of part 1 for chapter 3

the first part for the third chapter:

Chapter III: Visions of the Elves

It had been seven days since the gang left Karazhan following their victory, the High King returned to the capital, and Lord Justin followed his long-time friend back to Lithorien.
That morning, Lord Cheng and Lord Justin had breakfast together. They had a thorough discussion about the recent affairs now. The calm winds and tides of the sea did not seem to soothe the heartache of Lord Cheng, and it was very noticeable.
“You missed her, aren’t you?”
“Lord Justin, now that all our friends are here, I wish to ask you. What is the true intention of the Knights? By their advice, the High King sent her to the capital of the High Elves of Istarugah, splitting both of us apart. Why must they do something like that?”
“Indeed you are as the High King said, out of date at things like this. She is coming back very soon. There is a message to be sent from the Elven Queen herself.”
“How do you know of such matters?”
“The Archmage told me of it, and she knew it through a letter.”
Who in the heavens is this lady who has made Lord Cheng has a change in mood? She was Lady Xuan, or known as the Countess, one of the Magi and member of their coalition. She was sent back to Ossiros to deliver a message of utmost importance.
Upon hearing the news, Lord Cheng immediately took a horse and rode all speed back to Ossiros.
Lord Justin was stunned at the swift reaction, but Lady Crystal just said to him, “To him, the return of the Countess will mean something very significant to him. However, I think that something is amiss. How come she returned out of the blue to Ossiros?”
In fact Lady Crystal was right. Something was amiss. Meanwhile, at the summit of the Tower, Lord Jason and Lady Yen stood beside each other, looking outwards to the sea. The strong winds at the summit of tower brought the winds of the sea towards them, as well as the refreshing coolness.
“Well, did you know that Lady Xuan is returning to Ossiros?”
“What?” exclaimed Lady Yen excitedly, “this is somehow… surprising. For a long time I have not seen her. Now that she is returning, I will personally return to Ossiros to meet her. Will you follow me on the journey?”
Waiting for this question, Lord Jason instantly agreed, and before they left, the guardianship of Lithorien was temporarily given over to Lady Crystal, whom preferred to stay. Lord Justin left with them as well, although an hour earlier.

At the Great Hall in the palace, King Ashvin, together with Lord Justin and Lady Kathleen, met Lady Xuan in a will of knowing the reason of her sudden arrival.
“Greetings towards the High King. Your majesty, on behalf of Queen Khoo, ruler of the High Elves of Istarugah, I hereby bring forth a message from her.”
King Ashvin, desiring the contents of the message, bade her to continue, while he ate a bowl of chicken-head curry. Lord Justin and Lady Kathleen also lend their ears to hear the message as well.
“Queen Khoo has seen in her seeing-stone, that some dark power is lurking in the east. A great shadow is creeping forth. It is not of the Dragon-lords’ work, but something even more terrible. Soon the Dragon-lords will send forth a messenger, seeking help to contain the evil. By the way, she asked me to deliver this to the Five in Koruskan.”
“This is very dangerous,” said Lady Kathleen, “the Archknight must be warned of this matter!”
“I thought that you despise the Knights and do not hope to have dealings with them?”

the next part will come on monday, 1st december 2008...