-Answer my question, girl! Who brought you here? What do the living wish of the dead that you should come to me-

“I don’t even know who you are,” Phryne answered sharply, recovering herself enough to speak up.

-Little fool! All know my name in the land of the dead! I am Queen Pancea Rolt Gotrin, ruler of those who dwell in this underworld! Now, who brought you here? I will not ask again-

Pancea Rolt Gotrin, who had given the blue Elfstones to Kirisin five hundred years ago in this same spot! Phryne tried frantically to remember the details of the story and failed.

“No one brought me,” she lied, determined to do what she could to protect Mistral. “I found my own way here. And I am a Princess in the land of the living!”

The shade hissed as if she had been scalded.

-You lie, Princess of whatever you are. What exactly would you be Princess of? Of the Elves who walk and breathe the air above me? Of the fools who have forgotten their heritage? Of the insects who chose to abandon the teachings of those who made this journey before them? Of what, then? Of nothing! You are Princess of nothing-

“Perhaps it is you who have forgotten!” Phryne snapped in reply, her face coloring. “You were one of us before you came to live with the dead. Perhaps you should remember that the road runs both ways.”

-You are arrogant and disrespectful. I should put an end to you-

Phryne took a deep breath and tamped down her anger. “My Queen,” she said and dropped to one knee. “I apologize. I spoke out of anger, and for that I am sorry. I did not know it was you until you told me. But your name is not unfamiliar to me. I know how important you were.”

-How important I am, little fool. More important now, for I am absolute ruler down here. But if you know of me—as you claim—then tell me something specific. Make me believe you speak the truth-

Phryne risked a quick glance at Mistral, who had not moved, save to raise her head and fix her eyes on her granddaughter. “I know that five hundred years ago you met a boy from our family on my mother’s side. His name was Kirisin Belloruus. He came to you seeking the blue Elfstones. In exchange for his promise to help persuade the Elven people to resume their study and use of their magic, you gave them to him.”

The shade said nothing, waiting for more.

“I know that you have ruled as Queen of this underworld burial ground for centuries, and that you have use of magic still. I know that you can kill me without my being able to stop you. But I hope you will not do that. I am not here to cause trouble. I am here to save our people.”