"Yes, I saw it. The attack is such that it causes a great flash of light, and needs no incantation... but when the light faded, she was there, standing next to our wounded leader, her staff held in front of her. There was no one else near him. The thief who had had the heirloom was gone." She sighs, shaking her head. "I wish it had been just my eyes betraying me... But both Hillard and I saw it, clear as day. Jun, too, of course. Our two other friends were fighting the monsters further away... but they saw the flash of the spell, too."

For a moment, Alena looks into the flames, as if they could explain to her the reason for it all.

"I never thought so, but... to tell you the truth, she was with the party because she had been courted by their former leader. I never knew him, but everyone tells me they were deeply in love. After Dweyre died, she stayed to look after his younger brother, Degar... but when he disappeared, well. I'm not sure she had much reason to stay, or be loyal to anyone who remained. I thought we were friends... but I suppose she didn't earn the name Sly Ellia for nothing."