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PROLOGUE 
     The full moon tide was coming in, the ever larger waves crashed higher on the rocks with every beat.  The sinking sun cast its last sparkles across the surface of the water and the foam whipping against the rocks along the shore in spectacular display.  The elf staring at them, unseeing, was distracted by his own inner thoughts.  Iconedan, the High One who was causing so much anguish to those who knew of his fall,  stood at the window of the vast Fortress at Tomely he had named Prailimar, Armor of the Sea.  He did not see himself as fallen, indeed, he saw himself as chosen by the Guardians to bring about a renaissance of magic and power to the Balance.  The fact that they had not spoken to him personally about the matter was of no consequence, he was willing to leave such visions and doddering to the Old Elf at Fentressen. 
  It was his, Icon's, obligation to restore to the elves in general, and himself in particular, the godhood granted them eons ago by the humans, and other lesser mortals.  Godhood, which by mandate of the Assembly had been reduced to teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide.  All this while the talents of the lesser mortals had been encouraged, and allowed to flourish, a mistake in his opinion.  The talents of the other races were to be used and guided by those of higher power, namely himself, and any other use thereof was to be strictly prohibited.  He was toying with taking a new name to himself, Eliaid, the Supreme, in the old tongue.  E-l-i-a-i-d, he rolled the name out long, sounding each vowel as it had been done it ancient days. 
   Remembering frustrations of the past several days had lent an angry scowl to the almost ethereal beauty that was essentially him, but the old name eased through his thoughts like a fine mist.  His thick wheaten hair was touched with the red gold of the sun, his large sea blue eyes surrounded by long lashes and covered by a darker brow blended with his clear skin and peaked ears to form a perfect whole.  His lips also were perfection until they thinned with anger, or displeasure.  Few dared his wrath, for to displease him was to be inexorably frozen in his sea blue gaze.  Today he should be savoring his triumph. Everything was in readiness,  the culmination of his efforts over the past five annums. 
   Thousands of troops of mercenaries, and former gilts lined the ranks of forces loyal to him and his cause.  Since before Festival they had been in position all over Tornedan ready to march to his orders against Geagua, Fentressen, and Elvenhome.  So subtle had been his planning that it was only now that others who would oppose him were becoming aware of his reach and influence.  His allies had already set in motion the subjugation of the Grassy Plains, and Delflia, and had extended their efforts even to the continent of Fareandar.  Leikanger, Adamsonia, Tremaglifine,  and Daubenitona Boroughs had fallen to him as long as two annums ago.  At least, he had taken all from them he wanted in the form of laborers.  Wester had been his from the beginning.  East Mar was even now being exposed to his own peculiar form of control.  Those ineffectual dark sorcerers who had refused to do his bidding, would soon cower beneath his power.  Now, however,  just as he was ready to reach forth his hand and begin taking what was his, obstacles were challenging his right to do so.  It was of no matter, he could counter each adversity, he had prepared for all opposition to his authority. 
   He would allow nothing to stop him, a cold mask settled over his face that was at once  bizarrely cruel and beautiful.  He did not think of himself in terms of appearance, but that is not to say that he did not know how to use it to his advantage.  He could, with care, endear himself to many, and had.  His young elffarn had fallen under his spell while under his tutelage.  Rodaredama was one of the most powerful and intelligent fire and water readers who had come to Fentressen in many annums, in fact, since the conflict with Dominic over five hundred annums ago. 
   She, conversely, was his principle obstacle.  He had wedded her thinking to mold her, and use her vast talent for himself and his designs.  To his amazement, she had proved less malleable and tractable than he had thought her.  He had mistaken her awe of his position and power for meekness, and her love he had supposed to be nigh worship, in the light of reality had turned to ashes at his essential coldness.  Rodar had refused to accompany him, worse, had not supported him when that decrepit Odel had given the Apparency to another. 
   The Exalted One of Fentressen was another bone in his teeth.  Icon more than coveted the power and authority of Odeledan's exalted position.  He considered that the Old One had misapplied his powers, had allowed them to weaken, and dissipate over all of furth.  Take his choice of Apparent, for example.  . All this,' his gaze swept the room, and the outer battlements of Prailimar to the sea beyond,    . This entire exercise would have been unnecessary if Odeledan had named me, Icon, his Heir Apparent as he should have done annums ago,' he mused.  . I am, after all,  next in line to him both in age and power. And much more capable of interpreting the will of the Godhead than he.   That human, Inghamedan, with his dubious ability was selected even over Adarlaedama.  There is no comfort in that, more insult.  To be usurped by her would have been a pleasure, for it would have enabled me to overthrow a more worthy opponent.  Inghamedan I can brush off like the annoying insect he is.  Where is the acclaim or challenge in that?'  His musing came to an abrupt end at the entrance of his right hand. 
   "Eminence, I bring news." 
   He swung his attention from his inward musings over the vista outside his window to the delffar that stood before him.  Small, slim, brown,  and dedicated was how he would describe her.  A smile graced his lips, but did not warm his eyes.  Jacedama was, unlike his mate, his most devoted disciple.  Her abject devotion he considered his due, and returned her a grudging respect, for her avarice and lust for power was only exceeded by his own.  She, unlike some of his other followers, saw his plans for exactly what they were, unlike some he had drawn to his cause, and thought none the less of him for it.  Rather, she applauded his ambitions, and matched him trait for trait.  She loved him, as much as she was capable of the emotion, and he knew this, and used it while in no way reciprocating her attachment. 
   She was a high judge with enough talent that she could have communicated all she had to say through thought, but she had wanted to see him, to assure herself that he had not changed in his regard for her, he supposed.  He would play along.  He was wrong, however, the information she had to impart was too serious to be trusted to telepathy, and she wanted his reaction face to face. 
   "Have you brought Fiarah?"  Icon knew she had not. 
   "I fear not, my lord.  My news is not good.  There has been no trace of her ladyship, nor her rescuers.  I found signature of her in Fentressen, but when I arrived there, the place was deserted." 
   "Deserted?"  For a second he was disconcerted, "Ah yes," he concluded, "the spelf hegira." 
   "No, Icon, I truly mean deserted.  There was no one on the island." 
   "Not even the Apparent?" he sneered. 
   "There was no one that I could find.  The domices, and small land holdings round about the castle were also abandoned. The bailey, the town, all empty.  It was eerie.   I went across to the school, and found it disbanded as well.  There were no students, and no faculty.  The town looked ghostly.   What few people and mentors who remained in the town all told the same tale.  Odeledan has dissolved the Assembly, and closed the school." 
   "What?  Inconceivable!  Why would the old fool do such a thing?" 
   Jacedama pursed her lips, then smiled wryly,  "To confound us, I daresay.  He knows we will eventually take over the Assembly, and the school, so he disbands them giving us a hollow victory." 
   "An unexpected victory, Jace, not a hollow one." 
   "We could take it at once!" 
   "Take what?  It has been given to us, on a platter like an unstuffed pheasant.  I do not like the smell of it.  This paltry sacrifice of their home is only a foretaste of what is to come when Fentressen is truly mine.  If we were to be content with only the bare bones of Fentressen, it would be victory indeed, but we are out for much greater attainments than an abandoned Assembly.  When we again retake Fentressen, it will be as the rightful rulers of all Furth! 
   "What news do you bring me of Caspar's troops?  How is the siege of Lowen progressing? Now that they are no longer needed to capture Fentressen, deploy those we would have sent there to Elvenhome, and Geagua.  We will have need of their strength." 
   "I have already done so, my lord.  I knew that would be your wish, and I sent them on ere I came.  I also recalled those on the Grassy Plains to march on Geagua.  Only a small number remain to plague any resistance there, Kallil can see to that." 
   "How did you leave our friend Caspar?" 
   "Caspar is recovering slowly, and frets for his son.  I cannot imagine what possessed the young scamp to take off  like that.  He left no word, and took nothing as far as we can determine.  He has simply vanished.  His abrupt departure did enable me to deploy his troops as I chose without question, and I sent many of them to Geagua.  The troops in Leikangerborough I also sent to Geagua leaving only a token behind, I hope this meets with your approval." 
   "It does, the Trolls will be no threat to my plans.  Those who remain in Leikangerborough are either too old, or too weak to mount any serious offensive.  As to Caspar's son, he went off after the prisoners, I suspect.  He has always been in thrall to his father.  He'll turn up when you least expect him.  That is the least of your worries.  Do you fancy Caspar's domain?"  He turned his face from her to hide his smile, he knew the answer she would make. 
   "How he can bear to live in such cave like surroundings is beyond my comprehension.  Even though much of the mountain facade has been dispensed with now that the fortress has been discovered, and outside light has come in, I still find it too tomblike and confining.  I much prefer this magnificent edifice you have created," she gestured about the room, and upon the view.  "I confess, I prefer it even over Fentressen."  The entire castle, bailey, and town was elven, and palatial in extreme. 
   Iconedan smirked outwardly, and scorned inwardly, how trans-parent she was.  "You are my right hand Jacedama, and as such are always welcome here, or if it pleases,  to build another like it in the area of your choosing.  However, do not build as yet, I have much need of you close to hand." 
   "I would remain here with you my lord," she said proudly, but a slight redness tinged her brown cheeks, "as long as you have need of me." 
   "Right now I have need of you to be my eyes and ears in Delflia," he gave her the full force of his gaze, and rested his hands deliberately upon her shoulders.   Jacedama visibly melted beneath his regard.  "There will be a culmination of our efforts there soon, when Delflia is under our control, we will need to move on to Elvenhome, but you will remain there to rule.  It will take more than a few soldiers to rout the elves from those mountains.  All is in readiness, no thanks to Caspar's diversions.  He has done me an ill service there.  Who would have thought him to have the insight to capture the Historian for himself?" 
   Was there a hint of admiration in his tone, Jacedama wondered?  She would soon nip that, "Yes, and the stupidity to lose her to his own second in command." 
   "It was surprising to find that Azan had a mind of his own after all," acknowledged Iconedan, "I had thought him a loyal sycophant, and lost interest in him long ago.  He takes after his mother, or so I thought.  I may have to revise my opinion of him." 
   "You know Azan's mother?" 
   Iconedan brought himself up short.  There were things he chose to keep to himself, even from Jacedama.  "I was a fledge in Delflia long ago, did I never say?  I thought you had known that is how I became acquainted with Caspar, I was fledge to his father's domice.  That is why I have such great respect and admiration for the delves.  Next to my own kin, the elves, more talent comes out of the delves than any other people, as you so expertly prove, Jace.  I thank you for bringing me this news of Fentressen, once again you have justified my confidence in you.  Before you return to Delflia, you must stay, and tell me of your progress in your search for Fiarah.  Shewho tells me she has been unable to find that benighted sorcerer of the dark, or Adarla.  I wonder if Odeledan has secreted them from me?  I wouldn't put it past the old fox.  He and that whey faced Adarla must be together.  I will find them, if I have to search myself, they are an integral part of my plan.  Did you go to Sangamon?  I expect Fiarah has taken refuge there." 
   "Very likely she is there," Jacedama nodded in agreement.  "I went to the borders to find it heavily warded.  I was unable to breach the barrier to get inside, or even take a look.  They are certainly protecting someone, or something.  I had the thought that perhaps Odeledan had sought refuge there.  I have set several spell splitters around the border to try to assail the defenses." 
   "Pull them off, Jacedama, I am not yet ready to take on Sangamon.  My battle is first with Elvenhome, ere spelf is begun I will be Master at White Peaks.  As to Sangamon, I will crush any resistance there at my leisure.  Meanwhile, I may have to pay my visit to summer court after all.  I shall return to Iogon at once, and make it up with Rodar.  She and I will have no trouble breaching the defenses.  We are, after all, invited, and kindred." 
   "You think Rodar," the name rolled bitterly from her tongue, "has gone to Iogon?"  There was a faint note of scepticism in her tones. 
   "You said the Assembly was disbanded.  I assume she left when everyone else did?" 
   "Yes, but I thought she had never seen your domice there?  It seemed that you had not parted on good terms at Fentressen." 
   "Where else would she go if the school and Assembly are disbanded?"    He chose to ignore the gentle probe.  At Jacedama's look of disbelief, he ordered, "Stay here until I return," then softened the command, "make yourself comfortable, explore the castle and town, see how the work is progressing."  That would intrigue her, he was sure, for she had a hand in the design of it.  As a farewell he added, "I should not be long."  In a twinkling he had opened a journeydoor, and stepped through to his domice in Iogon. 
   Jacedama glided over to the spot where seconds before her lord and master had stood.  She took a deep breath as if to absorb his lingering presence into her very being.  Soon he would recognize that she, Jacedama, was his intended counterpart, and not the simpering only daughter of a rich house.  Jacedama doubted that Rodar would accompany him anywhere, according to her sources at Fentressen before she had left there, Rodar had aligned herself resolutely with the Exalted One. 

   Iconedan stomped through his domice from room to room, although his servants had told him that no one had come lately from Fentressen, or anywhere else.  He could not believe she had left him without a word.  Fury like he had never known took possession of his soul.  She had defied him, and left him, she would pay for this humiliation.  When she was nowhere to be found, he sent his thought to her only to discover that she had warded herself against him.  It did not matter, she could not long elude him when he wished to find her. 
   Like a whirlwind gone mad he traced a journeydoor, and stepped into their rooms at the Fentressen castle.  Perhaps she had left some word to him here.  It was eerie, as Jace had said.  Their entire wing of the castle had been stripped of its adornments, and  stood like accusations in boxes about the rooms.  In no mood to give quarter, he swept up the contents from one of the boxes with a motion from his hand, and a few well chosen words.  The contents were  his.  Another box he upended, and then another, all his.  There was nothing in any of the rooms that belonged to her, not even the lingering scent of her perfume.  She had left a message, but not in words. 
   "So you have run home to Fareandar.  I shall not pursue you, my pretty.  You have made your choice, and you can live with it until I come to claim you again.  Ruthin will not allow you much peace.  You will be begging me to save you, and your paltry kingdom before he has done.  I will never forgive you for this affront, but I will have you back, no one will ever leave me again, least of all my new bride." 
   He knew he was not in control of his emotions.  It would not do to have Jacedama see that he had been abandoned like a bad tasting meal.  He would remain here in Fentressen, and cool himself.  Deftly he made his way down the long corridors.  Every compartment stood open, every room was empty.  Those of his compatriots who had turned against the Exalted One on his behalf, or had not been at the dissolving Assembly, were not empty, but boxed as his rooms had been.  Everywhere there was silence, and emptiness.  Doggedly he made his way to the Assembly room, and deliberately seated himself on the dias. It was all his, and he was too blind to see the emptiness of it. 

   At Prailimar, the magnificent castle on the high cliffs at Land's End, Jacedama paced the rooms of her beloved.  Eagerly she noted every improvement and dared to make mental note of further modifications when she was its mistress.  Tiring of this pastime, she mind called her confederates for reports on their progress, and set those along the Sangamon border to other tasks.  It was of paramount importance to find the Dark Sorcerer, and Adarlaedama.  She would like to be the means of bringing down that particular High One, herself.  How odd that she was unable to mind reach either of them.  Surely the dark sorcerer's puny talents could not so long withstand her!   Adarla or Odeledan, or perhaps both were protecting him, she knew it.  When she found them, they would be together, and she would destroy them both, absently she patted the vial in her pocket.   It would give her no end of satisfaction to strip the elffar of her mind. 
   Hours passed, and still Icon did not return.  Jacedama made her way to the main salon to await him.  She had reached the minds of all her confederates and everything was proceeding as expected.  Soon Delflia would fall to Caspar's troops, and the Greenaway would be shut off.  Elvenhome was even now under attack.  Ruthin was setting his armies into motion to capture the gilt strongholds on Fareandar, and all was going according to design except for those elusive elves she had been seeking in vain.  She did not want to return to Delflia. She wanted to remain at Icon's side, aiding him, supporting him, caring for him. She relaxed against a comfortable lounge, and stroked the overstuffed arms as though they were his. 
   Then the thought occurred to her that perhaps he had found Rodar, and they were reconciling.  She clenched her fists until her nails tore into the soft flesh of her palms.  Why did he value the young elffar so?  She, Jacedama, could be all she was to him, and more.  Some day he would acknowledge this and place her at his side, co-ruler of all Furth. 
 

 PART ONE 

 DELFLIA 
 AT   WAR CHAPTER I 
 SOUR MILK 

   Copper could tell by the steady gait of the horses that the wagon had not yet reached the gates of Lowen.  The inside of the cheese barrel was not the place he would have selected for a hideout, but if they made it past the guards at the gate, he would bless Graw forever, even if he never ate cheese again.  It felt like he had been running for weeks, instead of the days he had spent eluding the guards at the castle fortress up Lightening Dance.  Absently he patted the pocket sack he wore over his tunic that presently was gouging his stomach.  It carried the maps and notes that Lokfar had provided.  How the Troll had managed to get inside the castle fortress, and then out again he hoped to find out some day.  Lokfar could never have hidden in this cheese barrel at any rate, for he was large, even for a troll. 
   At least he had what the Ministry had sent the small scouting party after.  It had only been a little over the week they had planned since they left the dock at Stron's domice and made their way to the island.  They had been followed even there, and had to  fight their way to Gorin's cabin and beyond to the castle.
   . I'd give a month's pay t'know who's behind that castle,' he thought. . I wonder if Hyde made it away from the guards?  Halft'll be where Hyde would make for I reckon.  It's useless for him to try'n make Lowen,  Lowen needs that gilt army at Halft.  I don't suppose for a minute that these pretend borderwards buzzin' all over Lowen will leave just because the Ministry asks . em to nicely. 
   As for Wit, and the others, I suppose they're headin' on across the Pass for the Judges by now.'  He breathed a small prayer for their safety, and for a few seconds forgot the odor of the cheese hiding him.  Even had he known that Wit and the others had been captured, he was doing what he would have had to do, bring the news to Lowen. 
   He heard Graw's gentle,  "Whoa now," and felt the lurch of the wagon as the horse obediently came to a stop.  "You warders stoppin' folk along the road now?  I got milk and cheese t'deliver, folks won't be wantin' soured milk." 
   "You'll be stopped now, and anytime a prisoner has escaped, farmer.  We have orders to search every wagon.  What have you here?" 
   "Don't open that, its the cheese."  Copper had heard the prying open of the milk cans, and almost held his breath when the lid came off his own barrel. 
   "Whew, who eats this stuff?  It smells to the sun!" 
   "This here's the  Minister's favorite, I make it special for his parties." 
   "A reason to be glad I've never been invited." 
   "As you say, warder, it is a strong cheese.  Mind how you put the lid back on, can't have the flies gettin' to it." 
   "Flies might improve it.  Drive on, farmer." 
   "Thank'ee.  Git there, Floss."  Copper once again blessed the smelly cheese above him, and grimaced at the cramp his left leg was experiencing in the tight quarters.  "They'll stop us again at the gate," Graw spoke low, "we're almost there.  I doubt they'll check as thorough since they know we've been searched on the road."  But in this Graw was wrong.  Once again every container was opened, and another barrel of grain was sifted to the bottom.  One guard even crawled under the wagon, Copper could hear him beneath him poking at the floorboards looking for a possible false floor. 
   Graw kept up a steady stream of complaint during the entire procedure, but the guards did not reply to any of his sallies.  They knew him by name, and one asked him if he had deliveries anywhere other than the Ministry. 
   "I do, clean out to the north gate, today." 
   "Very well, drive on." 
   Yestr night when Copper had stumbled into his farm kitchen exhausted and filthy, Graw had hidden him from the supposed borderwards seeking him.  He had told the farmer that he must reach the ministers in Lowen, or failing that, Minister Stron, Wit's father, who had sought him out to accompany his son to the castle. 
Graw had told him that the roads and gates were well guarded, and his wagon was stopped every morning at the gate, but once inside he had been able to go wherever he wished.  When he had come up with the idea of hiding Copper beneath the cheese, he had mentioned that he would pull into the first secluded spot, and allow Copper to alight, but Copper wondered if this was wise considering all the eyes monitoring every move.  Evidently Graw was of the same opinion, for once past the gates he commented, "Seems like as how we better make straight for Stron.  I don't like the looks of things, an' I'm sorry to keep ya in that barrel, but even the cheese barrel's better than dead." 
   After an eon or two, "Oh oh, looks like trouble.  There's city guards posted all over the drive up to Stron's.  They're takin' no chances on the Ministers.  We'll be doing some fancy work to get by here.   Mornin', seneschal, " he called loudly, "Minister Stron got some furrin' dignity stayin' here agin?' 
   "Explain what business it is of yours, Graw.  Some citizen threatening the lives of the Ministers more like.  Take your stuff on round to the kitchens, Graw, and leave the guardin' to us." 
   "Hey, Fil," Graw yelled at the back entrance for one of the delf servers, "give us a hand," he brought the wagon to a halt outside the kitchen doors.  As a nonplused Fil sauntered over to the wagon he hissed.  "I got a delivery for Minister Stron, and it ain't light.  Act like I always bring this much, and help me carry it in.  Get a couple of fellers for the cheese barrel, but act like it don't weigh much."  With three other strong delffons, Graw began carrying every last item in his wagon into the Minister's domice. 
   Inside the kitchen he asked one of the kitchen helpers to find the lady of the house, or the Minister if he was available.  She ran to do his bidding just as the two burly gardeners heaved the barrel of cheese to the kitchen floor.  "What's in here Graw?  Gold?" 
   "Hist, keep your voice down, nit, I don't want curious city guards pokin' their noses in here.  Roane, sorry to call you away from your work, but I've brought a gift that needs opening and put away right now."  Graw indicated the cheese barrel.  The delffar of the domice had come into the kitchen with chisel dust all over her. 
   Wiping her hands, she spoke normally, "Let's have it open then.  I don't remember ordering cheese, Graw, but it will be welcome, your cheese is the finest round about Lowen.  Thank you Ban, Sul, you may return to the garden.  Fil, help Graw open the barrel."    If she was surprised to see all the farmer's produce in her kitchen, she had not said so.   Graw followed the two gardeners to the door, and went back in time to see that a mystified Fil was holding the smelly cheese as far from his nose as his arms would allow. 
   "I have some wax to cover it," he assured Roane,  "I guess you'd better store it somewheres for now, but it's what's under this that I brought ya."  Prying gently, he loosed the shelving that had lain under the cheese round, and Copper took his first clear breath in over a hour.  Fil and Graw had to help him out of the barrel, for his legs had gone to sleep. 
   Roane instructed Fil to take her guest to an upstairs room, by way of the back stairs, and see to it that he had a change of clothes,  a hot bath, food, and a bed, in that order.  Once Copper had gone Graw breathed his first sigh of relief.  "I've been that worried that we wouldn't pull it off.  He came to my door yestr night half dead on his feet.  He says he has to get to Stron, so I hid him in the cheese barrel.  It was touch and go a couple of times, but we made it.  I got to load this other stuff back up, and the barrel too, I reckon.  If I don't make my regular deliveries folks will be wonderin'.  Guess I don't need to tell ya to keep him secret.  He says it's him them guards are lookin' for, and they ain't borderwards neither." 
   "I know, Graw, and if the Minister were here, you would have his thanks added to mine."  Waving off the good Graw, Roane returned to her kitchen, and  automatically began melting the wax to cover the cheese. . There must be some way to get word to Stron.  I can't go myself, the guards would follow me all the way.  Perhaps I can send Gorin.  Yes, that's it.' 
   "Fil, please run out to the guest house, and bring Gorin, he may be working somewhere about the grounds, but Pepa will know.  I don't need to tell you to keep quiet about the gift Graw brought.  Tell Gorin I wish to see him urgently, only stress urgently if he is alone.  If there are guards about, just say I have some cream to make those cream cakes he loves, and for him to come over later and sample some..." 
   Minutes later Gorin entered the sunny kitchen, and looked in wonder upon the newly waxed cheese wheel that was sitting out ready to be stored.  "I'm that glad ya sent for me.  It's crazy I'm goin' ta get sittin' on my haunches in that fancy guest domice of yo'rs.  I ben hidin' out in the domice cause ever' time I step outside one o' them guards is at my heels.  Mebbe I can do some buildin' or such like?" 
   "I am afraid I need you for something considerably more dangerous, and I really have no right to ask it of you Gorin, but I do not hesitate to ask, as you can see. These guards everywhere are making me crazy as well, but Stron and I knew that as soon as he disappeared they would watch for his return.  I do not believe they accept the story that he had to travel for the ministers, but he had to be free of them watching him day and night.  Whoever is behind this outrage certainly fears him.   I need you to take a message to Stron.  It won't be easy, and you must not be followed.  All our movements are closely watched I'm afraid." 
   "No more than the whole city, I'd say.  Them guards is everywhere.  Person can't step wide without troddin' on . em right in the town square.  Noise in the town has it that Dupin is down sick, and ain't leavin' his domice, and that several other of the ministers has the grippe.  The rest of the Ministers just sit around jawin' from what I can tell.  They're lettin' on that a dangerous bandit band has escaped . em up on the mountain, and come into the city.  They have folks scared to go out of their doors.  I can't believe old Dupin called Marshall Law on Lowen for a bunch of bandits.  The city guard could take care of . em alone, and we got enough borderwards about to fell an army." 
   "It is an army, Gorin, make no mistake, they're no more boderwards than I am.  I seriously doubt any citizen will be allowed to leave Lowen without escort to see where they are going and why.  Stron has told me to pack up and head for our cabin in Hoggaty, and stay put until he sends for me, or comes.  He somehow convinced Hapn and Hign to attend me with their elffonds.  We are leaving in three days.  I imagine they will follow us all the way to the doors.  I would invite you to come along, Gorin, but I intended to ask you to stay, and care for the domice until we can return.  You may be of use to Stron and the Ministers, if you care to be." 
   "I do right miss my cabin, Roane, but as it burnt to the ground I found I've a likin' for adventure I didn't know I had.  I'd be proud t' stay and watch the place.  I figure Stron may need more than messages . fore this's over.  Now how exactly do I git to him, and where is he?" 
   "He's across the lake, at Bek.  He and a few of the Ministers have taken refuge there to decide what is to be done, and have freedom of movement.  Noise it about that you are going to take the boat out on the lake and tour around a bit before you are required as caretaker here.  Ask the guards to recommend a cabin boy, it will allay their suspicions to have one of their spies on board.  Head up north taking your leisure, and then work your way back down, stopping at every town and spending some time.  Make for Bek by nightfall of the second day.  Distract the cabin boy in some way, and take the message to Stron.  Gorin, the message is rather large.  In fact it is a borderward named Copper." 
   "Copper, why sure, I know him.  He'd stop on his way up ta Berksey and visit now an' agin.  How'm I supposed to git him past a cabin boy goin' or coming'?" 
   "I'll get him on the boat, and hidden, before you leave.  You must doctor the cabin boy's night drink with this," she handed him one of Wit's concoctions for sleep, "and smuggle him off up at some dock.  He can use a disguise of some sort, and when you tour about, you can supposedly meet the next morning, and pretend to journey together down the lake.  Then it will be easy to get him off the boat in Bek, and eventually make your way with him to Stron.  You must work the cabin boy to exhaustion so he will not question his deep sleep each night." 
   "Where do ya git all these fancy ideas?  Sounds ta me like ya got a bit of adventure inside ya too." 
   "Stron suggested using the boat, and the sailing around the lake was his idea, but the cabin boy was all mine," she declared with wicked glee.  "I hope we don't regret it, but I felt that if they thought the trip was just some idle touring, it would be easier.  If you take the cabin boy with you in Skaggit, and visit all the most boring and exhausting places you can think of, he'll not be anxious to accompany you again. This should give you more freedom.  You may have to smuggle others this way, Gorin, and this can be sort of a trial run." 
   "Where'll ya hide him on the boat?" 
   "There is a large closet where we keep all the blankets and linens, and other odds and ends.  I'll stash him in there behind some boxes.  It will be locked.  You will allay the cabin boy's suspicion by unlocking the closet and getting him out some food for the galley.  Make sure he sees that the closet is totally normal, Copper will have to hide behind some sacking.  After he has seen it, lock it back up.  Copper can come out from behind, and have a fairly comfortable ride.  I'm afraid he'll have to ride in there all day, but if he could come here in a cheese barrel, it shouldn't be too difficult." 

   "Here's the maps, an here's the papers."  Copper shoved all into a capacious bag almost hafan his size.  He had rested well, and was eager to be off.  Roane had just remarked that it was difficult to believe that someone would dare to build so large a structure on that mountain right above the Ministry's head, and Copper responded, "I wouln'ta' believed it myself if I hadn't seen it.  Big as a troll borough, and sittin' right on the side of the mountain lookin' like it was a part of it.  It looked t' be holdin' at least a regiment of soldiers, and more most likely. 
    I expect we can hide these," referring to the papers, "in plain sight in the closet.  A closet will be bigger than that cheese barrel, praise be.  If we can smuggle me out at Skaggit, I can pretend like as how it's important for me to get to Bek, and ask Gorin to take me.  That way we won't have to waste a day goin' all up an' down the lake.  Now, how'm I goin' to get to the boat?" 
   "Is the cabin boy coming on board tonight, Gorin?" 
   "Yes, he suggested as how we was leavin' at first light, that he'd be on the spot.  Orders mor'n likely to watch if I brought anythin' on board." 
   "I'm sorry Copper, that means a night cooped up in that closet, no, wait, Gorin, tell him that you want him to stay with you at the guest domice, and help you carry down some gear.  Make any excuse, that you want him to wake you, or whatever.  Copper can be on the boat, and only enter the closet when he hears you coming.  I will give him the extra key, and he can lock himself inside." 
   "It don't matter if I sleep in a closet Roane.  I've been sleepin' in trees, caves, and bushes since I left with Wit. I don't know that a night in a closet won't be more comfortable.  I'd best be on the boat behind a padlocked door afore that cabin boy decides to check it out once Gorin's asleep anyhow." 
   "Thank the Guardians I don't have to travel that way," admitted Roane, I don't even like going into the troll tunnel.  The twins and I will travel on the open road with a borderward escort if need be, but we shall not leave until you return, Gorin, I promise you that.  I want to hear from your lips that the message is delivered, and that Stron is alright.  What is happening, Copper, do you know?" 
   "I'd say, Missus, that there is someone wantin' to take over Delflia, and right smart.  Wit says that castle's most likely been there almost two annums, and I'd say planned afore that.  Those fake borderwards are from the castle, and we saw another bunch monitorin' the Pass.  I'd say don't wait for Gorin, but leave today for the mountains, not that the soldiers aren't all over it too.  Hyde and I went as far as Berksey, and they'd burned out barns, and taken all the produce.    Better take some supplies with ya, folks up there are nigh starvin' til their crops start producing." 
   "I can scarcely believe all you tell me, Copper, but I must.  You are right, we must leave.  I will draft a letter for Stron, Gorin, but I won't wait for your return.  We will leave soon after the boat departs.  Maybe they will be so busy watching you they won't have time to worry about us.  If something comes up that you must find us without Stron," her voice faltered but then concluded, "our cabin is in Hoggaty, everyone knows us.  I hope Niada has planted a garden up there, we are going to need it." 

    _____________________________ 
 

     "I've delivered the message," Gorin slapped Copper on the back with a thud, "and I'd best be gettin' back to yur domice, Stron.  Unless there's leastwise I can do for ye." 
     "I'm glad Roane has left our domice in your capable hands, but stay, good Gorin, I have need to take myself, " he smiled, "and the message back to the Ministry in Lowen.  That is now where we belong, not skulking away to avoid capture, but marching into the teeth of it.  We have accomplished much in our exile that may not have been possible otherwise, but what more needs doing can be done by the network we have established here.  We ministers must work from inside." 
     Copper nodded but nevertheless, objected, "There's too much peril everywhere, but the Ministers are the biggest threat t' this fellow up the Lowcragi that I can see.   Once you step into plain sight, they'll find a way to stop you," he predicted. 
   "That may be," agreed the Mediator, "but we must rouse the populace to their threat, and determine who is with us, and who is against us.  You can be sure that once we are in plain sight  we will be making a lot of noise.  We won't be able to do that from here." 
   "We had already agreed on this course, Copper, before your report," Silv inserted. "It has only precipitated our going by a few days." 
  "The availability of Stron's boat gives us the opportunity to leave at once," added Pav.  "There will be time, Mediator, for your reports from Multon, Bix, and Banlon to be added to that of Forsen." 
   "I confess, I prefer to know that all have been warned ere we return to Lowen.  I want to know the system for all the towns and villages in Delflia is working.  It is imperative to send news, and gather it rapidly," explained the Mediator. 
     "Just how will the outlyin' towns and villages know t' come t' our aid, Minister?"  Copper had asked. 
     "We have not been idle these six days in exile, Copper, we have sent messages and runners to every town and village on either shore," said Haddin the delffar Minister who, along with Flona, had come into exile at Mediator Dupin's request. 
   "I have had reports of many delves being forced to work the mines day and night under armed guards.   I have sent these messengers back out to spread the word to revolt in every instance," added Silv, the youngest of the Ministers, and considered by all to be the most radical among them 
   "This will take some time as we have promised weapons and a means to fight back. We must get to our arsenal, and confiscate the weapons and begin dispersing them to the general populace if necessary to fight our way to pushing the enemy from within our gates.  From there we will branch out and fight him in the towns and villages."  Mediator Dupin's announcement was militant enough even for Silv. 
   "You've done this in the time you've been in hidin'?  I'm . mazed."  Copper, along with Wit, and most of Delflia, had thought the Ministers incapable of swift action. 
   Silv laughed outright, and even the Mediator managed a slight smile.  "I am aware that we appear ineffectual to most of Delflia at times, but when the need is upon us there are some of us who dare to act.  I believe I have them with me," his nod included all the Ministers who had braved exile with their leader.  "Most we owe to Minister Stron for his timely warnings, and urgent action.  It is most likely that the Ministers as a body would have been too divided to accomplish what was needed, but once the threat is made known, I am sure that will no longer be the problem." 
   "No," agreed Stron, "the problem will be to determine which of them are involved in it."  He sighed, "I have the feeling that we will all wish we did not know ere this is over.  Tonight we will all board the boat, and head for the dock at the Ministry.  We can hide out in the gardens until morning, then make our way inside.  We will be at the docks by full dark, and you can signal us when your boy has gone to sleep.  We'll have to run without lights, but the moon should give us sufficient light to steer by.  It will mean little sleep for you, but you can doze on the way over to Lowen.    Gorin, you, my friend, must bring the boat back to Bek, and continue your journey as though nothing has happened, that will give us a few hours before discovery, and we may be able to accomplish much." 
     "As ya say, Stron, as ya say."   Gorin departed for supplies, and the boat to make ready. He had an idea how to work the cabin boy enough to wear him out, but he had to begin at once.  When he reached the boat, he sent him up to Whitescar to purchase some diamond edge cutting tools.  The trip would take all the remainder of the day, and return him late that evening tired for sure. 
     All that day the Ministers who had escaped with Stron, Silv, Pav, and Mediator Dupin had listened to Copper tell of his adventures, and the seriousness of the threat against Delflia.  They had studied the painstaking map of Lokfar's, and had listened with horror to the tales of the small mountain villages.  Mediator Dupin had been appalled to find that marshall law had been declared in his name.  Silv had wanted to immediately take up arms against them, but Pav reminded him that the city guards were doing what they thought they had been ordered to do by the Ministry. 
     "We will have to make our presence and will known," declared the Mediator.  "I fear that will mean open conflict with these supposed borderwards.  How many are truly borderwards who have defected, Copper?" he had asked. 
     "I have no way of knowin', your excellence, but I'm thinkin' some of them must be true boderwards they have subverted t' their cause.  How many may remain loyal I have no way of knowin'." 
     "We will find out soon enough who has remained loyal as soon as the fighting starts, Copper.  There will be no doubt at that time who stands with Delflia, and who supports this Castle." 
     "Even had you not brought word to us of the castle, and the burning out of the villages up the Lowcragi, we were determined on this course.  We would have found a way back to Lowen in a couple of days at the most as Minister Silv told you.  I wish that we had the support of the Judges, but I doubt Wit has had time to reach them, though the Ministry sent him on that errand to enlist their aid."  This had been news to Silv, Pav, and Gorin, but not to Copper. 
     "How'll we enlist the aid of the city guards? They're guardin' your domice along with that of every other minister, followin' the orders of the borderwards, and the Ministry seemin'ly."  Copper had told them of the siege the city was currently under. 
     "We will have to rely on those guards remaining within the Hall," Stron had replied. 
     "Most of them handpicked by the enemy, I dare say," responded Pav, a sentiment shared with Silv and the others privately. 
     "I rather doubt that," disagreed Mediator Dupin.  "They have been laboring to undermine us in secret.  They would use the system in place as far as possible, and slowly infiltrate it with their own confederates.  Until we get there, and assess what is happening we should not entertain total gloom.  There must be a way to break free.  If only we could get word to the Elves of our plight.  A runner was sent six yestrs ago, but no word has reached us." 
     "For all we know, the Elves may be behind this outrage.  Copper said there were elven soldiers up at the castle fortress."  Nilv as usual expected the worst. 
     "There were a great many more delves," Copper had insisted, "and not a few trolls.  Whoever is behind this has enlisted mercenary gilts t' his purpose." 
     "Wit writes here in his notes that he thinks Caspar might be the one," Stron shook his head.  "I can scarcely believe it of my old friend, but I do follow his reasoning.  Caspar can not be lost to all decency, it must be that a dark sorcerer has subverted him." 
     "What does young Cas say?" Copper knew Wit had worried that his own friend was a part of the castle. 
     "Cas has disappeared along with many of the other young delves in the area.  We supposed that he had been taken to the mines, our spies found that many had been taken there.  The mines are being worked day and night."  Stron had appeared as heartsick as Wit at the thought of his old friends being caught up in corruption. 
   With a compassionate look at his old friend Dupin spoke gruffly to cover his emotion, "Stron, there is much to do ere we depart at full dark, will you see the Chiefs we have set up here in Bek, and tell them of our change of plans?  It may be some time until we communicate with them again, and I would prefer they know it from me." 
   "I will go at once, your excellency," his respect for the older delffon brought him out of his reverie, but his thoughts he spoke aloud, "I wonder, if he is behind this outrage, what he can think to gain by it." 
   So,' thought Dupin, he believes it too.