For the third time since Castor had entered the forest, he felt he had fallen into paradise. The palace of Elorion was the most beautiful thing Castor had ever seen. Outside a clear river washed and gurgled over stones that glimmered like diamonds. The floor was made of white marble and trees stood like pillars from the ground. Wooden benches were all over. Elves sat at the base of large trees or on the benches, reading scrolls of soft fabric or conversing with small, sparkling pixies. Birds and bright colored pixies danced around the trees and fluttered by the elves, chirping softly. The leaves were perfectly green and full of life. Light streamed down, illuminating the miraculous scene. Even the air was somehow full of life and beauty

Castor leaned over to Theuses. "I thought the pixies were banished from elf cities after they sided with the Urki in the Ancient War?"

Theuses shook his head. "Not all the pixies turned dark. Some chose to remain neutral. They are looked down on by their kind as traitors, but we give them refuge here, in Ilesmatr."

At the back of the garden stood a huge gate made of oak and carved intricately with a large oak tree. Two knights stood on either side while two more stood in front. The side two looked normal; large swords pointed downward with their hands on the hilts and flowing capes, but the middle two were different.

They both wore suits of silver armor and carried swords. The first wore a brown cloak and gripped his sword tightly. He had a long face, like most elves, along with the pale, elfish complexion. He had green eyes and broad shoulders. In his sword's cross guard a yellow stone was embedded. He had long, blond hair and tall, pointed ears. The second had the same pale skin and seemed to possess a strange confidence. He wore a forest green cape and had a green stone forged into his sword's cross guard. His very presence was commanding, almost making Castor want to leave, because with it was a writhing glare. Like the first elf, he had blond hair and pointed ears.

Theuses leaned over to Castor as their horses walked slowly forward, the sound of every step magnified by the marble. "The one on the right is my father," He said, pointing to the second elf, "and the one on the left is his general and chief advisor, Lord Aeran," Pointing to the first.

When they reached the presence of the two elves, Theuses dismounted and knelt. Castor did likewise. Behind them Castor heard the others do the same. "Rise," Theuses father said in a low, soft tone. It may have not have been very loud, but it was commanding nonetheless. Theuses and Castor did so. He addressed Theuses first. "My son, I trust all went well?"

"It did Father. What bodies we could recover were brought back. They are receiving proper burial immediately. How is L'arch?"

"Good, she is gone on a mission currently." His voice was clear cut, making it obvious he would speak no more of the matter. "Now what is this," He said, indicating Castor.

"Castor of Archain. He wishes to help us against the Empire."

"Is that so...." Theuses father said as he squinted at Castor. "I am Lord Elrin, king of the race of elves, protector of the woods of Valdraermisr, wielder of the sword of Glethol, and lord of this realm. Come." He turned without another word and walked into the palace as the knights pushed the doors open. When they were through, the doors were again closed.

The gates led to a long hall. The floors were made of polished wood and the walls, of white marble. Banners made of green silk and embroidered with an oak leaf in golden thread, hung every fifty feet. At the center of the room was an elegant table. On it was carved a three-dimensional image of Unisus, much like the one in the keep at Archain. Instead of metal figures, however, it had wooden ones, carved with such skill that it took away Castor's breath. Six Argle figures were located in Valdraermisr, while only three elves were in the forest. Once everyone got around the table Lord Elrin began.

"For thousands of years myself, my father, his father before him, and his father before him and so on, have guarded the borders of Valdraermisr with our blood. We have lifted our blades in defense of this land and put our lives on the line to protect it; we have done these things without the help of any human, and this is no exception."

"Respectfully, I disagree. Take the Ancient War for example, what about it? Or the Dark War against Malthorn," Elrin flinched at the name, "do you not count those?"

"I do, but my ancestors were in crucial positions there. Our world was at risk; a fact not applicable in this situation. Besides, my people came first to your aid. Your kings were simply returning the favor."

Castor laughed dryly. "Your lands are being conquered and you are hiding in your cities, defenseless. Can you get any more desperate?"

"I ask you not to insult my men," Elrin said quietly, but still holding an edge to his voice. A fire had lit in his eyes like a match to a bonfire. "I decline your help and respectfully request you to leave now."

Castor's patience was running out. "No."

"I demand it."

"And I refuse."

"Then you are unjustly standing on the soil of my land, and thus forth declaring war on me and my kingdom."

"Father, please!" Theuses said.

"Stay out of this, Theuses. You have done enough with the current situation. I will talk to you at a later date."

Castor's face hardened. There was no need to bring the prince into it. "You can't fight me while a second army marches against you and you know it. I do not mean to steal your position as leader of this people, nor do I hope to shame you in offering my aid. I do this for the good of both our nations. Will you only open your ears and hear the fear of your people?"

For the first time the elven general, Lord Aeran, spoke. "King Castor, I understand your position, but think about it. A tree does not get cut down just because the land it stands on changes hands. Your lot is not cast on this land."

Castor turned to face him, patience gone. "Stop talking in riddles, elf. And yes, the tree would get cut down if the new owner chose to! My lot is cast on this land! If you fall then I will be next!"

The room was silent for a moment, before Elrin spoke. "Then you will not change your position on the matter?"

Castor shook his head. "I will not."

Elrin glared at him hostilely before taking a deep breath. "Nothing I can say appears to change your mind and I cannot force you to leave. You may stay the night tonight before deciding your next move tomorrow."

"Your hospitality is appreciated," Castor said with mild sarcasm, but immediately regretted it when he saw the pain and frustration in the elder elf's eyes.

~ ~ ~

Theuses led him through the city. The colors were fabulous and wonderful. The elves seemed to relax after a while and continue in their lives, but an unspoken restraint radiated from everything they did that left a sense of tension on all that they did.

Finally Theuses showed Castor the hall he would be staying in. It was one of the larger halls in Ilesmatr, called Resra Utris, or the Hall of Utris, in the ancient language and it served as the home of one of the higher elf lords in the city. The elf lord was displeased at being forced to do this at first, but after Theuses argued with him he gave in eventually. Hours later Castor was set with a comfortable, feather bed. Merric and Horace were also lodged there along with Guilin and Ferris. That night Castor lay awake, thinking about the events of the past week. It had all happened like a tidal wave, rushing him off his feet and into a campaign in the middle of the massive forest, mystical and unknown by most, to ally with a forgotten race that did not want their help. What was happening? Castor fell asleep longing for the answer.