Ceili made her way down the trail to Greyhafen, the sound of birds, and the slight rustle of leaves in the breeze carried her spirit - she loved the sounds and beauty of natural things. Of course a made thing could be beautiful as well she thought, remembering the finely crafted lute which lay in her saddle bags. Inspired, she sang for joy with the birds. The melody refreshed her, and she and her horse moved faster and with less effort. The bird calls did not diminish, but accompanied her, granting more power to her passage. There was something magical about Ceili, but she did not see it that way - the world responded to her more than others, that was just how it had always been.

She knew a few spells of course, she could heal small wounds with magic, and also cast a flame spell. But her studies with Archibald had been cut short, and now she sought another tutor from the order of the silver sages. Certainly she might find one or more in the library at Greyhafen. Libraries were uncommon even in large cities, and Greyhafen's was known and protected by the order - those mages were always seeking knowledge in dusty tomes.

Ceili preferred a more active lifestyle than one cloistered away in books and shadows. Her whole life people had been fussing over her; men, elves, mages. Child of prophecy, they said, born of man and elf they said, learn magic they said - when it was already in her bones! She had one foot in the woods of the elves, one foot in the cities of men, but she felt at home in neither. She was ready to do her own thing for once - she laughed aloud at this thought - even with the fussing, she had always found some way to do as she pleased. It was her heart, her heart had been her home, ever since she had found it as a child. Her way was the way. Archibald being sick had been a good excuse to get some fresh air!

Still, she thought, those of the order did know some things - many of them grasped magical power she did not understand. No matter, her life would be long, plenty of time to learn what pleased her. The forest gave way to countryside, and the occasional farm, until the settlements grew closer together, and she soon found herself before the palisaded city of Greyhafen. The wide road passed through an opening in the spiked wooden barricade, with three guards monitoring traffic. She registered at the gatehouse and entered the city. Farmers, merchants, soldiers, and townsfolk went about their business, but the street was not crowded as she made her way towards the library - the same where she had met Archibald years before.

The sweet smell of strawberries baking made her pause at the stall of a merchant selling pastries. She bought one for a snack and ate it with satisfaction, the flaky crust crumbling on her lips. A lovely human creation! Washing it down with elven mead, she felt a moment of deep gratitude for enjoying the best of both worlds. Leisurely, she stabled her horse and made her way to the library. Upon arriving she saw a man sitting on the steps to the entrance. He was well built, with a large jaw that perhaps indicated.. Orcish blood? Hard to be certain. He wore the blue tabard of a commander in the King's army over scale mail that glinted in the sunlight. A great sword in its sheath lay on the step in front of him. So, a soldier, and a commander, clearly not on duty, what was he doing there? she wondered aloud. He looked up at her and his eyes were a piercing blue.

~~~

Korgan sat on the steps of the library and waited for MacRauri. Apparently he was on some errand in town and would be back shortly. He tried to find a comfortable position, but he just couldn't get there. He could have waited inside, but that would have meant surrendering his sword, a thing he was not in the habit of doing. It gave him a small comfort that mages feared steel - realizing this, he did not feel as helpless around them as he might have otherwise. Perhaps it was a warrior's way of thinking to dwell on these things. He had never fought a mage before, light send he never would.

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

"What are you doing here?" a musical voice addressed him. He looked up and saw that it belonged to a beautiful woman, garbed in a light hooded cape of green and brown, light leather armor and traveling clothes, a short sword on one hip, wineskin on the other. It was subtle, but he could tell that everything she wore was of fine quality craftsmanship. She looked youthful, but he couldn't tell her age as he looked into her face. Blonde hair. Green eyes.

He realized he had been staring and stood to acknowledge her as he recalled her question. "I'm waiting for a friend, a magician named MacRauri, he's supposed to be here any minute. And you? What brings you to the library at Greyhafen, my lady?"

Ceili smiled, "you may call me Ceili. As for me, I need to make contact with the Silver Sages. I know MacRauri as well and should speak with him since he is here in Greyhafen. It is good to meet a friend of MacRauri... Sir..?"

"Korgan." He smiled "Call me Korgan my lady, I mean, Ceili." Her musical laughter followed - she was enjoying this surprise.

"Ah! Korgan, Ceili, I'm glad you two have met." their heads swiveled towards MacRauri's familiar voice, as if speaking his name had summoned him. They saw the man there in the road, wearing a traveling cloak that covered the silver trimmed finery he wore underneath. "Come, let’s go the tavern and speak, I know how you feel about giving up your sword Korgan."

Korgan smiled thoughtfully as they walked "A soldier's habit I suppose - I feel less naked around magic with my blade in arm's reach. No offense."

"None taken old friend, it seems you've been growing up while I've been out and about wizarding" MacRauri smiled "blue looks right on you Korgan." Ceili gave a start, she had just been thinking the same thing!

The tavern was close to the library, and when they arrived the innkeeper saw them to a private room in the back. It was well furnished with chairs, a round table, a hearth with a mantle, a wall of books, and small high windows that let in the sun. The three sat round and MacRauri looked at each of them, it was a calculating gaze. After a few long moments he reached into a pouch and muttered a few words that Korgan did not understand, and made quickly various signs and patterns in the air with his fingers. For a second the air was cool, and everything appeared vivid, and was silent. And then it passed. "A spell to ward against eavesdropping. How fortunate for me to find both of you here at once! Korgan, I know I summoned you, I hate to call in a favor, but I am in need of some discreet help from you. Ceili, I know that Archibald has taken ill, but I did not expect to find you here - if you are willing to forgo your studies with the order for a bit, I could make use of your extra hands as well. - before you answer though, I must know that until the mission is complete I can count on your discretion. This is a matter that concerns the Order of Silver Sages, but it is too early to involve any beyond myself in it, and I have need of some muscle to guard me while I deal with the magical aspects of my mission. I could hire someone, but if opportunity affords, I would deal with those I know and trust. Korgan I cannot force you to accompany me, but I dearly wish your assistance in this matter. If you agree I have already made the arrangements with Captain Grachan. Ceili, the same goes for you. I can pay you from the same coin I would have used on sell-swords."

Korgan smiled inwardly as the waves of MacRauri's words washed over him. How typical of MacRauri, to have arranged everything in advance, and to have said so much, and yet so little about what they would actually be doing.

Ceili didn't hold back. "What exactly is this mission you propose MacRauri?"

"I had hoped not to reveal that until we had left the city. Can you wait until then?"

Korgan shifted in his seat, "I will help you MacRauri - you've been there for me when I needed it."

"Thank you Korgan. Ceili? What do you think?"

"I think it sounds like adventure! and I've been cooped up in Archibald's tower studying for too long - yes MacRauri, I will travel with you and Korgan for now."

"Great! that's settled then. We will need provisions for a week or two. I can shop for us this afternoon, and we can leave on the morrow before dawn. You can rest here at the Eagle's Nest Inn if you wish, The order will pay for your lodging. I'll be taking my leave now, until later." and with that MacRauri left them sitting there, as abruptly as he had arrived.