Zanden's face contorted into a bitter scowl. The elf rose, his tall frame filling the space not only in stature and size, but in power and presence as well. He turned his blue gaze to his son who watched his father with a warrior's focus. Jaeden had always been an intimidating elf with his silent stares and deadly grace. He moved and spoke with such purpose that Anya always found herself questioning her own words and opinions.

"Jaeden, ready your men." Zanden said in the elfin tongue. The young elf rose just as swiftly as his father. His long blonde hair pulled away from his oval, sharp face. He bowed low and left after the messenger.

"Is there something the matter, my lord?" Anya asked in elfish even though she sensed the tension and distress from the start.

The king caught her gaze before answering. "You were right after all, Keeper Anya. I regret to inform you that two soldiers have reported a troop of mounted goblins."

Anya clenched her hands under the table and focused on funneling all her tension there rather than her face. "Do you need my guardians' help?"

The side of the king's mouth twitched into what seemed a smile. "Jaeden's men will manage. We shall continue our discussions at a later stage. Tonight perhaps."

"Of course, my lord." Anya lowered her head and watched as all the elves exited the large room. There boots and slippers barely making a sound on the marble stone. Once the doors had been shut, Anya turned to Irien, who stood wide-eyed.

"I believe our farmer friend was right," she whispered.

Anya nodded solemnly. "It seems so. Come." Anya's guard was waiting for her outside the room as she exited. He turned to her with a questioning look.

"What's going on?"

Irien cleared her throat disapprovingly.

"Sorry, what is happening Keeper Anya?"

Anya smiled. "Ignore her, Sam. Goblins have been spotted in the forest and so the king has ordered Prince Jaeden to find them."

Sam frowned. "Would you like me to go with them?"

Anya considered the thought. "Perhaps that is a good idea. Find the other two and assist Jaeden. There might not even be reason for you to join the fight but I need you three to watch it and report if anything goes wrong." Sam nodded and bowed quickly before setting out at a jog. Anya watched him go. "I don't like this."

"You don't like what?" Irien followed her gaze.

"Feeling helpless," Anya replied.

"You have done what you can considering Zanden has refused your help. Elves are a stubborn and proud nation. It would be unlike them to accept assistance."

"Yes, but that still does not make me feel any better."