The Wizard and the Sylph - Page 160/573

Anest and Brogan turned to consider Lily. "How did you know?" Anest asked her.

"Know? Know what?" she responded.

"How did you recognize the Demon?" asked Brogan.

"I didn't," she replied.

"Then why did you point him out to me?" Anest asked her, becoming perplexed.

"Because he was . . . wrong somehow. I don't know exactly. He made me afraid."

Amrhost joined the three, his demeanour noticeably devoid of its haughtiness. He was regarding Lily with an interest that was not altogether appropriate, and said, "You are not an elf! Elves do not have green-gold eyes, nor do they possess hair of such . . . exotic lustre."

There was something about his interest in Lily that made her take Anest's arm and stand behind his shoulder. Amrhost laughed and said to Anest, "Your little friend here doesn't seem to trust me."

"His wife, unless I'm mistaken." It was Grol, the dwarf, who obviously distrusted the northerner as well. "Well, master Amrhost, what think you now, or do you need further proof. A live Demon, say, to take before your king?"

"I am a man of honour, whatever else you may think of me," replied Amrhost sharply. "Does it not suffice that we are lending our assistance?"

There was an uncomfortable silence which Grol tactfully chose to end, saying, "It does."