Yu'trellum knelt on one knee, keeping as much of his weight on his good leg as he could. He looked only at the smooth wood of the floor. His ears burned bright with shame.

Phynn stood next to a window. "We expected more of you than this."

"Yes, father."

"Already the peerage is talking about war with the circles. Is that what you want?"

"No, mother."

Eri sighed and bent enough to lift her son's face gently up. "I know you don't. You want what's best for everyone. You want what's best for Queen Nystri."

Yu'trellum nodded. His face was placid, but his ears burned all the hotter. 

"Stand up, dear. You've suffered more than enough," Eri helped Yu'trellum to his feet. He leaned on her, just a little, as they walked to a lounging sofa that seemed to have grown up out of the floor long ago. They sat together and Eri held Yu'trellum's hand.

He cleared his throat, "Do you really think the peerage would push for war?"

Phynn scoffed, then sat next to Eri, "No. It might afford some the chance to raise their standing, but they all prefer the quiet long game. War is too risky. Not to mention, it would distract from their usual lavish lifestyles. They would want anything but that. Yet, it seems the citizenry may demand it."

Eri nodded, "The nobles have been doing their best to spread Piroline's report that Queen Nystri simply went off on her own. If people believed that, why, they would be concerned and worried, certainly, but it would fade. Assuming no harm befell the queen, people would get used to it. But, you don't believe Piroline's report, do you?"

Yu'trellum shook his head slowly, "No. The gnomes may have proven that her mind was not being tampered with magically, but that isn't the whole story."

Phynn stood back up and paced to the window, "The people seem to agree with you. Your report is spreading. I've had three merchants from out of town ask me about it over the last two days. They all heard the same thing: A demon has absconded with our beloved matriarch."

"We must not let war come to pass," Yu'trellum said. "We must bring Queen Nystri back. As soon as I'm fit to travel I'll go find her myself."

"That's my boy," Eri said and hugged him.

"You'll need help," Phynn said and tapped his index finger to his chin. "I have a few ideas. Get some rest and I'll ensure you have supplies. Gather whoever you wish. Is a week long enough?"

Yu'trellum stood. He hid the pain from his leg. "Five days will suffice."

They parted ways and Yu'trellum spent the next few days recovering, researching, writing letters, and speaking with many people.

On the fifth day he met his father outside the gate of their estate. Five giant elk waited, saddled and bridled. He spoke with his father of simple logistics while they waited for the rest of Yu'trellum's party and their agreed upon departure time.

The first to arrive was a pixie woman. She was only half Nystri's height, about six inches tall. 

"Father, allow me to introduce you to Gwen. She's an expert in plant magics."

Gwen and Phynn exchanged curtsies and bows. She said, "I pledge myself to this cause and your son. We shall see our queen safe."

"Indeed, we shall," said a voice from the shadows of the nearby trees. A dryad man stepped out into the light of day. He was tall with hard dark bark for skin and only a small set of leaves for hair. 

"Old friend! Father, you may remember Othru. I know no better tracker."

Before they could say anything Yu'trellum's voice came from a little ways away. "You may remember me, too, father!" A second Yu'trellum walked towards them. 

The real Yu'trellum scowled. In unison the two Yu'trellums said, "We've talked about this! No imitating members of the party. Come now! I'm serious." They groaned in unison, too.

Finally the newcomer began to laugh and changed their shape to that of a young human man. "Sorry, Yu. You're just so fun to tease. And it's so easy!" 

Yu'trellum sighed. "Father, this is Theovon."

Phynn chuckled. "I can see you'll be quite useful to my son. Don't be too mean to him, hm?" 

Theovon flashed a smile. "Of course! I'm here to help."

Yu'trellum straightened his jerkin. "Yes, well. I suppose that just leaves Astrid."

Othru pointed up at the wall next to the gate. "She's here." 

A harpy perched on the wall. She held her wings close. Shiny black feathers gleamed in the late morning sun. She leapt from the wall and extended her wings, gliding in a wide circle until she dropped the last few feet to stand before Phynn and Yu'trellum. They exchanged pleasantries.

"Well, we should be off, father," Yu'trellum said, then turned towards the elk.

"Hold a moment. There is one member left." 

Yu'trellum stopped and raised an eyebrow, then turned to his father. "Who might that be?"

Phynn called out, "Fasa'thu, would you join us?"

An elvish merchant stepped out from behind the gate. His clothing was fine silk of deep purple with a leather vest over top. He wore a feathered cap, which he removed with a flourish and bowed before those assembled. 

"Wait. He's woven a glamour about himself!" Theovon said.

Fasa'thu smiled and looked at Phynn. Phynn's face was severe, and he said, "To deal with this demon that has our queen, I thought you might benefit from having an expert with you. Allow me to present Fasa'thu, Demon Prince and Son of Reason."

"Demon prince!" Yu'trellum shouted. "Father, we cannot associate ourselves with those of the circles. We'll be tainted."

"Bah!" Fasa'thu said. "Such superstitious nonsense. We're people, too. With lives and hope and dreams. Really not so different, at all. And if you hope to catch my dear sister, you'll need my help."

Phynn nodded, "Exactly. Tell me, Yu, what do you know of this demoness that has our queen?"

Yu'trellum frowned and cleared his throat. "Well, she is an expert in deceit. Her glamours are nearly impenetrable. She wields a whip that can tame beasts. She has some ice magic through her blood. Her skin is protected from weapons of metal."

Phynn pressed his lips into a thin line, "What about her name?"

"Name? Well, that's… Am… something," Yu'trellum mumbled.

Fasa'thu laughed, "Don't feel bad, lad. I'm surprised you learned as much as you did. But, you've only scratched the surface. She's capable of much more. I should know, I taught her much of it."

Yu'trellum stepped towards Fasa'thu. "And why should we trust you at all? What do you have to gain by helping us?"

Fasa'thu shrugged easily. "Reigning in my sister is its own reward. More importantly, I desire war with the fae no more than you do. Especially since we had nothing to do with this abduction. If working with you can avert such a disastrous outcome, I’m all for it."

"I also have a strict contract with him," Phynn said. "He's bound to our command until Queen Nystri is safely out of that demoness' influence."

Yu'trellum narrowed his eyes. "Very well, father. If you'll vouch for him, and the contract that you've entered, then I shall trust you, regardless of my misgivings."

Phynn stepped close and clasped Yu'trellum's shoulder. Then he whispered, "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner, son. We just closed the deal a few minutes before everyone gathered." He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a bundle of papers and envelopes. "The elk will carry you anywhere you need to go over land. These letters of introduction will guarantee you passage across the seas at any major port. There's also a copy of the contract. Review it carefully."

"Thank you for everything, father. We will find Queen Nystri." He embraced his father.

"I have no doubt."