No sooner had Fenrir opened his eyes than he was scanning his surroundings for possible threats. No such threats presented themselves, however, and a moment ter he recognized the walls as belonging to the Cathedral's dungeon. He had come back at precisely the point where he had left Ruyanei. A slight sound beside him made him turn to see Elmeria and Mitzi standing beside him, both looking rather disoriented.

  "...Fenrir?" Elmeria's voice was hushed, almost hesitant.

  "I'm right here," the great direwolf replied, reaching out to pce a hand on her shoulder.

  "Where are we?"

  "In the Cathedral dungeons. It seems despite the many miles we traveled in Apollyon, we came back at the same point we left." Fenrir had kept his voice low, scanning for some indication of how much time had passed, but aside from the cold torches on the walls there was no sign.

  A small hand came into contact with his thigh. It trembled slightly, and Fenrir grasped it in his own in a show of comfort. "Are you okay, Mitzi?"

  "Yes," she replied, seeming heartened by the contact with him.

  Elmeria made a stumbling step forward, stopped, and raised her hand. There was a moment's pause, then she jerked back towards Fenrir. "I still can't use magic." Her voice was tight with fear.

  "Oh, my apologies, I nearly forgot. Elmeria, I hereby grant you permission to use your magic and abilities freely, so long as such use does not harm myself or my followers." He paused for a moment, thinking through his wording, then satisfied, he continued, "That should fix your problem."

  And so it did. Another attempt by the Saintess saw light blossom into existence above her palm, chasing away the shadows of the corridor.

  "This is Ruyanei?" Mitzi was looking around at the bnk stone walls and empty cells with wonder, but also disappointment.

  "One small corner of it, at least. Elmeria, I think you had better go acquaint the rest of the Cathedral with your reappearance. Mitzi and I will be waiting for you in..." he trailed off. "Where exactly is your room?"

  "My apartments are on the top level across from the bell tower, why? There's no way you could get there without being spotted."

  "Would that be on the northwestern side of the Cathedral?"

  "Yes..."

  Fenrir did some calcutions. The secret passages did not stretch to that end of the Cathedral, most of the living spaces being along the northeastern side. There was also only one opening onto the top level of the Cathedral, but thankfully it was not terribly far from that end of the building. Making up his mind, he said, "If you don't find us already in your room when you get there, wait until the Cathedral goes to sleep."

  "You'll get caught," Elmeria objected.

  "No, we won't. Unless... about how likely is there to be someone already in your room? A maid or a friend or someone of that nature."

  The elf shook her head, sending her hair rippling. "Not likely. No one's allowed in my chambers without my permission, not even cleaning staff."

  "Well, we'll exercise caution all the same. What I need from you is to let them know you're none the worse for wear for your experiences, and of course that you're back. I'll leave the story of what happened to me up to you; you know better than I how to best disarm their suspicions. Ideally, you'll get them to think I'm dead or at least permanently out of the picture. Try to find out how much time has passed since our banishment and what's happened to Safara. I can't even smell her anymore, so it's a fairly safe bet she was moved from here a while ago." Marstolle's parting injunction was still fresh in his mind, but Fenrir saw no reason not to exercise due diligence anyway. If she really was in Eldfall, it would not be a bad idea to find out how and why she had been moved there before chasing after her.

  "Okay, Mas- Fenrir." The slip of tongue brought red to her cheeks, but Elmeria hurriedly moved on. "I'll find out what I can and then meet back up with you. It might take a while, though. After everything that's happened I probably won't be able to get away for hours."

  "That's fine. Don't hurry; the st thing you want to do is arouse suspicion." Fenrir gave her a quick hug, which Elmeria returned eagerly, and then with some reluctance she turned towards the stairs.

  "Be careful," spoke up Mitzi from Fenrir's side, causing Elmeria to gnce back at her. A look passed between them, surprising Fenrir once again with the strength of the bond between them that it evidenced, then she was gone.

  Her light went with her, but Fenrir did not need it. Grasping one of Mitzi's hands, he led her along the corridor to the cell where Safara had been imprisoned and began a careful examination of it. Her scent was old and stale, almost gone, and the stronger though equally old scent of humans almost masked what little was left. Just outside the cell he caught the scent of Kira, and then Chellise, and he wondered what could have brought them through there repeatedly, but with no answer immediately at hand he refocused on Safara. He found several drops of blood within the cell, now brown with age, but to his relief they were from a human. Their age was such that he couldn't be sure, but he thought they might have been from the rogue Grivor Tatum.

  Satisfied he had found all there was to discover, he made his way back out into the corridor where Mitzi had been waiting patiently and taking her hand again, led her to the stairs and the secret passages that honeycombed the Cathedral.

  Half an hour ter they were in Elmeria's rooms. Fenrir had had to climb out of an adjoining window to get there since her door was rather predictably locked, but he had made it back inside unspotted with Mitzi clinging nimbly to his shoulders. Her tiny body had a surprising amount of strength in it, Fenrir reflected. After he had ensured the apartments were deserted, they had settled down to while away the time before Elmeria could meet up with them again. She had several bookcases in her study and Fenrir, ever eager to add to his store of knowledge, took down a book on magic and began perusing it. Mitzi, in awe of the city which spread itself out below her, sat at a window and looked out with wide eyes. Fenrir cautioned her not to sit too close lest she be seen from without, but otherwise left her to marvel at the view in peace.

  It was almost nightfall before Fenrir heard a key turn in the lock and the door to the apartments opened. He had considered the possibility that even when she did retire Elmeria might not be alone, so he swung Mitzi to his shoulders again and stepped into a corner of the room, a foot or so from an open window and hidden from anyone who might walk into the room. His caution proved unnecessary, however, as Elmeria called, "Fenrir? Are you here? ...I'm alone, you can come out."

  Putting Mitzi down, he stepped into the main sitting room where Elmeria was with the goblin on his heels. "How did it go?" he asked.

  "Wow, I didn't actually expect you to be here," Elmeria admitted. "Guess I should have had more faith."

  Fenrir smirked. "Still underestimating me, are you? But...?"

  The dark elf flopped into a chair with a sigh. "It went pretty well, all things considered. Everyone believed my story immediately, no surprise there, but apparently Safara was kidnapped from the dungeons a night or so after we disappeared. I think Captain Valtos suspects foul py of some sort, but they were too busy with my disappearance to waste much time on her. They told me it's been a little over two weeks since we disappeared."

  "So time was passing at at least a roughly equivalent rate." Fenrir paused for a moment, thinking. "Did anything else of note happen in the city while we were gone?"

  "Princess America and her knight Ser Brandis performed some military operation in the middle of the night a couple of days ago along with some of the city guard. Valtos wasn't able to figure out if it was just a drill or what, but there were rumors that she was working with an oni of all things."

  Fenrir raised an eyebrow. "An oni? Are you sure?"

  "That's what they said. Not very loudly, of course; no one wants to speak ill of the princess, but..." Elmeria shrugged.

  "I see." What could that mean? Kira and Katari had brought up possibly working with the princess to dismantle the sver organization; was that what the 'military operation' had been about?

  "Where is the princess now?" he asked.

  "She's left the city, but we don't know where she's gone. She started by boat; that's all anyone here knows."

  Fenrir nodded. "Very well. Here's what's going to happen. For now at least I want you to remain here in Mavenia, the city, not the country, and look after Mitzi, since I won't be able to take her with me. I should be back in a week or so."

  Elmeria raised armed eyes to him. "Where are you going?"

  "To hunt down Safara and the rest of my girls. I've been given a tip that they may be in Eldfall, and your report indicates the same. Don't worry, I'll be back."

  "At least stay until you've eaten," Elmeria objected. "I don't know how you pn to get to Eldfall, but you shouldn't start on an empty stomach, and besides, if you wait for an hour or two the streets won't be nearly as busy."

  Impatient as Fenrir was, there was too much truth in her words to deny. "Very well." He took a seat across from her but did not rex in his chair. "About when do you expect your evening meal, and for that matter, how? Does someone bring it up to your quarters?"

  "Sometimes. I asked for it to be delivered this time, and it should be ready before long."

  "Did you remember to ask for extra? I doubt all three of us would find a single dark elf's portion sufficient," Fenrir grinned.

  Elmeria huffed. "Give me some credit. I told them I hadn't had anything to eat for a while and to send up plenty extra. I wouldn't be surprised if they send up more than even all three of us can eat."

  "That's right, not only are you the Archbishop but also a Saintess. The servants must view you as something close to a goddess."

  "You have no idea. It was nice for a while, but..." She trailed off.

  They were interrupted by a tentative knock on the door. "Your meal, Your Excellency."

  Rising, Fenrir stepped into an adjoining room, Mitzi following close behind, then Elmeria raised her voice to the servant. "Come in." Gone was the warmth and py of expression that had been present when she had been speaking with Fenrir, and in its pce was only a cold aloofness.

  The door opened and Fenrir heard multiple sets of footsteps enter. The rattling of dishes as they were set down echoed through the apartment, then the footsteps retreated and the door closed again. There was silence in the apartment for several long moments, then Elmeria said, "Okay, they're gone."

  Fenrir and Mitzi reentered the room to see the low table in its center almost groaning under a mountain of food. Fenrir was more interested in Elmeria, however. "You know, if you want them to be more friendly, you're going to have avoid acting as though they're the scum under your boot."

  Elmeria flushed. "I don't act like that," she all but mumbled.

  "You didn't even thank them for the meal."

  "Well, that's... I..."

  "I'm not saying you need to treat them as though they're your best friends immediately, but you are going to have to make the first step. As it is now, they're thoroughly intimidated if not actually afraid of you, and no surprise considering the power disparity. Not to mention your attitude."

  Elmeria had no words and seemed to find it impossible to meet Fenrir's gaze. He stepped over to her and put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "How about you take it slow? Maybe next time your food is brought up you thank them for it. Then the next time you might send your thanks to the cook as well. Or simply try to sound a little less cold when you invite them in? It's up to you, but I know you're lonely, and you could do worse than make friends of those that serve you."

  Elmeria said nothing, but she turned towards Fenrir and wrapped her arms around him. He held her for a bit, but the moment was soon interrupted by the clinking of dishes and they both looked around to see Mitzi lifting the covers on the food.

  She noticed their attention and raised her eyebrows, asking, "What? Mitzi hungry."

  Fenrir chuckled and Elmeria had to smile as well. "Fair enough. Let's get some of this food in our bellies then."

  After the meal, which was mostly eaten in silence, Fenrir stretched and leaned back in his seat. He chuckled as he looked at the little that was left of the feast that had been brought up to them. "The kitchen staff are going to think you have a bottomless stomach, or maybe a hollow leg to have put all this away."

  Mitzi giggled beside him, and Elmeria shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I'm a Saintess, they're used to things being out of the ordinary where I'm concerned."

  Fenrir smirked and nodded, and a comfortable silence descended for several minutes. It was broken by Elmeria, who said, "I'm sorry, Mas- Fenrir."

  He raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

  "I..." she paused, stopped, then started again. "It's my fault all this happened. All the Apollyon stuff, but especially with your other followers." She twisted her hands together in her p, staring at her empty pte on the low table in front of her. "If I hadn't ordered her imprisonment, your elf wouldn't have been kidnapped. I was the reason that everything..." she trailed off, unsure of how to say what was in her mind.

  "Come here." Fenrir's tone was gentle, but held a note of command. She rose and walked over to stand in front of him, though with a certain reluctance, as though half against her will. "Technically, yes, all of this was your fault."

  Elmeria flinched.

  "However, I do not hold it against you. At that time you thought me your enemy. You were only doing what you thought best. If from here on you do your best to help me, then we can consider it water under the bridge. Speaking of which, however, I had better be going. Wherever Safara is, she is no doubt in need of me, and it's te enough now that I can make my way through the city without raising a fuss." He pulled Elmeria into his p for a hug and a tender kiss. She melted into it gratefully. "Take care of Mitzi and keep her hidden. I'll be back, though I don't know exactly when. Until then, try not to beat yourself up too much." She nodded into his chest, still holding tight to him.

  When he finally disengaged himself, she let go with a little sigh, but did not compin. Fenrir opened his arms to Mitzi, who leapt into them without hesitation. "Mitzi will miss you," she murmured, holding onto him with all the strength in her little body.

  "I'll miss you, too. Take care of Elmeria for me, okay? Don't let her get too lonely."

  "I will." Pulling back a little, she reached up for her own kiss, which Fenrir gave without hesitation. She was the one to break it, looking into his eyes with an intensity that caught him off guard. "Go now. Save your Safara. She need you."

  Smiling, Fenrir stole one st kiss then rose and in a few seconds was swinging his body out of the window. He had discovered a ledge along the side of the building at this point whereby he could make his way almost entirely to the room which gave entrance to the network of secret passages. The sun had dropped beyond the horizon some time ago, so he had no fear of discovery from anyone on the ground below. He quickly passed through the tunnels into the sewers, then from there to the alleyways without incident, activating Shroud once on the streets due to the several people still abroad. Once beyond the still unsecured sewer gate he found that his cloak was no longer where he had hidden it, but he remained unworried. No doubt one of his girls had taken it with them, and with the darkness of night now bnketing the nd he had no real need of it.

  He stopped in the clearing formerly occupied by his party but found it deserted, and did not take the time to search more closely. It was enough to know they had been there recently. He trusted Marstolle's words; why exactly, he could not have said.

  Feeling fresh, alert, and with a full stomach, he determined to strike out on the trail to Eldfall at once. His memory of the maps he had examined back at the castle in the mountains told him that Eldfall y on the eastern shore of a mighty ke about three hundred miles to the northeast. 'This will be a real test of my endurance,' he thought, 'but at least I don't have to worry about getting lost. So long as I keep the river in sight, a ke the size of the one indicated on those maps will be impossible to miss.'

  And so he set out to the northeast, glorying in the chance to really stretch out his muscles and run. The rhythmic action, the wind in his face, the ndscape slipping rapidly by; all these only stoked the fire in his breast and pushed him to ever greater speeds. After some miles, however, he checked his pace to a long wolftrot. This was a marathon, not a sprint, and in all probability he would have need of his strength once he arrived at his destination.

  TheBestofSome