-----Directly ahead, the two heroes are ushered and when the guards open the double doors, Raven and Sol step into a large audience chamber. On the far wall is a raised dais. It is there that someone sits upon a throne-like chair dressed in robes of deepest purple. A hood is pulled up over this person's head and the features beneath are quite hidden.
-----Without waiting for the guards to make introductions, the figure rises from the chair and pulls the hood back from her head. At first Sol and Raven stand aghast. Curly blond hair pours out from the hood and frames a very beautiful and seemingly familiar face. The illusion lasts only a moment as the woman's features reveal the maturity of one in her mid-thirties.
-----"I am Evalyn Ryn-Volquist Silvern, Lady Seer of Rushfen," the woman says in a tone that hints at nervousness. "Please, I must ask you, where is the one you call Sarah Night?"
-----Actually seeing the Lady Evalyn takes much of the wind out of Sol's temper. He knew to expect similarities, but to see her in person was another thing. As for the lady's question, Sol had to think twice. What was the right thing to do?
-----As usual, the Gorian could only settle himself with the truth. The only other choice of his was to not tell her anything, but there had been enough of that lately.
-----First introductions, especially since she had been kind enough to at least offer that, "I'm Sol Herron, Lady, and this is my good friend, Raven, Hunter of Thales. Sarah was magically spirited away by what I once thought to be her only family; The Lord Wizard Zepharon an' Veil, not ten minutes ago." He burned to ask a question in return, but he relaxed himself and let the Lady Evalyn speak again.
-----Such a sudden change comes over Lady Evalyn that definitely takes the two heroes by surprise. The Lady's expression, where before it was hesitant, polite and perhaps a bit meek becomes a mask of such rage to make Lovan take pause. Redness flushes into her cheeks and a scornful light comes into her eyes. She still remains beautiful but her demeanor now causes her own guards to cower slightly.
-----"Spirited away? Spirited away?" she begins her voice rising in her building anger, "How long does that damned wizard intent to make me suffer?"
-----Her eyes seem to bore through Sol as they narrow and she lowers her voice menacingly, "I can assure you that they are NOT her family."
-----She then erupts and takes a step forward with her arms out as if to attack. However, she keeps her position on the dais. "YOU HELPED THEM, DIDN'T YOU? DIDN'T YOU?" she screams.
-----Heavy winds make little impact on an oak tree. Sol somehow managed to keep his own temper in check as he answered, "Helped them what? Scour th' area from here t'Hearthorn looking fer trouble t'get ourselves into? Yes, though that was just wi' Sarah really. Help them get away? Well, I have no magical ability, Lady. My companions and I had little idea what was happening till after it happened."
-----Sol's eyes widen slightly as he comments daringly, openly appraising the Lady Evalyn's mood, "Ye've more'n common wi' Sarah than just looks."
-----Once again, the northern warrior awaits the Lady's next move.
-----Lady Evalyn crosses her arms and fumes. "How dare you!" she hisses through clenched teeth. She begins to pace back and forth in front of her chair muttering, but she appears a bit too angry to do any rational speaking.
-----Finally, she stops and glares at the two heroes eyeing them suspiciously. "What were you doing here in my fief anyway?" she asks forcefully.
-----"We first entered th' Silver Woods chasing a criminal from Hearthorn, Krondor, who we dealt with. Lord Howrun was battling a green dragon at th' time, so my companions aided in its defeat." Sol replies in a firm monotone, "It was Lord Howrun who invited us t'Rushfen in his company. We don't really know what we're going t'do next, but chances are it will be t'go t'th' source o' where these evil humanoids are coming from, an' seeing if they can be dealt with."
-----"Ravenhold," the Lady seethes, "and I suppose you intended to march there with Sarah among your number?" She holds her arms straight by her sides; her hands tightened into fists.
-----"Absolutely." The Stormbringer's tone has now turned iron, showing that at least his opinion on the matter cannot be changed. "She's a vital part o' our group, an' more importantly she's even more important t'us peronally. T'me. Though in th' end, th' choice is hers."
-----Sol's gaze turns considering as he adds, "I imagine we'll know what she decides soon enough. In th' meantime, have ye had enough o' venting yer frustration at Raven an' myself? Or at least enough t'tell us what happened t'cause it?"