THE HEROES OF DYVERS CHAPTER 7: CLARE'S ERRAND

[Sylvar B.]

Sylvar has been quiet through most of the exchange, bow cradled in the crook of his arm, eyes moving between the towering elf and the noisy axe on Vale’s belt. At Val’s last jab he exhales through his nose, more amused than annoyed.

“Careful, Val,” he says in Common, deadpan. “Keep calling every elf ‘shrimpboy’ and I’m going to start taking that personally.”

He steps forward a few paces so Djyn can clearly see him, hands well away from his weapons. When he speaks again, it’s in smooth, unhurried Elven.

“Ignore the axe, cousin. It was forged without a sense of tact.

I am Sylvar Belanor of the Gray People. These folk are my companions. We’re here on an errand—clearing this place of its traps and its master—not to collar you or bargain for your soul.”
He gestures briefly toward the orb.

“Near as we can tell, some nasty spellcaster tried to turn you into his personal attack dog and parked you in that bauble until he needed you. The magic went sideways. You’re awake, you’re thinking, and you’re not under his thumb. That’s the good news. The bad news is you woke up in here with us.”

Sylvar studies Djyn’s face for a moment, then gives a short, respectful bow from the waist.

“If you decide you want a fight, we’ll give you one. But I'd rather you walk with us for a while. We’ll tell you what year it is, what this place is, and who’s been playing games with your life. Once we’re out of the maze and away from its mistress, you can decide where you’re going next.”

Straightening, Sylvar glances back at Dewydd and Leonard and switches to Common.

Turning to the Djyn Sylvar ends his invitation...

“You have my word, warrior: until you give us a reason otherwise, we’ll treat you as guest and kinsman, not as cargo. Is that good enough for now?”