For a moment no one spoke. Everyone stared silently at Silvara, considering this new possibility. Derek lifted his head, his eyes gleaming. Laurana flashed a look of alarm at Sturm.
“I do not think one person should be charged with such a grave responsibility,” Sturm said, his breath coming haltingly.
“Two of us should go-at least.”
“Meaning yourself, Brightblade?” Derek asked angrily.
“Yes, of course, Sturm should go,” Laurana said, “if anyone.”
“I can draw a map through the mountains.” Silvara said eagerly. “The way is not difficult. The outpost of the knights is only a two-day journey from here.”
“But we can’t fly,” Sturm protested. “What about our tracks. Surely the elves will see we’ve split up.”
“An avalanche,” Silvara suggested. “Theros throwing the boulders down behind us gave me the idea.” She glanced up. They followed her gaze. Snow-covered peaks towered above them, the snow hanging over the edges.
“I can cause an avalanche with my magic,” Gilthanas said slowly. “It will obliterate everyone’s tracks.”
“Not entirely,” cautioned Silvara. “We must allow ours to be found once again-though not too obviously. After all, we want them to follow us.”
“But where will we go?” asked Laurana. “I don’t intend to wander aimlessly through the wilderness.”
“I-I know a place.” Silvara faltered, her gaze dropping to the ground. “It is secret, known only to my people. I will take you there.” She clasped her hand together. “Please, we must hurry. There isn’t much time!”
“I will take the orb to Sancrist,” Derek said, “and I will go alone. Sturm should go with your group. You’ll need a fighter.”
“We have fighters.” Laurana said. “Theros, my brother, the dwarf. I, myself, have seen my share of battle-”
“And me.” piped Tasslehoff.
“And the kender,” Laurana added grimly. “Besides, it will not come to bloodshed.” Her eyes saw Sturm’s troubled face and wondered what he was thinking. Her voice softened. “The decision is up to Sturm, of course. He must do as he believes best, but I think he should accompany Derek.”
“I agree,” muttered Flint. “After all, we’re not the ones who are going to be in danger. We’ll be safer without the dragon orb. It’s the orb the elves want.”
“Yes.” agreed Silvara, her voice soft. “We’ll be safer without the orb. It is you who will be in danger.”
“Then my way is clear.” Sturm said. “I will go with Derek.”
“And if I order you to stay behind?” Derek demanded.
“You have no authority over me,” Sturm said, his brown eyes dark. “Have you forgotten? I am not a knight.”
There was a painful, profound silence. Derek stared at Sturm intently.
“No,” he said, “and if I have my way, you never will be!”
Sturm flinched, as if Derek had struck him a physical blow. Then he stood up, sighing heavily.
Derek had already begun to gather his gear. Sturm moved more slowly, picking up his bedroll with thoughtful deliberation. Laurana pulled herself to her feet and went to Sturm.
“Here,” she said, reaching into her pack. “You’ll need food-”
“You could come with us.” Sturm said in low tones as she divided up their supplies. “Tanis knows we were going to Sancrist. He will come there, too, if possible.”
“You’re right,” Laurana said, her eyes brightening. “Perhaps that would be a good idea-” Then her eyes went to Silvara. The Wilder elf held the dragon orb, still shrouded in its cloak. Silvara’s eyes were closed, almost as if she were communing with some unseen spirit. Sighing, Laurana shook her head. “No, I’ve got to stay with her, Sturm,” she said softly. “Something’s not right. I don’t understand-“she broke off, unable to articulate her thoughts. “What about Derek?” she asked instead. “Why is he so insistent on going alone? The dwarf’s right about the danger. If the elves capture you, without us, they won’t hesitate to kill you.”
Sturm’s face was drawn, bitter. “Can you ask? Lord Derek Crownguard returns alone out of horrifying dangers, bearing with him the coveted dragon orb-” Sturm shrugged.
“But there’s so much at stake.” Laurana protested.
“You’re right, Laurana,” Sturm said harshly. “There’s a lot at stake. More than you know-the leadership of the Knights of Solamnia. I can’t explain it now. . . .”
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