A Huntress in Ar

This is a continuation of Summer’s End. You may want to check it out before reading this story. That’s up to you, of course. I can’t tell you how to live your life.

Artemis led the way to the elfish city of Ar, ahead of the male members of her family. The gates of the city were emerging in the distance. The trio would be inside the city before dark. The family had been joking around with each other during the last leg of their traveling, but with the city materializing in front of them, a communicable silence had broken out between the three. Each was alone with their own thoughts. As always, Artemis had a mounting feeling of dread for the nearing city and the time that she would be spending before leaving her brother for the season so he could continue his elfish schooling. Soon, the three would meet up with Kniles’ mother, Elowyn, the Great Seer of Ar.

Elowyn had always made Artemis uncomfortable. It wasn’t only that she was said to be the most powerful elfish seer in centuries, nor was it that she made a habit of interjecting cryptic warnings into their brief conversations; it was mostly the thought that Papa was still in love with the woman. To Artemis it had always seemed unfaithful that her mother’s widower should pine for this lady who was not interested in sharing anything with him other than a son. Artemis had only faint memories of her mother, but still she did not appreciate the love sick actions of her father. She stole a glance at Papa now. He was fiddling with something in his pocket as the trio of hunters approached the gates of Ar. No doubt, it was part of some scheme to ask the Lady Seer to wed him. Artemis rolled her eyes away from Papa, to peer at her brother Kniles who seemed to be feeling an equal trepidation. Probably over that Zi girl. Was Artemis the only member of her family who wasn’t a love sick fool? Ugh.

The human girl swung her eyes forward and gritted her teeth. They were at the gate. She must be prepared. Her father hailed the elf warriors who guarded the entrance to the elves’ great city. Before Papa could finish his greeting, the gates of the city were already swinging open, revealing a petite elf woman with unbelievably long, silver-white hair that flowed down past her knees. She held her arms out, and Kniles swooped her up in a hug.  They laughed, and Elowyn exclaimed that her son had grown even taller than she could believe. “In no time, you will be of a height with your Papa.” At thirteen, the young half-elf nearly towered over his mother. She turned to the pair of humans, and flashed a genuine smile of happiness. “Artemis, thank you for taking such good care of Kniles this summer.” Artemis began to murmur a response about Kniles being the one taking care of her, but couldn’t finish because Elowyn was soon crushing her in a hug as well. “You will see the High Sorceress during your stay,” whispered the seer in Artemis’ ear so neither of the men could hear, “I See need of such a meeting.” Artemis stiffened in the embrace. Not two minutes in the woman’s presence, and she was already being cryptic. Fantastic. She barely held off the eyeroll threatening itself, as the pair broke apart and Artemis received another brief smile from the woman.

Finally, it was Papa’s time to greet Elowyn. The tiny elf woman smiled up at him expectantly. The big man fidgeted for a moment, and a bit of pink colored his bearded cheeks. Then, with a flourish, her six-foot-five father was on bended knee, presenting the beautiful cherry wood flute the man had spent the summer working from a mere stick into the intricately carved vine and leaf engraved beauty he now held.

A tinkle of musical laughter met his attempt at romance. “Samael, this is gorgeous work,” Elowyn stated, taking the wooden flute in her hand and examining carefully, “but you know I cannot marry you.” She sighed, and lifted her piercing blue gaze to meet his twinkling dark eyes.

Papa laughed it off, and began to stand. “You didn’t even give me a chance to ask this time.”

“No,” agreed the seer. After a moment of hesitance, she reached up and planted Papa a quick kiss on the cheek. Artemis did roll her eyes this time, but luckily the only person to notice was Kniles. There was something bordering on excitement in his gaze. Artemis knew her brother secretly hoped his parents would get together so the four of them could be a family, but Artemis was also aware it could never work out. Ar was simply not an accepting city for non-elves. Obviously, Elowyn could See the same issues down the road, or she wouldn’t rebuff Samael the way she did. Looking at the nearby elves, it was blaringly obvious to Artemis why this family could not be whole. These elves could not hide the look of disgust on their faces at viewing humans in their midst. Artemis gritted her teeth, and squared her shoulders. She might have only been ten years old, but she was a Huntress and she would not let these elves see anything other than strength.

“Mother, may I show Artemis the Academy?” asked Kniles, attempting to sound casual. Artemis saw this for what it was: a thinly veiled plan to give his parents some privacy. Like that would bring them together. She huffed a sigh of exasperation, but otherwise made no show of her annoyance. Elowyn nodded, pleasantly, before giving a vague suggestion for the pair of them to check the third floor library study nook. Kniles beamed at his mother, before grabbing Artemis by the wrist, and dragging her after him, presumably towards the Academy.

“How do you deal with all the cryptic warnings?” Artemis asked her brother once they were out of view of their Papa and finally walking at a pleasant pace. “We only just arrived here and I am already annoyed by the Great Seer of Ar’s predictions.” Her tone might have come off sarcastic, but Kniles was used to Artemis’ moods.

“I don’t really notice,” Kniles replied amicably, with a shrug of his shoulders. “I usually just do whatever she suggests and things tend to work out.”

Artemis thought about it for a moment. That was pretty typical of her brother to accept things as the way they were. I guess being raised by a seer would do that to you. “Were you planning on taking me to the Library before your mum suggested it?”

“Nah,” said Kniles, “but since she brought it up, we might as well go.”

The pair of siblings traveled deeper and deeper into the elven city. It was a beautiful place. Much of the architecture blended with nature. The trees grew into and out of the buildings. Flowering vines crawled many of the walls. The stones were mossy, and some were carved into intricate patterns from nature. It could have been a painting, nothing like the practical human village where Artemis grew up. In a human town, every building had a specific function, and every piece of space was utilized for a purpose. Farmland for raising crops, stables for keeping livestock warm and dry, homes for sleeping, larders for storing food, a smith for smithing, roads for traveling, and a small square to act as a meeting place. It was nothing like what the elves had here in Ar. So much of the space was designated for simply looking pretty. It was nice, if entirely useless. Elves must have too much time on their hands, Artemis mused silently.  She thought about mentioning it to her brother, before she noticed some of the glances the elves on the street were giving them. She scowled back at the people, ready to fight them if needed. She might have been only ten, but she would fight any of them. They immediately ducked their heads, and hurried on about their business. Cowards. Artemis couldn’t help but feel a coy smile split her lips. It had been a battle of will, and she had won. She glanced at Kniles. His eyes were hard, and his mouth was set in a line. She furrowed her brows, and was about to ask why he looked so mean, when he stopped and gestured.

Artemis turned to look at what could only be the famed Academy. The institution was housed in the biggest building she had ever seen. It went up five stories, and was probably wider than the entirety of their home village. It had a beautiful courtyard with a working fountain, and gorgeous flowering plants framed it. Again, what is with elves and useless fixtures? Artemis thought furiously. “It’s ginormous,” she managed to her brother, who still didn’t look quite happy. “Kind of like a big, beautiful prison.”

Her brother snorted. “That’s a pretty apt description,” he told her, “all elves are expected to attend through age 20, after which they get to choose a discipline and pursue that line of education for another 10 years.” Artemis felt like three decades was a ridiculously long time to attend some prison school. She opened her mouth to say so, but Kniles went on. “Being half-human, I am a special case. Thirty years is almost half our lives, or so the elves reason.” Artemis stared at her brother. He almost never spoke of his time at the Academy when he was home with her. “I don’t get the honor of pursuing a discipline,” he finished tensely.  

“Who needs their stinking elf schooling?” Artemis asked, fiercely. “I don’t go to elf school, and I’m fine!” Artemis puffed her chest out proudly to make a point. “Papa says I’m sharp as a whip!”

“He isn’t wrong, little Hawk,” Kniles laughed, and ruffled her hair. “Besides,” her brother added with a sly grin, “I bet with your hunter training, you could take the lot of them out in a fair fight.”

“Of course, I could,” Artemis agreed, “It wouldn’t even have to be fair. I’m the best!” Kniles laughed again. His mood seemed to be brightening. “Shall we visit the library, dear brother?” Artemis offered in the most grandiose tone she could muster.

“Indeed, dear sister,” returned Kniles with a flourish and a bow, before the pair of them started forward. Together they walked through the courtyard, and up the front steps of the academy. It was mostly deserted, Kniles explained, because classes didn’t start for a week. Kniles pushed the door open for Artemis, and she stepped through. The elves had out done themselves. Everything was polished marble, shiny glossy wood carvings, and beautiful crystal chandeliers. It was all much prettier than the drab log cabins back home. “Useless baubles,” Artemis scoffed under her breath. Kniles led her through the labyrinth of marble and wood hallways to the entrance to the library in one of the wings. Apparently the building was shaped like a giant “H” with the Library taking up four floors in one of the wings. Artemis couldn’t imagine needing four floors for a Library, but, to be fair her village only had a small one room library housed in the back of the Temple. It mostly held religious texts, but she had spent a great deal pouring over some of the books on the topic of edible plants or animal identification. When the pair of siblings finally found the library, Artemis couldn’t help but gasp over the sheer number of books. She expected a huge library, but this was beyond huge. Row after row of book shelves filled the space, with an open area in the middle with a great number of empty reading desks. Like everything the elves deemed liveable, the shelves were all carved into intricate works of art with designs of flowering plant life, and occasionally great mythical beasts. Each floor was visible from the ground floor, leading up to balconies that overlooked the reading area. Great windows reaching up all four stories allowed in enough natural light to brighten the entire space. It was a little overwhelming. Lucky there didn’t seem to be anyone in the library other than a scowling wrinkled librarian, because Artemis was definitely gaping. Kniles began walking towards the open spiral staircase, and Artemis dutifully followed. She wouldn’t want to get lost in this monstrosity. Up the pair went, exiting at the third floor. It was a little dizzying, but Kniles seemed confident.

They wormed through the maze of shelves before finally reaching what Artemis could only assume was this supposed study nook. There were a number of comfortable looking chairs and a large window with a cushion seat where a young blond girl seemed to be fast asleep, her face buried under a book much too large for her. “Oh,” said Kniles, pausing when he saw the elf-girl. Like that explained anything.

“I thought you said this place would be abandoned,” Artemis hissed quietly so as not to disturb the elf, but Kniles ignored her and began to approach the girl. Artemis scrambled after him, and began tugging on his arm. “No,” she warned, in what was becoming a rather loud whisper, “we are not getting friendly with some strange elf!” Kniles, being much bigger than his ten year old kid sister, easily pulled out of Artemis’ grasp and soon was standing over the sleeping elf. Artemis wanted to strangle him as he gingerly lifted the giant tome from the kid’s face. She whispered as much to his back, but he completely ignored her, marking the open page with a bookmark before setting the giant book down on a nearby table instead. The blond girl stretched out in her new found freedom from that oppressively heavy book, before sleepily realizing something was different and bolting up. “I WASN’T ASLEEP, HEADMISTRESS! I WAS READING!” she shouted.

Kniles barked in laughter, and the girl looked around sheepishly turning to look for the source. When she noticed the young man clearly laughing at her expense, her eyes brightened. “KNILES!” she exclaimed, bounding out of her resting place to give him a hug. “I missed you!”

Kniles’ cheeks pinked, but he awkwardly hugged the girl back. “I missed you too, Zi,” he admitted, and his voice cracked a little. “Is the headmistress still giving you trouble?” Kniles asked, gazing down at the girl with unmasked adoration as she buried herself into the embrace. Artemis smirked at her brother. So this was the elf girl he wouldn’t shut up about all summer? The protective sister took a moment to size the girl up as she yammered with Kniles. She was a little thing, not quite frail, Artemis noticed, and she was so very pale even for an elf. It was as if she had been locked inside all her life. Her hair was braided around her temples, and was a stunning white sunshine blond, going just past her shoulders and rod straight. The pair of elves broke their hug, and Artemis stiffened as the little elf girl swung around to examine her.

“Are you Artemis?” asked the girl curiously, taking a few steps forward. Artemis noticed her eyes were a peculiar shade of tree-leaf green. They reminded her of the wildwoods. The girl had very fine features, and, for a little kid, Artemis could see why her brother might think she was pretty. Artemis took a step back to widen the space between them.

“Yes,” said Kniles for her, taking a step forward to ground his sister. “Artemis, I would like for you to meet my friend, Zirielana.”

“Actually,” the girl corrected with a brilliant smile, “I prefer Zi. Like the letter.” The elf, Zi, stuck her petite hand out towards Artemis. When Artemis didn’t immediately take it, she looked down at her hand rather curiously. “Isn’t this how humans say hello?” the elf girl asked awkwardly, turning her face to Kniles, a crease forming between her brows. “Am I wrong?” Artemis gave in and offered the girl her hand. Zi responded by shaking hands too enthusiastically and Artemis had to wrench her poor mistreated arm free. She glared at the elf girl, who smiled back pleasantly. “I am so happy to finally meet you,” Zi explained, apparently unfazed.

“Yes,” agreed Artemis, after a long pause mostly because she felt she needed to say something. After another expectant pause where the elf girl stared her down, Artemis added “Well met.” This was something she had heard her Papa say countless times when meeting rival hunters in the wildwood. She felt it was appropriate. Zi took a curious step towards her, and Artemis retreated behind her brother. She had been hoping to avoid this exact situation. Curse that Seer! She should have told Kniles to take her anywhere other than the Library!

“You look different than I expected,” said Zi, as she peered around Kniles, her wide green eyes taking in Artemis’ features and travel clothes.

“Well you look like all the elves I’ve ever met,” snapped Artemis in return. She had had enough of this.

Zi didn’t take it as the intended insult it was, and instead stepped around Kniles to examine Artemis more closely. Artemis stiffened under the elf’s careful scrutiny. “You don’t look much like your brother,” Zi commented, reaching a hand out to brush away Artemis’ dark hair so she could get a good look at her face. Artemis froze up like a deer sensing something amiss. “Except for your eyes,” Zi continued softly, staring into her soul. It was unnerving to say the least.

“Zirielana!” came a shrill voice from somewhere in the library, breaking the spell between them. What little color Zi had drained from her face and she bristled at the tone. “You have to hide,” she hissed, pushing the pair of siblings behind a nearby shelf. “If the headmistress sees you, we will all be in trouble.” Artemis saw this as their chance to disappear, but Kniles shook his head at her silent plea. They would wait this out.

Artemis watched between a pair of thick texts as Zi composed herself and feigned interest in the same gigantic volume they had caught her snoozing under minutes before. An elderly, scholarly looking woman rounded a corner, huffing. This must be the headmistress, Artemis realized in silence, all the while she could feel her brother attempting to make himself very small. Odd, that. “Zirielana, you will answer when called,” the newcomer snapped. Zi looked up from her text with a dreamy expression.

“I was deep in my learning, Headmistress,” she answered, carefully. “Dwarven runes are truly a fascinating area of study.” Artemis doubted that. The headmistress pursed her lips together, and stared daggers at the small girl.

“You were to be researching enchantments, Lady Apprentice,” the Headmistress growled.

“And I told you, I finished traditional enchantments weeks ago,” Zi replied patiently in a cheery tone. “I tested well on my last exam, and Grandmother gave me leave to study my interests during the last week before the new term.”

“Dwarven fringe magic is not a proper interest,” the Headmistress reminded her in a condescending voice. Artemis watched Zi carefully. She didn’t roll her eyes and she didn’t visibly lose her temper. She simply listened to the headmistress’ argument and responded with one of her own.

“I disagree,” came Zi’s calm retort. “The dwarves have given much to the realm, and their runes have brought magical properties to their craftsmanship for centuries. Who are you to dictate an area of study for a Lady Sorceress?”

“You’re only an apprentice,” sputtered the headmistress, clearly not expecting this level of dissent today. Zi smiled pleasantly at the Headmistress in return, and the woman glowered. “Your grandmother will hear of this, young lady.”

“I’m certain the High Lady Sorceress will appreciate the interruption,” Zi responded in that same pleasant tone. “She gets ever so bored between your updates on my education.” The headmistress snarled in agitation, and huffed back from the direction she entered in a great hurry, muttering something about ungrateful little brats. It was obvious to Artemis that the woman was not comfortable with children who fell out of line. She was glad her education was much less strict than that of the elves and her brother.

“That will keep her busy,” Zi commented, her eyes swinging to the hiding pair of siblings.

“You really shouldn’t push her,” Kniles said, leaving their hiding place, “she could easily make your life more difficult.”

“I sincerely doubt it,” Zi commented, with a wave of her hand. “Besides,” she continued as her face split in a wicked grin, “Grandmother is the one who suggested I read this text during our previous training session. She said learning of other cultures and their magicks would give me great insight.” The little girl nearly cackled, and Artemis decided to laugh with her. Artemis could appreciate a rebellious spirit.

“How many hours does the council have you studying this summer while the rest of us are on break?” Kniles asked sullenly, breaking through their mirth.

“Between the library, the council’s tutors, and my time with Grandmother, I do about fourteen hours of study a day,” the girl responded happily, adding, “This last week has been a real  treat because the tutors are taking a break before school begins, and I have been able to look into some areas that they would surely not allow.” She grinned adoringly up at Kniles. Artemis scowled, thinking how odd was this girl’s idea of a treat?

“They get a break, but you don’t?” Kniles asked, suddenly combative. “They work you too hard, Zi!” Artemis broke out of her thoughts to watch as the smile fell from the girl’s face.

“They must,” the elf argued. “We have no choice. I am the only other elf with the sorceress’ gift. Mother is gone. I need to be prepared to take her place. You know that.”

“But you were sleeping when we arrived,” Artemis pointed out, deciding to side with her brother. She might not understand elf politics, but she knew what overworked looked like. A thought occured. “Why don’t you try playing hooky?”

Zi blinked before asking, “What kind of game is hooky?” She looked to Kniles for help, but saw only a smile creeping over his features as a he began to piece together a plan.

“So the High Lady suggested you learn about other cultures?” he asked Zi for confirmation, and she nodded in confusion clearly not following the change in topic. “You’re in luck! We have an emissary from the human hunters with us today!” Kniles slapped Artemis on the back, and she giggled, seeing where his plan was going.

“That’s Lady Huntress Emissary to you,” she corrected in a grandiose voice, taking an extravagant bow. Kniles snorted back a guffaw and grinned at his sister. He could always rely on her to go along with whatever he was scheming.

Zi’s eyes widened, and she almost fell over herself trying to execute a respectful curtsy. “I didn’t realize you were so important, Lady Huntress Emissary Artemis!” Kniles couldn’t hold back his laughter, but Zi seemed oblivious to the joke.

Artemis sighed. Damnit, she was beginning to like the girl. “You can just call me Artemis,” she told Zi, before winking at her brother, “Unless we run into anyone important, that is.”

“Are we going somewhere?” Zi asked, her eyes drifting to her study nook.

“Our Human Emissary is going to teach you about playing hooky,” Kniles explained. “Would you be so kind, Artemis?”

“I would be delighted!” Artemis exclaimed, before clasping Zi’s hand and dragging her away from her studies.

“But--” the girl stammered, too stunned to struggle as Kniles motioned for Artemis to follow him towards a hidden stairwell.

“I insist!” said Artemis, pulling her along. “You must learn about this important aspect of our culture.”

“It will give you great insight,” Kniles agreed, parroting the words Zi’s Grandmother had given. “There is no greater education than experience.” Zi furrowed her brow, but offered no further resistance. This would be a far greater adventure than any she had known in her nine years.

Standing before the exit, Kniles wrapped the tiny elf girl in his moss green hunter's cloak, nearly drowning her in the excess fabric. Pulling the hood over her distinct ears and hair, he instructed her to keep her head down lest anyone recognize her. All the while, Artemis kept watch. This was considerably more excitement than she had expected during this year’s trip to Ar. Maybe she and her brother should make a habit of kidnaping elfin sorceresses. She stole a glance at the pair of them, and had to roll her eyes. The elf was staring up at him in abject admiration as Kniles gave her advice on how to appear like she belonged with them. The girl was obviously as smitten with Kniles as he was with her. Ugh. Artemis forced her eyes to sweep their surroundings. This place really was abandoned during the summer. She nodded to Kniles. All clear.

They started off, with Kniles leading the way through the Labyrinth of a city. As the they got farther from the academy, Artemis quickly realized she wasn't the only person in the trio who didn't know her way around Ar. Zi marveled at the architecture and surroundings as often as Artemis, and pointed out interesting sights as they traveled. “Kniles!” she would exclaim, “I didn't know we had Reve shrines in Ar!” or “Have you ever seen such a beautiful statue?” and “This is the most amazing garden! Did you see they have chamomile? I sometimes use that in my potions.” If she witnessed something she recognized from her readings, she would remark upon it and chatter off a few facts. It became increasingly obvious to Artemis that the poor girl hadn't seen much of the world outside of her books, because often she would ask Kniles to identify a site.  Artemis relished her freedom, and thanked the Mother she had been raised by a family that spent much of the year in travel. Kniles, for his part, was careful to answer the elf’s questions and blabbering with kind words, though Artemis could see the issue bothered him deeply. Here Zi lived in one of the most advanced civilizations in the realm, and her status as next-in-line sorceress kept her locked away from the wonders in her own backyard. It made Artemis angry at the girl’s tutors, though she kept quiet. Didn't these elves know education was more than what could be found in books?

As the three of them came to an apparent dead end with the wall that surrounded the city looming ahead, Kniles took an abrupt stop and glanced around the mostly secluded area of Ar. Apparently satisfied that no one had followed them, he walked swiftly towards an ancient towering tree that had great boughs stretching out over the wall. Artemis realized where this was going and raised a skeptical brow at her brother. There was no way their petite friend could climb such a monstrous tree, but she remained mute. Maybe Kniles expected to carry her? She could see her noble brother contemplating such chivalrous nonsense.

Zi looked around them expectantly, her face full of awe. “Wow!” she exclaimed, “The wall is so much taller than I expected.” Artemis raised both eyebrows at her brother this time, but he shook his head at her. Had the girl never seen the wall that surrounded her own home?

“It’s tall so as to protect the people in the city,” Kniles explained patiently, as he lead the three of them around the massive tree.

“I gathered as much,” Zi replied with a knowledgeable haughty look as she tried to keep up with her longer-legged companions. “Did you know many human settlements have keeps with walls like ours that they let their citizens enter when they are under attack? Instead of surrounding the entire town or village, they only have one area designated for protection.”

Artemis began to explain that, yes, of course Kniles and she knew about keeps because they happened to be human, but Kniles cut in for her. “The one near our village is called Grindstone Keep. It’s a huge castle.”

“Have you ever had to hide out in it for protection?” It was an innocent question, but Artemis shuddered at the memory still sharp in her mind from years ago.

“I haven’t,” Kniles began to answer and it was clear he wanted to say more, but Artemis’ scowl silenced him.

“Once,” Artemis broke in, refusing to say more despite the expectant looks from the other two. She would not talk about it, not today, and certainly not to the elf girl she barely knew. She instinctively brought her hand up to the dark cracked gem necklace that belonged to her mother.

After a moment, the three of them stopped at the base of the tree, and Zi looked up. “Is this where we will play that human game?” she asked the pair.

“Kind of,” Kniles answered, as he distractedly began to circle the giant trunk, eyes glued to the gnarled roots peeking from the ground at the base. Both girls looked at him with a little concern. Well, Artemis more than Zi. Kniles’ actions were strange. She sidled up beside him.

“What are you doing?” Artemis asked after unsuccessfully trying to figure out the answer on her own. Apparently in that time Zi had decided this was part of the game of hooky, because now she was staring intently at the tree roots, her eyes occasionally shifting to stare at Kniles to make sure she was doing it right.

“Mother showed me this trick,” he said, as if that were a real explanation. He bent low to examine the roots more closely and finally “Aha!” he exclaimed, and reaching to touch a small symbol etched into the root. The symbol lit up, and more symbols glowed in the part of the wall that was blocked by the tree, where an opening began to form framed by those same symbols. Zi squealed in delight, and ran her fingers over the lighted letters.

“Dwarven runes,”she said, eyes widening in amazement as she gazed over the hidden doorway. “This is an enchantment.” She brushed the carving on the root. “That one is Aper, for open!” She looked again to the runes bordering the opening, furrowed her brow in concentration and shook her head. “I don’t recognize these. They are far too complicated but how fascinating.” She gave Kniles a brilliant smile. “Thank you for taking me here to see!”

Kniles cheeks briefly flushed, and he looked away explaining: “It has an interesting story. Apparently it was created some 600 years ago before Dwarves were allowed in the city. They would smuggle their wares through this door, and meet with elf contacts who would sell the items for them. Not very many know of it’s existence, and fewer know how to open it. I’ve been using it to get fresh air without notice for a few years now.” He glanced around to make sure no one had appeared, and motioned for the girls to head through the door. “Shall we, ladies?” Artemis nodded in agreement, and walked straight through the secret door and into the little clearing on the other side. She turned around, expecting to see the other two following and stopped abruptly at the sight before her. Zi was refusing to go through, and Kniles was quietly attempting to persuade her otherwise. Artemis gave an exasperated huff, and called to Kniles. “I think your elf friend deems herself too important to play our human games.” Kniles glared at her, but Zi frowned.

“I don’t think I’m too important,” she said, quietly. “I just don’t think it’s safe.”

“Puhlease,” Artemis said with a roll of her eyes. “You’re with a couple of hunters. We’re both armed and capable of protecting you.” Kniles nodded this time.

“Not to mention you are the Lady Sorceress,” he added. “You can handle anything. I walk around out here all the time and I have never run into trouble. Wouldn’t you like to watch the sunset outside of these walls?”

Zi still looked skeptical, but Artemis had a thought. “And maybe there are more runes to see on this side,” she said, feeling extremely satisfied when the elf-girl’s eyes shone with interest.

“I would like to see the full enchantment,” Zi answered carefully, taking a slow step towards the door. “We will be back before my Grandmother knows I am missing?”

“I swear on my honor as a Lady Envoy,” Artemis answered in a serious sounding tone. Zi didn’t have to know that whole envoy thing was made up. The sun was close to setting, so they wouldn’t be out there long.

Zi nodded her agreement solemnly and took her first timid steps through the passage. She gazed around curiously, taking in the sights. “Is this the wildwood?” she asked with some interest.

Artemis shook her head in response. “No, not technically,” she explained, “but it’s close to the wildwoods.” Zi nodded, and looked about for more runes in the dimming daylight. Kniles sidled up to Artemis, and draped an arm over her shoulder.

“Thanks, Little Hawk,” he said, watching Zi examine the gate.

“For what?” asked Artemis, raising an eyebrow at her brother.

“For going along with everything.”

Artemis smirked, but remained silent. After a few more moments, Zi seemed to be satisfied with her examination of the runes, and she turned to the pair expectantly. Kniles smiled, and lead the way towards a little clearing with a babbling brook through which they could watch the sun set over the tops of the trees of the wildwood. It was a gorgeous sight so close to such an overwhelming city. The trio appreciated it in relative silence. As twilight was setting in, Kniles promised to take Zi back to her Grandmother, and the headed back into the city, closing the gate the way they managed to get it open. He made Zi promise it would be their little secret, and she readily agreed. Artemis imagined in a position like hers she didn’t get many chances for secrets among friends. The siblings lead the way back to the school and left Zi at the same stairwell where they made their earlier escape. Zi told them she had never had so much fun in her life and thanked them for the excursion. Artemis felt a pang of sadness for the girl who’s high point in life had been sneaking out of the city to watch the sunset, but she managed a genuine smile at the girl. Just as they were beginning to part, Zi rushed forward and grabbed Artemis by the hand. “But, wait!” she exclaimed, “You never taught me to play a game of hooky!”

Kniles and Artemis looked at each other in complete shock for a beat, before bursting out laughing. “Next time,” Artemis promised Zi, putting an arm on her shoulder, “when Papa and I come to pick up Kniles in the spring. We will play, I swear it on my honor as a Huntress.” The pair of siblings were still laughing as they made their way to the Seer’s quarters. Artemis decided Zi wasn’t so bad, for an elf. Her brother could be in worse hands. Full dark was upon them by the time the pair finally arrived at Kniles’ school year home, and he lifted a finger to his lips before reaching for the door handle. Before he could open it, it swung inward, and Kniles blanched.

“Teaching the girl to play hooky, son?” asked their papa from inside the Seer’s Suite. Kniles blanched, but Artemis expected this.

“And I see you avoided the fate of meeting the High Lady,” added the Seer. “I did not expect that! Well done, children.” She smiled pleasantly at them, and Artemis gave her brother and father confused glances. Both shrugged in response.

“She will speak with you tomorrow,” explained the Seer, placing a hand on Artemis’ shoulder.

“Is Zi in trouble?” asked Kniles, turning on his mother, suddenly very concerned.

“Oh, not at all!” exclaimed Elowyn, happily. “Your kidnapping went completely unnoticed!” Kniles breathed a sigh of relief, and Papa barked a laugh.

“What did I tell you, Elowyn?” Papa started, “He’s completely besotted!” Elowyn returned with an infectious smile, and her eyes flashed in knowing glee.

“Paaaaapaaaaa,” Kniles moaned, putting a hand over his reddening face. Elowyn erupted in her own tinkling laughter, and Artemis giggled herself.

“What?” Papa asked, grinning, “It’s impossible to hide anything from this woman. She brought it up.” Kniles groaned, and slumped into a rather comfortable looking seat.

“So how was Ar,” Elowyn asked, her eyes darting towards Artemis, “Was it as bad as you expected?”

Artemis nodded. “Even worse.” Her family laughed in response. “I will admit the city has some charms,” she conceded.

“Not all elves are bad?” prodded Elowyn, but Artemis waved her away, not wanting to deal with her cryptic seer nonsense. Meeting the elf child was a little more fun than she expected, but these were still the people who mistreated her brother. At least he had an ally, she supposed.

“Do I smell dinner?” Kniles asked suddenly, finally over his earlier embarrassment. His parents chuckled, and Elowyn told him she had guessed they would arrive about this time so dinner was close to being ready. Artemis sat next to her brother, and gave him a quick hug. She and Papa would be leaving tomorrow. At least the two of them had gotten to enjoy their last full day together. With Kniles as her guide, she hadn’t felt so overwhelmed as a huntress in the big city away from her precious wildwoods. But she could feel the darkness calling her, and soon she wouldn’t have Kniles’ light to fight it back. Her mother’s stone around her neck felt heavier by the minute.