The dusty road twisted itself around the hill, reaching upwards toward the cabin at the top. The man, neither young nor old, walked slowly, one step in front of the other, barely noticing the dirt clinging to the bottom of his black robe. Neither did he notice the breeze rippling through his long beard or the birdsong in the air. His sharp blue eyes stared straight ahead, their usual twinkle gone. Step by slow step, he walked the hill. His companion followed slightly behind in silence. They were going to the elf-girl’s cabin, the place few were welcomed and even fewer ever went. He wanted none of this. Bad business, Cordoba thought, gathering his own robes above the dusty road. All of this was bad business. And why did His Exaltation insist on seeing the girl before leaving? Just give the Wizard Council what they wanted and slip away to the elf world. Vaalem should just go, thought Cordoba bitterly. Go somewhere with his books an...