The city of Silverwood Glade was the most beautiful place Ren and Lyra had ever seen. They walked through a magical doorway in the air and stood on a high platform. Below them, a city was built in the arms of giant, ancient trees. Bridges made of white wood and living vines connected the trees. Waterfalls fell from high branches into clear pools below. The air was clean and smelled like flowers and rain. Soft, magical lights glowed everywhere.
"Wow," Ren whispered. "This is even better than my house."
Elara was happy to be home, but she was also nervous. Elven guards, with serious faces and graceful movements, led them down from the platform. They walked along the high bridges. The elves they passed were tall and beautiful, but they looked at Ren and Lyra with cold, unfriendly eyes. They did not like outsiders.
Elara was a noble lady. The guards took them to her home. It was a grand place, a beautiful house that was grown from the trunk of one of the biggest trees. Inside, a tall elf with long, silver hair was waiting. He was Elara's father, Lord Aerion.
"Elara!" he cried, his cold face breaking into a look of pure joy. He hugged his daughter tightly. "I thought you were lost forever."
"I am safe, Father," Elara said. She then turned to her friends. "These are the ones who saved me. Ren and Lyra."
Lord Aerion's joy faded as he looked at the two humans. His face became cold again. "You have my thanks for returning my daughter," he said, but his voice was not friendly. "We will reward you for your service." He said the word "service" like they were just servants he had hired.
Before Ren could make a funny comment, another elf walked into the room. He was tall and handsome, with proud, arrogant eyes.
"Elara," he said, smiling. "You have returned."
"Loran," Elara said, her voice turning cold.
Loran was a famous elven warrior. He was supposed to marry Elara. He was also the one who led the party that had failed to defeat the Silent King.
Elara told her father the whole story. She told him how Ren and Lyra had saved her, and how Ren had defeated the Silent King all by himself.
Loran laughed, a short, ugly sound. "A human boy? Defeat the Silent King? Do not be foolish, Elara. He is a scavenger. He must have found you after we had already weakened the king." Loran had lied to everyone. He had told them that he had fought bravely and that the others had been weak.
Lord Aerion looked at Ren with doubt in his eyes. He wanted to believe the noble elf, not the strange human boy.
"My daughter's story is... hard to believe," Lord Aerion said. "Loran is one of our finest warriors. He says the king was too strong."
Ren had been quiet, just listening. Now he smiled. "Your finest warrior ran away," he said simply. "I cleaned up his mess."
Loran's face turned red with anger. "You dare insult me, human?!" He turned to Elara's father. "My lord, this human is arrogant. He must be taught a lesson. I challenge him to a duel. A 'friendly' duel, of course. To test his strength."
Elara gasped. "Father, no! You cannot allow this!"
But Ren just shrugged. He was getting tired of all the talking. A duel sounded like much more fun. He looked at the angry elf, and his smile widened.
"A friendly duel?" Ren said. "Of course. I love making new friends."