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“There have been other encounters with Eletians, General,” Laren said, “including the aid they rendered to the reation this past sue all Eletians by the actions of just one” Laren could not say that she totally trusted thean had with them

“They were our allies of old,” Zachary said “It was their king, Santanara, who united the defenders of the free lands against the ht of Mornhavon and his empire Without them, we’d be enslaved to the will of Arcosia”

The general crossed his aro”

“Which they remember as yesterday”

“It seems,” Colin Dovekey said, “we finally have the opportunity we sought with Lady Penburn’s delegation: to speak with the Eletians and learn their intentions; to find out what has stirred them from the Elt Wood”

“Skulking about our country as though they have every right,” the general grumbled

“Our borders are guarded,” said crusty old Sperren, “but not closed”

“Still, it does not give them leave to—”

The king raised his hand for silence “I appreciate your words of caution, General, but they have come to parley If they intended harm, I suspect we’d have known it by now I have every intention of speaking with them”

The only one who protested was the general, but the king was adamant “Laren,” he said, “you may tell them that I accept their invitation, that I will visit with the”

Laren smiled The Eletian she had spoken with had specified the day after to to their whi the time “Very well, sire”

“You will not go without your guards,” the general said