“We have to get off,” declared Eltor. “This is the end of the line for this barge.”

“I don’t care if it is the end,” retorted Caldal. “I do not understand why we didn’t just get a ship at Raven’s Point and head home. Now we are even deeper inside the land of the humans. We have to escape.”

“Escape to where?” countered Eltor. “We do not even know where we are. How do you expect to find Elvangar?”

“I don’t know,” admitted Caldal, “but we must leave anyway. You know the restrictions set down by Queen Alycia.”

“We broke those restrictions when we sailed past the Barrier Islands,” replied Eltor. “Talking to humans will not add any more punishment to our debt. We have no choice. If we ever hope to see Elvangar again, we will need the help of humans to get there.”

“Not if I can help it,” swore Caldal. “I had my fill of humans on Motanga. I do not wish to see another.”

Suddenly, Eltor’s head appeared over the edge of the hole allowing passage to the bunkroom. He gazed down at Mistake with a frown.

“Is it common in this land to eavesdrop on friends?” Eltor asked accusingly.

“Is it common among elves to keep secrets from their friends?” retorted Mistake. “MistyTrail and I have been wondering what was wrong with the two of you. Why did you not share your concerns with us? Must I resort to spying to learn the truth?”

“Fair enough,” conceded Eltor. “We should have told you earlier, but we are forbidden from meeting humans. It is the law of the elves.”

“You have chosen a fine time to reveal that,” frowned Mistake. “We have arrived in Khadoratung, and we are expected at the Imperial Palace within the hour. There is no way to change that now.”

“You cannot force us to go,” Caldal said loudly.