Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(80)

"Who were those blue men?" the older man asked. "The ones who helped you after you were injured in the border war?"

"I understand they are called the Larentii Wise Ones. There are no other races like theirs—they are unique. I am fortunate they chose to help me."

"I'd never have believed that such powerful beings actually existed, without such overwhelming proof," the older journalist said.

"The Larentii have visited the Avii for generations," I shrugged. "Master Gurnil, the Librarian for the Avii, has seen Larentii many times."

"They've been coming here all along?" the young man asked.

"You'd have to ask Master Gurnil—or a Larentii, to get the best answer," I replied. "They only come to study Siriaa—and until recently, when they helped me—have never interfered in any way with it. That is not their purpose. Mainly, they are curious, and with the power they have to visit worlds, it is understandable that they would do so."

My interview went on for two more hours, until I was nearly hoarse and barely able to speak. Edden and Melis, at Berel's urging, ended it, saying the journalists had more than enough material.

At the end, though, I was asked to speak directly to the people of Kondar.

I did.

Perhaps it was because I was so weary by that time, but I wept as I begged them to save their lives and the lives of their children. I pleaded with them to set aside their fears of the unknown—because what awaited them when the poison consumed Siriaa would be so much worse. Their lives would end in pain and suffering, and I begged them not to let that happen.

I knew about that pain—had healed many from it including Yissy, the youngest survivor from Fyris.

Berel dropped to the grass beside me at the last, while the recorders were still going, and pulled me against him. Clutching at his shirt and burying my head against his shoulder, I sobbed.

*

"Berel is with her—I've sent food and drink for both," Melis informed Edden. "I couldn't have predicted what happened at the last, but if anyone in Kondar remains unmoved by that plea, then they have hearts of stone."

"You know someone will find fault or say it's a lie," Edden sighed as he sat behind his desk and leaned back. The chair creaked as the cushion curved about his body, providing comfort. "I don't want Quin exposed to their vitriol. I want to send her and Berel back to Avii Castle while the debates are ongoing," he continued.

"I can send for an airchopper," Melis nodded.

"Ask them to come tomorrow morning—after breakfast."

"As you say," Melis replied. "By all the gods, I hope this is enough to convince the people."

"I hope it's as she says—that this is their way of protecting us," Edden agreed.

*

Quin

If the journalists knew that Daragar appeared in my bedroom the moment Berel and I were alone, they'd have run back to speak with him.

I doubted he'd answer any of their questions. He was only interested in making the tears stop and between his and Berel's efforts, they eventually did. Afterward, he sat cross-legged on the floor with Berel opposite, while I was held comfortably on Daragar's lap.

That's where I ate my meal—with Daragar's arms wrapped about me and Berel doing his best to make me smile.

*

Le-Ath Veronis

Queen Lissa's Private Journal

"This is all you found? A note?" I held the note in question in my fingers and waved it in front of Trajan.

"He does that sometimes. Usually he leaves notes for his past self, but this, well, it's written to you and me."

"I needed Terrett? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Now there's a Sirenali out there—where we have no idea—because Ashe said he needed him?"

"I'm guessing it's a good thing he's not here right now," Trajan ducked his head to hide a smile. Too late—I'd already seen it.

"Look, I realize Quin thought Terrett was all right, but what if he falls into the hands of another criminal—or another idiot, like Marid? He was only at SouthStar for three days," I wailed.

"Let's hope Ashe knows what he's doing," Trajan shrugged. He was still grinning, too.

The schmuck.

*

Kondar

Quin

I sent mindspeech to Kaldill, telling him that Daragar would transport Berel and me to Avii Castle, but Daragar had already told him. Melis Norwal offered an airchopper, but Daragar had things well in hand.

Melis couldn't help staring at the tall, blue Larentii as he escorted Berel and me to breakfast, then sat there, smiling and answering a minimum of questions for the High President.

"The Larentii never reveal the location of our homeworld," Daragar's voice was solemn as he nodded at Edden's question. "That has always been the way of things. There was a race, once, who found their way and attempted a takeover. They learned how powerful the Larentii were—and how resistant we were to their powers of suggestion."

"Were you there? When that happened?" Melis asked.

"No. That was long before I was born. Thousands of your years, actually."

"How old are you? If it's not rude to ask."

"Larentii value age and wisdom," Daragar replied. "I am young, according to my race. I am barely one thousand years old."