Along the Winding Way, faces froze in an expression of awe. Like a wave of the ocean or of grass in the wind, people turned from what they were doing and a hush swept up the road.
This time, they were not frozen in stone, but in a silent amazement.
Eletians were becoming more common as of late in Sacoridia, but it was still an impossible thing to see a legend strolling up the cobblestones of the Winding Way.
This particular delegation was both smaller and less opulent than the past envoys had been, but with their hair the color and sheen of precious metals and their skin glowing like the moonbeams of mythical Argenthyne, they would stand out in any crowd. As they passed, the Sacoridians slowly came back to life, and a soft but urgent murmur broke out behind, the stares boring into the uncaring, aloof Elt backs.
"Firebrand," Graelalea said, her voice ringing out in the silent room despite its being calm and quiet. "We are now prepared to send our tiendan into Kanmorhan Vane. We have considered your request, and will allow a score of humans to accompany us into the forest."
Laren Mapstone rolled her eyes. The king had made it perfectly clear three months ago that his desire that the Eletians be accompanied into Blackveil by Sacoridians of his choosing was not a request. Having received word through Laren's Riders that the Eletians would indeed be venturing into the dark forest where Mornhavon had once reigned one month prior, Zachary had already prepared a company of his most trusted, capable soldiers, Weapons, and Riders. Except, despite her urging, Rider Sir Karigan G'ladheon.
Karigan G'ladheon was the finest and most accomplished Rider they had available. It only made sense to send her into Blackveil, especially due to her amazing aptitude at ending up mixed up in any unnatural, dangerous occurrences. In her view, it was faster to just send Karigan where anything supernatural was likely to happen.
However, the king had been adamant that her Rider be left out, despite her attempts to persuade him otherwise. He claimed she was needed to advise on matters pertaining to the magic still troubling the land, but she knew his real motivation was not the Rider's advice, but her safety.
Frankly, she could have argued harder against the decision not to send Karigan, but it was hard for her to want to send the Rider who had given up everything for her country, suffered through so many hardships and faced so many enemies, into a place where so much danger lurked. She recalled her thoughts three months previous, when they had first been informed of Jametari's desire to explore Blackveil Forest. Whoever he sends will have little chance of returning.
"We make one request of our own now, Firebrand," Graelalea stated firmly, yanking Mapstone back to the proceedings in front of her. "We wish to choose one from your realm to accompany us. This one will not be counted in your score, but will be essential, Prince Jametari believes, to the success of our mission."
King Zachary frowned, just slightly. "Very well. I grant your request. Who is it you wish to choose?"
"Karigan G'ladheon."