"Aiya, Seldarine, it is much worse than I thought it would be." Isilme'len stood still at the end of the path that led to her home's front door. It had been three seasons, almost a year, since they'd left here ahead of the advancing shadow army. What had once been the seat of her life was now a pile of scorched roof beams and plaster lathe. She spoke a short prayer of gratitude to Sehanine Moonbow for the time they had to pack up their belongings, that were now stored safely at Edgewater Import's trading post just a few leagues northwest of Delimbyr-Two short days ride from what was left of their village of Highcliff.

"Oh Gods, what a mess." It was Lillith behind her with their babe on her back, looking intently over her shoulder. Lil had to wince as a tiny handful of her braids was given a hearty tug. "Nasty, stinky baby girl," she protested shaking her head in a vain attempt to free her hair, causing her free plaits to pepper the child's face. Melyanna shrieked with glee-tormenting her 'tara was great fun. "Nasty girl needs to be changed." 'tara didn't share Mely's enthusiasm. "It just might improve your mean temper," Lil groused-She was obviously near the end of her patience.

"Come here, you," E'len disentangled her grand-child from the harness that held her to her mother's back. She earned a shriek of outrage from the child when her mother's hair pulled free from her grasp. "Let's get you cleaned up," she continued. "Maybe you both will brighten up," she said, hefting the babe with a stern look for her daughter-in-law.

Isilme'len's husband and son were held up with the Elder's group, who were sidelined with a broken wagon wheel on the road from Delimbyr. They caught up at sunset with news from Neverwinter. The War of Shadows was won-They all knew that. The word, sent to all settlements that the refugees could return home, was a ten-day old. A messenger, passing by on his way south, had grave news; The Knight-Captain and her company were missing.

The courier had very little detail, but rumor had it that a badly injured ranger was treated at the Temple of Tyr at the keep. When questioned about where he got his injuries, his only reply was a cryptic 'hunting accident'. A soldier bunking in the room told the cleric that the ranger was raving in his sleep-Something about Knight-Captain's betrayal and release my love. When the soldier woke up, the ranger was gone. The king's messenger left a decree with the Elder and continued south.

The Edgewaters were encamped just south of where the old watchtower stood on the road to west harbor. Three other families, including the Elder and his wife and Juni and Will with their two boys, had returned to what had once been Highcliff. With luck, more would return.

Her family was all sleeping. She'd just awakened from a pleasant rest. Lately her reverie was getting stronger-The color had returned to her reminisces. Failing eyesight no longer worried her like it used to. She no longer feared the slow climb back to the waking world of work and worry. She wondered about Lillith though. Her daughter-in-law seemed reluctant to enter reverie. Young motherhood is yet another trial, she sighed and put that concern away for another day.

"Where are you Vanima Seler'rim?" the moon elf murmured, looking up at her beloved Selune. Tiernah had not passed on to the far shore-E'len would know in her heart. Tiernah was not here, but she was somewhere...

A Summons from the Throne of Neverwinter

Our Lord Nasher Alagondar, of Neverwinter, has issued a summons for a Luskan ranger, known locally as Bishop. He was last seen by a work detail rebuilding Crossroad Keep from the ravages of the Shadow Army in the recent War of Shadows.

Charge, the first;
The Luskan is wanted by the Crown for his part in the sabotage of the defenses of Crossroad Keep, therein placing the fortress in mortal danger-Neverwinter, then, being in the state of war.
This charge executed by Lady Kana, Adjutant of Crossroad Keep.

Charge, the second;
The Crown, in league with the Council of Neverwinter, have enjoined all militia, naval units, and subjects of said Crown to convey the Luskan, Bishop, to Castle Never upon his capture; A bounty of 100 gold is offered for the ranger alive, regardless of duty. 10 gold will be tendered for proof of his demise. He, being a suspect in the disappearance of the Knight-Captain of Crossroad Keep-Lady Tiernah Lunedoptera and her company, is being sought.

Authority of Lord Nasher Alagondar, by his Captain of the Neverwinter Nine, Sir Nevalle of Castle Never.

Gray Co. Elven translation;

Vanime Seler'rim-Beautiful, dear sister.

A/N Effusive thank-you's to Bronxwench and MorwennaTheWicked for their encouragement and influence. And to Wyl for his help in keeping everything 'in gauge'.