But the disparate events and the bits of information were too entangled. She wasn’t certain what information and experience were relevant tothisproblem. She would have bet against the green being involved with most of her on-hand money, but here they were.
Kaylin shook her head to clear it as she reached Nightshade’s room. “You probably won’t be able to avoid it if An’Tellarus is determined, but I’m asking you not to speak about anything you see in this room.”
Yvonne hesitated. “If you know I can’t avoid it—”
“The Teller’s crown is in this room, and the person it’s probably meant for is also in this room—but he’s been unconscious since an assassination attempt, and we haven’t been able to wake him.”
“...and you think I’m involved because of the green?”
“You didn’t see the way your eyes changed color. I work with Barrani in my day job. I know the color of Barrani eyes, although I admit I almost never see green. Yours were the wrong green. And the Lake somehow called you. The green somehow sheltered you. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen when I invited you.”
“What did you think would happen? I mean, I didn’t expect any of this either.”
“I thought we’d have a talk, I’d find out why you’d taken the test of the Lake, and I’d ask you if you’d be willing to speak with the Consort. You’d like her; I’m certain she’d like you. It would disentangle some of the politics.
“But you’re involved in ways I didn’t even think were possible. So... I’m asking you to enter the room. You don’t haveto touch anything. You don’t have to do anything. But... be present and keep what you see to yourself as much as possible. I won’t ask for more.”
“We might,” Annarion said, as he opened the door. He’d heard.
Yvonne nodded. “Tell me where you’d like me to stand.”
Annarion blinked. “Stand?”
“I am An’Tellarus’s servant. I can serve Lord Kaylin in her stead.”
Kaylin blinked as well. “You’re a guest. I don’t think Helen would forgive me if I made you stand invisibly in the corner.”
“Helen will accept whatever makes me feel the most comfortable,” Yvonne replied, a hint of a smile at play around the corners of her mouth.
Annarion shook his head as if to clear it. “Come into the room where my brother is resting.”
“Your brother?”
Annarion nodded. His eyes were a martial blue, but they didn’t darken when he greeted Yvonne. He turned and led the way; Kaylin, Yvonne, and Severn followed.
Teela and Sedarias did not. Teela chose to join Helen and An’Tellarus. Sedarias simply vanished into her own room.
“She is capable of doing what Terrano does; she feels it beneath her dignity as An’Mellarionne. It is likely she will join him—or anchor him. Torrisant is anchoring Terrano now, but Mandoran has joined Terrano in his planar exploration, and two anchors may well be needed. She is, of the cohort, closest to Terrano. Or perhaps it is better to say that he is closest to her.
“Go and do what must be done.”
Kaylin didn’tknowwhat had to be done—that was the problem. All of her instincts were being overwhelmed by internal screaming, frustration, and growing anxiety. But her early training held: she didn’t dissolve into a panicked mess.
Annarion was panicked enough.
The Teller’s crown—as Terrano had informed them—was on the bedside table. Nightshade was lying in bed, eyes closed, skin pale. The unhealed injuries hadn’t killed him yet, but it was probably only a matter of time. The greatsword he had earned in the wars lay in its sheath, its hilt against his chest, the point of the blade even with his feet, as if he were already dead and was to be buried in honor with his weapon.
That would never happen with one of the legendary Three.
But the sword was somehow protecting its bearer. Annarion was protecting his brother. And, once again, the Teller’s crown was waiting for Nightshade to wake and take it. She could almost feel its presence as a weight, as if the head it adorned were her own.
Mrs. Erickson had worn a wreath of flowers.
Kaylin had worn this dress.
“Is Serralyn coming?” Kaylin asked Annarion as she bent and placed a palm against the fieflord’s forehead.
“No. Not yet. She’s not happy about that, and she’s still arguing. Valliant is with her, and Valliant won’t leave unless and until Sedarias commands otherwise. But Eddorian has been speaking with both his brother and Hallionne Alsanis as more information has come in. He thinks Serralyn might be on the right track: there could be a Shadow that can be used as elements can be used. His brother is not, as you know, entirely mentally present; something took a large hammer to his memories, and what remain exist as fragments and shards. Some of those cause panic, and Eddorian has to comfort and quiet that panic.