Archer of the Lake Read online

  ***

  "There have been sightings," reported the scout.

  "Sightings of what?" Markis snapped.

  The scout hesitated. ?"Wolves, sir, but not ordinary ones. ?I believe these are dire wolves."

  Markis thought for a moment. ?The dire wolf was not a creature native to the Fey Forest and one had not been sighted in several centuries. ?"How large were they?"

  The scout indicated with his hand, ranging from his shoulder to above his head. ?"Even taller than Head Councilor Uthruil and Headmaster Nimuath." ??

  Markis was only able to hide his surprise because of his centuries of experience with politics and diplomacy. ?Uthruil Killelvris and his brother were notably the tallest elves recorded in Sal'Sumarathar's recent history. ?They had no equal save for the diplomat Lanslak from Rasaen. ?For wolves to be that tall indicted beings of marked intelligence, above a mere animal. ?Markis immediately suspected werewolves, and that was certainly troubling. "Where were they seen? ?What were they doing?" ?

  "They were spotted roaming the southern border, where the Fey Forest connects to the Pirinac Forest of Umfeld."

  "Then perhaps Rasaen would be better suited to dealing with this matter, as the Pirinac Forest is closer to them," Markis pointed out harshly.

  The scout humbly bowed his head. ?"Sir, Sal'Sumarathar has been asked specifically to address this matter. ?Rasaen has struggled as of late, and they've no formal militia or training. ?Simply put, sir, they are not qualified."

  This bit of news surprised Markis. ?He had not visited the city of Rasaen for some time. ?He knew that in the way of development and industry, Rasaen suffered in comparison to the sister cities. ?But to be completely inept to address a potential threat? ?Rasaen must have fallen so far to be bypassed by the imperial army.

  "Very well," Markis sighed. ?"We will gather volunteers for a response party."

  The scout made a move to leave when Markis, upon receiving sudden inspiration, stopped him once more.

  "Directly invite Eviat Gyssedlues," he said with a devilish smile. ?"I would very much like it if he attended."

  The scout nodded at his orders, and Markis felt that much closer to relieving greylings of their long memories.