Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(73)

"I'm sure Kondar will go right back to their five-Sector plan," Merrill said. He and Gavin escorted me as I examined the continents before visiting the continent of Cloudsong II. "They can import fruit and nuts from Cloudsong II that won't be easily grown here," I added. "I think all three economies can coexist. There's just one problem."

"What's that?" Gavin asked.

"The Avii. The waters surrounding this continent are too warm, while those around the Northern Continent are too rough. Neither place is good for the Avii. There's something more suitable around Cloudsong II, but that's probably not an option, either."

"I have a suggestion," Gavin said. Merrill and I both stopped in our tracks—Gavin seldom took the lead on things such as this.

"What's that?" I asked.

"You know where the Tooth used to stand—among the tall, rocky spikes and spires far to the west of Sun City?" He'd named one of Le-Ath Veronis' natural treasures—before its destruction on the sunny half of Le-Ath Veronis.

"The rock spires that Gren, Zellar and Tandias destroyed?" I asked. It still made me angry—the earthquake generated that day had killed thousands, in addition to destroying a natural landmark.

"Yes. I believe those waters would be suitable for Avii Castle."

"What? Bring the whole thing? I thought we'd just make a new one."

"No, I think this one is important," Gavin said. "I can't say why. You said yourself that it was fired upon and didn't show a crack or chip afterward."

"So we move the whole, damn thing," I shook my head. "Yeah. You're right. That's a good location for it, too. The waters are deep enough and the proper temperature."

"It will place Quin close—I know you like her," Gavin's arms went about me. "They'll make dark curtains," he added. "To block the constant sunlight."

"Everybody has a problem," I shrugged and tilted my head up for a kiss.

*

Avii Castle

Quin

Ordin arrived at midday to call a halt to our planning session. Berel had two screens filled with small images that we'd selected—he intended to send the lists to his father for final approval before handing them to the journalists. We'd written the best descriptions we could for each image, so they'd be readily understood.

We'd sat on the grass eventually to be comfortable while we worked, and that's where Ordin found us. "You should rest this afternoon," he said as Berel helped me up, then took my arm to escort me to the Library and the meal waiting there.

"I will." We'll work again after dinner, I informed Berel silently. I caught the barest of nods and a curving of his mouth.

*

Morningsun

Queen Lissa's Private Journal

Brandelin II welcomed me as was proper. His grandfather had ruled Cloudsong II when it was first founded, and I'd worked with him, his son Jenderlin I and now his grandson, Brandelin II.

"It may be several more generations before the damage Zellar did to my grandfather's world is completely gone from our race and our bloodline," Cloudsong II's king nodded as we walked through his private garden. At least his world was a member of the Reth Alliance in good standing. His great-great-grandfather had allowed a rogue warlock to destroy Cloudsong I, even as he attempted to join the Alliance. Ildevar, wise Founder that he was, refused the application.

"If you bring a population here that is fighting many of the things Cloudsong I did in the past, who am I to say no? You brought my grandfather and my great-uncle here in the beginning, to get them away from Zellar's poison," the King sighed.

"Your grandfather and great-uncle were good men," I shrugged. "It was the least I could do."

"Do you have information—on the ones coming?" he asked.

"I do. One continent—the Southern one—will hold a technically advanced race, with equipment and discoveries only slightly less than what is accepted in the Alliance. The other is behind them, somewhat. The first has five Sectors, each with a president and several vice presidents, plus one high president who rules over all five Sectors. The other is a monarchy, with an Emperor. He is benign and fair for the most part, has seventy wives and the stamina of a warship, if I understand correctly."

"I imagine he'd need it," Brandelin chuckled.

"The Alliance will be watching closely—they will be allowed to live here as long as the general laws are observed and peace is maintained," I continued. "If that changes, then they may find themselves outside the Alliance without friends."

"When will they arrive?" Brandelin asked.

"Well, that's still up in the air," I said. "There's no doubt their world is dying, but everything hinges on a vote of the people in Kondar and the decision of the Emperor in Yokaru. I'm sure that's what their continents will be named, should they accept Morningsun as their new home."

"Then I will study the information you've brought most diligently. I hope these rulers will accept an invitation to dinner?"

"I'll look into it," I said with a nod. "Is Willow here at the palace?"

"He is at his farm outside the city—he doesn't come often, unless he's needed," Brandelin shrugged.