In seeking to save Felanar, his sister Kara has forced her way onto the sea elf boat, much to the displeasure of the elves on board.
Kara paced the deck nervously as the Erenár bustled about with the rigging and sails with impressive efficiency. No unnecessary word was spoken, no unneeded action was taken. Whether by means of such efficiency or by means of elven powers unknown to her, the ship sailed faster than Kara would have thought possible. There was a light wind but the ship cut through the waters effortlessly and swiftly as if pushed along by a gale. She thought of asking the captain how this was possible and then thought better of it. Alessa could explain this to her when they met again. Bothering the captain didn’t seem wise.
He would glance at Kara occasionally, and always with a look of displeasure. Kara wondered at the difference between these elves and all the others she had met. It was true, she thought, that she had previously spent time only with Findára. In their physical appearance, these Erenár didn’t seem any different from them. They had the same tall, slender build. The same hair of gold and brown. Garments that seemed to complement nature. Inner fire in their eyes. Yet their speech was archaic, and their manner decidedly cold.
Thinking back to her childhood lessons, Kara could think of nothing about the Erenár that would explain these actions. Perhaps just their general reputation for shyness? No, she thought, there was active displeasure at her boarding this vessel. There was history here that needed explaining. She determined she would get an explanation when the opportunity arose.
Her thoughts returned to the pressing matter of Felanar. She had been intensely relieved at hearing of his rescue by the Erenár. This was most welcome news. But then to have heard the elven horn of aid sounded! What could that mean? Could saarks defeat elves too?
“Pardon me,” she said to an elf who had paused near her while he tied off one of the sails. “Why do you suppose your brothers sounded an alarm? Saarks cannot defeat elves, can they?”
The elf looked up at her with disdain. His blond hair ruffled in the breeze and half covered his face, but the curl of his lips was obvious.
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