we know a little about who isn’t responsible, but nothing about who might be,” Conrad grumbled.
“Father,” Aellyn began, “I can understand why you would want Dacyne to accompany me, but why Daelar?”
“Before he became a High Priest of Taena, he studied magic with some of Nemathyr’s most renowned mages. It was said he had a great talent for it, but he chose instead to devote himself to the goddess,” Ilbryen explained. “His abilities and insights should prove invaluable.”
“But neither of them know what we’re really after?” Conrad asked. Ilbryen gave an acknowledging nod. “Shouldn’t they?” Conrad pressed.
“You did say you trusted them, Father,” Aellyn reminded him.
“You may be right,” Ilbryen conceded. “I’ve kept them in the dark for decades now, and it’s yielded little.” He looked thoughtful.
“Are there any maps or records about this old homeland?” Conrad broke the silence. “Or even just a name?”
“I believe some of our most ancient texts in the archives may contain something,” Ilbryen replied.
“Maybe we should start there?” Aellyn suggested. “We can go to Nemathyr with the others after the wedding and do a bit of digging. Then maybe we’ll have some idea of where to start looking.”
“I’ll have to write some letters of introduction to ensure you have adequate access,” Ilbryen explained. “But between letters bearing my personal seal, and Beilar’s own endorsement, you shouldn’t have any trouble.”
“Then we’ll start there,” Aellyn declared, standing.
The men also got to their feet, and the three of them made their way to the door. Ilbryen, with his stack of books and papers, made his way back to the chambers he now shared with Evelien, and Aellyn and Conrad made their way back to her chambers.
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