After leaving the Drow encampment, the small group paused long enough to retrieve Tolan's surrendered weapons from Silence and Quiet. The two were slightly confused as a lovely young woman, who they did not remember riding in with the Councillor, said to them quite cheerfully, "Well, it is nice to see that someone around here remembers their duties when it comes to strangers approaching them."Tucking his sling in his sword belt, Tolan counted to ten and reminded himself not to throttle his sister.
As they rode on towards Yarfell, Tolan explained to Kirriam the plan for returning the Swan May child to her people in hopes of gaining their help, and ultimately the Wood Elves' help as well, in hindering the orc army as it passed through the Forest of Macul. Kirriam was quite surprised; she had never laid eyes on Ingeld and so had not known that the child rescued from Venger's prison had been a Swan May. She was about to question how Venger could have possibly kidnapped the girl in the first place, when one of the Drow escort, who had ridden slightly ahead, came racing back to them.
"There's a rider coming this way!" he warned, drawing his weapon quickly. At his words, the other Dark Elves did the same.
"Good sir, try not to show hostility to this rider until we know his or her intent," Tolan said in what he hoped was a calm and reasonable tone. Understanding the Shadow Riders' extreme caution, he nonetheless explained, "The road to Yarfell is well travelled by dozens of riders each day. It does not necessarily mean we are under attack."
Still, Tolan placed a hand on the hilt of his sheathed weapon as he waited for the rider to round the bend and come into view.
