"Lady Whitemarsh," Elise said, sitting across from the elderly elf. She folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today. Even so, I didn't expect it would be…alone."
I nodded, glancing around the empty room again. There weren't even any scrying enchantments, though that didn't stop me from keeping Silent Stars active. I'd never make the mistake of dropping it again.
"Please, there's no need to be so formal. I tossed those church bastards out last week, right after we managed to sneak a scout through their blockade."
Elise tilted her head. "Blockade?"
"Ah, forgive me. I grew suspicious when the envoy from Blacksand still hadn't arrived, so I sent some men to investigate. Turns out, the church stationed soldiers on the borders and has intercepted every traveler."
"They killed them!" I gasped, covering my mouth.
