Tristan had been marching for more than one half hour when he was abruptly directed to stop. He could hear Parthius drawing near him from behind. He had already contemplated his escape and ultimately decided it would have to wait until he was under the care of the younger, less experienced, elf daughter.

"This won't be necessary any longer," Parthius said, removing the smooth Elvin rope that bound Tristan's hands behind his back. The intricate knot was slowly unwound. "We cannot take any more risks past this point. I'm sure you understand."

Tristan did not understand at all. No sooner had he opened his mouth to question Parthius when he received a fierce blow to the back of his head. The elves slowly lowered his body as he fell limp to the forest floor. Parthius handed the rope to the nearest elf as he returned the sap to its place. He began knotting the rope around Tristan's ankles. After this task was complete the three men stopped for a short rest. After a few minutes had passed and all had refreshed themselves Parthius signaled for the other two to continue.

Parthius stood alone for several more minutes. He looked toward the rising sun, which was barely visible through the dense underbrush. Though he had watched the sunrise nearly ever day for as long as he could remember there was still something he found spectacular about the golden globe. His thoughts were interrupted when two of his other scouts appeared from the direction he had just come.

"The path is clear sir. Even you would have a hard time finding any tracks now."

"You underestimate me. Ha!" Parthius laughed and signaled for the two scouts to continue ahead. "Our tracks are hidden well enough. Besides, no one would try to track us anyway."

Not even young King Haroc would make that mistake.

Sir Lauder had arrived back at the castle a short time early. He was spotted walking alone and was quickly picked up by a small patrol of horse riders. His orders were to report immediately and directly to King Haroc. His wounds would be attended to later, the King demanded an audience before he saw anyone else. Standing before the King, Lauder couldn't help but be distracted by his two very serious wounds. He had not allowed himself so much as a drink to help sooth the pain. He wanted to remember every second of it so he could return it in full when next he met that hideous elf.

"So, what I'm hearing is that you did not kill Tristan, is that correct?" Haroc spat the words at Lauder. Lauder could feel the shame beginning to show in his face. It wasn't that young Haroc was intimidating. Lauder was simply unaccustomed to returning from a mission that had failed.

"Yes, your majesty. You heard correct. The elf also sent a warning." Lauder regretted saying the words as soon as they left his mouth. Haroc stopped pacing the floor in front of Lauder. He turned now to face him. He stood a full foot higher than Lauder. He was hoping this would intimidate but his charade was transparent to a seasoned vet such as Lauder. The steps raised him higher now, but on level ground Lauder was nearly a half foot taller than Haroc. The new king was in his early twenties and had only recently discovered all the perks there were to being a king. His youthful face showed more and more of greed as he learned what true power was with each passing day.

"Oh really? Tell me, what did the creature have to say?" Haroc barely feigned interest.

"He said you were no longer permitted to enter the forest unless you first asked permission from the elves." Lauder lost interest in Haroc's reaction as a new wave of pain washed over his body.

Remaining calm but increasingly annoyed Haroc confronted Lauder. "You will go with a group of your finest. I want no less than one hundred men scouring that forest. Find and kill Tristan. Deal with the elves however you see fit."

"Sir?" Confused now, Lauder was unsure if his blood loss had caused him temporary hearing loss. "You want for me to go back and retrieve Tristan?"

"Not retrieve. Kill! You must finish what you started. Return with absolute certainty that Tristan no longer draws breathe, or do not return at all." Ignoring the confused look, Haroc examined the floor beneath Lauder. "And for God's sakes get yourself patched up, you're bleeding all over my court. Dismissed"

Leaving Lauder with his mouth still agape, Haroc removed himself to his quarters.