The runner returned and led Roland through the gardens of the palace. After a time he started to feel that this young elf was trying to get him lost. ‘not going to happen laddy buck, I have lived in enough places to remember how to get places.’ After some time he was lead into what looked to be a great garden in the heart of the palace. The other humans of his part had been told to wait outside where they were to be given refreshments. Roland was to see the king alone.
The man sat upon a throne made of living trees looking down at a game board as what could only be his wife made a move on it. They were dressed in fine velvets and not a single strand of hair seemed to be out of place. If not for the sounds of the birds and the small movements they made Roland would have thought he was looking at a painting.
“My lord the Human you requested is here.” The word human was said with a disgusted tone to the boy’s voice. “Your son, the Lord High Prince will be here momentarily.” In one quick breath the runner had condoned Roland and exalted the elfin prince. Roland tried to hide his anger and disgust.
The king waved a hand dismissing the runner and beckoning Roland forward.