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A tremble sneaked its way into his voice. His eyes shifted around the crimson scenery.
Behind them, someone very deliberately cleared his throat. The dragoon knight stepped
forward. Yes, this is tragedy, but, as soldiers, it is our duty to defend those that are still alive.
We can mourn later. Please, take this advice from this old soldier and save your tears.
The gathered elves stared at him as if he spoke in tongues. They blinked against their
blank faces. Der frowned, realizing that they didn t understand what the knight was saying.
What could you mean? asked a man from the assembly. Elves have died. They are
gone for as long as we shall live. We can never see the ones we love again.
Listen to me, the knight growled. I regret very much that we ve lost people, good
people, who had nothing to do with the chemmen Banishment. However, we have other, just
as important problems that cannot wait.
The duke clenched his fist. What could possibly
Thistle stepped up beside the knight and pulled his face free of his hood. The storm-
reader deftly stared down at the bows and swords suddenly bristling in his direction. Thalon
trembled behind him. The chemman said, in fluent elvish, I come to aid you. I was set on
leaving the worlds of you and the chemmen. But, so that my son and I may live in peace, I
need you to win this war.
Since killing is not allowed in our haven, Farallon extended his sword point, I will
accept your surrender.
All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 146
No. I do not surrender, the chemman replied in a deep, smooth tone. I believe I still
am actually a prisoner of Silver Dawn, if I recall. Thistle slowly shook his head. Thalon
hunkered down around his father s knees. Worry burned on his small face.
The duke snorted. Then we will take you hostage again. This is the second time you
have forced your presence upon us.
One elf trusted him.
Kelin twitched in Der s direction before his mind registered the speaker s voice was
male. His head swiveled to see the knight of Arborn. He may have invaluable information.
Someone tried to kill him before he could speak, therefore, someone s afraid.
There are many reasons why an elf would want this creature dead, Farallon barked.
Amthros held up a hand. I think that we could listen and divine for ourselves what is
useful and true.
The duke s upper lip curled. When did you change the lyrics to your song? I believed
you to be my ally in this.
Then, perhaps you thought wrongly, my lord. He reached a hand in Thalon s direction,
but the boy rolled away from him and pressed further into his father s legs. It s just, we& We
need to care for the children. Even the ones with orange eyes. They re innocent.
Thistle slid directly between the knight and his son.
This is a ruse. He has a plan. The duke kept his sword steadily facing Thistle.
Amthros said sternly, He killed chemmen in the ambush too. I saw him. I have never
witnessed a chemman put a blade to another.
Enough, a crystalline voice commanded. The crown prince winced, but pushed himself
to stand with the physician s aid. I ve seen enough. He has a son, a half-elven son. I do not
trust his word, but the child should not lose both his parents. He turned his blue steely gaze to
Thistle. I promise that we shall treat you fairly and not alienate you from your son. You have
my word.
The chemman finally nodded once, and put a hand down on his son s head.
Some of the elves refused to look at Thistle and peeled away from the crowd and then
the layer after them followed. Der and Kelin stood back hesitantly as the crowd began to
quietly disperse.
Jakkobb cupped one hand around his mouth. You two, come on, this way!
They trotted over. He jerked his thumb to the path aside the river. Stables are this way,
let s go. He leveled a finger at Der. And you, keep your mouth shut. He turned to walk
toward the naturally camouflaged buildings.
Golden and red leaves floored the avenue running astride the river. The architecture of
the buildings they passed by was intricate and exceptionally detailed, but nothing seemed too
much or out of place. The patterns were so elaborate and complicated and yet the overall
design was so simple.
The buildings were built into the forest, instead of destroying it to make space. The
lights shone through the structures and warmed the air around them comfortably. The
woodwork was the same shade as the trees, even with the colors and shades of autumn.
Every bit of building was painted or naturally fit into the overall art of the architecture. Der
espied a bridge over a stream running through Riverfall, and it told her how far away she was
from home. The bridge in Riversbridge was bulky and gray. This bridge was a quarter of the
All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 147
size, wooden and carved into patterns of endless knots. Now, the wonders of Duelingar and
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