“I see no reason to agree to any of this,” Phaedon said again. “The First Minister is right. The Elven people can employ the magic of the blue Elfstones better than any Druid can. Use of the Stones requires that the user be of Elven blood. Only three of the Druids now in service, you included, fit that description. We should send our Elven Hunters and Trackers on this quest and keep the Druids out of it.”

There was a murmur of agreement. Aphenglow could feel her hold on things slipping away. She tried to think of a better argument, one that would sway the Council to her side. But the one she understood best was the one they would be least likely to respond to—that all magic belonged in the hands of the Druid order and not in the hands of the people of the individual Races because the Druids were less likely to be swayed by impassioned nationalism and self-serving politics.

“Besides, don’t you already have possession of the Black Elfstone?” Phaedon snapped. “Why don’t you try using that Elfstone instead of asking for the use of ours?”

Aphenglow only barely managed to keep her temper in check this time, saying only, “You know the Black Elfstone won’t help with this.”

“Aphenglow.”

Her grandfather’s soft voice quieted the room. He had straightened in his seat, and because she knew him well from time spent in his company as a little girl, she could tell he had come to a decision.

“Grandfather.”

He nodded. “Your grandfather first and last, but a King of the Elven people, as well. A way must be found to honor both. Tell me again. You require use of the Elfstones so that you can determine if what you seek still exists and then to discover where it can be found?”

She nodded warily. This much had already been settled. There was no point in equivocating.

“Then here is what I will agree to. What I believe the members of this Council will agree to, as well. I grant your request. I will give you use of the Elfstones to accomplish your goals.” He quickly held up one hand as Phaedon and a few others started to object. “But you must use the Elfstones here in Arborlon. You may not take them out of the city. You may not take them back to Paranor. The agreement of which you speak says nothing about that. It only says that the Druids may have temporary use of the Elfstones when the need arises.”

He leaned back in his seat again. “I know you believe this is such a time. Very well. Use the Elfstones and take what you have learned with you when you go. Remember your heritage when you do so. Remember who your real family is. Remember that we depend on you. Do not disappoint us. Do not betray the Elves.”