“The weapon he wields—it’s the weapon of the green. The green tests those who want to wield it. He passed the test. But I don’t think it was the last test.”
They were silent again. The silence was broken by Hopeand the hatchling, their voices a much quieter clash of sound than their roaring had been.
Squawk.
“What now?”
Yvonne looked at Hope as if he’d expended enough power to make himself understood. The young Barrani woman swallowed and nodded; she didn’t answer in words Kaylin could understand.
But the shadow on Kaylin’s left shoulder opened its mouth, and a spout of purple fire left its jaws.
“Tell Lord Nightshade to wear the Teller’s crown if he leaves this place,” Yvonne said. “I will do my best to convince An’Tellarus and Ollarin that meeting the Consort is safe.”
When Yvonne left, Kaylin walked her from the garden to the front door. An’Tellarus was waiting. The moment she left Helen’s boundaries, her clothing would revert to the bloodstained remnants of her very fine dress. She knew it and seemed unconcerned.
“Sedarias offered her more suitable clothing. An’Tellarus declined,” Helen said. “I believe she wishes to make a statement—and she will, when she arrives at the High Halls. She is feared for a reason.”
“Probably because she’s not sane,” Terrano muttered. He was invisible.
“She doesn’t have to worry about social grace, no,” Helen replied, a hint of disapproval in her tone. “But she is not bored, and boredom, where An’Tellarus is concerned, has always been dangerous for anyone who isn’t An’Tellarus.
“You should eat,” Helen added, turning to Kaylin. “And sleep. I’m afraid your color is terrible.”
Kaylin was exhausted. Her shoulder hurt. She’d never truly appreciated Hope’s lack of weight before. “Helen, can you see the hatchling?”
“Yes.”
“Terrano?”
“You mean that smoky shadow sitting on your left shoulder, glaring at the world?”
“That one.”
“Where did you find it?”
“Later,” Kaylin replied. “I’ll tell you all later.”
“Sedarias wants to hear it now. Teela agrees with Helen. She wants you to eat in your room, hopefully before you fall over.”
“Is there a reason you’re hiding?”
Terrano materialized. “I was avoiding An’Tellarus. I think Yvonne is a bit like Serralyn, just interested in different things. I think An’Tellarus is terrifying.” He winced. “Annarion also agrees with Teela, and he’s coming downstairs to make sure you actually make it to your room without tripping on the stairs on the way up.”
Annarion was standing on the last step, arms folded. He reminded her of Teela in that moment. His eyes were an odd color, not the dark blue the combat had all but demanded, but not the green-flecked blue that meant danger had passed.
She frowned. “You’re injured.”
“It’s nothing.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
“She will,” Helen added.
“My brother took worse, and he’sfine.” The wealth of sarcasm turned the sentence on its head.
“Did you get him back to bed?”
“He’s resting.” Which meant no. “He doesn’t need sleep. He says he’s slept enough for a decade.”