“Lord Severn, if you would join Lord Kaylin, the Lady would be grateful.”
The High Halls were never crowded. The Halls of Law were often a press of rushing bodies. The difference in ceiling height—with the exception of the Halls of Laws’ aerie—was stark. One wasmeantto feel small and insignificant while one walked here. Severn was tense. Teela, elegant and graceful, was indigo-eyed. They expected trouble.
They arepreparedfor trouble, Ynpharion corrected her.I am uncertain that it was wise to have the Avatar escort you; it is a statement of your import in a place where mortals do not reside.
You probably know why.
I know that you are considered an essential possible replacement in the worst case, yes. But it is almost as if that is being announced to those who would not likewise know.
The Consort didn’t ask for this?
No. She does not consider it wise, and she is uneasy, now.
She’s uneasy regardless. If she weren’t, she would never have summoned me.
Ynpharion did not reply.
There were no crossbow bolts, no arrows, no sudden daggers.
Severn didn’t speak a word, but she noted that both of his hands were on his weapons. Teela walked as if she hadn’t a care in the world, but Kaylin had seen her draw her sword; she didn’t need much time. Kaylin was the only person present who didn’t reach for her knives. They weren’t the equal of Severn’s weapon, or Teela’s—they hadn’t been crafted by very old Barrani, or the ancient, unknowable green.
She had, however, one important protection that the Barrani found intimidating: Hope, who lay across her shoulders like a lizard-shaped shawl. They knew Kaylin was Chosen; they knew Hope was a familiar. They probably connected the dots. The dots that didn’t actually exist.
It is better that they fear you, Ynpharion told her.
Sure. Because Barrani never kill people they fear just to make sure they can’t cause them any harm.Kaylin snorted, earning a glare from Teela.
Ynpharion agreed. She realized then that he was also uneasy with everything. He didn’t fear her the way the distant Barrani did; he was namebound. He knew what she was thinking when he could be bothered to put in the effort. Helen kept him out of the house.
You do not mean the Lady I serve harm. If it were in your power, you would do what you could to increase her happiness. She knows this, as well. But she considers you important to our people because the Lake of Life accepts you. If she is injured, if she is killed, our young can still be wakened.
It was possible, but Kaylin thought no Barrani would condescend to accept that aid from a mere mortal, as if mortality would taint their Immortal offspring somehow.
Ynpharion was silent, but not dismissive or frustrated.
Hope rose and lifted a wing; he placed it—gently—across Kaylin’s right eye. She hadn’t asked, trusting the Avatar of the High Halls. Hope didn’t seem incensed or concerned; when he was, he slapped her face. The Halls through both eyes seemed the same; there were no invisible people here.
But she wondered if the High Halls sensed anything out of place in her.
“I do not, Lord Kaylin. I would consider your Helen to be more accurate in her assessment, as she is more familiar with you.” At Kaylin’s expression, he added, “Familiarity is a type of knowledge. Your Helen—”
“She’s not mine.”
“Helen, then, is quite familiar with you, and she has had experience with mortals that I lack. Terrano has attempted to alleviate my ignorance, but as I am sure you are aware, his observations are unique.”
“Is familiarity important?”
“It is. It is the gaining of knowledge that cannot be derived from simply hearing your thoughts. What I hear is what you are thinking in the moment. What I would build, with greater familiarity, is a tapestry, for which each thought is a thread of a different hue. To my eyes, you are as you have been since I first awakened. I am aware that you absorbed something, but that has not altered you in a way that is perceptible to me.
“I would not risk your presence otherwise.”
“Is that why you came to meet me?”
The Avatar smiled. “No. I can see everything that occurs within my boundaries, just as Helen does. But I wished to converse.”
“Why?”
“The Lady will speak with you. Matters political, except where they threaten the Lady and the Lake, are not mine. I may not interfere in the natural unfolding of Barrani politics,except when they present a threat to the Lady. You will note, however, that the Halls seem empty.”