The storm still roared throughout the night and into the morning hours.

Niamh watched the rain run down the etched glass of her balcony doors as she prepared for the day. Her thoughts dwelled on the poor elves with the King out in this weather.

Moidrin came in with an expression of one forced to take the bitterest of medicine. Niamh looked at her questioningly.

“You are requested to be at the council meeting this morning,” Moidrin said in a level voice. “We need to ...