They made their way quickly toward the village, surrounded by a wall of stone. The roofs were shingled, and men were on watch with bows. The windows in the buildings were mainly on the higher levels and narrow, placed to let in the light of the sun as it rose and fell. It was much warmer here. A day ago, it would have been chilly for summer. But after the life-sapping surroundings of Adrian's domain, nothing seemed warmer. It was odd how a few adventures changed how you thought.

"Finally, we're back in civilization and safety," said Ronald.

"Civilization, perhaps. Not sure about safety," said Estela. "There's the inn. I've drunk good ale there. We'll see what we can find."

They approached the gates of the village, and Estela banged on them. "Open the gates, will you?! Open them!"

There was a long pause. Then, a slot slid aside to reveal an elderly woman clad in chainmail. She looked at them with narrowed eyes. "Who is it?"

"It's Estela and Ronald," said Estela. "We came here before. Remember?"

"Estela?" the old woman blinked. "Squire Estela? Well, this is a surprise. When you entered the woods, I thought we'd never see you again. Much less that you'd come back with your friend in tow.

"There have been quite a few lights in the forest this week."

"That's somewhat our fault," said Relma. "Can we come in?"

"Of course, of course." said the woman. "We've had enough disappearances without you disappearing as well." She opened the postern, and they slipped in.

"We actually know what is happening to the girls," said Relma. "I barely escaped."

"You do?" asked the woman. "Well, if that's the case, you'd best tell the story in the common room of the Coiled Serpent Inn. We've got some people here. Pandora the Sorceress herself at that."

"Aunt Pan is here?" asked Relma. "I've seen her!"

As they made their way through the town, Relma noticed the buildings were blackened. They hadn't been burned but melted. This must have been where the dragon attacked before.

The Coiled Serpent Inn was a large, three-story building that loomed over the others. It had open windows, letting out a golden light. Relma looked at the coiled, golden serpent on the sign.

"Not the most friendly emblem, is it?" she asked.

"Orn, the innkeeper, his ancestors fought on the side of House Gabriel. During the Escorian Civil war, I mean," said Estela. "During the purges, they were forced to flee. House Vortegex helped them and many others escape those bloodsucking De Chevlons.

They keep the symbol as a mark of pride. So come on, let's get a drink and celebrate. I've got plenty of coins.

They opened the door and came into a bustling standard room. Several villagers were speaking with one another over tables. Most of them carried knives, Relma noted. That hadn't been the practice in the inns she'd seen back in the domain of Ronald's Father.

A balding man came forward. Orn, Relma presumed. "Good evening, young ladies. And Lady Estela. How can I be of service to you on this fine day?"

"I'll have the usual," said Estela. "And get something weaker for my friends here."

"I'll have what Estela is having," said Relma.

"You'll have what I say you should have," said Aunt Pan as she approached. She kneeled by Relma. "Relma, what are you doing all the way out here? And Ronald, too? Why did you follow me here?"

"We didn't exactly follow you," admitted Relma.

"You'd best explain. Innkeeper, bring us a hot meal," said Aunt Pan. "I will speak to my niece." Explaining the situation could have been more comfortable. As Relma did, Aunt Pan looked furious, though not at her. "You were kidnapped? How could Father have let something like that happen! The old fool! I told him to be careful, but his wits clearly fail with age!

"How did you get away?"

"I escaped," said Relma. "Or rather, I almost escaped. I would have been turned into a werewolf if Estela hadn't come by at the last minute."

"Well, then something came of her venture, at least," said Pandora. "But, they would have turned you into a werewolf?"

"No, a werewolf is a mortal who becomes a wolf when the moon is full," said Estela. "What Relma is talking about is something else. Maybe a wolfman. Or part man, part wolf. Let's call it a manwolf."

"A werewolf is a fusion of man and wolf," said Aunt Pan. "That's it. The details can be anything."

"Well, then we need better clarity of language," said Estela.

"Enough," said Pan, "Relma, do you know why this Ajax kidnapped you?"

"It's complicated," said Relma. "You see, Telix is trying to create a new kingdom. First, he turned the outlaws that once lived in the forest into part of his brood. Now he is kidnapping young maidens to transform them into his own kind."

"I see. You did well to bring this to me," said Pan. "I will deal with Telix myself in due time.

"For now, you'd better tell me all the details."

Relma told Pan everything she knew. Pan then asked Estela and Ronald for an account of things. Estela did most of the talking, exaggerating the details. As she did, Aunt Pan looked increasingly worried. Eventually, she set a hand on Relma's shoulder. "Relma, I'd like to speak to you to one side."

Relma allowed herself to be led away to a table in the corner. There Pan sat down and looked at her hard. "What is it, Aunt Pan?"

"Did anything happen while you were with Ajax?" asked Pan.

"A lot of things happened," said Relma, slightly defensive.

"I think we both know what I'm asking, dear," said Pan.

"We made violent love, and now I am carrying his child," said Relma.

"I am very serious, dear," said Pan.

Relma sighed. "No, Aunt Pan. Nothing happened. Telix was very big on choice. He gave all of the women who he captured the chance to leave. After, he used magic to enchant them. But he had led the ones who managed to refuse him out of the forest."

"I doubt they made it out of the forest alive," said Pan. "Telix is a demon and the son of the worst demon. There is no mercy in him. "

Relma thought of Marsha. If Pan was right, she and the other girls were probably dead. "I hope you're wrong."

"I do as well," admitted Pan. "No matter. You should all get some rest. I'll escort you all back to Gel Carn soon enough."

"Weren't you going to meet with Telix?" asked Relma.

"We are far beyond negotiations at this stage," said Pan. "Benarus has started to gather his forces for war. Besides, your safety is important."

"But what about all the people here?" asked Relma.

"I'll be helping them by going back," said Pan. "There will be a war; I'm certain of that now. What we need to do is prepare for it."

"But Aunt Pan, Adrian helped us get back," said Relma. "If we go to war, the black dragons will side with Telix! I've seen them in action! They spit acid and can dissolve metal. And they move with incredible stealth."

"We have more than one way to fight with the black dragons," said Pan. "If Adrian chooses to support Telix, then he's against us.

"Do you understand?"

Relma remained silent for a long moment. Finally, she realized there was only one answer she could make. One that was acceptable anyway. Even if it was untrue. "Yes, Aunt Pan."

"Good," said Pan. "Now, I'll make arrangements for your rooms. You'll bathe, and then you'll go to bed early."

"I want to talk to some of the other-" began Relma.

"Now, Relma," said Pan. "I will take you to our room."

Relma looked over to where Estela and Ronald were recounting their adventures. There was a reasonably large crowd around them now. Aunt Pan never let her do anything fun. "I understand."

The following day, Relma awoke to great fanfare out the windows. Looking out of them, she saw a column of heavily armored men marching. They had large shields and clutched heavy spears. Their helms hid their faces. Above their ranks, they bore a green banner with the symbol of a golden sword surrounded by lightning.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

She dressed and rushed downstairs to find Estela and Ronald already up. "What's going on?"

"Steward Benarus has brought his troops out," said Estela. "Lord Marn is leading them. More soldiers are coming from the surrounding lands."

"Father will be coming soon as well," said Ronald.

"Whose idea was it to gather a huge army?" asked Relma.

"That was me, my dear girl." said a familiar voice.

Relma froze and looked up. She saw Aren sitting in one corner, smoking a pipe. How long had he been there? "Aren, what's going on?"

"Well, as soon as I realized that Telix was at work, I judged we'd need reinforcements," said Aren. "That was why I wasn't able to help you against Ajax. I should have left some wards but didn't anticipate Telix knowing your identity. Or even of you."

And then Aunt Pan came down the stairs. "Father? Just what have you been doing? Why did you allow Relma to be kidnapped!"

Aren took his pipe out of his mouth and sighed. "I didn't allow anything. I met with Benarus, and then I left as a bird. I've been working for days to get help down here quickly.

"Speaking of help, here it is."

The door opened, and Lord Marn entered. He looked in a bad mood as he approached. "Arengeth, Pandora, I came as you requested. We've had a devil of a time getting the troops together."

"We appreciate the effort," said Aren. "Things are on the verge of escalating into full-scale war. If we can't convince Adrian to withdraw support for Telix, we'll fight black dragons."

"I've fought dragons before," said Marn.

"True, but those were golden," said Aren. "Black dragons are of a very different sort. Much faster, and they can fly."

"Different or no, we'll handle them," said Argath. "I've developed some plans to deal with them." He looked to Tanith and then outside to his troops. "Before all this happened, I was planning to head for Artarq. Then, with things escalating, I thought I ought to fight the Calishans on their own shore. But fighting werewolves is just as well."

"Man wolves," said Estela.

Argath glanced up in surprise. "Well, you're welcome to call them whatever you wish."

At that moment, Tanith entered the inn as well. She was wearing full armor that must have been enchanted to look golden. Her two swords were by her side. "Lord Argath, I've finished scouting, and we're being watched." Her fingers clenched around her sword, and Relma realized her hands were shaking. But a smile was on her face. "The wolves are in the trees all over. From the looks of things, we won't be taking anybody by surprise this time."

"Wonderful," said Argath. "Set up a sentry to keep watch and ensure no one rushes in. Our enemies are wolves and half-wolves. So they will know the forest better than we do. Then, once we've made a plan of attack, we'll make arrangements."

"Yes, sir," said Tanith.

"Who is this, Argath?" asked Aren. "I don't believe we've met."

Argath looked nervously at Tanith, then to Aren. "Ah, this is my protege, Tanith. She came into my service during some raids and is a great soldier. She may become one of the best someday.

"Tanith, this is Pandora and Gail Argengeth. I told you of them earlier, did I not?"

"Yes, I remember," said Tanith, looking at them in disdain. "Rusara doesn't like you very much."

"You've met Rusara?" asked Aren.

"She visited Carn Gable quite often," said Tanith.

"Then you were trained in the service of House Gabriel," said Aren. "You keep odd company, Argath."

"Well, if it's any consolation, they don't particularly like you either," said Tanith.

"When you live as long as I do, you come to disregard the opinions of petty power mongers," said Aren.

"No wonder you never get anything done," said Tanith.

"Enough," said Argath. "Tanith, if you can't be civil, you can start relaying the orders I've given."

Tanith nodded. "As you wish, sir."

Then she left.

Argath watched her go. "The girl was raised in the company of House Gabriel, but she's a true Harlenorian nonetheless. I'm trying to break her out of some of their bad habits, but it shows through."

"Your never-ending efforts to redeem the lost inspire us all, Argath," said Aren.

"Well, one does one's best," said Argath with a slight smile. "Now, perhaps we should get down to business. How would you recommend we play this? Invade the forest directly? Or wait for them to come to us?"

"That is the problem, isn't it?" asked Aren. "I've been considering things. And I don't think we'll be able to get a victory without a massive cost. If we stay out here, Adrian Wrynncurth could burn us with acid. Under the trees, we'd have some shielding. But it would also leave us exposed to ambush."

"Surely, your magic could help," said Argath.

"A great deal," said Aren. "In fact, without them, Telix would be unstoppable. But I do not like the idea of either waiting to have acid rained down on us or venturing into a dark wood to be eaten by wolves.

"We must find an alternative, one that is less costly.

"Perhaps the spirit of the wood could be turned against Telix through... methods."

"Aren, I don't think that will work," said Relma.

"Why not?" asked Aren, looking up.

"When I was a prisoner, I tried to talk him into helping me escape," said Relma. "But he said he was loyal to Wrynncurth and through him, Telix."

"Then he'll work against us," Aren sighed. "I'll have to get in contact with some of the woodsmen. With their help, navigating the wood would be somewhat easier."

"We can't fight them," said Relma.

"Have you been paying attention, girl?" asked Argath.

"No, but... look, many of the people serving Telix aren't there by choice," said Relma. "He bent them to his will using magic and then transformed them. We should be trying to help them, not killing them."

"They are likely already lost," said Pan.

"That doesn't mean we shouldn't try!" said Relma.

"And what would you suggest?" asked Aren.

Relma paused. She thought about every old story she'd ever read about. Everything. And slowly, it all began to fit together. Finally, the answer was in front of her. "What about Lightning Trail?"

"Lightning Trail?" asked Argath. "What does that have to do with anything?"

" Lightning Trail is the Blade of Freedom," said Relma. "One of its powers is to negate the will of demons. Or that was what many of the old stories used to say."

"Not any stories I heard," muttered Argath.

"It was also blessed by the spirits of the land," said Relma. "They swore to serve the wielder. If someone could draw it, then perhaps-"

"No one has drawn Lightning Trail since Anoa IX was killed by Baltoth in an ambush," said Argath. "And even if someone could be found to draw it, it's in the middle of Adrian's territory. So it would be a suicide mission."

"Let me try then!" said Relma. "I'm not doing any good here-"

"Enough, Relma," said Aren. "We won't speak of this now."

"But-" began Relma.

"Enough," said Aren. "Forgive the girl, Argath. She recently escaped from Telix's clutches. Pan, please explain things."

For the second time, Aunt Pan took Relma to one side. "Listen to me, Relma. You are not worthy to wield that blade. You might never be respected. And even if you were, the time could be better for it. The way must be cleared, which will take a long time.

"The Dukes and Barons and Kings of Harlenor divided may claim they are devoted. But they won't yield to someone just because they drew the sword. It will take many years of preparation-"

"People are going to die, Aunt Pan," said Relma. "What if I can save them? Lightning Trail could free all the people whom Telix took control of. It could turn the forest against him."

Pan looked at Relma with narrowed eyes. "One day, Relma, you may play a part in the creation of Harlenor Reunited. But that day is far from here. So now you three will go back to your room.

"We have work to do."

So, they were dismissed. Estela and Ronald didn't seem to mind, which made it worse. Relma sat on her bed, looking at the floor. The story was over. It was all out of her hands.

She didn't like feeling powerless like this.

A lot of people were going to die if she didn't do anything. But what could she do?

"It isn't so bad, Relma. Aren and your aunt Pan can handle all this," said Ronald. "They've been handling this kind of thing for ages."

"Yes, but we've dropped out of the story," noted Estela.

"What do you mean?" asked Ronald.

"We're just going to be a footnote in what goes on out there," said Estela. "A minor side story."

"Who cares about that? We're safe, and now things will work out," said Ronald.

"If Telix doesn't win, you mean," said Estela.

"Do you have to ruin everything, Estela?" asked Ronald.

"What? We Vortegex's have a long history of coping with defeat," said Estela. "It is always possible to lose a battle, no matter how one-sided. That was the lesson of the Escorian Civil War. And this one isn't one-sided.

"Hey, Relma, do you think Telix might win? If he beats Argath, he'll probably lay siege to Gel Carn. After that, we'll get called up to do battle.

"I don't know," admitted Relma.

Then something took hold of her. Something urged her to stand and walk to the door. "I'm going to take a walk."

Her walk did not lead her out of the inn but further into it. As she walked, she came to Aunt Pan's room. She wondered why she was here. Then, raising a hand to knock, she heard a voice.

"I hope you're pleased with yourself, Father," said Pan.

"I am very pleased, to be honest," said Aren.

"You've put it into Relma's head that she's going to be queen one day," said Pan. "Ever since you revealed things to her, she's been trying to make herself stand out."

"The pursuit of glory is a natural inclination for young people. It's healthy," said Aren.

"No, it isn't!" said Pan. "How many villages have we seen burned down by young knights lusting for glory? How many kingdoms have fallen? And all because people like Anoa the Bright wanted to make themselves a name!"

"Quite a few, I'd wager," said Aren. "It doesn't change the fact that the drive to excel is not a bad thing. Though it can be put to bad use. The point is there wouldn't be any kingdoms if nobody were ambitious."

"Stop dodging the issue, Father!" said Pan.

"The girl needed to know sooner or later," said Aren.

"No, she didn't!" snapped Pan. "Relma was never supposed to become Queen! We're a generation too early! She's not the important one! It's her son we need! Her son!"

Relma froze.

Then she turned and walked away. That was it, wasn't it? All this time, Relma had been wrong. She'd assumed the secretive nature of things had been to disguise some great destiny. But it hadn't been. They'd been hiding that she was just another link in the chain.

She could have gone her entire life without knowing and still fulfilled her purpose. To have a child who would get all the glory and honor. While she would just be a footnote.

It suddenly seemed ridiculous to her. She'd thought her blood made her essential. But all those ancient bloodlines returning to prominence were only the end of the story. Instead, they focused on the lucky bastard at the end of the chain, the one who got to be king. The one who was hailed as a hero.

While everyone before them was nothing. Less than nothing. History left off with the last reigning king and picked up with the return.

To hell with that.

Relma stalked up to Estela and Ronald's door and pulled it open. "Pack your things; we're going."

"What do you mean we're going?" asked Ronald.

"Aunt Pan and Aren think I'm no good," said Relma. "Well, I'll show them. I'll draw Lightning Trail myself and make them see."

Estela blinked. "All right. Let's go, Ronald."

"What?" said Ronald. "But we can't just up and leave."

"We can, and we are," said Relma. "Now, let's get our stuff together."

"Come on, Ronald," said Estela. "If we find Lightning Trail, we'll have a story. People might forget about that sword we lost. We just have to get there."

"That's the hard part, though, isn't it," said Ronald. "I'm not going."

"Please, Ronald," said Relma. "I have to do this."

"Why do you have to do this?" asked Ronald.

Relma hesitated. "Because... because Aunt Pan just wants me to have a child and use him for something. As far as she's concerned, my whole reason for living is to have a child. That's why she never taught me anything. I was just supposed to be the bridge in the gap between one generation and the next.

"I want to be more than that. But she'll never let me do it on my own."

Ronald remained silent. "...Fine. I'll help you. But we won't rush off in the middle of the day. And if we survive, no more adventures."

"Thanks, Ronald, you're the best," said Relma.

"Now come on. We've got to get together some equipment," said Ronald. "I still have my pack, but Relma will need one. And also a weapon."

"We could snag some from the armory tent," said Estela.

"We are not stealing," said Ronald.

"Fine," said Estela, "I'll buy what we need, and then we'll get going.

"We should prepare during the day and leave at night."

"Good," said Relma. "Thanks a lot."

"What are we going to do instead?" asked Estela. "Just go home?"

Ronald stalked out, muttering to himself.