When Relma emerged from the castle, she found the village in chaos. People were hurrying into the walls, carrying bags and food. Soldiers rushed along the walls, preparing the defenses. And then she saw Aunt Pan come on and hug her. Relma felt embarrassed by the embrace and tried to free herself from it.

Eventually, Pan let her go and smiled. "Relma, thank goodness you are alright. What happened?"

"Lord Anias took us captive and tried to get me to give up Lightning Trail," said Relma. "He said he'd hang that boy if I didn't."

"You didn't, did you?" asked Aunt Pan.

"No, of course not," said Relma, surprised she even had to ask. "But I tricked him into thinking I had. So he grabbed Lightning Trail, and it killed him. I tried to stop him, Aunt Pan, but I wasn't fast enough. And Fayn killed Asus."

"If they were trying to steal Lightning Trail, they deserved what happened to them," said Aunt Pan.

"Maybe they did, and maybe they didn't," said Relma. "But people deserve a lot of things. And, I mean, nobody cares. No one cared that Anias was dead, not even his guards.

"It makes me sad." However, Anias had given her no choice. Still, Relma ought to mourn her fallen enemies, shouldn't she?

"Whatever the case, our plans will have to be put on hold," said Aunt Pan. "The satyrs are coming as we speak. We must decide whether to stay and fight or slip past them."

"For my part, I intend to fight," said Estela as she came forward, now wearing her armor and sword. "It's an opportunity for glory, and if the battle goes badly, the satyrs might ravage Gel Carn."

"Same here," said Fayn.

Aunt Pan looked at them. "Well, that more or less decides it, doesn't it?"

Estela and Fayn moved off, but Aunt Pan stopped Relma as she tried to follow. Listen, Relma; I want you to stay out of the fighting."

"I know," said Relma. "I was already asked to take my place among the healers."

"You don't mind?" asked Aunt Pan.

"Why would I?" said Relma. "I'm not all that great of a warrior. My only real victory so far has been against an overconfident, half-drunk man. And he was acting recklessly. Oh, and beating Fayn when the Heaven's Eye coursed through me.

"Besides, I don't want to kill anyone."

"You have a strange way of seeking glory," said Aunt Pan.

"I don't seek that kind," said Relma. The idea of putting a sword through someone made her feel sick. Ending a life...

It was something she never wanted to do.

"Still, there is something I need you to do, Relma," said Aunt Pan. "My connection to the spirits of the land is tenuous at the moment.

"I'd appreciate it if you could speak to them for me."

"Right," said Relma. So Aunt Pan needed her for something at last. "So, how do we do that?"

"With difficulty," said Aunt Pan. "Come with me."

Aunt Pan led them out of the castle, beyond the village walls, and toward the marsh. As they did, Relma half-expected satyrs to come rushing out of it at any moment. The trees were hunched over and menacing. The people they saw were all fleeing away from the marsh, though there were only a few. Nobody seemed to build on this side of town.

"Are you sure we should go outside the walls?" asked Relma. "Everyone else is going in." The longer they stayed out here, the more likely they'd have to fight. Relma didn't think much of her chances by herself and wasn't sure how good Aunt Pan was. Though Relma doubted she'd be defenseless.

"Spirits don't like change," said Aunt Pan. "Tradition is important to them. Trying to communicate with them without going to the proper place is ill-advised. It is generally considered bad form. And form is everything to some of them."

"Couldn't we wait for a better time?" asked Relma.

"Unfortunately, if we don't do this now, I may not be able to use any magic in the coming battle," said Aunt Pan.

Soon, they went into the marsh itself. You could smell the salt before you got into the murky water. The wind blew through it, rustling in the underbrush, and Relma felt a tenseness in the air. The trees yielded before them, and they suddenly came to a small hill that rose out of the water. On it were standing stones, heavily carved. Relma looked at them, admiring the symbols on them.

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"They are some of the oldest ruins in all of Harlenor," said Aunt Pan, going forward. "Perhaps the oldest. Here was where the ancient men worshipped the spirits of the land before's coming of Elranor. In those days, humans and satyrs were on good terms.

"Almost brothers."

"Why did they become enemies?" asked Relma.

"Humanity grew out of its bloodthirsty nature," said Aunt Pan. "The satyrs did not. It isn't entirely their fault, for it was a part of their essence." She took hold of Relma's shoulders and led her to a circle of small stones. "Now come, stand here."

Then, suddenly, the trees' leaves began to flow in waves. They swirled around them, faster and faster. Relma could see a figure within the leaves, emerging gradually. The water around them suddenly shone golden as light burst forth from the leaves. Before, Relma was a stunningly beautiful woman. She was like an elf but with two colorful butterfly wings on either side of her body. Her hair was yellow like gold, and clad in a green tunic. Bells were hanging from her waist, and she went barefoot. On her head was a golden circle.

"So you have come, Pandora." said the woman.

"Fairy Queen Isriath, I have come as you requested," said Aunt Pan.

Isriath looked over Relma. "This is her, then? A pure aura is not something I have seen in many ages of this world. It is like new cloth that has never been touched by dirt or grime.

"I can see why Lucius seeks her."

Relma felt it was her turn to speak, and she did so before she could think. "Do you know why Lucius is after me?"

"I have my suspicions," said Isriath. "But it is not a matter I have concerned myself with overmuch. Knowing that whatever it is is against your best interests is enough.

"He has requested my assistance and the assistance of the spirits of the land. In return, he has promised to return us to power."

"Are you going to help him?" asked Relma.

Isriath laughed, and her voice was like the sound of a harp. "To the point, aren't you?

"We're about to be invaded by an army of satyrs," said Relma. "We don't have much time."

"In light of the circumstances, it is forgivable," said Isriath. "Though I may choose not to forgive it."

"You aren't answering my question," noted Relma, filled with a strange confidence.

Isriath smiled. "I think I like this one.

"Lucius promises me great power. But deals with him always have a price. I have considered it, however, for the fairies have faded. In ages past, we were held in great respect and adoration by humans and satyrs alike.

"Then came your sire, Anoa the Bright.

"He had no heed for the old ways. He cast down our sacred stones and killed many of us."

"You neglect to mention something. Mortal sacrifice was practiced at these stones, Isriath," said Aunt Pan. "And your kind often overstepped the boundaries of their agreements."

Isriath shook her head. "So we did. But we were among the only race to take human part against Alchara. And for that, we were repaid with our blood.

"I will admit that Anoa II did much to redeem his race, though not nearly enough. Others did the same. Though that one Steward..." A grimace came to her face. "She richly deserved her fate."

"Which Steward?" asked Relma.

"One of Benarus' ancestors," said Aunt Pan. "She attempted to destroy many of the remaining sacred places. Laevian, however, cursed her, and she fled south into the Road of Ancient Stone. Given she has not been seen in centuries, she is probably dead.

"I never did find out what happened to her, however."

"Whatever her fate, now the fairies have recovered somewhat," said Isriath. "Some of our sacred places have been recreated, our homes reestablished.

"But we dwell in hiding, operating through spirits. And we cannot grow any further without being known. Yet we dare not stand in the light for fear that mortals will seek our end again."

"Can I do something to help you?" asked Relma.

"Perhaps," said Isriath. "If you were to become King of Harlenor Reunited, you would have great power. Power great enough to restrain the axes of mortals. To reign in their destructive tendencies so that we could return to the light. To establish shrines to the old ways."

"Whether you work for or against me, I promise you that I will do my best to ensure justice is done," said Relma.

Isriath looked at her in surprise. Her wings beat the air. "You aren't one for bargaining, are you?"

"Would it help?" asked Relma. "I don't know this Lucius or what he has offered you. But I've heard of what he's done, and everything I've heard tells me he is not a very good person. Do you want someone like that ruling supreme over Harlenor Reunited?

"Or a foolish but well-intentioned person who's willing to listen?"

"And yet, should we side with you against Lucius and you are defeated, it will be far worse for us," said Isritath. "He knows our places, and should we turn against him, I fear he will wither every root we've set down."

"I can't disagree," said Relma. "I don't know him. But I'll do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. It may not be very much, but I won't be alone. There are others in Harlenor, plenty of good people who will understand what you want.

"If we can gather them together, all of doing a little bit at a time will add up. Eventually, Harlenor Reunited may be created, greater than ever before. Without the weaknesses of the old one."

"And what can you promise us for our support?" asked Isriath.

"Only that I will do everything in my power to rule fairly," said Relma, feeling like she was repeating herself.

Isriath stared at her in bewilderment and amazement. "...You truly are a poor player, you know. Every mortal I've negotiated with before, you have made promises. All in exchange for support later. Yet you offer nothing. And ask nothing. You only say your intentions and leave me to seek all the negotiating.

"I am impressed with your resolve. But I expect you will come to a bitter end.

"I will remain neutral in this conflict between you and Lucius, helping neither side. Nor shall I hinder them. Lady Pandora, I shall make no move to restrain you."

Aunt Pan stepped forward. "Thank you, Queen Isriath. We must leave soon. The satyrs are coming."

"And so they will," said Isriath. "Perhaps in this conflict, places shall be freed where the fair folk may establish new homes. Farewell."

Then she faded, and the light was gone. Aunt Pan turned to her. "That was very well done, Relma.

"You convinced them not to act against you without promising anything in return. I was expecting we'd need to make some quests. Or worse. That is the usual way these things go down.

"We'd best go."

They hurried back. As they did so, they heard the sound of drumbeats growing closer behind them. By the time they came near the gates, they were deafening. The wood was alive with howls and snarls. Glancing back, Relma saw satyr scouts peering out of the woods.

The castle walls were all manned. The villages were empty, and the door was shut. As they neared it, the lookout called aloud: "Open the gates; the Heir of Kings is back."

They were met by Varsus, who was sharpening his sword by the gate. He looked up. "Relma, where did you go?"

"To negotiate with the fairies," said Relma. "You see-"

"Enough of this," said Aunt Pan. "Relma, go to the healers. I must take my place on the walls."

Disappointed, Relma was led to a large stone building. There were dozens of bedrolls laid out around it. A portly, forty-year-old woman hurried up, hair covered in white. It was the servant woman from before, now that Relma thought of it. She hadn't had time to notice the details before with everything happening.

"You're the Heir of Kings, then? How good are you at healing?" asked the woman.

"I can deal with minor injuries easily," said Relma. "Though I'm not-"

"Fine then, I want you on the walls, tending to what injuries you can." said the woman. "If you see someone with an arrow sticking out of them, don't drag it out. Leave that to the ones with medical experience.

"I don't want any heroics. Your job is healing, not hurting. Remember that!"

Relma nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now go." said the woman.

Business as usual, then. Relma rushed to help.