A Stranger Returns
Cy 4845 The 1st day of Janos…Elenoria
Moments after a Plane Shift rescues Merlynar and the rest of his companions from the palace of the Kulls the high priest breathes a sigh of relief, and breathes in the sweet taste of elven free air once more. The targeting of his spell is slightly awry – though not by much – he reckons the temple of Willowstar is only a few miles to the north. A short and welcome walk that will enable him and his friends time to digest the stark reality of their forced imprisonment inside the palace. From the noise and merriment of Aldegaarde the Elenorian forest offers a welcome silence and comfort. As he lags behind from his companions a slight movement catches his eye and as he turns he stops immediately. The plain man – last seen in the gardens of queen Illyanth of Elenoria – is before him once more.
“My congratulations Merlynar,” he says sincerely, “your resourcefulness matches your growing reputation here. To survive Erlain’s Point was achievement enough but to escape a Kullish trap is remarkable.” The stranger bows with the exquisite control and etiquette that nobility only possess. “I am humbled by your presence.
“But it will not get any easier. As the Valinari approaches her maturity – and therefore reaches the point where her usefulness and destiny can be fulfilled – her enemies will grow ever bolder and more determined. That Runesabre should take time to visit Aldegaarde when he has an army in the field indicates to me that he is serious about the lady. And he is not the only one. Korven and Archibald are but two names in a growing list of her suitors.
“That you defend her to the hilt is to your credit.” His face becomes suddenly mischievous. “No wonder the great lady Elena has her eye on you! Who knows what titles and honours the elves will bestow if you manage to save the Valinar from her doom.
“But I am not here for the good of elvenkind, Merlynar, nor am I here for the salvation of an undeadling. I am here for you!
“You strayed many years ago…into the shadows beyond my sight…mixed with the academics, lorewardens and great elven masters of the day. There you fell into the bosom of Andurien Willowstar, though a worthy calling it will be no more than a sideshow in what is to follow. They have lied to you Merlynar, kept your secret close…unless it turned on them.
“Your father and mother were Allorin aristocracy, highborn and privileged. Well thought of socially and with good connections to the throne. A perfect couple…well almost. One must never bear ill to the bearer of bad news Merlynar but you face a stark truth: your parents were barren, unable to have children due to ill fortune and the bad luck of the Fates. The fact is they adopted you…
The stranger becomes melancholic at this point. “You are not even elven…”
There is a brief pause as the stranger allows his words to sink in. He is measured in his tone and chooses his next words carefully. “Our family is incomplete without you…”
Merlynar is paralysed; his whole life in ruins about him…a cruel lie. Can it be true? He thinks to himself.
“It is true,” the stranger says, plucking the thoughts from his mind. “And very soon you will discover that the world you belong to is radically different from the one you presently believe in. Your queen awaits Merlynar…give her my regards…”
He is gone. A cold shiver envelops the high priest, his hands tremble and his thoughts threaten to overwhelm him. The stranger has left a thousand questions hanging but Merlynar can feel the need to speak to the queen and feel the comfort and protection of his temple…his temple?