It wasn’t the two war bands that were the problem. It was whatever shielded him—and the Consort—from the power ofKaylin’s Marks. True Words, granted Kaylin without permission or even interest on her part.
The Consort couldn’t lift the words from the Lake because Barrani names were True Words. Nightshade had never been and would never be allowed to attempt to touch the Lake—but the namebond’s power was based on his True Name. Something had come between that innate power and the people who should possess it.
Add to that Terrano’s injury—when Terrano was out of phase—and Kaylin’s inability to heal him immediately. She assumed that was because she couldn’t reach him. But what if it wasn’t? What if the only reason shecouldeffectively heal him was that he was out of phase? That whatever it was that was effectively breaking her power didn’t quite operate in the same planes that Terrano could?
There was something there, she thought.
But it wasn’t quite coalescing. She’d talk to Teela about it later.
Severn was doubtful.This falls squarely under the laws of exemption; it’s a Barrani matter.
Kaylin shook her head.It’s not if I’m involved.
That’swhyshe won’t speak about it.
If the Lake hadn’t become political, itwouldbe entirely Barrani. But I’m tied to the Consort because of the Lake. I’m Lord Kaylin because of the Lake. The High Lord knows what I can do. Much of the High Court doesn’t. We need way more information. If Teela doesn’t want to talk to me, I’ll have to find a different information source.
Severn was utterly silent.
Kaylin assumed the Avatar of the High Halls was much like Helen: a conduit for communication that might make the person being communicated with feel more comfortable. She assumed that Abel—Terrano was going to be in so much troublefor giving him that name, because it had begun to stick—could do what Helen could do: be in multiple places, in Avatar form, simultaneously.
“I can,” Abel said. “Most of the Lords of the High Court prefer not to see me at all; they maintain a polite fiction about my existence.”
“Why?”
“Most of the Lords of the High Court will not willingly enter a Hallionne, unless at great need,” Abel replied. “The Barrani are generally not comfortable when in the presence of someone who can read their thoughts.”
“Helen says some of the Barrani—and Severn—can obfuscate enough of their thoughts that they’re harder to read with certainty.”
“That is, indeed, true. But such misdirection requires concentration, and it is oft tiring. Barrani Lords dwell within the High Halls; there is status in that that they cannot be seen to surrender. They are uncomfortable. Many prefer the old ways.”
“You mean, when a Shadow in the basement was practically devouring their kin.”
“They were not devoured; they were contained. Their names have—finally—been returned to the Lake, where they might be chosen to invoke new life in their people. But yes. While the entirety of my focus was turned toward that Shadow, the High Halls themselves were absent my presence, my intent, and even my awareness. There was only one exception. The abode of the Lady and the Lake itself. The Lady does not make any effort to conceal herself from me.”
Kaylin nodded. “Can I ask a question?”
“Demonstrably.”
“Why is she called both the Lady and the Consort? I know her mother was also guardian of the Lake and Consort, but... are they always the same person?”
“You have known her for how long, and you have onlythought to ask that question now?” Abel’s tone was almost scandalized.
Kaylin grimaced.
He’s right, Severn told her, a delicate vein of amusement in his tone.
Well, Teela calls her the Consort or the Lady almost interchangeably. Ynpharion always refers to her as the Lady or My Lady. I just, I don’t know, I assumed that the sister of the High Lord would be the Consort. I mean—I sometimes find it kind of disturbing, but they’re Barrani and I’m not.
“Lord Severn, I fear I must leave the education of Lord Kaylin in your hands. But this is an example of the difficulties that arise when one assumes that a sentient being’s ability to read thoughts will give them relevant information. Lord Kaylin is not quiet, and she is not subtle. I might tell you much of her thoughts, were they not so clear to you for other reasons.
“But I would not necessarily be apprised of the gaps in her knowledge, large as they are. Such as this one.”
Ynpharion was both outraged and in agreement with the Avatar; he was also amused. But his amusement was tinged with apprehension, worry, and a deep and abiding suspicion. Yvonne. The Lady.
Yvonne would never hurt the Lady, Kaylin said with absolute conviction.
She does not have to have that intent; her existence is a threat.