IV

A torrent of voices met her. The townsfolk were amassed, angry and afraid. Many clutched their children close; the circus folk had retreated, trying to hold back the mob.

"My boy got his arm broke!"

"My da was almost killed!"

"You call this fun?"

"Yeah! We came here, pay good coin–"

"It was all Kalah!"

"He was one of yours!"

"He turned on us too–"

"Enough excuses – get them!"

Lightning flashed. The crowd stopped dead, many throwing themselves down. Mothers covered their children; some husbands shielded their wives, others fled. The memory of Kalah's storm was all too real.

"Kalah is dead," Sendai told them calmly, as if she had never shot lightning, "the circus is not to blame, nor are you. A spell went horribly wrong and it sent the gnome mad, merging him with a monster." The drow paused, "You are safe, all of you. Bring your wounded to the temple."

"You saved us?" One of the circus folk gaped.

"Kalah's wrath is a-at an end." Aerie confirmed with a confident nod.

"They're the heroes of Nashkel," the little girl piped up; Sendai picked her out in the crowd, her smile fading when she saw the bloodied bruise over her eyebrow. Quiet anger held her.

"Disperse." She ordered, just able to keep her voice from shaking, "and fetch Mayor Ghastkill."

There were several mutters, but general assent. As the crowd parted, the drow sought out the girl, and before her mother could object, muttered and blue-white light appeared over the child's brow. She was rewarded by a flying hug; she didn't quite grunt. Nearby, Aerie smiled; Illasera remained silent, staring down anyone who dared to look in their direction.

—

As soon as daily life resumed, the circus prudently beginning to pack up, Aerie commented, "T-that was kind."

Sendai looked towards the circus folk.

"They don't bury their dead," Illasera lapsed laconically.

"I-it's… ca-can you blame them?"

Illasera's look affirmed she could and did.

"You called him 'uncle'?" Sendai turned to her.

"Y-yes. A-after…" Aerie swallowed, "m-my wings… he – he took me in. Th-they… th-the circus bought me from slavers."

"Slavery's illegal in the north," Illasera commented, then looked pointedly at the elf.

Aerie set her chin, "An-and where shall I go?"

"Home," Sendai suggested infinitely gently.

Tears filled her eyes, "I – I can't."

"Avariel only accept their own if whole?"

Grateful and hurting, she nodded.

"There was another elf in the mines."

Aerie's face filled with horror.

"He was held there for months."

"That's horrible!"

"He has information we need," Illasera cut in, ignoring Sendai's sharp look.

"What she means is–"

"Exactly what I said. Heal him. My sister will say that spending time in elven company will be good for you, but thanks to your little Kalah, the priests will be busy. You owe us."

"Illasera!"

"Sh-she's right…" Aerie lowered her eyes, then looked up determinedly, "but you don't need to be so – so mean!"

The elf walked away.

Sendai sighed.

"Wh-why did she say that?"

"We've lost someone too." She answered simply, then smiled wanly, "This brought it back for her."

"O-oh." Aerie swallowed, "I – I'm sorry."

Her smile tightened, "It never goes away."

Aerie's eyes filled.

Sendai followed Illasera.

—

"And I'm mean?" Illasera chuckled mirthlessly, "'Deal with it.'"

"That's not what I said." Sendai's lips pursed.

"She'll learn." Her voice lowered, hardening, "The mayor."

Sendai greeted him without comment. Mayor Ghastkill was a well-rounded, aging man. Tired bags around his eyes betrayed too many nights lost to worry and the toll this latest episode had taken. Out of all the townsfolk, he alone was unbothered by the drow's presence. Even Nalin was uncomfortable, though the helmite would never admit to it.

"A morning's span and the world goes to the hells."

"It's been dealt with."

"I owe you my thanks again," tiredly, the mayor rubbed his temple. Once black, now greying, hair fell to his shoulders, and a stained crimson tunic suggested his head throbbed as much as many of the other townsmen. "Though if you're seeking coin…"

"You gave us little enough last time," Illasera cut in, "have you done as we asked yet?"

"Aye, aye, no messengers have been sent, a guard escort is being readied…"

Sendai shot her sister another dark look; there was no call to be rude. "What we have is sufficient enough. Your hospitality is more than generous."

"It is us who thanks you, m'lady." Ghastkill glanced at the circus; the tents were being loaded onto wagons. "Can't say I blame 'em. What happened?"

"A spell went awry."

"Hmm. Tricky thing, magic." Ghastkill allowed knowingly, "Still, no one was killed." He eyed Illasera, "We've no horses I'm afraid, only draught ponies. No much call for them down here."

Less than impressed, she fixed her best stare on him.

"We're grateful for your efforts."

"And we for yours."

"If you're men are ready, we'll depart after lunch."

"Uh… I'm not sure how to say this, but…"

Sendai waited.

"Well, some folk… they think you should take care of yourselves, what with you clearing the mines and all…"

"You mean they're scared," Illasera sneered, "You can't give us horses, you give us scant coin, and now this?"

"Sister…"

"We don't need them; they'll only slow us down."

"They're scared." Firmly, Sendai addressed the elf. "It's natural."

"Cowards."

The mayor cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed.

"Thank you, mayor. Whatever you can lend us will be sufficient. I'm sure Nalin will appreciate his message being delivered to Mayor Ormlyr."

"You'll take it?" Surprise coloured the man.

"We're going that way."

"In that case…"

"Just as far as the Flaming Fist patrols. Two days."

He nodded, then excused himself.

"So we're leaving after all."

"Aerie will meet us in Beregost."

"If she survives the roads."