CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE:

  A FAMILY REUNION

  As she dismissed the spies and elders from her midst, after the report and discussion on The Goblin Caverns opening up again, Elf Queen Ilsa Lightshower sat back on her throne and, though the conversation they had just had was important to the forest kingdom and all that lived in it, her mind was somewhere else.

  After watching the last two elders walk through the throne room doors, still debating on what Goblin King Taudridor’s next move might be, Queen Lightshower waved her right hand and the doors shut behind them. Then she waved her left hand and parchments, quills and ink bottles, along with glasses--some still filled with wine and some left untouched--shifted to the center of the table that they were sitting upon. Moments later the throne room doors reopened and Neerah and Andrick walked in.

  Seeing her sister and her husband, Queen Lightshower rose from her throne and walked over to meet them.

  “Please sit down, sister, Andrick,” said Queen Lightshower. “There is just one more person left to arrive and then we can begin.”

  Uncertain of what the surprise meeting was about, Neerah and Andrick sat down at the table. After seeing Andrick scratch his pointy ears nervously and Neerah smile uncomfortably, Queen Lightshower sat down at the table across from them. When Neerah opened her mouth to ask about why they were summoned, the doors opened again and she looked up to see their other sister, Leti Lightshower.

  “Please, sister, come join us.” replied the elf queen.

  Even though it was already evening, Leti was still dressed in her uniform, with her bow on her shoulder and a half empty quiver of arrows.

  “Still drilling my nephews late into the night?” asked Queen Lightshower, as Leti took her seat.

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  After looking at both Neerah and Andrick, Leti responded, “As long as I am captain of The Royal Archer Brigade, my sons' skills with the bow will be better than the rest of the new warriors. With my extra tutelage they are coming along well. As well as...” Then she looked at Neerah and stopped.

  Seeing the uncomfortable moment between her sisters, Queen Lightshower acted.

  “As well as Cerelene,” finished the elf queen.

  When Leti nodded nervously, Queen Lightshower looked over the table. “Interestingly enough, Cerelene is why I have called this meeting.”

  Hearing their sister’s words, Neerah grabbed Andrick’s hand and Leti looked over at Queen Lightshower apprehensively.

  “Have you found her?” asked Leti, before Neerah and Andrick could speak.

  “No,” announced Queen Lightshower, sadly. “It has been over a year since she left. Her banishment is over, so she could have returned by now.” Then the elf queen opened her mouth to continue, but no words came as she struggled to hold her emotions in check.

  Seeing her sister’s face sorrowful, Neerah sat up straighter in her chair and cleared her throat.

  “We do not blame you,” assured Neerah.“What she did was wrong. She is hot-tempered. It runs in our blood.”

  “You mean she is like me, sister,” smiled Queen Lightshower. “Both you and Andrick are even-tempered.” Then she looked over at her other sister. “So is Leti.”

  “Wherever she is, I am sure that Cerelene is safe,” assured Leti. “She is my best student and that hot temper you both speak of is what keeps her going in tough situations. I am not worried. I believe she is out finding herself.” It was the truth, thought Leti. Even if it wasn’t the whole truth. Though she wanted so much to tell them where she had told Cerelene to go, she kept quiet, honoring her niece’s wishes.

  “Secretly, last year I sent out some of our best to find Cerelene, but her trail went cold somewhere outside The Holy City of The Human Kingdom Lands. I had hoped a young elf maiden traveling with a falcon would stand out enough to be found, but I was wrong,” apologized Queen Lightshower. “I am sorry that we could not find her and I am even more sorry that I did not tell you till now.” Then Queen Lightshower looked at Neerah and Andrick with regret. “I did not want to get your hopes up.”

  “Do not apologize, my Queen. When we thought that you were not going to act, we asked Ondibar Sparkhammer to find her,” replied Andrick. “The dwarf is as sharp as they come. I have not given up hope that he will find her.” Then Andrick patted Neerah’s hand. “And even if he cannot, Cerelene will return. I have faith in that. So does Luminan. And if our high priest has not given up hope, neither will I.”

  “She will return, Andrick,” assured Leti, though it was more for herself. “Once Cerelene has found her way.” Then Leti looked at both of her sisters.

  “And when she returns, I know wherever she has been and whatever she has been doing will have been worthwhile.”