As night finally fell, they could see nothing of the enemy, and there was no sound. There was a general sense of relief, as though their danger was for now at bay. But Celedhan was made wary by this development, and ordered several of those sharp-eyed elves on watch to scrutinize the shore with renewed vigilance.
Dorain was watching the shoreline, but her mind was elsewhere. It was some time before she realised that Lily was sitting next to her. She acknowledged the sylph with a nod. Lily, too, was watching the shore, but her features were tense, fearful.
"I don't understand. Whatever do they have to gain in all this?"
Unprepared for such a question from Lily, it was some time before Dorain was able to reply. "I suppose they are what they were made to be."
"Then, their minds are controlled . . . ?"
"No . . . no. They have free will. They have to think for themselves."
"Then they have something to gain."
Dorain turned to regard Lily, as if for the first time. "No. There is nothing for them in this. Except perhaps our destruction. I suppose that would be enough."
"Why would they want to destroy us? We are not responsible for the way they are."
Dorain turned back to peer into the darkness, but she could see nothing. Yet, out of the darkness came a reply.