The doors to the audience hall stood open. The two Hgirh standing to either side of them did not even acknowledge two more Isyar entering the hall. Jorvanultumn had watched at least three dozen go through those doors. It was going to be packed in there.

Word had spread in the last two days—word that the human, Meleng Drago’s kidnapper were Isyar. And not just any Isyar—Isyar who were part of a group of Darkness Worshippers, something that, as far as most understood, did not exist. Even worse, two of those Darkness Worshippers were on the Lamdritta. There were a lot of people in Chithishtheny very angry at their Lamdritta.

Jorvanultumn did not blame them. He was pretty angry himself. He did partially understand, though, why the Lamdritta had not wanted anyone to know about this. It absolutely was causing chaos. But it was a chaos Chithishtheny needed to endure.

“I am holding you personally responsible for this, Fevionawishtensen!”

Jorvanultumn turned at the sound of Mikranasta’s voice. She was storming down the hall, looking back behind her at Fevionawishtensen’s agitated signing.

Me? How is this my fault?

“They were in your custody! You are responsible!”

“What’s going on?” Jorvanultumn asked as Mikranasta stormed past him. She only hissed in response as she stormed into the audience chamber.

Fevionawishtensen extended her forefinger and pinky and flicked her hand towards Mikranasta’s back.

Jorvanultumn held up his hands as she got close to him. “Please tell me what’s going on?”

Fevionawishtensen stopped and took a couple deep breaths before responding. She is insufferable sometimes.

Jorvanultumn could not disagree. Mikranasta could be slow to anger, but her rage could be terrible once roused. “Why is she angry at you? What does she think you did?”

Fevionawishtensen sighed and lowered her face into her hand. She slumped over slightly, then looked up at Jorvanultumn with sorrowful eyes. Nascanmat and the elementalist are dead.

“Wha…?” He could not quite form the whole word.

We found them a couple hours ago.

“How?”

We don’t know for sure, but mentalism magic was used. It looks like they just...stopped. Like someone got their minds to just stop their heart beating.

“Is that even possible?”

She looked at him askance and signed agitatedly, They’re dead, aren’t they?

“Yes, sorry, stupid question.” Gods, this was not good. Questioning Nascanmat and the other one—they had not even identified the other one yet—had been the only hope of uncovering more of what the Pundritta were up to. No wonder Mikranasta was angry.

Fevionawishtensen leaned against him, her body convulsing slightly.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “This isn’t your fault.”

She wiped her eyes and stepped back a bit to sign. Yes, it is. Mikranasta’s right. They were under my jurisdiction. They were my responsibility.

He put his arms around her and touched his wings to hers. “If it was a mentalist capable of stopping someone’s heart, what could you or any of your people have done? A person that powerful could sneak past anyone.”

She sobbed for a moment, then sniffled and pulled back from him a bit. It doesn’t matter. I failed. My diare is going to kill me.

Jorvanultumn shook his head. “I’m sure he’ll understand.”

She looked at him askance again.

He sighed. That was fair. He had only met Abatorwishtensen a few times, and only for a short period on each occasion. However, he had come away from those meetings believing Abatorwishtensen was the most intimidating person he had ever met. Jorvanultumn could easily believe he would not understand. “If you want, I can go with you when you speak to him.”

Oh, you’ll be with me. He’ll be here soon.

“Wait, he’s coming here? To this meeting? I didn’t even know he was in town.”

She nodded. He arrived last night. And he almost certainly already knows about the deaths.

Jorvanultumn gulped. “Do you have anything you can tell him? Any leads? Any idea who did it? Could it have been Paydamat?”

She shrugged. I wouldn’t have thought even Paydamat was that powerful, but I don’t know. Maybe.

“And it would mean she killed her own siare.” Something was very wrong. Before the battle, Jorvanultumn had thought it had all been a little too simple, a little too convenient. But finding Nascanmat standing by Meleng had convinced him. Yet, as he thought back now, Nascanmat had been terrified, but had it been terror of being caught? Or had it been the terror of being falsely accused? He claimed not to know how he had gotten there. Could that be true? Could someone have mind-controlled him just as they had Itra? And then they killed Nascanmat and the other one to stop anyone finding out Nascanmat was not involved. And perhaps Paydamat’s disappearance was not because she had fled, but because she was dead too.

Jorvanultumn shuddered. These were terrifying thoughts, as it meant whoever the mentalist was, they were more powerful than either Paydamat or Mikranasta.

Fevionawishtensen wiped her eyes and face again, then straightened up. I’d better get inside. Are you coming?

“I’m just waiting for Sinitïa. I’ll join you soon.”

She nodded, and quickly touched her forehead and wing tips to his, then hurried into the audience chamber.

It turned out she was just in time to avoid her diare, as Abatorwishtensen, flanked by two other Hgirh, came into view down the corridor just as Jorvanultumn turned to face that way. He was broad-figured, but with Abatorwishtensen, it was more than just his wings. He was broad-shouldered as well, muscular, and somewhat tall—not a giant, but taller than typical for a male Isyar, at least a couple inches over five feet.

Jorvanultumn always found himself drawn towards Abatorwishtensen’s short, white beard. It was incredibly rare for an Isyar to be able to grow facial hair (or any hair at all), and Jorvanultumn suspected it played a large role in making him appear so intimidating. There was also the swagger stick he always carried, often tapping it in his opposite hand. That added to the intimidation factor. As Jorvanultumn thought about it, the least intimidating thing about Abatorwishtensen was the red, instead of yellow, trim of his uniform marking his rank, but even that managed to be intimidating.

As Abatorwishtensen got close, Jorvanultumn straightened his posture and tried his best to not look intimidated.

Abatorwishtensen stopped in front of Jorvanultumn and snapped his feet together. The other two Hgirh snapped to attention beside him. He held out his left hand. “Jorvanultumn.”

Jorvanultumn clasped his hand. “Hgirham Abatorwishtensen. I hope you are well.”

“As well as can be expected given recent events. These are disturbing times. Darkness Worshippers in Chithishtheny’s Lamdritta. Kidnapping. Murders. Very disturbing indeed.” He waved his swagger stick in Jorvanultumn’s direction. “Your name seems to be in the middle of a lot of it, too, though mostly on the positive side of it all, at least. It seems we may even have you to thank for coming through this at all. Well done.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Abatorwishtensen tapped his swagger stick in his opposite hand. “Though there is also the matter of your elispt. Your Lamdritta may have absolved you, but it will still bring complications. Many will not be happy with you. It is good you are leaving again, soon.”

Jorvanultumn resisted the urge to gulp. “Yes, sir.”

“Is Fevionawishtensen here? I have words to speak with her, though they will have to wait until after the meeting.”

“She is inside.”

“Very good. We will speak later, Jorvanultumn.” Abatorwishtensen slapped his fist holding his swagger stick against his chest. “Pleasant thoughts.”

Jorvanultumn tried to be just as intense slapping his own chest. He almost winded himself. “Pleasant thoughts, Hgirham.”

Abatorwishtensen turned on his heel and entered the audience chamber, the other two Hgirh falling into line with him.

Once they were inside, Jorvanultumn took a long, deep breath.

Over the next several minutes, more Isyar arrived and entered the audience chamber. Finally, Sinitïa arrived with Captain Gen and Miana Ting. Sinitïa was carrying several papers in one hand. Upon seeing Jorvanultumn, she rushed forward and threw her arms around him. “Meleng’s awake!”

At last, some good news!

Jorvanultumn hugged her, doing his best not to ruffle the heavy blue gown she was wearing. He hoped she was not too cold. “Thank the gods.” Even though Mikranasta had said it would take awhile, Meleng had been unconscious so long, Jorvanultumn was starting to worry he would not wake at all. This news was truly a relief.

When Sinitïa let go of him, she was bouncing about on her feet. “He’s still a little woozy, and he kept wondering if I was real, but he’s awake.”

“Mikranasta did say he might question reality,” Jorvanultumn said.

“I know.” Sinitïa smiled. “Is it time to go in?”

“Are you ready?”

She nodded vigorously. “A little nervous. And cold. But ready.”

He offered her his arm. She took it and they headed into the audience chamber. Gen and Miana Ting followed behind them.

Sinitïa gazed about wide-eyed. “There are so many here.”

Jorvanultumn gave her a reassuring smile. “I know. It is more than I expected.”

Gen leaned forward, touching her shoulder from behind. “You’ll be fine, my dear.”

Jorvanultumn led them through the throngs of people until they were just inside the central circle made by the pillars. This area was mostly empty apart from Mikranasta, Abatorwishtensen, Fevionawishtensen, and a few Hgirh keeping the other people back.

A few jeers of “Eliïspt!” erupted from within the crowd, but they fell silent at stern looks from the Hgirh.

“It’s so big.” Sinitïa gazed up. “Do they really sit up there? It’s so high. I’d be afraid of falling.”

“Don’t forget, Isyar have wings,” Gen said.

Mikranasta came up on Sinitïa’s other side. As she did so, a loud clang reverberated throughout the room from above. Everyone fell silent and looked up. A moment later, Maramintorin and Griholbovroh entered the audience chamber on their respective bridges above. They marched slowly to their perches, Maramintorin on the fifth and Griholbovroh on the sixth.

Griholbovroh slammed his cane onto the floor of his perch, the clang reverberating around the chamber again. “Citizens of Chithishtheny, we are grateful for your presence here today. We know you have many questions.”

“Questions? More like complaints!” someone in the crowd called. Others murmured agreement.

“I can understand them,” Sinitïa said. “They’re speaking Arnorgue.”

Abatorwishtensen raised his arms. “Silence! You will have your chance to speak.”

I am translating for you, Mikranasta said telepathically. Jorvanultumn assumed she was sending it to both him and Sinitïa, and possibly others. How else did you expect to give a speech they can understand?

“Oh, that make sense. I—”

Jorvanultumn gently squeezed Sinitïa’s hand with a soft shush.

If you wish to speak to me, do so mentally, Mikranasta said.

Mentally? I don’t understand how does one do that I don’t know how to do that I just want to talk and give my speech what do you mean mentally… A sensation of rapidly changing blobs of colour accompanied Sinitïa’s thoughts, a new colour with every word, some colours Jorvanultumn was not even certain he recognised. Indeed, the colours seemed to be the words. How was that possible?

People think in different ways, Jorvanultumn, Mikranasta said. Sinitïa, focus on the words you want to say. Pretend you’re about to speak them, but stop just short of saying them out loud.

Okay, I’ll try I’m not good I wish Meleng was here I’m trying he would know what to do he’s not sure I’m real what if he thinks I’m fake and hates me am I doing this right?

The sensation of colours continued to course through Jorvanultumn’s head.

Wait. Were colours a sensation? He had never thought of them that way before.

Whatever the case, they were making it difficult to focus on what was being said aloud in the room. Griholbovroh had spoken for a little bit, and now Maramintorin was speaking, but Jorvanultumn could not make out what he was saying. It was like Sinitïa was screaming in colour in his head.

Then it stopped.

I’ve removed you from mental contact with her, Mikranasta said. She needs time to get used to this. At the moment, she’s sending literally every thought she has.

Thank you, Jorvanultumn said.

The crowd erupted in yells and jeers. Abatorwishtensen and the Hgirh yelled for quiet, and Griholbovroh slammed his cane into the floor of his perch. The crowd took longer to quieten this time, and even as they were finally falling silent, someone yelled, “Why should we trust anything you two have to say?” And the crowd erupted again.

Someone shoved Jorvanultumn. “Eliïspt!”

Jorvanultumn resisted the urge to turn around and see who had done it.

“Enough!” Abatorwishtensen’s voice was not only loud enough to be heard over the crowd, but loud enough it hurt Jorvanultumn’s ears. “If you wish for arrests to start, I am happy to oblige. Otherwise, you will be silent!”

The crowd fell mostly silent. A few angry mutters remained, but they faded quickly too.

“That’s better,” Abatorwishtensen said, his voice returning to a normal volume. “Your Lamdritta has promised you an opportunity to speak, and you will get it, but only when called upon and in an orderly manner. Lamdirh Maramintorin, I believe you were speaking.”

“Thank you, Hgirham Abatorwishtensen.” Maramintorin rose from his seat and stood at the edge of his perch. “As it happens, I would like to take this opportunity to answer the question of why you should continue to trust us. It is true that some unfortunate things have happened in the last few days, and that there were two active Darkness Worshippers on the Lamdritta. For this, we must accept the blame of not recognising what they were, but I would also remind you all that, until a few days ago, we—and I include both the Lamdritta and all of you in that—did not even know this Pundritta existed or that it was possible for an Isyar to worship the Lord of Darkness.”

Maramintorin went on for a while to much growing dissatisfaction from the crowd. When he finished, the Hgirh again had to calm the crowd.

As Maramintorin sat down, Griholbovroh stood up and tapped his cane on the floor of his perch, though not quite as heavily as on the previous occasions. “At this time, I would like to call upon Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith to speak. She is visiting us from Arnor and was directly involved with the incidents leading to today’s situation. Princess?”

Sinitïa squeezed Jorvanultumn’s hand. She was shivering noticeably, and Jorvanultumn suspected it was more than just the cold.

He led her forward into the centre of the chamber. “Stand here,” he told her quietly, “right over the spot the hpakrik grows out of. Sinitïa did as he told her.

“What is that eliïspt doing?” someone called out. “He should be barred from this meeting.”

Abatorwishtensen tapped his swagger stick in his other hand. “Speak out like that again, especially with such reprehensible language, and you will be the one barred from the meeting. Jorvanultumn has been absolved of what you accuse him of. You can disagree with your Lamdritta’s ruling, but you will remain silent about it. Do I make myself clear?”

A soft murmur passed through the crowd, but they remained otherwise quiet.

“Good.” Abatorwishtensen turned to Sinitïa. “Apologies for the rude interruption, Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith. You may proceed.”

“Thank you...um…” Sinitïa stuttered.

“Hgirham,” Jorvanultumn whispered to her.

“Thank you, Hgirham.” She raised her papers and stared at the top one. “And thank you Lamdirh and Lammdir.”

Jorvanultumn was impressed with her pronunciation. She must have been practising.

“When I came here, it was not as...um...as an official rep...repree—” she squinted at the page—“representative of Arnor. I was just...just a traveller. I came here with my fomase Meleng Drago and his good friend Jorvanultumn. While I am still not a...um...official repre...representative. Sorry, that’s a hard word. Not an official representative of Arnor, I do speak to you as a princess. A princess who is very dis...disappointed.” Her grip on Jorvanultumn’s hand tightened; she was sweating despite the cold.

“Just relax,” he whispered. “You are doing fine.”

She gritted her teeth and nodded. She raised her papers closer to her face and squinted at the top one again. “A princess who is very disappointed. Shortly after arriving, my fomase was thre...threatened by one of the Lamdritta. I will not go into spe..speck...specify...specifics, but…” She lowered the papers. “I’m sorry. In order to remember everything, I had to write it down, but I’m not very good at writing, and I’m not very good at reading either, and I’ve never given a speech before, so it’s hard, and… Oh fuck it.” She let go of Jorvanultumn’s hand and covered her mouth, her face turning red. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’ve never said that word out loud before. I didn’t mean to. I mean…”

Jorvanultumn squeezed her shoulder. “It is all right.”

“Why are we listening to this nonsense?” someone said.

Abatorwishtensen motioned with his swagger stick and two Hgirh moved into the crowd and grabbed the speaker, dragging him towards the doors.

“You have been warned,” Abatorwishtensen said.

Sinitïa dropped her papers. “No. No, I want to answer that question.”

Abatorwishtensen eyed her for a moment, then nodded. The two Hgirh stopped near the doors and turned their prisoner to face the centre.

“Why are you listening to me? Because I have important things to say. That’s why. I’m mostly talking to them.” She pointed up at the two remaining members of the Lamdritta. “But you chose to come here, so you get to listen, too, and I hope if you do, you might even agree with me. I know you don’t like them. Well, guess what? I don’t like them either. Like I said, when I arrived, one of them, Paydamat, threatened Meleng Drago. Then I was attacked by another one of them. All because I didn’t know your rules and spoke to Itra. And guess what else? That law is stupid. You hate Itra because he can’t use magic, but that isn’t fair. He didn’t choose to be like that. He’s actually really nice if you talk to him, and that’s really amazing considering how awful you treat him.

“But that’s beside the point. I was attacked because I didn’t know something. That’s also not fair. Do you know what would have happened if he—” she pointed up at Griholbovroh—“had killed me? It would have caused… I don’t remember the words from my speech, but it would have been bad.”

“An international incident,” Gen called out.

“Yes, what he said. It would have caused that. Where I come from, everyone thinks Isyar are wonderful. You’re supposed to be kind, and nice, and friendly. You’re supposed to be like angels. But you’re not. You think you’re better than everyone else. Well, guess what again. You’re not. You may be more powerful. You may be better wizards. But you’re mean, and you’re nasty, and you’re just awful people. Not all of you. Some of you are good and kind. People like Jorvanultumn beside me.”

She took Jorvanultumn’s hand and held it against her chest. “You call him names because you think he failed to do his stupid elispt thing. Except he didn’t. He’s still doing it. He came back here for a very important reason, to help my sister, Princess Felitïa Asa Folith in her fight against the Volgs. That’s a fight that affects all of you because maybe you don’t know, but we’re at war with them. The fighting hasn’t started yet, but it will, and we need to work together, not act like we’re better than everyone else.

“Jorvanultumn is one of the kindest, hardest-working people I know, and you should all be praising and thanking him, not calling him names. Without him, you would still have two Darkness Worshippers ruling your town. Because do you know what they did when my Melly was kidnapped?” She pointed up again. “Nothing. That’s what. They knew that an Isyar must have done it, but they didn’t want to accept that, so they pretended it was a human, and they questioned Etiënne Gen’s crew over and over again. They said they didn’t want to cause...I think the word was chaos. Well, that’s what happened anyway.” She paused and frowned. “At least I think it did. I’m actually not entirely sure what chaos means, but I know it’s bad, and bad stuff has definitely happened. Jorvanultumn, Fevionawishtensen, Mikranasta, and a few other good people were the ones who found Meleng and uncovered the presence of the Pundritta. Like I said, you should be thanking him for saving all your lives because they would have come for you eventually.

“So that’s why you should listen to me. I’m not an Isyar and I don’t have any say over how you run yourselves or the laws you follow, but I can point out what I see and point out your Lamdritta’s...hy… There was a fancy word in my speech that I can’t quite remember.” She looked to Captain Gen.

“Hypocrisy,” Gen said.

“Right. That’s it. I can point out their hypocrisy. What you do about it is up to you, but I think you should do something. Take responsibility.” She pointed up once more. “And make them take responsibility. There, I’m done. Thank you for letting me speak.” She squeezed Jorvanultumn’s hand, then turned and walked back over to Mikranasta, Gen, and Ting. Jorvanultumn followed.

Gen clasped Sinitïa’s shoulders. “Well done, my dear. Heartfelt, passionate. A little off-script, but that was probably for the best, I think.”

Sinitïa beamed.

The chamber was surprisingly quiet for several moments. Jorvanultumn was not sure whether people were actually taking in what Sinitïa had said, or they were just too frightened of Abatorwishtensen’s threats to say anything.

Eventually, Griholbovroh tapped his cane again. “Thank you, Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith for that...passionate speech. I would very much like to rebut some of the assertions you’ve made against us. However, for the sake of time, we shall move on. Hgirham Abatorwishtensen has something to say.”

Abatorwishtensen strode to the centre, tapping his swagger stick in his hand as he did so. “Thank you, Lammdir. These have been interesting proceedings. I confess, I came here expecting to talk to the Lamdritta with only minimal others present, such as the Princess and her associates. However, it is probably just as well that you are all here. You all need to learn of this eventually.” He pointed in front of him with his swagger stick and turned slowly in a circle to cover the entire chamber. “I first learned of events here a little under two days ago when I was sent a message by my siare. Since then, I have been in contact with the Lordritta in Stroven and have provided them with a full report on what has happened here. I have also been updating them with any new developments. Their response is straight-forward. They, like you, are very concerned with the state of things here in Chithishtheny. They have ordered me to conduct a full investigation of the situation and of your Lamdritta. I am to use Hgirh who are not from Chithishtheny. I promise you all, my investigation will be thorough and conclusive, and we will find the fugitives, Paydamat and Chiansamorkin.”

“We will, of course, accede fully to the Lordritta’s order.” Maramintorin ‘s voice was weak, even though it carried across the entire audience chamber. “We will not impede your investigation in any way, Hgirham.”

“I would not expect anything else, Lamdirh,” Abatorwishtensen said. “But I have more to say. You have just listened to a harsh, though not entirely unfair, speech by Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith. She suggested that you need to take responsibility for your Lamdritta, and based on my consultations with the Lordritta, I believe they would agree with her if they were here. They specifically mentioned that it would be problematic for the current Lamdritta to remain in charge while an investigation into their actions is underway. Thus, they have ordered me to make it publicly known that they will fully support any change in power that might come because of this.”

“What?” Griholbovroh yelled. “How can they think to make such a statement? We have—”

Abatorwishtensen loudly cleared his throat. “Perhaps you can ask them when you see them, Lammdir. They have ordered the two of you to report to them in Stroven as soon as possible. In the meantime, I believe you owe the people of Chithishtheny a chance to speak. You will all remain orderly in this time. My Hgirh will select you one at a time to speak. I promise you, anyone who wishes to speak will be given the opportunity provided you show the proper decorum and remain patient. Outbursts will not be tolerated. I hope I am understood.”

The crowd remained silent, but most people nodded their assent. Abatorwishtensen motioned to Fevionawishtensen to begin selecting speakers.

The first speaker was an elderly elementalist Jorvanultumn had seen around a few times but did not know well. She spoke calmly but firmly. “Lamdirh Maramintorin, I dispute your claims of trustworthiness and declare this Lamdritta to be a failure. I hereby formally challenge you for your position.”

Jorvanultumn suspected she was probably somewhat powerful due to age, but if she were a serious threat to Maramintorin, he would have certainly known her name.

More came up to speak. Some simply spoke their displeasure at the Lamdritta. Three more challenged Maramintorin, and two challenged Griholbovroh. Several put their names in to compete for the two open positions. A rare few spoke in defence of Maramintorin and Griholbovroh, one of which was Reszidbovroh.

“I worked closely with Paydamat for many years,” Reszidbovroh said, “and I never once suspected anything of her. If I could not see it, you cannot blame either Lamdirh Maramintorin or Lammdir Griholbovroh for not seeing it either. They have both worked tirelessly for this town.”

It took several hours to get through everyone. Sinitïa got more and more fidgety as the time went by, and she frequently bounced back and forth on her legs. Gen wrapped a blanket around her to help keep her warm.

When the last person had spoken, Maramintorin spoke one last time. “People of Chithishtheny, we have heard everything you have said today. We are truly sorry we have disappointed you so greatly. We will submit to whatever judgement the Lordritta make upon us, and to the results of any and all of your challenges. Again, I am…” His voice cracked. “I am so, so sorry. This council session is adjourned.”

As people began to file out of the chamber, several Hgirh formed a circle around Jorvanultumn, Mikranasta, Sinitïa, and the other two humans.

“What is the meaning of this?” Mikranasta asked.

“Protection,” Abatorwishtensen said, striding over to them. “The people of Chithishtheny have been distracted for now, their anger directed at their Lamdritta. However, it is only a matter of time before they turn their anger on you as well.” He faced Sinitïa. “The human who dared criticise them.” He turned to Jorvanultumn. “The Isyar who—absolved or not—they believe broke his elispt.” To Mikranasta: “And the Isyar who aided these other two. I believe you are all intending to leave soon?”

“Yes,” Jorvanultumn said.

“And you?” Abatorwishtensen asked Mikranasta.

She gave a forced smile. “I have decided to go with Jorvanultumn and provide the requested aid for Princess Felitïa Asa Folith. I think it is fair to assume that Paydamat has disqualified herself, and I nominate myself to replace her.”

“Permission granted. My Hgirh will accompany you at all times while you remain in Chithishtheny, but I have limited resources and cannot maintain this forever. Thus, I suggest you make haste and leave as soon as possible.”

Mikranasta bowed her head. “As you wish, Hgirham. I will be taking my siare with me as an assistant. I also request Fevionawishtensen as a bodyguard. She was originally assigned to accompany Paydamat, and I would like to keep her on.”

Abatorwishtensen turned to look towards his siare. Fevionawishtensen was not one of the Hgirh in the circle around them. She stood by the doors watching them and waiting. Abatorwishtensen tapped his swagger stick in his hand several times, then nodded. “Given her failure with the prisoners, I am surprised you want her along.”

“Her help otherwise has been invaluable, and while I might have been momentarily angry with her, I do not believe anyone else could have done a better job, not even yourself, Hgirham.”

Abatorwishtensen raised his eyebrows. “Very well. She may accompany you. It is probably for the best. As the fomase of Jorvanultumn, people here may choose to take their frustrations with him out on her. Captain Etiënne Gen, when can your ship be ready to sail?”

“By tomorrow, shortly after dawn,” Gen answered.

“Very well. Make it so.”

“Will it be safe for Meleng Drago to move?” Jorvanultumn asked. “He is awake now.”

“If he is awake,” Mikranasta said, “it should be fine for him to move by then. Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith, go to Meleng Drago. Watch over him. I will come to see him in a few hours. I need to see my fomase to let him know the situation.”

Sinitïa nodded. “Of course.”

“I understand Hilkorultumn was injured,” Abatorwishtensen said. “How is he?”

Mikranasta sighed sadly. “He will never fly again, but he is otherwise recovering.”

“A shame,” Abatorwishtensen said. “I have always highly respected him. Pass my best wishes on to him, will you?”

“I will. Thank you, Hgirham. Now, if you will excuse me.” Mikranasta placed her hand on her chest. “Pleasant thoughts.”

Abatorwishtensen returned the gesture. “Pleasant thoughts.”

As Mikranasta headed to the doors, Gen put his arm around Sinitïa’s shoulders. “Come, my dear. Miana and I will accompany you on our way back to the ship. Pleasant thoughts, Hgirham.” He led Sinitïa towards the doors. Several of the Hgirh followed them and Mikranasta.

“What of the Pundritta?” Jorvanultumn asked.

“What of them?” Abatorwishtensen said.

“They are still at large. Someone killed the prisoners, probably to prevent them talking.”

“Agreed, but it is not your problem, Jorvanultumn. Leave it to me. You must return to the Will-Breaker. Inform her she has the full support of the Lordritta. If she wishes to speak with them, she need merely present herself in Stroven. Now, I have duties to attend to, and I must still speak to my siare.” He smiled and switched to the informal. “Don’t worry. I’ll let her come to you shortly.” He placed his hand on his chest. “May the night be short, Jorvanultumn.”

Jorvanultumn returned the valediction. “Pleasant thoughts, Hgirham.”

Abatorwishtensen marched over to Fevionawishtensen and led her through the doors.

Jorvanultumn stood for a while longer in the audience chamber. It was empty now apart from himself and two remaining Hgirh—his bodyguards, he assumed. He was not sure what to think of how things had turned out. Technically, he had accomplished what he came here to do. He had convinced Mikranasta to return to Arnor with him. But there was so much else that he had not intended. The Pundritta was active. It was probably for the best to get Meleng and Sinitïa away from here, but that meant letting the Pundritta be. Yes, Abatorwishtensen had promised to take care of that, and Jorvanultumn did not distrust him, but how many others were trustworthy? The Pundritta had demonstrated an ability to get members into a Lamdritta. They almost certainly could get members into other organisations, including the Hgirh. That might be how they managed to get at the prisoners.

Jorvanultumn sighed. As much as he wanted to seek out the Pundritta and find whoever had really kidnapped Meleng—he was becoming more and more certain it was not Paydamat and Nascanmat—he had to acknowledge he could only do so much. He needed to return to Felitïa. Solving her block was important, and Meleng and Sinitïa would be safer with her than here in Isyaria.

“Shall we go?” he said to the Hgirh. He did not wait for an answer, and walked for the doors.