Just Behind the Waterfall

Prologue
Aragwath, Queen of Shadow, felt it the moment they entered Palanos. A slight shift, a spark of light in the darkness of her mind. It had been so long since she had felt their presence that she could not be sure, but still she allowed herself to hope.
Rustling leaves pulled her attention from her quarry to someone approaching her prison. She turned—as much as her prison would allow—to find a cloaked figure kneeling before her. She gave a slight nod, and the figure rose.
“You’ve come as last.”
“Yes, my Queen,” came a velvety smooth voice from the folds of the cloak.
“Speak,” the Queen said, her voice reverberating through the crystal that held her captive.
“Your Majesty, news has reached my ears that two strange creatures entered Palanos just this morning. They say—” she paused. “My Queen, the report is that they are humans.”
The Queen’s face contorted in an evil grin. The confirmation of her hopes sent a trill through her. “This is excellent news indeed. The time has come to set our plan in motion. Our victory is at hand.” She paused for a moment savoring the idea. “You must wait for the opportune moment. Use their weaknesses against them. One of them must be convinced to undo the magic that binds me here.”
“Forgive me, My Queen, but would it not be easier to simply take what is required of them?”
“What we need cannot be taken. It must be freely given or it will not work. No, they must trust us. That is where you come in, my pet. Play your part well. Our success rides on your shoulders.”
“Very capable shoulders, My Lord. You have nothing to worry about.”
“We shall see. Now go. Stay to the shadows. The Elendir must not know you are there.”
The figure bowed. “It will be done.”