“Look—we need to know what you were planning in as much detail as you can remember, because we’re not at all certain that some of the people you were intriguing with aren’t responsible for this mess.”
“This mess?”
“The rest of your cohort going missing.” To the familiar she said, “Can he stay in the Hallionne?”
Terrano said, “Yes.”
She gave him the side-eye.
“I don’t hate Alsanis,” he continued. “And he didn’t hate us. But he couldn’t give us what we needed because of the way he’d been written. And frankly, I’ll be safer in Alsanis than I will here.” He glared at the familiar. The familiar glared back.
If it’s all the same to you, Kaylin said to Lirienne,I’d be a bit happier if Bellusdeo was a guest in the Hallionne, and she won’t go if I don’t.
I am not certain that Alsanis will view it the same way. Historically, the Hallionne were our last resort against the Dragonflights.
But Orbaranne—
My sister appealed to her directly.
Can’t she appeal to Alsanis the same way?
Alsanis and Orbaranne are not the same. Understand, Kaylin, he added, gentling his voice,that the Hallionne were created to fulfill the same essential functions, but they are not identical beings. You are a Hawk, yes?
Since this was obvious, she nodded.
Are you identical in temperament to your fellow Hawks? Are you physically identical? Are your goals—outside of your duties to the Halls of Law—the same?
No.
It is analogous to the situation with the Hallionne. Orbaranne is, where she can possibly be, amenable to my family. Alsanis might not be as amenable.
Why?
My father, and the constituent High Court of the time, sent the children to theregalia. They interfered with the customs of the green, and the effect has been felt for generations. The children survived, but Alsanis was isolated from that moment on. It is only since your intervention, Chosen, that he has been able to entertain and house guests—but after centuries of avoidance, people are still reluctant.
That wasn’t your fault, though. And it wasn’t the Consort’s, either.
No. And he is aware that the Consort of that time was against exposing the young to theregalia. Nonetheless, it was done, and it is possible Alsanis will be...cool to our attempts to ask for a similar exception.
Kaylin spoke some heartfelt Leontine. Bellusdeo, perhaps feeling slightly uncomfortable in the stronghold of a people who had every reason to hate Dragons, and might have already supported attempts to assassinate her, said, “Your pronunciation is lacking.”
Kaylin accepted this. Unfortunately, Bellusdeo then chose to demonstrate the correct pronunciation. She was right—hers was much better. It was also much louder, because she’d used a Dragon voice.
The familiar squawked loudly in her ear, which was still ringing from the Leontine which Kaylin now hoped the somewhat more remotely raised Barrani wouldn’t actually understand.
Lirienne chuckled.I would think the fact that she is a Dragon is of far more concern.
Kaylin shrugged.They’re yours. They serve you. You wouldn’t have brought us here if you thought you couldn’t protect her.
This surprised him.I better understand my sister’s concern,kyuthe. You are far, far too trusting.He signaled. The last of the guards thinned in number until only one remained—a man with midnight blue eyes, but a pleasant expression. He bowed to both Kaylin and Bellusdeo.
“You wished to visit the fountain,” the Lord of the West March said. “I have taken the liberty of instituting some precautions while you do so. I assume that after you have finished there, you would like to be escorted to the Hallionne Alsanis.”
Kaylin nodded.
Terrano, utterly silent until that moment, said, “Can I just wait here and go with the two of you?”
Every intelligent instinct Kaylin possessed screamedno, very, very loudly. Before she could give voice to a politer, less visceral response, Bellusdeo said, “Yes.”