Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(32)
"Ancient," she sighed before lifting her eyes to Kooper Griff's. "This is the worst possible outcome, isn't it? Do we have any idea which worlds are now infected?"
"Quin could only give us a partial list, and we're verifying what she gave us. She was only able to read a few things in Marid before he blew his head off."
"How many did she give you?"
"Twenty-six—that number is good and bad. Good that we have names for them, bad because she claims there were hundreds of those containment spheres that Marid spilled before traveling to Sector Five."
"Morid has no idea where his father put them—I've already tried compulsion. He knows nothing."
"The Sirenali is in your dungeons, but he's so happy that he's no longer under Marid's thumb that he doesn't mind being locked in a cell."
"Can anyone communicate with him?" Lissa asked.
"We haven't really tried—all we've done is mime eating and sleeping," Kooper shook his head.
"Ask Morid, then. Maybe he knows. I'm hoping the Sirenali will have information the others don't. He may be able to lead us to other worlds Marid infected. If we can find the infection points, we can quarantine the area until we find a remedy."
"If we don't find them, the entire planet could die and we'll be looking to relocate as many as we can."
"We don't have enough planets to effect mass relocations," Lissa pointed out. "Quarantine is much better if we can get to it in time."
"I'll get on it right away," Kooper promised.
*
Lironis
"You're needed," Justis stepped inside Amlis' study after knocking twice.
"For what? I've already been to the roof and spoken to my father. He chose to remain silent."
"For a meeting, and then to lead your troops back here before dispersal—I hear many of them are still heading this way and stealing what they don't have funds to pay for," Justis snapped.
"May Liron have mercy," Amlis scrubbed a palm over his face before rising. "Lead the way—let's get this meeting over with. Rodrik!"
*
Kondar
"Father, Kaldill says there's an important meeting happening in Lironis, and he says Quin and I should be there. May I have your permission?" Berel gazed hopefully at his father.
"Of course. Quin assures me that the threats against my life have been neutralized for the moment; therefore, it is imperative that you go. Report back to me as quickly as you can."
"I will." Berel moved forward to embrace his father. "This is terrible news—that other worlds are now infected," Berel said after pulling away. "Perhaps this is what the meeting is about."
"I hope some cure can be found—the images you sent of the land and the people of Fyris tell my scientists that the poison will kill them soon if things do not change. The samples we're collecting from seawater shows the poison is increasing. Siriaa will be engulfed in it if something isn't done soon."
"I find it interesting that some still wish to engage in self-serving political pursuits while the fate of their planet is of no concern and its people are dying."
"It will always be thus," Edden's brow furrowed with concern, "As much as we think it should be otherwise."
*
Lironis
Quin
I felt as if my wings dragged the floor behind me when we returned to Lironis. Events from the evening before haunted me still and Berel was nearly as troubled as I concerning the aftermath.
He, Daragar and Kaldill surrounded me as I made my way to the Prince's chambers—he'd taken Tamblin's suite for himself and had his library and clothing moved over. As yet, he hadn't officially taken control of Fyris, but it needed to happen soon—the people required a steady hand and a wiser head than Tamblin's in the coming days.
I understood, too, that Amlis had to take jurisdiction over the remnants of Tamblin's army, to keep them from plundering the farms and villages between them and Lironis. Rodrik would take charge of the troops, I guessed, once Amlis appeared and named himself Prince of the people.
There would be no king in Fyris—Justis would make sure of that—at Jurris' command. Omina would no longer call herself Queen—Justis would see to that, too.
Once we arrived in Amlis' new meeting room and took our seats at the table, Reah rose to speak. "I've asked two others to come at Kifirin's request," she announced before nodding to Kifirin. "I believe they may be able to shed light on Tamblin's behavior in the past. It is my hope we can explain everything before the meeting ends, but the news will be troubling, to say the least."
Two people appeared beside her. One was another of her mates—his name was Gavril, although most people called him Teeg. The other Reah saw as a father, although they were not related by blood. I could see this in her, as I could read nothing from him—he was too powerful.
"This is Karzac, the best physician I know," Reah introduced him, first. "Anything you hear from him will be truth, no matter how difficult it may be to accept."
*
Until Reah's announcement, I had no idea the prisoners would be brought to the meeting. Justis, Ardis and two other Black Wings brought them in. Yevil cursed but quieted immediately when Justis sent a dark look his way. Yevil was then seated in a chair against the wall while Tamblin was brought forward.