The night over Evereska was starless.
Xan was lying on his back, his hands under his head staring at the infinite blackness above him.
the grass was chilly and wet with dew but Xan lay motionless for the last few hours inhaling the scent of flowers, thinking about the assignment he was
burdened with earlier today. It was even more senseless than the previous ones.
"You want me to go to the Nashkell mines?" asked Xan, looking scornfully at Elivan, the oldest High Council member who was a diviner of no small talent.
"To investigate the iron shortage of all things? Merciful Seldarine, you haven't something equally pointless thing for me to do, like sending me to some forsaken village in
Icewind Dale to find out the cause behind the sudden changes in the weather there?!"
"If you refer to the death of Erevain, then let me tell you that he volunteered for that mission.No one forced him. Nor was his death pointless."
Iroen, the Head of the Council said reproachfully.
"He then saved many lives and improved the image of the Tel'Quessir in the north among the humans. Now they know
that we always ready to help the less advanced races."
"When I visited the village for which he gave his life, they spoke of him as a great hero" Xan eyed Iroen "but I would prefer my living cousin to a dead hero.
Not as if anyone asked my opinion... as always." he looked at the council members impenetrable faces and sighed "Never mind, do continue."
"Xan, this mission is an important one, do not underestimate it" Elivan closed his eyes, his breathing became slow and deep.
Xan wondered if he'd fallen into reverie. The older elf suddenly raised his hand and said ominously "a powerful force is rising in the sword coast...
a force that can sweep aside our few islands of safety. The existence of the Elvendom is at risk."
Xan sighed.
"Then this force only have to wait a few decades. Our fall is inevitable."
"Yes, Xan we all know your sentiments on the subject "Yilline, an archivist of the Academy quickly cut in "but this is really important.
in addition to the things Elivan saw when he performed his divination spells, we also need to consider the prophecies of Alaundo we discussed earlier.
Xan snored, his expression clearly telling his opinion of the said phorpecies. Yilline's long slender fingers touched the dusty tome before her and frowned as in protest to
his unspoken words. "For a human, Alaundo was quite trustworthy. His prophecies are as of yet unerring. We cannot neglect them."
Iroen suddenly rise.
"I am sure Xan knows his responsibility as a Greycloak and a defender of Elvendom. He will do his duty."
He shook off a small feather from his silk robe. "As we discussed earlier, your task is to investigate
the Iron shortage in the sword coast and the rumors about the
upcoming war between Amn and Baldur's Gate. Bur the most important thing is to keep an eye for Gorion's ward of Candlekeep.
Elivan says that your meeting with this creature is certain."
The old diviner nodded without opening his eyes. Iroen continued "Join him and try to find out if he can be some use to us.
We need to know about your findings as soon as possible. Keep contact with us through Elhan of Sundalesselar if necessary.
He will will pass your messages to us."
Xan nodded. "When you want to me to leave?"
"As soon as you finished your travel preparations. You'll also need a few warriors to accompany you.
You may chose whoever you want, but I advise on a small group. No need to draw attention."
Xan straightened his back. "I'll go alone. There is no need to risk...I mean, I agree with you that subtlety is very important. I will leave tomorrow. It is
unlikely that I'll survive this doomed investigation but since I shall die anyway, I will endeavor it."
He bowed to the High Council and left the marble hall.
Attached Files
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Edited by shlashy, 08 March 2009 - 01:42 PM.
