Diffraction

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Deferred Desires

"The Naurchoth reigns in secret. The power of the Shadewrought grows. Not even the Aspects can prevent what comes."

A few days of travel in the Grand Instructor's fine wagons pulled by a rotation of fresh horses brought the companions and Coreleth's remaining Arcanists to Aulivar. Ellers found the journey home a welcome change compared to more than a tenday on foot to reach the Tower.

Yet the heroes' reception at Aulivar proved less welcoming.

Celebrations and ceremonies took place upon arrival, and the Sunguards received appropriate accolades from the Lord Mayor and some of the Conclave.

But the muted tone and the lack of interest at stops along the way and in the City itself stood out most to Ellers. "Like no one truly believed the tales," he told Lord Peledor at their first meeting. "The people of the 'Marches seem ignorant to the threats in the wider world. Worse yet, they remain apathetic once informed."

Peledor nodded and asked several thoughtful questions, prodding for certain details that Ellers might have overlooked. In the end, he tossed Ellers a bulging sack of coins and rose from his seat, indicating the meeting had concluded.

The noble led Ellers down a shadowed hall to the secluded private exit of the manor. In the dim light, Ellers still could make out exquisite paintings and a few Sathuril masterpieces hung upon the walls. The motion from the images at the edges of his vision disturbed him in a way he could not quite define. His desire for explanation called a familiar face to mind.

"My Lord," Ellers ventured

"Hm?"

"Has anyone seen Vaerandir since—" Ellers paused.

Peledor frowned. "Since the incident at the Conclave? No." The nobleman waved a dismissive hand to the south. "I believe Tenegar sent him away from the City on a mission."

"I see," Ellers said, feigning gratitude at the answer. The reply troubled him, for Tenegar himself claimed no knowledge of Vaerandir's whereabouts. And of the two, I know whose word I trust more. "What about the rebellion? I'd heard—"

Peledor grinned. "What rebellion, Master Nimblefoot? The rash of banditry loosely organized and easily crushed by your earlier efforts?" He rested a hand on Ellers' shoulder. "Why bring up unpleasant memories? Let the past remain in the past, and move on to better things."

Ellers nodded. "I suppose that's good advice."

"It is. Which reminds me," Peledor added as he opened the door, "your service for me is complete. I shall burden you no longer with my silly favors and requests for information."

Ellers looked up at the noble, startled.

Peledor's lips smiled broadly, but his eyes froze Ellers with fear. "Burden me no longer with yours."

The door shut and the latch clicked in place on the other side.

Ellers wandered the City for hours, contemplating his circumstances.

Freed from the weight of possible criminal charges, but cut off from a powerful political ally and resource for information. Honored as a Sunguard in a City of people who care nothing for what we've saved them from. Bound by friendship to those who have other, better things to do with their lives now.