Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,60

we'll pick something up on the way back.”

There was a knock at the door. Lee drew his dagger and peered out the window. Lanson stood uneasily outside. Lee opened and let him in.

“I see you're prepared,” said Lanson, referring to the dagger. “Good.”

“Has something happened?” asked Lee.

Lanson eyed Dina. “Such matters can wait until after we've made proper introductions.” Dina smiled and got to her feet.

“Lanson,” said Lee. “This is my dear friend Celandine....” he paused and looked at Dina, embarrassed. “I'm afraid I don't know your last name.”

“Such things have not come up,” Dina replied. “Lord Lanson Brimm I presume.” She curtsied, elegantly. “I am Celandine Selborne.”

Lanson took her hand and kissed it lightly. “My dear, it is an honor.” He tilted his head. “Do I detect a Baltrian accent?”

“I lived here in my youth,” she said. “That is to say, when I was a little girl.”

“Indeed,” said Lanson. “Well, our city has missed your beauty.”

Lee slapped him on the shoulder. “And here I thought you'd settled down.”

“Me?” Lanson, smile mischievously. “Never.” He made his way to the couch and sat down while Lee and Dina took the chairs. “I thought you might want to know that I was told to be on the lookout for you, just after we parted company.”

“By whom?” asked Lee, leaning forward.

“One of those blasted faithful,” he replied. “I think they must know you're in the city. And it's no secret that we're friends.”

“Isn't it dangerous for you to come here?” asked Dina.

Lanson smiled. “It will be after today. I had only walked a few blocks before they stopped me. I'm afraid I can't risk returning here until you've left Baltria.”

“Did anyone see us together?” asked Lee.

“I don't think so,” said Lanson. “I followed them after they spoke to me, and they gave me no indication that they knew anything. They spoke to three other nobles, then went to the governor’s mansion.” He held up his hand. “And before you ask, I wasn't followed.”

“We should leave,” said Dina. “I wouldn't want to put you in danger.”

“My dear,” Lanson replied. “I may not be the hero that Lee is. But, I do not abandon a friend. Especially one that has saved my life. Besides, no one will think to look here, even if they suspect me of helping you. As far as anyone knows, it's occupied. The last tenants only moved a week ago.” His face was grim with resolve. “I'm having food and supplies brought for you within the hour.”

“We had planned to visit the temples,” said Dina.

“Don't,” Lanson objected. “All the temples are being watched by the faithful. They like to know who comes and goes. There's no way for you to enter unnoticed.”

Dina crossed her arms in disappointment.

“How will you communicate with us?” asked Lee.

“Do you remember my servant Jansi?”

Lee nodded.

“He'll bring you any word of Millet,” Lanson stood up. “I wish I could say I'll see you soon...”

Lee and Dina got to their feet. Lee embraced Lanson tightly. “Thank you,” he said, smiling. “I think we're even now.”

Lanson laughed and turned to Dina. “My dear, I only wish I could behold your loveliness once more... but alas.”

Dina kissed Lanson's cheek. “Thank you for your kindness.”

Lanson put his hand over his heart and walked to the door. He turned just before he crossed the thresh-hold. “I know you were upset by my attitude regarding Angrääl. But, I think that attitude is changing.” He bowed and left.

Soon after, a young boy showed up with a wagon load of food, wine, and other essentials. Dina and Lee busied themselves putting things away, then prepared the evening meal. Dina tried to convince Lee that they should attempt to get into the temples, despite Lanson's warning, but Lee wouldn't allow it.

That night Lee slept in one of the chairs in the living room, his sword across his lap.

Chapter Seventeen

Millet and Jacob disembarked from the river craft. The heat in Baltria was causing no small amount of discomfort for the two, and both were sweating profusely.

“I'll never understand how people live in this wretched heat,” said Jacob.

Millet had never been around someone so contrary and ill-tempered in his life. Though he tried to be understanding that the boy's mother was in captivity and his entire life had been stripped away, he couldn't help but become irritated. On more than one occasion, he marveled that this ill-mannered youth could be the son of Lee Nal’Thain.

“You had better be grateful that they do,” remarked Millet. “Most trade goods in