Thick mist blew upon the northeast breeze, winding and curling as dusk arrived upon the sodden grasslands of eastern Eldora. Five horses slowly emerged from the fog. One of them, a roan, bore two figures upon its bareback. The first was a tall Elf, his long, dark hair tied into a single tight queue that fell over his left shoulder. His dark traveling cloak was sodden with rain. Bright eyes in a pale face flickered back and forth through the gathering gloom, searching for the telltale motion of enemies amidst the damp grasses and low shrubs. But there was nothing. Birds, rabbits, and even insects were absent. But for the low, mournful sound of the wind over the plains, he and his companion were alone. The Elf"s perfect posture revealed no sign of fatigue or discomfort. He might have been ri
