Irzen and Serna began to follow the Royal Guardsman as he lead them to their sleeping quarters. As they walked along, the Swordsman caught what he believed to be an all-too familiar sight. As they were walking down a corridor, Irzen spied an Elven maiden with green eyes, fair skin and auburn hair dressed in an equally green yet form-fitting dress holding a giant tome in her hand and writing in it with a quill pen. She appeared to be interviewing Captain Andaerean who was telling her all that had transpired beyond Westfall's borders. As they walked by, the She-Elf gave Irzen a friendly wink of the eye before she returned to her work.

Irzen just groaned as he shook his head.

"Huh?" Alyson saw him shaking his head in disbelief and noticed a very inconspicuous chronicler. ~You have got to be kidding me!~

"What's wrong, Lord Irzen?" Serna asked as she examined his countenance.

"Once again, everyone's favorite bad penny has just turned up," The Drow moaned, "And incognito this time."

The elementalist rolled her eyes adding her own groan to the swordsman's groan.

"What?!"

"I'll explain later," The Swordsman sighed, "Just keep walking."

The bronze man was taking in all the sights of the magnificent tree palace when he too noticed the chronicler in a form-fitting outfit. He sighed but said nothing.

The She-Elf continued interviewing Captain Andaerean as the others walked passed though she gave a little mischievous smirk which could be seen by all.

The guardsman stopped at three doors, "These are the guest chambers my lady referred to you. I will return shortly."

"Thank you," Irzen replied before he opened the doors and entered his room, "Not bad! Not bad at all. This is pretty spacious."

Serna was the first to enter her room before she came to a full stop, "WWWOOOWWW!!!"

"Hmm," The elementalist took notice of the room in the middle. The furnishings were exquisite which meant it was for royalty and the ones on either side were for the servants and retainers of the guest. "Boys on the left, girls on the right, although I would prefer to stay with Lazheros in one room but on the other hand I don't want to leave Serna by herself with Lord Irzen."

"So do you think I'm going to be a bad influence on her or do you think she's going to be a bad influence on me?" Irzen asked Alyson from the depths of the room he entered, "And if you're wondering how I can hear you--Elven hearing is very good."

+++

Willow did not immediately follow the others. He hung back and waved them onward until they disappeared from view. Then he turned towards the Princess as he took her hand into his own, "We are alone now. Is there anything more I need to know? Is there anything you can tell me now that you could not tell me in front of my friends?"

"I have concerns about Eilionwy, Princess of House Fern, your bethroed, I fear some fell magic has gripped her so tightly that its nearly impossible to reason with her. Prince Yew did not see what I had seen when she came for a visit some three weeks ago, there was a loathing and guile that lay beneath her eyes especially when I saw her new tiara. I've known many ancient artifacts, studied them, or have read of them in all my years of study but this artifact was not meant for her to bear. During one of our state dinners, her voice changed and the manner of how she spoke was not her own. I believe the tiara is cursed and it has claimed her mind and soul, however, I did take notice of a similar artifact piece, your friend the elementalist was wearing. I believe the two pieces are connected but it still doesn't explain why the horde is here. Why, would they come and invade, we have been at peace for many generations. Is it true, that this vile horde leader once served Venger?" Liliandra explained her side of the story to Willow with great concern.

"It is true," Willow added, "Grummasht once served the Dark Lord as did my Drow companion, Lord Irzen. The bad news is that Grummasht is a battle-hardened commander. The good news is that Lord Irzen is as well. He has provided me with great insight into the nature of our enemy. With his knowledge and our resolve, we can defeat this horde, though I fear it will not be easy."

The Prince sighed, "As it relates to Princess Eilionwy, much of what you have said was told to me by Captain Andaerean. She clearly is not herself and your words have only confirmed my worst fears. I confess though this cursed artifact is something new to my ears and the elementalist has worn hers for quite some time with no ill effects to be seen. Still, I will tell Alyson what you have told me. She might be able to shed some light on this matter."

"Is there anything else I should know before I go?" Willow stared into the eyes of his sister-in-law.