Chapter 14: Trials

The journey out of the moor was not without events. There were minor skirmishes with goblins, trolls and one small group of yuan'ti. The fights would have been much worse if it were not for Io'nore's extensive knowledge of the area and his gift to sense danger ahead.

Shadow kept close to her husband-to-be. Often, she found her connection to Io'nore allowed her to sense danger as well.

Iasa and Katla would hold hands, and talk, but they did not resume their lovemaking. Katla liked this kind of closeness. Both she and Iasa recognized that their coupling was born of desperation rather than real love. Their love, that of closest friends, was growing.They talked about little things neither of them had shared before, even though they had known each other all of their lives.

The more they talked, the more mature Iasa began to act. He was finding the strength that would take him into adulthood not in Katla's arms but in Katla's words.

"So, where exactly is Straankeep anyway. " Uasil asked after they had left the northern edge of the Lonely Moor.

"Not too far west of Silverymoon, on an island in the middle of the River Surbin. The location is being kept secret, for the most part, until the fortress can be completed. It is still under construction."

"We plan to stop in Silverymoon. " Iasa added, "Since Katla and I have never been to Straankeep ourselves, we need to get directions. I don't think Io'lan or Io'nore have been there either. "

"I also have a message to deliver in Silverymoon, from my friend, Kamiel." Katla added.

"We travel north towards The Far Forest then travel west, skirting the northern Graypeaks towards the High Forest" Io'nore said. "It will not be an easy journey, but I am certain we will all make it safely. We will travel the western side of the Fallen Lands. It will take longer, but I would rather go that route than through all the Graypeaks and then west. There is a merchant who lives in a small settlement two days walk from here. He breeds horses for nomads that come out of the desert. We will be able to purchase mounts there. We will spend a day or so with a group of wood elves in the High Forest, then continue to Everlund."

"So the seer spouts." Io'lan said as he plodded along. Io'lan waved the plain staff in the air and tapped it on the ground. The staff was his only form of protection, since Io'nore had all of his other weapons taken away. "Since when are you the leader?"

"I am the eldest and you are in no position to lead."

Io'lan was no nearer to his goal of getting the two books back, unless he could find a way to catch Katla alone. That was proving to be a monumental task since Iasa never left her side.

Katla and Iasa took reverie sitting cross legged, back to back. Katla and Iasa were always sparing together or fighting together when they ran into minor enemies. Katla and Iasa even guarded each other when one or the other went into the bushes to relieve themselves. They protected each other in all ways.

Io'lan was further annoyed at the two dwarves that constantly shadowed his every movement. He knew his chance would come. He only needed to plan slowly. There was plenty of time to search his spell book for anything that might prove useful.

Cassius stuck close to Uasil, knowing the big man was his best protection against Io'lan's flirtations. He was also curious about the Island of Ruathym. Uasil indulged Cassius' curiosity by spinning tales of his homeland. It helped Uasil keep his mind off the fact that he was loosing his foster sister.

Katla and Iasa listened to the stories, doing their best to aid in comforting his troubles.

"Have you ever been to Silverymoon, Uasil?"

"No, Iasa. I am curious what the city is like. I haven't been inland north of the southern trade route from Waterdeep to the Anauroch. The red wizards caught me and Shadow in an inn in Waterdeep. I tried to keep them from taking her when they slapped one of those nasty collars on me. The rest you know."

"Shadow is so happy." Katla watched the tender care Io'nore took as he wrapped a cloak around Shadow to keep her skin from getting too much sun."

"Yes, she is. It both gladdens and saddens me. I knew she would find a husband eventually, but it is never easy to let go, after you have been so much a part of each other's lives for so long."

"It does not have to be goodbye, Uasil. There is no guarantee Io'nore will want to stay at Straankeep. In fact, it is unlikely he will."

"What do you mean, Iasa?"

"Father and Io'nore do not get along. It will not be long before Io'nore will leave there."

"So, do you think Io'nore might like to live on Ruathym for a while? Truth be told, I miss the sea. I know Shadow misses it too."

"Then you must talk to the both of them," Katla reasoned," I will help, if you would like."

"No, thank you. After all, if Io'nore is going to be part of my family, I had best get to know him well." Uasil smiled. "Io'nore! How much further?"

"Not long, why? Are you hungry, Uasil?"

"I most certainly am, and I see a ton of gopher holes. I heat they taste good when cooked properly."

"If you can catch them."

"Oh, I am certain with Katla, Iasa and Cassius' help, I can bag a few for a light snack."

"Not me. I will not hunt some defenseless animal like that." Cassius spouted.

Io'nore chuckled. "Very well then. Help keep an eye on my brother to give Gemez and Keld a break. They might want to join the fun. Too bad you didn't save one of those slave collars, Uasil. I am sure it would come in handy."

"Shut up, Io'nore. Haven't you done enough to me already?"

"Well, is that the thanks I get for giving you back your stunning looks and long golden tresses, Io'lan?"

Io'lan growled. His sour face marred his nearly perfect appearance. Katla stared at Io'lan for several moments. If she had not known how rotten the male was on the inside, she might have been attracted to his physical perfection.

"What about you , Shadow?" Katla asked.

"Oh, no! I would rather sit back and laugh at all of you."

A few minutes into the chase, Iasa and Katla resolved to sit back and watch. It was too dangerous.

Gemez and Keld pulled their axes and were hacking at the holes in the ground. They were focusing entirely on the 'enemy' and not on anyone else that might get in the way.

Uasil followed their example by pulling out his sword and jamming it into the gopher holes. He hoped that one of the gophers would run away from an axe and spear itself. He growled when it worked. The gopher he 'caught' was not big enough to bother with once his broadsword sliced it in two.

Shadow and Io'nore laughed themselves silly as they watched gophers pop out of the holes, and back down. Even Io'lan chuckled at the chase.

After a more than an hour, and much laughter, those chasing gophers gave up.

"Well that lightened the mood of this gloomy journey." Iasa said happily.

"But I am still hungry."

"Well, Uasil, we had best get on our way to Robert's ranch then. I am certain he will have something ." Io'nore said as he rose and started back on the trail.

"What in the hells is that!" Uasil yelled as he pointed to the large area surrounded by blue flame.

"That is the ranch. I suppose I forgot to mention that Robert is a formidable wizard. The spell is to protect his stock." He continued to walk to the barrier, ignoring the protests of Uasil and the two dwarves.

"How do we get inside?"

Io'nore walked to a lone arch with a bell tied to it in the center. "Ring the doorbell." Io'nore took the bell cord and gave it a good shake.

A voice sounded from inside the bell. "Who goes?"

"Robert, it is Io'nore. I am here with some of my family members. We need horses, food and shelter."

"Come in. Welcome." A pleasant, but monotone, voice sounded from the bell as the barrier blocking the front gates dissipated.

An old man with a long beard, wearing long robes, and wearing a worn, red hat, stood smoking a pipe. "It has been years. I thought you would never leave that moor."

Io'nore embraced the old man and turned to introduce him to everyone.

"This is Robert. He owns this ranch, although most of the tending to the horses is done by those in his employ."

"Come in. Business is slow so I have plenty of room." Robert looked each one of his guests over. "One of the special rooms for this one I suppose."

"Yes, Robert. Io'lan needs to be watched."

"Burke," He called calmly to one of the hands who was nearby. "Show everyone to rooms, special one for the male elf with the hair past his waist."

Burke nodded and motioned for everyone to follow.

"Dinner is promptly an hour before sunset. Don't be late." Robert said calmly as he put the barrier over the gate back up.

The mood at dinner was pleasant. The fact that Io'lan would be taking his meals inside his locked chambers put the rest of the travelers at ease.

"How long will you be staying, friend." Robert asked.

"Only long enough to get mounts, rest and supply. We need to take Io'lan to Straankeep for questioning and trial. Plus, I want to show my bride a little of what the land is like. She has lived much of her life by or on the sea."

"You are a very lucky lady, Daeithil Winnowind. Io'nore is a very good man. He will follow wherever you lead."

Shadow looked at Robert as bits of her memory came flooding back to her. "How? I didn't even know..."

"You look just like your mother, and you have your father's eyes. I was sad when they died."

"You knew my parents!"

"Briefly. They managed a small fleet of ships that carried elves traveling to Evermeet. They were betrayed and their fleet destroyed. None of your family survived. It is good you did. It is also good that Uasil was the one to find you. Your family would be proud that you continued to live on the sea."

"Robert, do you know how they were betrayed?"

The old wizard took a puff of his pipe. "You were kidnapped, and your family went to pay the ransom."

"So that is why I found Shadow in that barrel." Uasil replied. "At least we know the truth."

Shadow nodded. "Uasil, do you think Daeithil sounds prettier than Shadow?"

Robert took another puff of his pipe, "Not much difference, since the name means Moon-Shadow." He rose from his seat and tapped his pipe against the table. "Finish your meal and get some rest. You will all need it."

Io'nore was not surprised that Robert was not there the next morning to see them on their way. The old man preferred his solitude. Io'nore believed that was part of the reason Robert put his ranch in such a remote location.

Iasa and Katla were already on their mounts waiting for the rest of the horses to be saddled and readied.

Ponies were brought out for Gemez and Keld.

"Ye expect me to ride one 'o them beasts?" Gemez complained.

"Of course. We will get to the elf settlement in much faster. Besides, if any bandits meet us along the way, they will certainly be on horseback. It is to our advantage." Katla explained.

"Sounds like ye have it right. I be ready to ride." Keld mounted quickly on his pony and rode in a circle a few times. "See, nothin to it."

"I'll be showin ye who kin ride a pony better." Gemez mounted his pony and chased his pony in a circle behind Keld. "Seein if ye kin handle yer axe on the thing, that'll be the test, Keld."

A large horse was brought out for Uasil. "Its been years since I had the chance to ride, but once done, you never forget."

"Very true." Cassius replied as he mounted his own horse with the grace and ease of a man who was born to the saddle. "I look forward to seeing Silverymoon. I have relatives there. They should not question me too much, now that I whip myself every night to pay for my sins."

Uasil raised his eyebrow at the strange comment but said nothing.

Io'nore and Shadow were on their horses waiting for Io'lan to be brought out to meet them.

"Did you eat, well enough, brother?"

"As well as I could stomach, being as I was in a locked room with no company, Io'nore." Io'lan snapped. Io'lan mounted his horse and resisted the urge to kick the human who had given him a hand up.

"Is everyone ready?" Io'nore took one more look at everyone to make sure they were not forgetting anyone or anything. He nodded and signaled for Burke to open the gate.

Io'nore closed his eyes and prayed to Sehanine to help him see any dangers they may face. Shadow kept her horse next to Io'nore's so she could grab the reigns if the horse decided to wander while Io'nore was in deep concentration.

Katla was glad. Any warning of an ambush was good.

Iasa whistled the songs that Loel'var taught him. He often caught himself humming or singing or whistling the tunes without conscious thought. The feeling he gained when he let the music fill him felt as natural as breathing. He enjoyed learning the lessons of a fighter and of a ranger, but something about the music reached deep within him.

"Which song is that?" Katla asked.

"Huh? Oh, one to keep a sense of calm. Loel said it was very effective to keep those in battle from panicking and making mistakes."

"I suppose that my father was right."

"About what, Katla?"

"He used to tell me that you would make an awful knight of the Order, although your skill with the sword was very good. He thought you would be an excellent bladesinger."

Iasa stopped humming a moment and thought back to the last argument he had with Lord Isolder. "I did not know he made his opinions so open."

"He doesn't. He often talked to me when he felt troubled. I suppose it was because I was mute for so long, and unable to talk back to him."

"No, Katla. That is not it. He loves you. He spoke often to me as well. With me, he spoke about your mother and how worried for you he always was."

"He knows you accidentally killed her?"

"Yes, but he places no blame on me. He knows it was an accident. He also knows that if she had been honest with him, she would have been spared."

"I miss him. He was so angry when we last spoke. He did not believe my story about my closeness to Corellon."

"I didn't either, at first. I have had plenty of time to think about it, though. And, I have been thinking about something your father said about your mother. I didn't remember it until the day you got hit with that fireball."

Katla slowed the pace of her horse so that none of those ahead of them could hear the conversation. "What did you remember?"

"He said your mother was strange. She had no living family. He found her during one of his early journeys. He said she was dressed in rags and used a magic tapestry for extra warmth. Her only other possession was a strange, broken coin. She wore it around her neck like some sort of holy symbol. The dialect of elven she spoke was one he was not familiar with at the time. It turned out to be a combination of an old form of elven, and drow. Where she learned it. He never knew. She was not from Myth Drannor, he had no idea where she really was from."

Katla became quiet. Iasa quickened his pace a little to give Katla time to think.

"A group of men are hiding up ahead." Io'nore announced as they neared the northern reaches of The Fallen Lands.

"Good! Me bum is beginin te give me a sore. Better te have a good reason fer me bum a hurtin!" Gemez yelled as he pulled his axe and swung it around a few times to test his balance.

Keld pulled his axe and swung it with ease.

"Don't worry about these beasts making a run, I can tell by the way they have acted so far that they are bred for battle!" Cassius yelled, causing Uasil to pause a moment and regard the cleric of Illmater.

"How does a cleric barely out of small pants know that?"

"I wasn't always a cleric." Cassius pulled his mace and spurred his horse in the direction Io'nore indicated. "I used to be a horse thief."

"That explains much." Iasa followed close behind Cassius.

Uasil let out a war cry, rode over the rise and landed right in the middle of the bandits' hiding spot.

Katla and Cassius rode around the rise from one direction while Iasa and the dwarves rode from the other.

The bandits gave up and ran their horses towards the desert before any blood could be shed.

"That was fun, but it did not last long enough. Damn cowards." Uasil laughed as he sheathed his sword.

"Bah, ye're the only one who had any fun. Ye got te jump em first." Gemez complained.

"Yes, but without us coming around from the sides, Uasil would not have stood as well." Katla added.

Cassius laughed and put away his mace. "Lets get back to Io'nore, and back on our way. I doubt that bunch of ruffians will trouble us again."

"Spur your horses! Monsters are venturing out of the Fallen Lands towards us!" Io'nore shouted.

"Can you tell how many? Katla shouted back.

"No, but I believe they were the targets of the ambush, not us."

"Damn!" Iasa swore as he turned his horse around.

Everyone drew their weapons, except for Io'lan. He prepared spells that he could use on either the travelers or the monsters. He hoped it was his chance for escape.

"None of that!" Cassius finished a spell to keep Io'lan from going anywhere. I am staying back here to keep a close watch on you!"

"As am I" Shadow said as she pulled a rapier and kept it at the ready.

Io'lan growled and spit on the ground. "How could you ally yourself with a filthy human?"

"No human is as filthy as the blackness in your heart."

Katla called to Corellon and let her rage take over as the huge pack of wolves rushed at her.

Uasil gasped but smiled. These were not like his pets on Ruathym. For one thing, they were larger, for another, their foaming mouths indicated disease. "Don't let them get their teeth on you! They've caught the mad fever!"

Gemez and Keld rushed in to aid Katla while Io'nore held back and cast spells.

The dwarves were in a better position, because of the height of the ponies, to battle the insurgent of mad wolves. The two whooped and screamed in glee as they cut down one after another of the animals.

Iasa ran his horse back and forth to keep the wolves herded where they could be easily taken down.

Katla laughed and praised Corellon for every hit she made against the beasts. She was not making as much progress as the two dwarves, but she was in no mood to complain.

Uasil jumped down from his horse as he pulled his sword. He knew it was more dangerous, but with the numbers of mad wolves, fighting on the ground was the quicker way to rid themselves of the monsters.

"Why don't they run? Many of the wolves have fallen, yet the rest do not run!" Iasa screamed as he continued to herd and slice at the mad wolves.

"It is a disease!" Uasil shouted, "You catch it if you are bit, so keep your guard up!"

Without thought, Iasa began to sing as he slashed. The wolves quit attacking him directly. He slashed several before the rest of the wolves went to places where they were in direct line of fire for Io'nore's spells or the weapons of the others.

With the wolves under Iasa's unconscious control, it shortened the battle.

Once the last wolf was killed, Uasil heaved a sigh of relief. "Did anyone get a cut or scratch from those things? If so you had best go get some potions from Io'nore." He turned and walked to Io'nore himself, seeing that he had a small cut on his leg. "Do you have any fire spells you can use on them things? The bodies have to be burned. We shouldn't touch them, and having them lay like that will probably draw more monsters to us. "

"I do not, but I am certain Io'lan has some prepared. " Io'nore looked over at his twin brother and smiled.

Io'lan made a grimace, looked to the wolves and back to his brother. Io'lan knew he would have another chance to escape, if not on the road, then at Straankeep itself. "Get out of my way, or I will torch you too!" he growled as everyone circled behind him.

Io'lan let loose with a spell that cast several fireballs at once, encompassing the entire pack of dead wolves and catching some of the grasses around the fallen beasts. "How is that?"

"Overkill, Io'lan. The fire is spreading in our direction. Let's get out of here before it encompasses us as well." Katla said.

"He actually managed to cast a firebrand." Io'nore commented to Shadow as they sped away. "Perhaps he did gain some decent knowledge after all."

The sun was down by the time they reached a good place to camp in the pass between the Far Forest and the Northern Graypeaks. Io'nore knew better than to travel too fast in that area at night. The cave they discovered was filled with provisions, most likely a ranger's hideaway.

"What is in there that troubles you so, my love?"

"This is a place of great evil. The Far Forest is haunted by restless spirits. Many of the trees live and move. Most of them feed on blood. I did not encounter any the last time I was here, but then, I wasn't paying much attention." Io'nore shot an angry look in Io'lan's direction. "There are caves to the underdark, or I have reason to believe so, because of the spider creatures that roam wild both in these hills and in the forest. We will keep our stay here as short as possible. I am also anxious to see how the wood elves fare."

"How much different are they than Loelvar's people?"

"That tribe of Forest elves were a mixture of different types, but mostly green elves. That is why they are so reclusive. The ones we are meeting with are all wood elves, much more sociable, if not less secretive."

Shadow made a sideways glance at Io'lan. "I hope he continues to behave himself, my love. The longer we travel, the more I feel that he is up to something."

"I know he is up to something, Shadow. I am trying to figure out what that something is."

"Dinner's ready." Uasil said as he handed around bits of meat from a fat opossum he caught. "Not as good as squab, but it'll do."

"Uasil! Are you trying to nauseate me?"

"Apparently, I am not trying very hard, sister. Go ahead and eat. It is very good."

Shadow looked over at Katla and Iasa whom were sitting and talking. "What do you think is going to happen to them? They seem to care so much for each other, and yet..."

"There is no way that I can see our parents' allowing their affair to continue. I don't know if it is even a concern anymore."

Io'lan butted in. "You mean Iasa was sleeping with that thing? What in the world are you thinking, Io'nore? We had plenty of chances to clout Iasa over the head and leave the thing behind. Now I see why you hesitate."

"Katla is not an it, Io'lan. There is no such thing as an elf-bane. She's a berserker, and more over, she is a chosen of Corellon. Of the latter, I am quite certain."

Io'lan crossed his arms and spit on the ground. "So you say, but I have no reason to believe it. The necklace that gave me that horrible curse is proof of that. "

"Will you quit going on about that necklace. I told you it was a spell backlash, not a curse. I believed you were smart enough to know the difference. You used to love to study about curses. Besides, you have no cause to worry about that necklace ever again. Robert decided that he wanted that necklace as payment for the horses. He was curious about the way it was made. As for your former condition, Father only needs to send for Kymil to gain the proof he needs."

Io'lan growled and shuffled back to the spot where he planned to take reverie. He looked over at Iasa and Katla in contempt. "Hmm, a curse. Now only to find which one might suit the best, for both of them." He thought to himself.

"Look here Katla, this is strange."

"What is it Iasa?"

Iasa pointed to a swirling symbol with two circles below the top arc. "There were marks like these near the Ranger's Rest. Do you have any idea what it could mean?"

"No but I am certain Kamiel does. I thought they were mere decoration. I never thought to ask if the symbol meant anything."

"Neither did I. Another mystery?"

"Perhaps it just means this is a safe place. Perhaps this is why Io'nore chose this cave."

"He may know."

Iasa asked, but Io'nore said that was unaware of exactly what the symbol meant. If Io'nore did know, he was keeping the secret well.

It took them the better part of two days to reach the banks of River Delimbityr where it branched off upriver in three parts through the Nether Mountains.

The grizzled old man who ran a ferry across the river was glad to have the business. He was curious why the travelers were not interested in selling their horses or purchasing passage on one of the boats that constantly traveled to Everlund. "Stupid adventures." He muttered to himself as he saw Io'nore and the rest head towards the High Forest.

The travelers came upon eight wood elves whom had gone to the river to gather supplies and were returning to the wood.

Katla suggested that all who could double up and share in riding the horses to save time.

The wood elves thanked Io'nore for the kindness, but all refused to regard or ride with Katla.

Katla decided to make things easier, she would ride sitting in front of Iasa. It would help keep the wood elves from staring so much, and keep them from bickering over who had a mount.

Uasil tied Io'lan's hands behind his back so he could ride with Uasil on the big horse.

With all on horseback , it only took them a few hours to reach the encampment on theeasternend.

"I suggest you keep that one tied up. He would not be happy to have one so corrupt loose. " The wood elf pointed to Io'lan. "As for her, we will let him judge for himself whether she stays or not. The dwarves are to give up their axes, for the time being. Those types of things upset him. Please heed me. Many of us rely on him for protection." he continued softly.

"Just who is he?" Uasil said as he got down from his horse.

The young wood elf pointed to the huge tree that stood above him. Although there was no hint of breeze, the leaves and branches started to move.

"Turlang, the Treant." the wood elf said, "I'm called Lastorn, because I can understand him. He has kept me safe all of my life. I serve him as his translator."

Uasil craned his neck high, then fell on his knees. He had never been very religious, but on Ruathym, often, holy trees were considered messengers of the gods. He was in mood to question at that moment.

Leaves rustled over his head as he felt a branch slowly and gently brush against his head. The branch coiled around him and lifted him to stand before it let go.

"He tells me that you need not kneel. He knows you are one from the sea far away. He wonders if his brothers who traveled to the sea are still alive?"

"I believe so. I am not sure because I spent much time on my ship."

Turlang swayed slightly.

"He says he is happy to hear that. He is also happy that Io'nore is here. He wonders if he keeps up with his studies of healing. And, he asks Io'nore who the others with him are. Except for the one who was born alongside Io'nore. He refuses to speak that one's name, but he knows him."

The rest of the wood elves gathered around Katla and pushed her forward. "Turlang, Io'nore has brought great folly to us. He brings an elf-bane. One who brings sorrow."

"There is no such thing as an elf-bane. Katla is special but it has nothing to do with evil." Io'nore explained, "She has been given the gift of a holy warrior."

Katla looked up at Turlang and stood very still. Turlang swayed and let out small groaning sounds as he lightly brushed his leaves across her face.

"I don't understand what he means, but he says something about a gilded leaf? He said something about when a cleric prayed for a blessing while beneath his branches."

"I understand perfectly. Gilded Leaf is the name of a Holy Sword. My father carries it."

Lastorn spoke as Turlang swayed. "He says to give your father his regards. He also says you are his very image."

"The dwarves are Gemez and Keld. The young human there is Cassius, the other young male there is my youngest brother, Iasa, and this," Io'nore pulled Shadow forward, "Is my bride, Shadow."

Turlang examined each of them and swayed happily.

"You are all welcome here as long as you follow the rules." Lastorn explained." Only light fire from already dead fallen branches, and keep the fires well contained. Eat what you brought with you if you can, because many of the plants and some of the creatures are poisonous. We do have some food we can share if you are in need. Respect the forest and do not wander off. This forest is alive and not all of the treants are as benevolent as Turlang. He normally does not come this far east, but there was trouble with some trying to find the evil fortress buried near here."

"We are simply traveling to Straankeep. We have business there. "

"He has heard of the holy island. He says he is happy that your people encourage the trees to grow there and that you make your homes among them."

Katla bowed, "Thank you for allowing us to rest."

Io'nore instructed his friends to lay out their pallets, and take reverie, or sleep now that they could, because they would need to be more alert at night, even with Turlang watching over them.

As Io'lan sat with his arms tied, he felt a small poking coming from one of his sleeves. He smiled at the cleverly hidden wand and thought to himself, "It is not a curse, but it should certainly give me enough of a revenge, for now." He sighed and grumbled aloud, "Will one of you be so kind as to take me so a secluded spot and untie me for a moment so I can relieve myself?"

Uasil took Io'lan in to the bushes. Io'nore slipped the secret pocket in his sleeve open and secreted the wand in the pocket near his chest. "Tie my hands in front. It will allow me to sleep. I doubt I can do anything while guarded by you and the rest, including the tree."

Uasil grunted, but could find no fault in Io'lan's logic. He tied Io'lan's hands in front of him.

Io'lan smiled inwardly.

Katla eased as he let her reverie relax her. The feel of Iasa against her back and the relative safety of being beneath Turlang's branches made her slip into meditation with ease. As she slipped into a deep relaxation, a swirl of color entered her mind, surrounding her in its erotic haze. Lust filled her to the core. She could not escape from the reverie as the image of Iasa filled her vision with the cloud. The dream turned more erotic with his presence. She felt his arms around her. Iasa stared into her eyes. Katla could not help herself.

Io'lan screamed in pain as Turlang's branches wound around his body and neck and lifted him high in the air. He dropped the small wand and put his hand at his neck to keep Turlang from choking the life from him.

"What is it!" Uasil shouted as he rose and looked at the way the tree was swinging the elf about like a rag doll.

"What did he do!" Io'nore shouted.

"Turlang said that he was casting a spell and must be punished." Lastorn replied as he ran to Io'nore.

"This be no time fer that sort of thing. Yer prisoner is no gonna get his trial like this." Gemez yelled at Katla and Iasa as he saw them coupling furiously in plain sight.

Io'nore looked over at the two. "Something is not right." He put his hand on Iasa's shoulder to try and get his attention. "Gods! They are both still in reverie! Turlang! Please put him down, we need to know what he did!"

Turlang loosened the branch around Io'lan's neck but kept the rest of the branches securing Io'lan tight. "He says there is a wand on the ground near where that one was sitting." Lastorn answered.

Uasil found the tiny wand and examined it for any sort of marking. The only image he could make out was a circular pale face surrounded by red hair. "Can you read the writing, Io'nore? I can't."

Io'nore studied the wand for a few moments. "It is a wand used by priestesses of Sune. The spell seems to be one to increase lust. As far as I can tell, it has no other purpose. There wand has no more magic in it. It seems my twin is simply being a perverted voyeur."

"Will they be alright?" Shadow said with concern.

"Yes. Take some of the blankets and cover them. The spell does not look to be very strong. They just need to wear themselves out. They will be able to come out of reverie as soon as their bodies tire. Unfortunately, that will also mean they will be too exhausted to much more than sleep for the next few days."

Cassius looked up at Io'lan, "How could you do something so shameful?"

"I found it amusing." Io'lan answered drolly, "Now can you ask this tree to let me down?"

"No, brother. It seems it is the safest for the rest of us while you are in Turlang's clutches. Behave and he might let you down."

Io'lan growled and spat at the ground, but relaxed. The tightness of the branches around him loosened their grip slightly to allow blood flow, but they still held him fast.

"Turlang will keep him until you are ready to resume your journey. He hopes it will be as soon as the two ensorcelled ones recover."

"I wish he had been polite. I had wanted to spend more time among you and your people, Lastorn."

"As do I. Although, I suspected your stay would be short onceTurlang saw you had your brother with you."

"They are calming, Io'nore." Shadow rubbed both Katla and Iasa's heads with a damp cloth as soon as their bodies stilled. Both were running a fever, but the cool water seemed to bring it down quickly.

"Good. Let them sleep. We will leave as soon as they are well rested."

"I have something for you." Lastorn handed Io'nore a small carved plaque. "Give this to Lady Yeshelné Amrallatha in Everlund. I am certain she will give you an audience. She will have something to help you keep Io'lan in line."

"I thank you, and Turlang for the hospitality, despite my brother's perverse stunt. Turlang, make sure his hands and mouth are well secure. He tends to like fire spells."

Turlang swayed and branches formed a gag over Io'lan's mouth.

Iasa refused to speak to Katla during the entire journey to Everlund. Iasa was riddled with guilt. Neither Iasa nor Katla were in any mood to fight off any enemy that might come their way.

Uasil felt they were lucky not running into anything more than a few highwaymen. The thieves didn't give much of a fight. They were frightened at the skills of the two dwarves and the sheer size of Uasil. "The fools have never seen a giant if they think I am one!" Uasil laughed, "I am just shy of seven feet, much too small for a giant."

"Iasa," Io'nore said quietly, "You need to talk, and get out of this melancholy."

"Why? Just ask Katla, I have been melancholy most of my life."

"The spurt of lust was not your fault. If you had not been in reverie, the spell from that Sune wand would not have had any effect."

"You are wrong. I wanted Katla for a long time. I know we will never truly be in love, but she is the only one who understands me. For me, that is enough. What I did was horrible. The wand would not have worked if I hadn't had the thought in my mind already. I was predisposed to the idea."

"Katla seems more embarrassed than angry. Do you think it is enough for her to just have you, knowing you do not feel thiramin for her? Have you asked?"

"She is in love with Corellon Larethian. No one can match up to that. I understand her, and I'll let her love him like she wants to."

"That is not wise Iasa. Look at Lord Isolder. You may not realize this, but your personality is much like our uncle's. Don't try to keep her because you pity what she is. She will leave you, or you will leave her, and it will leave you both miserable. You don't want to repeat the mistakes of her father. Uncle Isolder 's bad luck with marriages has to do with the compassion that he takes too far. He would not want that kind of sorrow for Katla."

Iasa nodded and looked up as the towers of Everlund came into view. "Do you think that is why we were forbidden to be together, as a couple."

"I am almost certain."

Author's Note: Thank you to H. for the email! It is interesting that people from so far away like my story.

You are correct, H. -- Uasil is pronounced yew-AW-sill.

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