Leaning over, glaring, Julina sought out Amrhost who sat some distance away to her right. The northerner's stare was blank, fixed on nothing. Palindor, her brother, noticed her gaze, and said, "The news concerning Hollind has affected that one strangely. Stranger yet is your own reaction. You truly think Rhia's welfare to be your chief concern?"

Julina appraised her brother a moment. His expression was difficult to read at the best of times. Always his words carried complex overtones that often left Julina feeling at a loss. "I do not trust that man! Not in Rhia's company, unescorted, and certainly not on a journey that will take him so near the master of the evil Wights!"

Palindor raised an eyebrow at this. "Ware, Julina! Nothing is as it seems. For your part, you are but caught up in the moment and judging appearances! There is danger here for you!"

"I am an elven harwynglaive of Angorain," Julina retorted, becoming angry once more. "My first responsibility is to our elven people, which now includes Rhia and the elves of Hollind. That said, this northerner bears watching! I sense treachery when I look upon him!"

"Treachery wears many guises," Palindor told her, an undercurrent of wryness in his tone. "Not the least is treachery of the heart. I would advise you to lower your voice and stop making a fool of yourself."




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