Levi is a top mage in the Order of the Phoenix and is of the elves of Sylvanauro on Gotodonia. She is among five that can summon the phoenix. The phoenix are solitary spirits and only the most adept are able to get their attnention.

A spell of attraction is cast to lure the fire spirit to a circle where Levi casts an energy snare around it. The snare will only hold the pheonix for a short time, but that is enough time for Levi to identify herself and her order.

Phoenix are generally beneficent and never help those with evil intentions or demeanors. However, their very nature makes it hard to contact them. So, once in awhile, a little trickery needs to be used to get ones attention for help that's not on the immediate catastrophic level. They typically only appear when other great spirits or any of the divine are involved. Levi figured that if some help is gotten now, then a catastrophe can be avoided later. Hopefully the phoenix will see it that way.

Levi is looking for any information that can be used against Jael and his daughter Maella and news of the fall of Rilaun and the loss of protection in the north has sent major concern throughout the east.

A lead has come to Levi's attention to a possibility of help in the north, a lost tribe. An expediton is to be formed with its primary goal being to locate and confirm this tribe of elves. The expedition is allowed to look for survivors of Rilaun, but that is not the priority. Finding a willing group to help guard the northern passes is essential.

And now Levi's heard that Brigit is coming back and supposed to be leading a group north to assess and remedy the situation and Levi is to accompany them.

Considering Brigit's reason for leaving the order Levi is very cynical when it comes to her. Despite her protest and misgivings Levi will be along for the ride. Hopefully any information the phoenix has will help.

The east has the winter to establish a new outpost, but the north can be very forbidding in the winter. It is a blessing and a curse and a major defense. If no one is there to watch the small passes and the one narrow road that appears during summer, then the East is vulnerable to infiltration.

Luckily the invaders and their leader were all, but wiped out and a winter snow came early. Though a large army cannot come from the north through the mountains, spys and guerrilla forces could come through.

The mission is vital, but it smells of a test to Levi, for both her and Brigit.