"Would you like to see a memory of Harding now that you know more?" Loudon asked.
Kira's smile was stiff. "Not right now. Perhaps another time."
"Yes, you should be resting for tomorrow," Harlow said, finally standing.
Uncertainty filled Loudon's expression as he glanced between the two of them. "What is tomorrow?"
"Theuhva nais ready." Harlow's voice was deep and calm as it flowed through the space. "Wren has a plan to test the initiates before making his final decision regarding those who will attempt the Trial of the Broken."
Loudon had concern etched on his face. "So soon? I thought we were going to wait until a more appropriate time." His glance at Kira had her stiffening, leaving her with no doubt as to the real reason he wanted to wait. "If we are too hasty ushering them along this path, it can cause unnecessary damage and leave them ill-prepared for what they face after theadva ka."
"Theuhva nahas opened. The Mea’Ave has decided," Harlow said, his words final.
Loudon's mouth snapped shut on what he'd been about to say, his shoulders slumping as he conceded the battle.
Harlow's gaze softened, and he clasped the other man on the shoulder. "There is precedence. It’s rare for our young to advance so quickly, but not unheard of. You know that as well as anyone since you advanced years earlier than most. Graydon is another example. This is sooner than we intended, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
Loudon's expression was still reluctant. “I suppose if it’s the Mea’Ave’s will, I have no grounds to stand against it.”
Harlow’s hand dropped as he inclined his head. “Commune with Marielle. I know you look forward to these times. I'll see my niece back to the fortress."
Loudon bowed. "As you wish."
Harlow jerked his head at Kira. She walked toward him, sliding one last glance at Loudon as she passed.
Their conversation had been unexpectedly insightful, revealing new depths to Roake's tapestry. Everyone else she'd met had nothing but nice things to say about her father, yet Loudon seemed to think the wrong twin got the accolades. Because he'd once been in Harlow's pod and as a result was unwaveringly loyal? Or was it because he saw something the rest didn't or weren't willing to share?
They were interesting questions to ponder.
Finn shadowed them as they disappeared through one of the tunnel offshoots to the main cavern.
Kira felt the path tilt upward, the climb a gradual one as they ascended. Eventually, oshota clad in House Roake colors came into view, guarding a staircase leading up. Above their heads fluttered the deep blue of House Roake's banner.
The oshota murmured greetings to their Overlord as they passed, their curious gazes flitting to Kira and then away.
Seeing the question on Kira's face, Harlow explained, "Theetheiriwelcomes all, but the individual pathways belong to the Houses. Roake defends what's ours."
"Are you expecting an attack?" Kira asked.
"Such an occurrence is always possible. I find it wise to be prepared."
Paranoid. Always ready for the worst outcome. Who knew such traits were inheritable?
"How did you find theetheiri?" Harlow asked.
Kira cast a significant glance behind her.
"I would have been informed if you'd passed through here."
She lifted her eyebrows in surprise. "Keeping tabs on me?"
His answering smile was slight, a micro expression similar to one she'd seen on Graydon. "Did you expect any different?"
Kira thought about it and then shrugged. "Not really."
In his shoes, she'd likely do the same.
Finally, she answered. "Graydon showed me your ocean and thefeilli. I found the cavern from there."
