Elfshadow (Song & Swords Book 1) by Elaine Cunningham

Author:Elaine Cunningham [Cunningham, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786959594
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2011-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

Eleven

Morning had broken over Waterdeep Way. On the roof of a tall building overlooking the home of the adventurer Loene, smoke from the breakfast fire began to spiral into the sky. In the shadow of that chimney crouched a lone figure.

From his rooftop perch, Bran Skorlsun had a clear view of every angle of the tiny white castle sprawled below. He drew his cape closely about him, shifting his weight to bring some circulation to a numb foot. The morning was chilly, and he was weary to his very core. The road from the Vale of Darkhold had been a long one, and his assignment—to follow Arilyn Moonblade and determine whether she was responsible for the deaths of his fellow Harpers—was turning out to be far more difficult than he had anticipated.

As the Harper watched, the front door of Loene’s home was flung open. The half-elf’s human companion stormed out, swearing softly and furiously. Bran rose, intent upon following the young man from the rooftops of the closely set houses.

“Why, if it isn’t the Raven. How are you, Bran?”

Startled, the Harper whirled to find himself face to face with a beautiful, familiar woman. Leaning casually against the chimney, arms folded over a robe of pale gold silk, stood Loene. Pleasure at seeing his old friend warred with Bran’s chagrin at the ease with which she had surprised him.

Loene’s hazel eyes glinted with laughter, and she held up her left hand to display a simple silver band. “In answer to your question, I flew. A ring of spell storing is a handy thing to have,” she commented lightly. “A gift from the Blackstaff, of course. I trust you’ve seen our old friend already?”

“No.”

“Well, you must stop by Blackstaff Tower. He’ll be delighted to visit with you.”

“That is unlikely.”

Loene chuckled. “I would give a great deal to know what caused the trouble between you two all those years ago.”

“Another time, Loene. I must go now.”

“Stay,” she purred, coming closer and taking his arm. “If you’re worried about losing Danilo Thann’s trail, don’t. I can tell you where he went. By the gods, Bran,” she said with genuine feeling, “it’s good to see you after all these years. Almost like old times. I’ve heard about some of your adventures, but I’d given up hope you’d ever return to Waterdeep. I suppose your sudden reappearance is due to this Harper Assassin?”

Bran looked down at her sharply. “I have been charged with finding the assassin, yes. What do you know about the matter?”

The woman preened and smiled coyly. “Plenty. Care to swap tales?” Under the man’s steady gaze, her smile wavered and faded.

“Where did the young man go?” Bran asked sternly.

Loene sighed. “He’s headed for the Dock Ward, to a tavern on Adder Lane. Tell me one thing,” she said, grabbing his arm when he started to turn away, “how did you find out that Arilyn is the assassin’s target?”

“Target?”

Loene dropped Bran’s arm and stepped back. “What else?” Realization dawned on her face. “Don’t tell me you think Arilyn is the assassin?” She shook her head in disbelief.

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