* * *
Deep within the Perili Mountains rested Tesnayr’s camp. Tesnayr busied himself with making the daily inspections, unaware that a decision had been made regarding him and his path in life. In fact, at that very instant, he had come across the three people who annoyed him the most. Nedis, Nular, and Nylin hid behind a boulder waving a piece string back and forth. They wore huge smiles on their faces as they tossed out the string and waited. Tesnayr walked behind them and cleared his throat. “Captain,” they said in unison.
“What are you doing?” Tesnayr asked calmly.
“Cat fishing,” replied Nylin.
“Cat fishing? At this hour?” Tesnayr noticed Turyn approaching the string. Using Tesnayr’s distraction the cat picked it up in his mouth and carefully pulled it around the boulder paying extra care so as not to tug it.
“Yes, Captain. This is always the best time to catch a catfish,” said Nular.
Tesnayr crossed his arms and a stern look filled his face. “How is it you plan to catch fish when you are on dry land? Isn’t it easier to go down to the river?”
“These fish don’t swim,” said Nylin.
“Fish that do not swim?”
“Well, this particular catfish does not require water,” Nedis chimed in.
“Uh huh,” said Tesnayr, suspiciously. “Your story has a fishy aroma to it. You three wouldn’t happen to be playing a prank on anyone now would you?”
“Of course not, Captain.”
“Gave it up we did.”
“For the moment.”
Tesnayr eyed Turyn. He had just finished his plan and padded away. “You boys might want to be careful when catching catfish. They tend to be tricky. Sometimes you end up being the one on the fish hook. As it is, Arnin requires your presence. Report to him immediately.” Tesnayr left the three brothers and slipped behind a tree so he could watch.
Nedis, Nular, and Nylin all stood up immediately only to find that their feet had been tied together with the string causing them to tumble over. They landed on top of one another amidst a series of grunts and groans. “That blasted feline! He used our own string against us,” Nedis cried out.
“If you ask me, I’d say that the Captain was in on it,” commented Nylin.
The other two agreed with Nylin. They spent several minutes straightening themselves out while removing the string from around their ankles.
Tesnayr chuckled to himself as he watched. The three jokesters got a taste of their own medicine, he thought to himself.
“Having fun?” Sarwyn stood behind Tesnayr with a displeased expression.
“Sarwyn,” said Tesnayr. “You have news for me?”
“La’nar burns,” said Sarwyn. “It has fallen to Galbrok with the help of Blynak. You seem unsurprised.”
“I half expected it,” said Tesnayr. “Where is Serein?”
“Watching the orc encampment near here. They have not noticed the missing—”
“Niht’anda.” Tesnayr pondered the news. “I need you and your sister to keep a sharp eye on the orcs’ movements. One of you must spy on them in Sym’Dul. The other must keep me informed of their movements in Belyndril and MurDair.”
“As you wish,” said Sarwyn.
“Why are you and your sister here?” asked Tesnayr. “Why did you offer your help?”
“Our queen commanded it.”
“Queen?”
“Fairies are not governed by the same laws as the other races. But events in this world do affect us. And I think she is glad to be rid of us.”
“Why’s that?”
“You have three perfect examples right there.” The fair pointed at the triplets who had finally managed to disentangle themselves. “I’ll be going now.”
“One other thing,” said Tesnayr, “I need a way to call you and your sister, should I need you.”
Thoughtfully, Sarwyn bent down and scooped up a handful of leaves that had not been buried by the snow. She stood erect and raised her hand above her head releasing the leaves. Delicately, they floated in the breeze. “Duit’angen gachi,” she whispered and disappeared.
Tesnayr shook his head committing the words to memory. Can’t they ever give a straight answer?