The Black Sword Trilogy: The Four Nations by Jeffery VanMeter Page B

the searching stopped.
                  “I know,” he continued, “that is your desire, as it has been the desire of all the Ladies of the Woods that the secrets of the Blackwoods remain unknown to the outside world.  I know you want and your people want nothing more than to be left alone by the troubles and strife of the world outside these forests and that your blessed lives be untouched by the strains of a world tearing itself apart.  That’s the way it’s been for centuries.”
                  “What of it?”
                  “Isn’t it obvious?  I’m offering to help you maintain this peaceful and quiet existence you value so dearly.”
                  “I see.  That’s very generous of you.”
                  “It is an offer I will make to no one else.” He said coldly.
    Again, Kenner felt the stranger’s attention focus on him, even without looking.
                  “And what must I do to earn this benevolence?” Kayla asked.
                  “The same thing all of your predecessors have done for over a thousand years.”
                  “And that is?”
    The cold and cruel smile again crossed his face.
                  “Nothing,” he hissed.
                  “And what if I do…’something’?” Kayla asked.
    The smile disappeared and a harsh scowl rep laced it.
                  “Then the forest will fall.”
                  Terri could tell that Kayla was trying to hide her fear behind a brave façade.  However, her terror at hearing the threat was evident in her eyes.  She noticed that the unknown stranger seemed to see it as well.  Smiling again, he rose from his seat.
                  “The war has only just begun,” He continued, “So you have plenty of time to consider my offer.  However, eventually such an answer will be required.”  He then stood as erect as possible.  “Until then, I thank you for your time and your hospitality.  I have enjoyed this time together, but I have business to attend to and I must depart.”  He then bowed before the Lady.  “It was so good seeing you again, my child.”
    At the words, “…my child…” Kayla appeared to flinch.  The s tranger then turned to leave.  He took a few steps toward the arch then turned to Kenner.  Once more, Kenner saw the green glow of the stranger’s eyes and the terrible smile.
                  “I so look forward to our next meeting.” He told Kenner.  After that, he slowly and gracefully walked out of the circle.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seventeen
     
     
                  After the stranger left, the branches of the trees lifted and sunlight filled the circle again.  It shown directly on the altar showing Kayla in a light that Terri had never before seen.  Now she was even more beautiful in the golden light surrounding her; but fear and sadness flooded her eyes.
                  “Are you alright?” Terri asked.
    Kayla didn’t answer, but instead walked down the middle of the circle and out the archway silently. Terri gave a look at Kenner as if searching for some kind of answer, but then turned and left herself.  Kenner began to follow her, but then felt a soft sensation similar, but not quite like a hand touching him on his shoulder.
                  Standing in the shadow of the “seedling” behind the altar was Shadow.  There was a serious, almost warning expression in her eyes.
                  “What’s going on?” Kenner asked her hurriedly.  He felt that he should follow after them as soon as he could.  Something was about to happen, he felt; something that needed him to be among his friends.
                  “I wish it were easy to explain,” She said to him.  “The winds of time are