The druid rubs her eyes. When I sensed someone powerful enter the town I sent the twins into hiding with Father Tulfgyr. The old dwarf and I might have had our disagreements in the past, but I knew he would keep the children safe.
After some time fighting, Ilmadia grew frustrated that she could not kill me, and so struck out at Great Oak itself." Halla turns to look up at the blackened scar running the length of the tree. "It caused some sort of backlash, and I passed out. That was when Aerihykloarara arrived, fortunately, or I would surely be dead.
I woke to find the woman gone, and then rushed to find the twins. I arrived too late, for Mirek and his hunters had found them first. They said they found Harmony and Valiance standing over Father Tulfgyr, who was dead on the floor. They claimed Mona was chanting over the body, working some hellish magic."
Halla puts her face into her hands again. "I do not believe they did it. They would not have! Perhaps Ilmadia had an ally who struck Tulfgyr down, and Mona was trying to help the dwarf. Or worse, perhaps one of the hunters slew the dwarf. They did not let me examine the Father's body." She takes a deep breath. "Whatever the truth, the hunters attacked the twins, but they managed to flee. I have searched for them with every means at my disposal, to no avail."
She squeezes Zenithral's hand. "I am sorry, husband. I promised I would protect them, and I failed!"