Kai pivoted, balanced and alert. Craelin, on Elcon’s other side, also peered down the vaulted corridor. Aewen’s servant emerged from the shadow of the stair into a pool of torch light. “Didn’t mean to give you a start. It’s only me, Murial.” “What business brings you?” Elcon asked. “Is Aewen well?” Murial hesitated and then stepped toward Elcon. “Milady needs you.” “Why say you this?” Elcon rapped out the words. “I don’t know what to do. She places herself in peril.” Murial clutched Elcon’s sleeve. “I beg of you, come at once.” Her intent seemed harmless, but Kai shifted closer to Elcon. As if realizing she touched the Lof Shraen of Faeraven before his guardians, Murial let go and backed away, fright in her eyes. But now Elcon grasped Murial’s arm. “Tell me, where is your mistress?” “She has gone to the wild garden near the forest’s edge.” “Why would she do such a thing? The forest by night is not safe.” Murial cast a glance both ways down the empty corridor and lowered her voice so that Kai barely caught her words.
