My last day in the service of Lord Gilliad Shadowbane was spent on a bed in the Temple of Marr. I was dieing from a dose of an incurable slow poison that D`Vinn had given me. I wanted to be among my fellow druids of Karana but I knew that they could not have given me as peaceful a passing as the clerics of Marr had. I traced the rune on the top of the music box that Lady Alani had made for me and listened to the melody that issued forth. I remember the first time hearing this melody had evoked erotic feelings in me as memories of my one night with Ethan filled my mind. This time was different. The music had a soothing effect that gave me peace and eased the pain that the poison had started inflicting on me as my life slowly drained away. Gilliad and his son were on each side of my bed.
“I will surely miss you both.” I said. “I have loved you both like sons.”
“I know you have, Willa.” Replied Gilliad. “I have loved you as if you were my mother at times.”
During all my circles of service to the House of Shadowbane, I never felt more appreciated than when I served Gilliad. He was a wonderful man. As I lay there, on the bed listening to the music box, Gilliad traced the rune on top of his music box and the music from both boxes intertwined. I felt alive even though I was not going to be much longer. Young Gilliadson did the same with his and the music from it joined in with the other two boxes. The melody that they formed together was beautiful. I could see Lady Alani’s face and she was smiling upon me. I do not know if Gilliad and his son saw it too. Gilliad and I talked and the music made me feel strong enough to actually laugh. Yes, I was laughing when I saw the last of the two Shadowbanes. Gilliad and Gilliadson each held one of my hands as I slipped into Karana’s bosom. I had never felt so loved in all my life.
“Willanaome.” A familiar voice sounded in my ear. “Willanaome.” It came again a few seconds later. I knew the voice as one that I loved dearly.
“Ethan?” I called out. “My Love!” Ethan appeared before me.
“Yes my beloved, it is I.” I walked up to him, threw my arms around him and pulled him close to kiss him. “I do not have much time, beloved. Karana has sent me to you with a message and an offer.”
“Lord Karana said that you are one of his most devout followers and would gladly welcome you into his realm but, because of your services to Mithaniel Marr, you have been requested to be returned to Norrath.”
“I must be separated from you again?”
“That choice is yours to make. Eternity with me can start any time. But Lord Shadowbane needs you. I do not have the details my love, but only you can provide the help he needs and yet he does not realize it yet.” But until such time you must prepare yourself. A young follower of Karana is departing Norrath to join him here. You will take over her body. It is not good to put all of your knowledge into such a young body so he will have to strip you of most of your power. You will have to relearn your magic.”
“If the Shadowbanes need me then I must return. I can relearn the magic.”
“So shall it be then. You will not reveal yourself to any of the Shadowbanes until the time arrives. You may however, gather what news of them that you can since you will be aiding them again when they restore the House of Shadowbane. During this time you will answer only to Karana and whatever emissary he may send. The Circle will know of your return and they will assist you in any way possible. Verlaine has taken your place in the Circle.”
“I am glad for her. So she has received the news of her mother’s death.”
“Yes she has. One more thing, you will find that some years have passed since you died. When this lifetime is done, you will have a choice of either joining me here or being with your husband. I will not blame you if you choose him. I know you loved him dearly.”
“One question I have been wanting the answer to for a long time.”
“Why did you go to Nagafen’s Lair on such a foolish adventure.”
“You will find the answer to that question during this lifetime. I love you Willa. Now go.” Ethan kissed me passionately.
When the kiss was over, I found myself in the Misty Thicket. I looked at my hands and they were youthful again though they were not my own. I looked around and saw a group of goblins leaving the area where I was now sitting. I looked around me and saw the bodies of several other Halflings, two adults and a child. I bowed my head and wept for them. I was still weeping when the deputies found me and took me to Rivervale. No one knew the names of the dead Halfling family. Somehow, I knew and told them. I also knew the name of the body I had inhabited but I did not use it, instead, I gave them my own.
It is quite an experience being an old, shriveled up but powerful druid one day and being a young but much weaker one the next. My hair was no longer gray nor was it the chestnut color that it was in my previous youth but was now white as new snow. I had no recollection of the magic I had learned in all my years of service to Karana. I did remember my friends, the Shadowbanes. I knew I had to get stronger so I could go out into the world to seek news of them. I also knew that I had to be ready for whatever service I was to give to them when I was finally revealed to them…
