“Indeed, I am certain it will, though I cannot know when,” Machrynalýthnyan said. “You defeated one whom you did not destroy; it will have told others about you, and as it hated Flessinathlin, it will hate you. I propose that I send four elves skilled in battle, experienced with iynisin. They can arrive where I found Amrothlin; the elves have placed a pattern in their inn, so it will be wise of you to obliterate all other patterns in this palace. Amrothlin and I can locate them for you now.”

“Uncle,” Kieri said, looking at Amrothlin. “Are you able to find these patterns yourself?”

“Yes, sir king,” Amrothlin said. “I truly did not know she lied—”

“I believe you,” Kieri said. He turned to Machrynalýthnyan. “Then, my lord, if you will do me the courtesy—in my concern for Arian, I ask that you return at once to send those guardians for her, and Amrothlin will search the palace high and low. Will that suit?”

“It will, my lord,” Machrynalýthnyan said, equal to equal. “They will have a seal like this—” He held out his ring showing a design carved into the stone. “They will speak this word to you: Watersong.”

“Watersong,” Kieri said. “Thank you.”

“The other matter,” Machrynalýthnyan said, “I will not speak of until Lady Arian has recovered from the birthing, but—when the children are born—will you tell me?”

“Yes,” Kieri said. If he trusted the elven king by then, which would depend on those he sent to guard Arian. Surely the man wouldn’t want to harm his own granddaughter.

Arian was not best pleased when Kieri told her he had accepted the offer of additional guards. “He may be my grandfather, but are you sure we can trust him?”

“Amrothlin says yes. He was fostered there for a long time; he insists the king is honest.” He reached out and stroked her hand. “Do you dislike the king that much?”

“No. But … I don’t know him. I won’t know these elves he sends. I’m used to ours.” She shook her head. “Never mind. It’s these two—my balance is gone, I can’t sleep through the night, and I’m sure it’s affecting my mind.”

“All will be well this time, Arian,” Kieri said.

The elves arrived before nightfall, early as that came in winter, showing the correct seal and giving the correct password. They greeted Kieri respectfully and, when he introduced them to Arian, bowed low. Amrothlin knew one of them, Kiliriathlin, from his time fostered to the elven king. Kieri asked him to stay in the palace, meeting the Squires and learning the layout of the place, while Amrothlin took the others to meet the Ladysforest elves.