Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(67)

"I will talk to my father, but I want you and Kaldill here with me when I do."

*

Le-Ath Veronis

Queen Lissa's Private Journal

"Where can we put them?" Ildevar asked.

"There are two unoccupied continents on Morningsun," I pointed out. "Large ones, although they're connected by a narrow land bridge. Surely the continent of Cloudsong II won't mind—it's an ocean away and they don't have even a fourth of their area occupied."

"You're talking of bringing in two separate political systems, with new rulers and politicians," Ildevar observed. "Cloudsong II's King will desire a meeting and a compatibility study. Trade will have to be considered—travel, too."

"According to Kaldill, Willem and Quin, we may not have the luxury of time to work all those things out," I said. "Nobody knows exactly what's going on, but they're worried. I say we make this a temporary move, until the niceties can be arranged."

"I hate to move a population too many times—it's detrimental to everyone involved," Ildevar mused.

"I know. We still have to consider the other worlds affected by the poison—they may need a refuge before this is over. You know how I hate Alliance Enclaves, but we may have to call one."

"You hate them? I detest them," Ildevar grumbled. "At least I can eat regular meals, now, instead of an entire sheep or cow away from prying eyes."

"I've watched you eat," I said. "You have good manners, at least."

"Lissa, don't make me laugh."

*

Vogeffa I

"Lord Cayetes, there's been another delay," Vardil's assistant hesitated and almost ducked as Vardil Cayetes turned toward him.

"What in the name of my brother is it this time?" Vardil hissed.

"The comp-specs aren't right," the assistant mumbled. "You understand why we can't test the equipment first—we only have one shot—at your command."

"Tell them I want this done quickly—we still have to transport it around Alliance patrols and that will take time," Vardil's voice was cold. "If I'm ill enough to die, then I want Marid's accomplices dead, too."

"Of course, Lord Cayetes."

*

Avii Castle

Quin

"A vote can't be called in less than two eight-days, and that's in extreme emergencies," Edden said. "Then we'll have to consider the move itself if that's the vote of the majority—that will involve the decisions of what to take and what to leave behind." I watched his brow furrow—he was quite worried. "Do we have that long?" he asked.

"I don't know." I wanted to weep at my admission—I had no idea why the danger felt as if it were fluctuating from one moment to the next.

"I'm glad you're alive, Quin. I saw the vids," Edden interrupted our conversation to say.

"Thank you. I'm glad, too," I agreed. "Although I have no memory of the time in between."

"I have no memory of when you healed me," Berel said, gripping my fingers tighter. He'd held my hand the whole time we'd spoken with his father. "I regret that," he added.

"I remember it," Edden smiled. "It was a happy day when you came to us, Quin."

"I was happy to heal that day," I said. "It was only right to do it."

"What will you place on the ballot, and how soon will the Kondari know what they're voting on?" Kaldill asked, bringing us back to our original topic.

"We can devise the comp-ballot in two days and submit it to all in a communication," Edden said. "I shall do this, but I warn you, it will meet with much opposition. Most are of the mind that the poison will be brought under control. I have no idea how to present this and expect them to believe it so quickly."

"Has everyone seen the newsvid of Quin at the battle?" Kaldill asked.

I blinked at him—I had no idea why he'd ask such a thing, and it made me embarrassed to think that people had recorded it anyway.

"I believe most have seen it several times," Edden replied, his voice dry. "There are fangroups that have formed, all speculating as to her current condition and every other thing about her."

My breath almost stopped as an idea formed. "High President," I breathed, "May I ask for sympathetic journalists to be contacted? I will grant an interview."

"What?" Kaldill's voice was sharp as he turned to me. After a moment, though, he nodded. "Yes. Call for journalists. Honest ones who are trusted. Quin will grant an interview."

*

Harifa Edus

Fyris II

"I find myself wishing Quin were here," Rodrik spoke softly to Beatris. "Amlis has been having fits of melancholy since he learned his mother and my father died so swiftly after we left."

"They were warned," Beatris gripped Rodrik's hand. "I spoke with Reah when she was here. She says that we may have a child within two sun-turns."

"What?" Rodrik's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? That is so soon after your illness, my love."

"I don't know whether I should trust healers when they say this, but Reah's word I believe," Beatris said. "I feel better than I ever have, now. I wish Quin were here; she could say immediately whether that is the case."