Part 2

In the morning, after a light breakfast, Syndra ordered the rangers to stay in the Inn, and went to the Graveyard of the Lost alone. As she walked past dozens of rows of graves, she reflected on how many people of all races might be buried here. Hundreds? Thousands? More?

After a few minutes of walking, she found her way to Sirene's grave. It was adorned with a modest life sized statue of Sirene, standing with her hands on her hips, and a smile on her face. She knelt to read the description.

Here lies Sirene Ignitis, Born on the 13th of Vakop, 7499. Died 27th of Pidn, 9982, aged 2483 years. May she have found peace at last, reunited with her parents, Gallus and Vesuvia.

Syndra stood up, but then sat on the bench in front of the statue. She thought of the differences between her and Sirene, when given long lives. She spent centuries weeping in the woods, and only a chance encounter with Neville Hargrave led her to re-take her throne and avenge her family. Sirene meanwhile, travelled the world for millennia, making and losing hundreds of friends in the process.

"To hell with her, good riddance." Syndra said out loud, but quietly. "Rest in peace, you lunatic."

Syndra got up, and angrily started to walk back to the Inn, but something caught her eye in another one of the old sections of the graveyard. Was that an Elven statue? She changed direction and walked over to it. There was a nameplate on it, but it was overgrown, brushing away the plants and the dirt, she was surprised by the name on it, Valmaris.

"One of my ancestors? Buried here?" Syndra said out loud.

"Well, don't often get visitors in this section." A rough voice behind her said.

Syndra spun around and found herself face to face with an older dwarf, his beard full of gray hair, and holding a cane.

"Name's Jaret. Who might you be?" He said, offering a hand.

Syndra looked down at his dirty hand and frowned. So casually offering his hand to her. "Syndra. Queen Syndra Valmaris." She replied, not touching his outstretched hand.

"A Queen she calls herself! Well, at your service, m'lady!" Jaret said, laughing heartily, and bowing.

"Hmph. I assure you I'm a Queen." Syndra said with a scowl. "Who's buried here?"

Jaret laughed again. "This section's nearly as old as the Inn. Nobody knows, Queenie. But you were at the old Valmaris statue. Come to pay respects?"

"If you must know, I was here to visit Sirene's grave." Syndra said icily, still scowling. "But I saw this statue on my way back."

"It's an odd one, I'll give it that." Jaret said, looking at the statue. "An old, overgrown statue in this section of the graveyard. One of your relatives, perhaps?" Jaret speculated.

"Perhaps. I best be going." Syndra said, leaving without another word.

Jaret watched Syndra leave, and shook his head.

"Royalty." He said with a chuckle.