Sho Pi followed Nakor as he climbed the circular stairs that led to the top of the tower. When they reached the top floor, they were confronted by a wooden door with no apparent lock. Nakor pounded on it. “Pug!”
A strange shimmer covered the surface of the door, and the wood flowed and twisted, forming a face. “Begone!” said the face. “This room shall not be entered.”
Nakor ignored the admonition and pounded upon the door even louder. “Pug!” he shouted.
Sho Pi said, “Master, he’s not been here—” He stopped speaking when the door opened.
Pug looked out. “You felt it too.”
“How could I not?” said Nakor.
Sho Pi said, “But they said you weren’t here.”
Nakor narrowed his gaze as he looked at Sho Pi. “Sometimes I despair, boy. Are you stupid or just too trusting?”
“How long have you known?” asked Pug, motioning for them to come inside.
They moved inside and the door closed behind them. “First day I got here. You make a lot of noise coming and going.” Then he grinned. “One day I came up the stairs, really quietly, and I heard you and your lady friend.” His eyes grew wide and he shook his hand as if touching something hot. “You two!” He laughed.
Pug looked heavenward. “Thank you for not disturbing us.”
“No reason to. But we’ve got to go.”
Pug nodded. “We risk attack.”
Nakor said, “I don’t think so. Whatever we feel is making enough noise out there that even if anyone is looking for you, they won’t notice you moving the three of us. Where are we going? Krondor?”
Pug shook his head. “No. We’re going to Elvandar. I need to speak with Tomas.”
Nakor motioned for Sho Pi to stand close and took his student’s hand. Pug linked hands with the two of them and the room shifted and shimmered; then they found themselves in a forest glade.
Pug said, “Follow me,” and led them a short distance to a shallow river. “This is the river Crydee,” said Pug. Then he called out in a loud voice. “I am Pug of Stardock. I seek counsel with Lord Tomas!”
A few minutes later two elves appeared on the other side of the bank. One called out, “You are bidden enter Elvandar!”
They waded across the stream and Pug said to Sho Pi, “None may enter Elvandar unbidden.”
Once they were on the other bank, Pug said, “I hope you don’t mind if I hurry along.”
The elf said, “Not in the least.”
Pug smiled. “Galain, isn’t it?”
“You remember,” said the elf.
Pug said, “I wish I had the time to be social.”
The elf nodded. “I and my patrol will return to the court in a few days’ time. Perhaps then we may visit.”
Pug smiled. He took Sho Pi’s and Nakor’s hands again and moved them to another location in the forest.
Sho Pi’s eyes widened, and Pug remembered his first reaction to seeing the heart of the elven forest. Giant trees, dwarfing the most ancient oaks, rose to form an almost impenetrable canopy. Some of the trees showed leaves of the deepest green, while others had leaves golden, red, or silver in color, a few white as snow; a strange soft light bathed the area. Giant boles rose with steps cut into the living wood, and branches broad enough to serve as walkways spread in all directions.
“It’s a city of trees,” said Sho Pi.
“Yes,” said an old man who stood nearby, leaning on a long bow. His hair was pure white, and his skin showed years of aging, but his body was still erect, and he wore the green leathers of a hunter.
“Martin!” said Pug, stepping forward.
The old man took Pug’s extended hand and shook. “It’s been a long time.”
“You look well.” Nakor grinned.
“You old card cheat!” said Martin, gripping Nakor’s hand. “You don’t look a day older.”
Nakor shrugged. “For one not gifted with long life, Martin, you look remarkable.”
The old man smiled. “For a man my age, you mean.” He glanced around. “Here I linger. Elvandar has been kind to me. I think the gods decided to let my final years be peaceful.”
Pug said, “You deserve some peace in your time.”
Martin Longbow, once Duke of Krondor, brother to King Lyam and uncle to King Borric, said, “Seems that once more peace is at risk.”
Pug nodded. “I need to speak to Tomas and Aglaranna. Is Calis here?”
Martin picked up his bow. “I was sent to wait for you. Miranda arrived an hour ago, with the strangest young man.” He began walking. “Tomas said you’d be here shortly. Calis is . . . well, he may not return.”
“Ill news,” said Nakor.
“Who is this?” Martin motioned to Sho Pi. Nakor said, “Sho Pi. A disciple.” Martin laughed as he moved through the trees. “Seriously, or are you doing the mendicant holy man act again?”
“Seriously,” said Nakor, looking injured. “I never should have told Borric about that scam. He’s told every one in his family about it.”
Martin’s brown eyes narrowed. “There was a reason.” Then he laughed. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Are you coming?” asked Pug.