When they arrived at the palace, Ellich led Aphenglow around to the north side and down a narrow pathway through tall hedges and flowering vines tied onto a series of trellis frameworks. Weaving their way through the maze, they arrived at a small, windowless door that was completely hidden from any other approach. Ellich stopped and knocked twice, paused and knocked once more. She heard a stirring on the other side; then the door opened and her grandfather stepped forward to embrace her.

“Aphenglow,” he whispered as he hugged her close. “Child of light.”

It was the meaning of her Elven name, but only her grandfather called her that now. Her father had done so when he was alive and her mother until she departed to join the Druids, and she was surprised to discover how much she missed it.

“Grandfather,” she replied. “Thank you so much for helping me.”

He stepped away from her, shaking his head. “We both know I could have done more. But doing more would have risked a confrontation with Phaedon and the other members of the High Council over the purpose of your request. It was vague enough that I couldn’t put it to a vote, but not so vague that I couldn’t do what I did. One opportunity, one time. I hope you understand.”

She smiled. “Of course I understand. It isn’t much different with the Druids. We argue all the time about what we should be doing and how we should be going about it. Everything is maneuvering and compromise. Are you well?”

He shrugged. “Well enough.”

He brought her inside the room, one hand clasped possessively about her arm, and led her over to a sofa where he sat them both down. Ellich followed, closing and locking the garden door behind them.

“I have missed you so much, Aphen,” her grandfather said. “You can’t imagine. I think often of those days when you were a little girl and I was still young enough to play leapfrog with you. Do you remember? Of course you do. You used to laugh so.”

She smiled and nodded with him, delighted by this memory, a favorite of her own. “We both laughed, Grandfather.”

He put his hands on her shoulders, and his face grew grave. “Now tell me, child. Is there nothing more you can reveal to me of this search you will undertake? Of the nature of the magic you are seeking to recover? Here, in the privacy of my chambers, with only you and I and Ellich to hear, couldn’t you tell me something more? Only just a little? It would help so with what I might be able to do for you.”