> "Are we ready, then, to seek out and destroy this one-eyed assassin and
> rescue J'layah's sister?  Methinks we must needs move quickly, as those
> traitors are sufficiently privy to our plans that we may already have lost the
> advantage of  surprise."

Balefire's words sent a jolt of adrenalin through J'layah and a small
knot of fear settled in the pit of her stomach (the only thing she'd
managed to keep down all morning).  The moment both dreaded and
anticipated had finally arrived.  She wandered over to where Elfiran was
busily stacking parcels of food and kegs of ale, whistling a merry ditty
as he worked.  "I know you are coming with us Elfiran, but I just wanted
to thank you for your wonderful hospitality and generousity," she
gestured at the mountain of supplies.  "Tamriel could sorely use more
folk like yourself."  Then she turned and sought out Twilight, who was
conducting a final weapons check.  "Shall we?"

Less than half an hour later the entire party gathered at the Mages
Guild.  "Are you sure you can track us Balefire?" J'layah asked, "I
would hate to arrive on the one-eyed man's doorstep with no support!" 
The big warmage's nod was confident as he assured her the rest of the
party would arrive on the scene shortly after she and Twilight.  "Right
then,  wish us luck!"  She looked around for Twilight, nearly jumping
out of her skin when the newly invisible elf placed a hand on her
shoulder.  J'layah began reciting the words that would transport them to
Aldingbury, and into the lion's den.  

When the disorienting effect of the teleport spell faded, the women
found themselves on a vast, arid plain surrounded by low hills.  A great
stone citadel loomed ahead - less than a mile in the distance.  The air
was very dry and the temperature several degrees hotter than Vanshire. 
J'layah was puzzled. "This is not Aldingbury.  Perhaps I uttered the
spell incorrectly!"  
"Something is amiss here," Twilight hissed, "very wrong."  Her true
invisibility spell suddenly flickered and died.........