She stepped into view, as if she had slipped out of the ancient oak before them, her wild mane as vivid green as summer leaves and her emerald eyes bright with mischief. “Welcome travelers!” she greeted them with a cheerful voice, “I am Daenarah… and this is my domain!” She swept her arms wide in a gesture that encompassed the woods about them. Courynn and Talice exchanged a quick glance of recognition, while a knowing smile turned Nymara’s lips, and Rynard looked about in alarm and confusion… but Cosar’s eyes roamed over the scantily clad, stunningly beautiful fae with clear admiration. “Well met spirit of the tree,” Courynn greeted her in a warm, but formal, tone. “We’re friends of the forest and promise not to harm any within your domain,” Talice added respectfully. “Were you not friends of the forest I would not have relieved myself to you. I offer you rest and comfort.” She turned and gestured for them the settle near the base of the great oak. As they seated themselves on the soft forest floor, Nymara quietly explained to Rynard and Cosar; “She’s a dryad… the fae spirit of that tree.” Rynard had, of course, read of such fae but couldn’t help marveling at the magic that gave a simple tree such life and spirit, while Cosar continued to stare lustfully and whispered to the mage; “This is truly a magical forest… first its stone circles yield elven beauties form another realm… now its trees produce fae spirits just as stunning… I can’t wait to see what it has in store for us next!” “The orcs you pursue drug their latest group of captives through my domain just days ago,” Daenarah answered their question before they had the opportunity to ask. “I have no love for their kind and have watched their comings and goings with growing concern… but their lair lies beyond my reach.” “Did they have a star elf child with them?” Nymara inquired eagerly. “I’m afraid I keep too much distance from them to see,” the dryad confessed in a compassionate tone. “But my woodland friends tell me that they remain in their lair… most likely waiting for she who commands them.” “She who commands them,” Courynn inquired, as they all now gave her their full attention. “A Thayan witch,” Daenarah announced. “A Red Wizard; it is she who enthralled the dragon whose lair they use and commands the orcs… as well as the traitor who aids them. He once served the Masters of the Yuirwood… passing through my domain quite often… but he has turned against those he swore to protect!” “A Master aids them,” Talice muttered in shock, barely able to believe that one of her order would betray his oath but unable to deny the logic of it. “That’s how they can use the menhir.”