The journey into the woods was a difficult one, with many roots and low-hanging branches that could trip you up. A few starlights gleamed through the clouds here and there, easing the journey by night. Jehair insisted on going by night for reasons William did not altogether understand. Apparently, the Wood Elves liked going by night, so it was better to move there and be alert instead of the day.

"Auga is a dragon?" asked Jehair suddenly. A bit delayed, but yes. "How did that happen?"

"Yes, she was recruited into the family by Varsus," said William. "He ran into her when they were children, relatively speaking. And he talked her into joining House Gabriel's side.

"She didn't have any of her memories or not many. In fact, she could hardly speak.

"So Mara more or less adopted her. When I met her, she was at least a few decades old but was about my level of maturity. Rusara made her take human form for the most part as a security measure, but she can become her true self at will now.

"We keep it secret, though I imagine it will come out now."

"Wouldn't a golden dragon have suited your emblem better?" asked Jehair.

"Bah," said Massacre in agreement.

"Gold dragons can't fly, and all of them live in the far east," said William.

"It was an attempt at humor," said Jehair.

"I hadn't noticed," said William. Then he halted within a clearing. "Alright, listen up. I'm going to try to tap into Isriath's song. It's going to be dangerous, and it probably won't work. But if it does, I could be ensnared by whatever spell she cast.

"Both of you are older than fifteen, so you're exempt."

"Wait a minute, dwarves and elves live here," said Felix. "Would not the maximum age be-"

"Bah," said Massacre.

"I'm only-" began Felix.

"Bah," said Massacre.

"Massacre is right. Just assume it varies by race," said William. "Anyway, this should lead me to wherever she took the children. However, it also might ensure me. You are to restrain me if I behave oddly and not let go for anything."

"I understand," said Felix, drawing his sword.

"Isriath often associates with the Sorcerer's Guild and Magicora," said Jehair. "She seems to be a kind of go-between for them, though she is also a Goddess of Themious. I encountered her several times on my journeys in Dinis. I do not think she would make this kind of decision of her own accord.

"Though she often trades favors. Perhaps she is paying off some debt."

"Bah," said Massacre.

"Maius does not operate in these areas to my knowledge, Massacre," said Jehair. "Though she and Isriath are often inseparable. They usually utilize their powers in tandem. Enchanting music finds an intoxicated mind easy prey.

"Still, I was given to believe that the two limited their association to Themious."

"Then you didn't know anything about the brothels," said William.

"I knew of them," said Jehair. "I don't go near such places and rarely move away from wild regions for long periods of time. And I operate in several worlds."

"I want to know how they got in," said Felix.

"That can be learned later," said William.

And kneeling down, William put his hands together and began to pray. Then, focusing his mind upwards and outwards, he sensed around him. And drawing his sword, he raised it upward. "Lord Elranor...

"Guide me to save them, please."

And closing his eyes, he rosed upward and found himself walking almost on his own. He wondered if he could stop it or if it was beyond his control. And he wondered if anything was really in his control at all or if he had only the illusion of it. Following the path that lay before him, his sword in hand, he walked in a trance.

A dim breeze rustled through the leaves. The air swirled around them as the moonlight widened further in. Until, at last, he came to a clearing and saw before him Isriath. She stood beautiful and yet fay in the clearing, a harp in hand with many bells upon her flowing green garb. Her arms were slender, and her hair was long and braided gold, while her eyes were brought blue.

She was here an image of dignity and wonder, yet terrible. For William knew she was dangerous as well as beautiful. And he knew now that looking at her might well be the last thing he knew in his life.

And then a flash of fire ruined it.

Maius descended exactly as she had been in the brother, spinning on one long leg with the other in the air. Her red outfit swirled around her, and she wore a white sash that was far too long. Could she not trip on it. And then she backflipped through the air. Her immense bosom bounced with each movement. It was akin to a mesmerizing dance, her long legs swaying.

Her curves were comparable to Arraxia, even equal.

William tried to avoid becoming infatuated and failed as her lips drew near him. He could feel her breath on his face. Then a fan sword of foreign make was put between their lips, so they were almost touching it. Her chest was pressed against him, and he kept his gaze firmly on her face.

Then there was a flash of fire, and she was gone.

Then Chun Xi descended from the trees to and in a crouch. The poofing blue sleeves of her shirt flowed as one leg spun an inch over the ground. The movement sent a wave of leaves flowing into the air with the air passing. Her dark hair ties bobbed as she spun away to land near Isriath, driving one of her hips to one side.

"The Goddess of Revelry and most beautiful lady in the world, Maius!" said Maius, landing in a dramatic pose.

"I'm not doing it, Maius," said Isriath. She and Chun Xi were easily comparable.

"But we had the whole dynamic set up," said Maius. "It would have been amazing!"

"I'm sure it would, but this is not a good time," said Chun Xi. "Humans tend to become very touchy when it comes to children. We may not operate on the same moral principles, but we must be courteous in these matters."

"Fine," said Maius. "You two really need to loosen up."

They wanted to be asked questions, didn't they? No doubt they had a story or two to tell about their adventures. And he was curious.

"What were you doing in that brothel?" asked William. "It does not seem your usual habitat."

"A favor to a friend, in truth," said Isriath. "I have little love for such base pleasures. And Maius much prefers more public sorts of entertainment."

"Chun Xi?" asked William.

"Yes," said Isriath. "She's interested in gaining the favor of her Empress.

"The nature of her creation was accidental. However, her people have been enduring decades of humiliation by Bretus. Another creation of Anoa the Bright, however, unlike Harlenor...

"Well, Maius finds them less entertaining."

"We are not being humiliated," said Chun Xi. "We are enduring.

"And Bretus will soon destroy itself at this rate. They do not see the fall coming because they are blind to the ground at their feet. The earth churns beneath them."

"Yeah," said Maius, spinning through the air to stand with her back to him. "They're more about rape and brutality and murder and feeling superior. Of course, Harlenor has those things, but they're sort of character flaw.

"Bretus is kind of what you may become."

"I believe you," said William. Should he broach the subject of the children? It would be unwise; they had the advantage here and could find it unpleasant. Isriath had been courteous; he ought to be as well.

The children could wait a little bit longer at the risk of ruthlessness. Assuming they weren't dead, of course. Unfortunately, there were probably many dead crises because of this crisis. Would their deaths really change anything at this point?

That was a thought William did not want to go into. He had to try and save them, whether they were alive or dead.

"They aren't dead," said Isriath. "They are quite safe and content at the moment.

"Observing things, you know.

"We'll put the matter aside."

"I believe I have interfered with your designs," said William. He decided it unwise to mention they had no business with the church in the first place. Maius laughed at this, opening her fans and putting them in front of her face as she did. "Where is Imogen?"

"She's gone," said Isriath. "Banished, or so I think. It happens now and then. Though she has a way of slipping out of places.

"Or, maybe she's just lost interest. That's how she does things; she shows up one day and then disappears. I gather she was quite annoyed with you."

William decided his patience for courtesy was now exhausted. "Where are the children? What have you done with them?"

Instant, their playful manner fell away, and they leaped back to take stances.

"In a better place," said Isriath.

"Their place is with their families," said William. "You have taken them from their villages, homes, and families. You have seized them against their own will.

"This is an act of wanton evil."

"Evil?" asked Maius in concern. "We're not evil."

"Your actions speak otherwise," said William.

"This is one of those human things Maius," said Isriath. "They operate on principles that certain actions ought never to be taken. We have similar principles, but we operate in different parameters.

"Humans and most mortals consider hurting children an abomination. But we are primal spirits of nature. Wolves and bears eat human children, just as humans eat the children of animals.

"The difference is that we are capable of reason and thus answerable for our actions.

"Nevertheless, our moral codes are largely incompatible save in matters of courtesy."

"The children," said William.

Chun Xi nodded. "Yes, yes. All they have to do is move the cargo as they agreed. Do that, and they will be returned.

"I had an agreement with that village to transfer some cargo for the Sorcerer's Guild. Neral Dinis was quite polite as a go-between."

"Did you know what the cargo was?" asked William.

"I agreed to arrange transportation. All in exchange for services I was rendered a long time ago," said Isriath. "Whatever Neral Dinis wanted, I must give, of course.

"One must honor one's agreements. Once they broke theirs, I had to compel them to redeem themselves."

"Did he tell you anything about what he was doing?" asked William.

"Nothing at all," said Isriath. "It was of no concern, I owed him a favor, and I am trying to repay it. I gather that he has been in contact with House Kern."

"But what did he owe you the favor for?" asked William.

"Why stole the Goldenwood Harp, of course," said Isriath. "How do you think it came to that vault you found it in? Imogen and I stole it ages ago.

"I like to store away treasures for adventurers to find now and then. I must say, I think it came to a very deserving hero. Though it might have fit a female more."

"Yes, why did you hand it over to Alchara?" asked Maius, crossing her arms. "I would have liked it for myself."

"I would do a great deal for someone I care about and also to a goddess I hold fealty," said William.

"How romantic," said Isriath as many serpents and doves flew into sight. Pigs also came forward. "So, yes, the children are all around us. All of them have become animals like they were in their past lives. Those pigs were bullies, the doves very flighty, the usual.

"I think you'd make a very nice serpent?"

"Would you like to be one?" Maius, up in his face again. "Isriath could change you in an instant. I'd like to wrap you around me." And she spun before him, her sash wrapping around him like a vice. As it did, he found her will entering his, and the world became bleary again, but he fought back.

"No, thank you," said William. The spell faded.

"Hmm, a very strong will," said Maius. "Not much for emotion, and that's necessary for a scene."

"And what is the emotion of this scene?" asked William. "You are holding these children captive for actions their parents took. Actions that may have saved an entire kingdom." Maius leaped back in disappointment.

"Oh my," said Isriath. "Burning Kingdoms make for such emotional portraits too. I suppose that wonderful painter of mine will have less to draw."

"What was his name?" asked Chun Xi.

"...Kiyora's Dad, I think?" said Maius, drawing a book out of her cleavage and flipping through some notes. It was very impressive how she flipped to the precise page one-handed. Also, half her breasts were exposed. With how they were bouncing, how had she not...

No, he would remain professional.

"Why did I ask you that question?" asked Chun Xi.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"Because you didn't remember," said Maius. This was futile; the kidnapping of these children was as important for these two as the trees around them. But he could hardly start a fight. "You think maybe we should let them go?"

"I suppose the animals might prefer their old forms," said Isriath. "But we'll need something in return. There is a grievance that must be addressed."

"I have a dual allegiance to Elranor, Lord of Knights, and the Dreaming Goddess," said William. "Any transfer would require going through both of them. Elranor, under some circumstances, might cooperate.

"Kiyora, however, never will.

"And balancing loyalties between them is tenuous enough. I am almost certain putting myself at your disposal would lead to complications."

"Ah," said Chun Xi. "Well, that ruins the fun, doesn't it?"

"As if this wasn't confusing enough," said Maius. "How many sides are there in this?"

"At least it's not the Escorian Civil War," said Isriath. "This one is at least ending."

Enough. "In that case, I challenge you to a war of music," said William.

"What?!" said Isriath.

"You're not serious?!" said Chuni Xi. "You can't beat Isriath in a war of music.

"She's the Goddess of Music. She doesn't have to accept your challenge!"

"This just got interesting," said Maius, laughing with her fan before her lips.

Jehair and Felix had said nothing all this time, as though there were mere observers. It seemed to William that he was in a personal space of sorts.

"Actually, she does," said Chun Xi. "You see.

"It is stated in the Code of the Musician that you cannot decline to match a mortal's challenge. Well, except in cases where there are no stakes."

"There is no such code," said Chun Xi.

"There is, actually," said Isriath. "What do you have in mind?"

"If I win, you must release all of those you have held captive and return them to their homes," said William. "And you will have to answer any questions I have."

"How daring," said Isriath. "And if I win, I'll turn you into a serpent for Maius."

"We'll need a judge, won't we?" asked Maius.

"Yes, I say we choose, perhaps..." Isriath halted. "Your slave, Felix, is it? No doubt so loyal a servant will be to your advantage?"

"I'm afraid he would not be objective," said William. "Felix is being well-paid by House Gabriel and has been loyal to me in impossible situations. My loss would drastically affect his prospects. He would be completely unsuitable for the purpose."

"Um..." Maius halted.

"Did you just..." Isriath halted, shifting.

"You just gave up a guaranteed winning move," said Chun Xi. "If she'd picked him, Felix would have acted in your favor. And she wouldn't even have a right to complain about it?"

"Perhaps," said William. But she could have used it as an excuse to argue she didn't really lose.

Isriath stared. "You really think you can beat me, don't you?"

"Who would you have judged then? Jehair?" asked Chun Xi.

William thought about how much he trusted Jehair. This was an ideal moment for a backstab.

"No. Jehair is not entitled to judge a goddess, is she? Do we need someone of equal standing who cannot be threatened and influenced?

"I believe it should be Isriath herself."

"What?" said Isriath.

"Well, why not?" asked William. "You are the Goddess of Music; surely, if you were bested by me, you would know it."

Isriath laughed and looked happy for the first time since he'd seen her. "Ah, flattery and a proposition. What a wonderful night!

"Music, fine entertainment, and contest all to me! Let's start with a change of scenery!" And she spun around, and the world changed so that they stood in a forest that seemed as old as time itself. The trees were as high as the Black Mountain, and the sunlight gleamed down from above in a blaze. And Isriath stood at the top of a hickory stump the size of a tower. She was golden-crowned and clad now in glowing gold and jewels.

Then raising a hand, William's harp came from his pack even as she threw it off;

"I'll reward your faith with a repair job," said Isriath. "Though you must be more careful."

And before his eyes, all the gold and strings knitted together perfectly as if new. And taking it, he strummed the strings. From those strings came forth a strong sound. But with a slight imperfection. Yet that imperfection defined the other sounds, creating new and great things from it.

Poetry in motion.

And then Isriath and he played their harps; their music took on the form of light, one red and furious. The other was blue and beautiful, and they clashed. Their songs melded and mixed to send forth light all around them. More and more, William played, and more and more, Isriath matched with ease.

Her hands moved faster and faster, and history began to take form.

William saw the rising of mighty nations. From humble beginnings, when the first flute was played poorly, came Isriath. And she taught others to sing, while Maius, or gods like them, taught them to make a drink and good cheer to dull their pain. Beer and music were gifts from the gods.

Yet as time passed, they were put aside in favor of more violence. Warrior traditions took precedence. And William before him saw a beautiful city of art and music. It was founded long ago between the eastern knees of the Black Mountain. High and great were the walls, but they were unmanned by the people within.

And so it was that Anoa the Bright descended. For they aligned themselves against Harlenor, and in vengeance, it was torched. Isriath was pleased with Anoa for sparing the men of her city before the gates. And memories came to him of learning to play the harp at his side beneath the guidance of spirits he saw.

For a moment, he was himself again. The music raised to the ringing of bells as flames of a rainbow formed around Isriath's hands.

Yet that memory was quenched by the memories of dead friends. That and horrors perpetrated on his people. And also of the coming corruption and destruction of his people. For Anoa perceived in Isriath an alternative to Elranor, who had not yet come into his own. The easy way could not be allowed to ensnare them.

And so, Anoa destroyed the city, leaving nothing remaining.

Isriath wept and fled back to Escor, where once she had dwelled in long days. And William wondered if the choice had been correct, even as his music began to falter. Then he remembered that, correct or not, it was part of who and what he was. There was no shame in error so long as it was corrected when perceived.

And for all William knew, Anoa's choice might well have been correct.

Destroying all alternatives might have been necessary to maintain the unity of Harlenor. And if the walls were indeed unmanned, they would have been sacked sooner or later. For people who did not fight for themselves would surely be consumed or corrupt all around them.

And the first spell of Isriath was turned back.

But she rose into the sky, as wings like those of a butterfly emerged and channeled the light. Beams descended, and William felt as though he had been skewered by the blades. Tired old men cut down, infants thrown from walls that they might never avenge their Father's. Anoa perceived every moment of it with a stoic expression as the city burned.

The bodies were buried, and he moved to fight off an army of gnolls who had been coming to help. Behind, William saw the blood-drenched ruins. The rain was failing to wash away the rubble and broken pottery. William wondered how many people had died here in this city, his harp playing. Yet as he looked closer, he saw the city was small by the standards of these days. What was then considered a great place of light and music would be available in almost any town today.

Their end had been tragic.

But would such be the case had Anoa not burned them? Had they survived, would they not have gone the way of Cirithil? Lasting long enough to discredit themselves utterly. Yet, in death, in the tragedy of their ending, they may have given way to greater glories. And William played a song. He was summoning the memory of men fleeing in fear from mounted elves with terrible bows.

Arrows were loosed, and a man fell dead. What was his name? Had he ever existed, or was he simply a figment conjured up by the reading of history? Perhaps Isriath knew the answer.

"So, you seem to have some skill. This is more entertaining than I thought," said Isriath, smiling as a predator. "Why don't we try upping our game a bit? Fine then, let me show some true music!"

"Feel free to make that happen," said William. "Music is a form of art, and all art reflects the soul of the one who creates it.

"And you will find that my themes are greater than yours."

The world went chill.

"Oh, how very brave," said Isriath, smiling as her hair went loose in the wind. "But very foolish as well. Behold, the music of reality itself is reflected through perfection. As you have learned, tragedy is the source of all inspiration.

"And you will find that no song may be played that does not have its uttermost source in me."

Thus William beheld Anoa the Bright himself. He was a warrior of unparalleled power and dignity. Thus he was a King even before the crown was worn. Yet, in battle, he showed joy and bloodlust beyond even Tanith. Flames started around him unbidden as he carved a glorious path through his enemies. Such was his valor and power that it infected all around him.

And there was Sir Orson and Lady Gwendoven, figures of white and golden light. Together they rose in power, beating back the enemies of humanity. And as they rose in power, Anoa and Gwendoven were wed, and Orson, her greatest servant. Yet Anoa's madness could not be cured, and the pains of his sins were on him.

Over time, Gwendoven left him to Orson. And Anoa pursued in a rage and warped on both, and both were killed. Then, with the last things holding him back, Anoa declared a final war on Qor'Dana and there faced the Incarnation of the Land...

No.

William set his will against this vision. He knew not whether it was truth or a lie, but he would not bear witness to atrocities he'd been told about a dozen times. It was enough to know that the times had been horrible. And so his song turned to one of defiance, refusal to acknowledge his opponent. For his opponent was not acting in good faith.

Images were shown to William of how kindhearted and beautiful the elves were. Of a beautiful paradise. Yet he looked at it as though he were Anoa and saw only high-handed people who hated him. He has displayed a dimmed vision of the Two Trees of Old, beautiful and as bright as the sun. Given for all to see.

Yet Anoa had not cared one whit about trees.

He cared about what had been happening around him. William saw Isriath's song responding to that. She was trying to focus on humans as a whole, focusing on huts and workshops and cutting trees. But when William sought to look at individual people, her music floundered. Isriath had not known any ordinary people or even about them. Her view of the workshops was hazy.

She strove in vain for something.

And yet the only image she could conjure was that of a young girl Anoa knew well hanging from a tree. Her eyes were dead, and he was shaking, and the image shifted. However, now Isriath could only focus on things with nothing to do with the humans.

The match of their sounds echoed through the woods as flames began to grow in the eternal wood. Isriath stared at her harp as it shuddered. "What... my music...

"My music is being overridden?! Consumed by your own notes?! How?! How has your song gained this power!"

"It hasn't," said William. "Your music is getting weaker."

"What?! Impossible!" said Isriath.

"Art is a form of expression that resonates directly from the soul of the one who creates it," said William. "Within the music, portraits, and writings we created is a reflection of our very cores.

"Long ago, you cared and involved yourself in the world's affairs.

"However, you have become indifferent and heartless. You have thrown aside shame, curiosity, courage, and compassion. All in pursuit of meaningless pleasures. Favors have been substituted for morality.

"The destruction that happens around you does not matter to you save as a source of inspiration. You do not care about it, and so your song is weak. Both of us have been playing our lives, Isriath. My life of fifteen years is not even half over, and yet you, older than the world itself, are running short."

"No!" said Isriath, playing new songs of valiant elven armies. They fought off hordes of humans and claimed many lives in the defense. Many escaped the attacks and slew guards in battle, and only guards. Never civilians.

But William's theme showed the families of those killed.

How they became ever more bitter and enraged as friends they knew disappeared. And others took up spears to defend themselves. So that what was once about territory soon became a blood feud between races. And the elves' luck ran out as the forests were burned for interfering. The animals long kept in check by elves began to hunt the horses and were driven away.

"I will not concede defeat!" said Isriath. "I have other memories to draw upon, far more distant! I shall return to the old; I shall spark the events again in my memory.

"I am the Goddess of Music. I need no inspiration, for my hands have played across the ages of the cosmos. I have painted a thousand pieces and played songs in the courts in a thousand realities. No theme may be played that doesn't ultimately come from me, nor can any create their music in my despite."

William played against her, letting the song wash toward her. "Then why do I still play?"

"You play because I allow you to play themes of my devising," said Isriath, eyes glowing. Her bangs flew behind her head to reveal a star on her brow. "Your song is matched against mine only because I have raised you as an opponent."

"Then the music you fight is your own," said William, struggling to keep going. "You are trying to alter your own nature. You are afraid of experiencing the pain that Anoa the Bright inflicted. The harm that he did to the elves cannot be wholly undone, nor can the other atrocities of the universe.

"Yet in your attempt to shut it from memory, you are worsening the damage.

"Why do you fight yourself?"

"Because she's afraid," said Maius. "Isriath doesn't like talking about bad things."

"I fear nothing!" said Isriath. "I am Isriath, Queen of the Fairies! My music resounds through every realm of the cosmos! No court may shut me out, nor any beast dissuade me! And they do not heed my songs shall learn the dire costs of refusal!"

"And what costs have been dealt to those who harm the innocent here?" asked William. "Those who spurn your gifts and yet benefit by them?

"Who curses and mocks your name and yet uses your servants?"

"It is my choice to punish those whom I will," said Isriath.

"Yet what keeps you from victory here?" asked William.

Isriath seemed about to unleash new songs, and yet she halted. For a moment, she seemed to contemplate some move. Then she shook her head and halted. "...Enough, that's enough.

"The match shall be concluded later."

And they returned to the clearing. The animals were gone.

"Huh, Isriath, warn me next time you do that," said Maius. "So I guess you belong to us, now, then? That's fine by me; we've got this really good idea on how we can use your healing powers-"

"You didn't win," said William.

"The match will be concluded later, Maius," said Isriath.

"What?" said Maius. "How could we lose?! You controlled the outcome!"

"The music he played was the music I refused to," said Isriath. "I've returned the children and all others I have taken and purified much of this land. I will return to Themious soon enough and make plans for the future. However, I should warn you, William. Your enemy is not a criminal or a single person, but a system."

"What do you mean?" asked William.

"The Sorcerer's Guild would not be distributing malas in such a way without a purpose," said Isriath. "And in any event, I have played music in Haldren before.

"How many cities are there within Haldren, William? And who could afford to buy such a large quantity of malas?"

"Almost none, aside from the capital where King Gavin dwells," said William. "That, and the domain of Lord Telus."

"How easy is it to travel throughout Haldren?" asked Isriath.

"Difficult because of the snow and hills," said William. "It makes defending it far easier. Many areas of the coast are under perpetual snowfall."

"So, how would a criminal organization from a foreign land make a profit?" asked Isriath.

"...They couldn't," said William. "Communication and enforcement would be impossible. Because the populations are smaller, everyone would know the distributor. They'd be executed as soon as they tried."

"Now, the last question," said Isriath. "Who would have the money, pull, and reason to purchase large amounts of malas?"

William considered it. "It can't be House Telus; they have everything to gain by helping us. They've done incredibly well for us and are completely loyal. There are other enemies in Haldren, but none of them are rich enough. And King Gavin would never...

"King Gavin."

"A wise man in times of peace prepares for war," said Isriath.

"There's no proof of that," said Chun Xi. "King Gavin could have an entirely legitimate use for it. Perhaps he is attempting to create his own Sorcerer's Guild and wants to stockpile it. House Gabriel has been harvesting malas in large quantities for the Sorcerer's Guild. They sell it to Magicora.

"Now they don't need any of it.

"You'd never have a better price for it than now. Likewise, the King of Estal, or House Stormstrike, might be buying. We don't even have any guarantee that the entire stockpile was going to Haldren. Some of it could have been bound for Calisha, or Estal, or even back to Artarq."

Isriath nodded. "I shall speak to the mages of the Sorcerer's Guild and see if I can learn more. I might be able to work something out with them.

"But I'm afraid that you may have to turn your attention to Carn Gable soon. Or you may find yourself without a place there. Farewell.

"We'll see each other again to finish our match."

"Then I shall be prepared to face your music again, milady," said William.

Maius halted and looked at him. "That was good music."

And then she vanished in a flash of fire.

Suddenly, Kiyora appeared out of nowhere. "Hey, I'm in the middle of helping some herdsmen find their sheep. Now I find out you challenged a Goddess of Music to a rock off.

"Who one? You or the source of all songs?"

"That seems a foolish question," said William.

"That's a good title," said Isriath, appearing. "I think I'll use that." Then she was gone.

"No one, it was a draw," said William. "The match will be decided later." Turning to see Jehair and Felix, he halted.

"So, you then?" asked Kiyora.

"...Jehair, where to now?" asked William.

"We'll head to the druid groves," said Jehair. "As we ought to have before if everything in the world hadn't gone wrong."

"That seems an excellent start," said Felix.

"How much did you see?" asked William.

"We were spectators," said Felix.

"Maius and Isriath, there seem to be many Goddesses from Themious. All making power plays," said William. "And Kata thought the Shark Queen was working through Tanith. Why so sudden an appearance in Antion?"

"Perhaps Elranor's power has waned enough that they can enter," said Jehair. "Or perhaps he has yielded territory to them."

Best to let her think he didn't know. "It is my guess that Elranor ceded ground. Likely he knew these efforts could be brought into the open early. They emerged at precisely the right moment for the people of Antion to foil the plans of the wicked."

"They are dangerous loose ends and must be accounted for," said Felix. "They will come back now, and unless mollified or broken, they will only cause trouble. So action must be contemplated."

"Let's deal with that problem when the time comes," said William. "I think I've been channeling Elranor's will this whole time. That would explain why I've been so quick on the update.

"So I will consult Lord Elranor before I make any plans in that regard."

The morning was breaking, and the sun gleamed through the trees. Now William had to negotiate with the elves who Korlac had just antagonized. So here came the hard part.