Wulfsen came into the war room. "Xavier- what the hell has happened since I've been away?"

Xavier jumped to his feet. "So much. We have another apparently false Nelek in the dungeon, most of the raiders are dead, the leader is captured and in the dungeon. We hold no hope for him surviving though. Today, though...I don't know why everyone has been antagonizing Mrs. Gerthrim and Mrs. Spenser, but...we've had a murder. He was taunting Mrs. Gerthrim about her cooking skills, her parenting skill and insulting her daughter in the most grevious of manners. Mrs. Gerthrim couldn't take it, not after everything else that has happened." All of this was said in a rush of words, he was so relieved to see Wulfsen returned.

"It sounds like Mrs Gerthrim belongs in the healing room being treated- not the dungeons. What the hell?" Wulfsen had not even noticed that Aislyn Gerthrim was there. "That false Nelek... Was he the one we found? How do you know he's fake?"

"I agree. I found out after the fact and hurried to the dungeon only to find her being taunted by Mazi. And then the fake Nelek came in trying to force his way to her. Mrs. Gerthrim said he was too tall and Mazi called him his king. He came in with Shawn and Lek, so yes, I would presume he's the one you all brought with you."

"Sileas suspected, but Lek was so sure... I was hoping it was really him." Wulfsen shook his head. "God, what did they do to the real Nelek? Is he even still alive or would he want to be after everything that has happened?" Then he realized that Aislyn was in the room. He paled. "Mrs Gerthrim- I was just... Just because we haven't found him yet doesn't mean he is not to be found."

"At this point, I fear the very worst. They've either killed him or he died where they were holding him captive." Aislyn wiped at her eyes. "So not only did I lose most of my children, I now must accept my husband is gone."

Wulfsen sighed. He fished in his pockets for a clean handkerchief, but it had been over a week since he last had a clean handkerchief.

"Don't lose hope, we will keep looking." Wulfsen promised. "If Mazi hasn't told us anything useful we will see how this false Nelek holds up to interrogation. We will find out what happened to your husband."

Aislyn nodded dejectedly. Of course, it had already been two years since she had felt as if she had a husband. "I have very little in the lines of hope at this point, but I'll hold on to a thread of it."

"This won't end here." Wulfsen said and offered Aislyn his hand. "Would you like to go to the Healing Room? Difyr could make you some of that tea. You have been through a lot and if I know you you have been working too hard. You need to rest."

"Yes, I would, Lord Thornblade. I promise I won't leave the healing room without your permission. I know I have to answer for what I have done."

"You may have been justified for killing him. If I had a daughter and someone spoke badly of her I probably would do the same. But I think it would be best if you stayed in there." Wulfsen led Aislyn to the door. "Xavier, I'll be back for more details."

"All right. Shawn and I will write up an official report on all she told us and we can make a determination from there." Truthfully, he felt for the woman and hoped Wulfsen would agree on treatment instead of incarceration. Or worse.

"I meant, more details on all that happened while I was gone." Wulfsen clarified. "I want to know what happened to those raiders."

"Ah. Yes. All right. I will show you Sir Force's report on the capture and attack on the raiders."

Wulfsen nodded and led Aislyn out of the room and headed out to the main building.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF AIS!" Liadan shrieked.

Aislyn sighed. What she didn't need was a lot of drama with Lia. "He's just taking me to Difyr. Calm down, Lia."

"You didn't let the fake Nelek get to you- I'm not going to stand by while the guards have their way with you." Liadan said. "C'mon Ais, we found Nelek."

"Lia, please, I can't take any more hostility and anger. Lord Thornblade is not going to have his way with me. Lord De Vale and Shawn did not harm me. You can walk quietly with me though. I"m not allowed to leave the healing room."

"Well hurry up, he's in the healing room." Liadan said impatiently.

Aislyn wasn't at all certain that she was up to another man claiming to be Nelek. At least not right now. But she supposed she would have to face him.

Wulfsen let go of Aislyn's hand. He did not think she would try to get away and did not want more yelling from Liadan.

Aislyn headed for the healing room.

Wulfsen returned to the War Room.

"Well, Mr Gerthrim is in the Healing Room. At least Mrs Gerthrim believes it's him." Wulfsen said and flopped into a chair.

"What? How did that happen?" Shawn asked in confusion. "Surely not the one from the dungeon."