“Bubbly guy,” Morgan said.

Spence followed Trey and Morgan into the structure, with Caleb entering last. The inside appeared more extensive than it had from the outside. The floor was soft and covered with a blanket or carpet. The surface was spongy, as if there might be leaves or pine needles underneath. Glowing bulbs attached around the walls and ceiling provided adequate lighting. Built-in shelves in the walls held various housewares. Thick pillows were strewn across the floor and were the only objects serving as furniture. It reminded Spence of the treehouse his neighbor had built growing up, except that one didn’t have the lights and shelves.

An elf reclined on a pile of pillows in front of the tree trunk, which formed the rear wall. Her body was much different than the male elves. Her face and arms were hairless, and she had long black hair and dark skin. Her dark eyes rested above high, sharp cheekbones. Her nose was flatter and broader than humans, but her lips were pink and human-like. Her body also appeared much leaner and slimmer than the males. She wore a red cloak over the leather clothing beneath. “Sit.” She spoke in a husky voice.

The four selected pillows around the elf and sat. Spence found it surprisingly comfortable with the soft floor and thick pillows, especially with his weariness. He studied Illexya’s face and features. She seemed to have a royal air about her that demanded respect.

“The next group of questers…. I have heard about the spiders. While it saddens me a little, slaying them was an impressive feat. You are the first group to arrive with all its members intact.”

“Part of our quest was to kill the spider mantises. You didn’t want them slain?” Spence asked.

“We did lose an occasional elf when the creatures wandered out of their hole, but they were more of a defense from anyone entering our forest from the east than a hindrance to us.”

“Then why did we have to kill them?” Spence said. He wondered if Illexya didn’t know about the god’s plot to remove the monsters and set the stage for a race war.

“We do not question the gods' wishes,” Illexya replied.

“Have you seen a lot of groups?” Caleb asked.

“Every few months, some will pass through. But it has not been long since the last—two males and a female were all that remained. I assume they did not make it too far into the mountains if you are already here.”

“Do you ever hear of what happens to them?” Spence asked.

“No. We do not interact with the dwarves or have not in years. We do not leave our forest, and they do not leave the mountains,” Illexya replied. Her eyes moved to each of them, studying them in detail.

“Because of the monsters?” Caleb said.

“Yes. It is too dangerous to be worth it. There are the wastelands between the Forbidden Forest and the Desolate Peaks roamed by beasts, just as there are between the Nephilim and us. My people will escort you to the edge of the forest. Then you will be on your own.”

“Can you tell us anything about what we do when we reach the mountains?” Caleb asked.

“Only that you must seek out Thordr in the dwarven town of Kaldrfell. I assume there will be a path or trail leading to their town. He will inform you of the next part.”

“This is like the worst scavenger hunt ever,” Morgan said.

“I will see that we fill your packs with food and water before you leave tomorrow. Now, if you will follow me, we shall feast. You may leave your gear; you will sleep here tonight.”

Illexya led them out of her hut and to the large gathering across the plank. Female elves crowded the platform, holding plates of food and mugs of drink. Some stood, and others sat in small groups. There wasn’t laughter or boisterous talk as there had been in Argos, but just a steady hum of conversation. Wooden tables stood at the far side of the platform, filled with trays and plates of food like a potluck dinner. Tall glass containers held a red liquid resembling wine.

Illexya led them through the crowd to the tables, greeting and speaking to many elves along the way. They each grabbed a wooden plate and loaded it with food. The fare consisted of several types of meat, vegetables, and bread. They didn’t fully recognize anything, but they hadn’t eaten their fill since Argos, so they piled their plates full. They each poured themselves a wooden cup full of the red liquid and then followed Illexya to one of the few areas open enough to sit.

Spence didn’t realize the extent of his hunger. His body had begun adapting to the small, bland meals of meat and cheese he forced down three times a day. Now, they had hot and flavorful food. He wanted to savor the myriad of flavors, to let the food melt in his mouth. But he didn’t have the willpower and shoveled it in. The others, except for Illexya, did the same.

The red liquid was a thick, sweet wine. Spence had never actually tasted wine, but this was really good. It tasted like grape juice, other than being warm and burning slightly on the way down. He drank as if he hadn’t had water in days. He knew he shouldn’t drink wine so fast, but again, he was weak. Several male elves made rounds through the crowd and ensured his plate and cup stayed full.

“Meat again, Morgan?” Trey asked.

“Nope.”

“Why not? You loved the rabbit,” Caleb said.

“Because there are other, delicious options,” Morgan said, devouring another piece of bread resembling a traditional yeast roll.

“Hey, Spence, you digging all the hot elf chicks?” Trey said, grinning with his mouth full of food.

Spence studied the female elves. They all closely resembled Illexya. They were slimmer than the males and had bare faces, but they still had short legs and long arms. They were definitely more feminine than the males, but he doubted any humans would classify them as attractive. “Uh, let’s just say I don’t think they’re my type.”

“You all are pigs,” Morgan said, glaring at both of them.

Spence quickly turned to Illexya before Trey or Morgan could speak again. “So, Illexya, I’ve noticed most of the elves on this level are female, and most of the ones in the forest were male,” Spence said. “Are the women in charge?”

Illexya eyed him for a moment, then laughed. “Well, I have been the ruler of the elves for some time. But that does not mean the females rule the males. I prefer the companionship of the females, and they inhabit more of the upper levels of Sabekha. The males stick more to the lower levels and also patrol the forest. It just occurred naturally over time.” She paused for a moment to sip some wine. “I suppose once my rule is over, the next leader could have different ideas.”

“I personally love it,” Morgan chimed in, grinning. “Keep them boys out of our tree. Can you make my companions go down a level or two?”

Illexya turned to Morgan and returned the smile. “Not tonight. You will all sleep in my hut.”

They ate and drank steadily for the next half hour until they finally began to slow. Illexya had eaten leisurely and gracefully, watching the four with a slightly amused expression. She finished her first plate around the same time they had completed three or four. “Tell me of your adventures in our world,” she finally said, handing his plate to one of the serving elves.

Spence’s stomach was stuffed to bursting, and his head had begun to swim. He felt good, though. The wine had even more effect than the ale had in Argos. He also felt talkative. He started narrating all the details since they had entered this world. He left out the part of the cave by the river, though, and everything Titus had told them. He also didn’t reveal his encounter with Enki, of course. Caleb scowled at him several times as if he were saying too much, but Spence ignored him. He didn’t reveal anything he considered a secret.

“Very impressive,” Illexya spoke when Spence finally finished with them killing the spider mantises. “As I said earlier, you have fared better than the others.”

“Tell us about your god, Artemis,” Morgan said suddenly with a slight slur. Her cheeks were red from the wine.

Illexya stared at Morgan for a moment, with a flash of anger almost too quick to perceive. Her face then resumed its normal, stoic expression. “She is a good goddess and provides for my people. She created the Forbidden Forest and us–she is the goddess of the wilderness and hunt. If we obey her, she keeps us safe. She also keeps the other races away from us.”

“Is that good?” Morgan asked.

“Is what good?”

“That the races are all separate. Why couldn’t you all just intermingle and live in peace?”

Illexya clenched her teeth together for only a second. “It is not for us to decide. It is the business of the gods. But we do not trust the other races. We believe we have the best life here in the Forbidden Forest. The Nephilim live in the unprotected open plains; the dwarves in the harsh, rugged mountains; and the Draconians in the hot swamp. They would all probably love to live in our safe, temperate forest.”

“So, even if the monsters are removed, you would just stay here?” Caleb asked.

“Most likely. We have everything we need.”

Spence watched Morgan intently, surprised that she asked about Artemis. She had shown little interest in the gods until now. What if Artemis had spoken to her, just as Enki had to him? It might make sense since she was female and ruled the elves. And Artemis was the goddess of the hunt and usually illustrated with a bow. That must be it—the elves might be her future followers. He would have to watch her closely.

“Does she visit you?” Morgan continued.

“We see her occasionally. She can appear and disappear at any time. But mostly, she speaks to us in our dreams.” Illexya studied Morgan intently.

“What does she look like?” Morgan asked.

“She wears a green tunic, embroidered with gold, that comes to her knees and a golden crown with a half-moon symbol. Her hair is golden, and her body is muscular.”

“And what does she tell you?” Morgan pressed.

“She can tell us the future or give us tasks to do. But we never speak to each other regarding what she chooses to enlighten us with.” Illexya suddenly stood. “I know you are exhausted, and I can see the wine is thick in your veins. It is time to go and sleep. Your quest resumes tomorrow.” She walked through the slightly diminished crowd of elves who acted a little happier and livelier since they had eaten and indulged heavily in the wine. She didn’t look back to see if they followed.