Wren didn't speak, his gaze faraway as he considered Quillon's words.
"Speak, Loudon. I know you want to." The Overlord's voice was wry.
Like Wren, the two had a long history. They were boyhood playmates. Loudon had been part of the twins’ first pod and had remained close to them even when the pod split to pursue separate paths.
"It's obvious she possesses amazing potential, but her motives and upbringing remain an unknown. It would be wise to delay her progress until we are assured it is safe," Loudon said. "I can't help but feel we would be making a mistake in allowing her to progress."
Graydon crossed his arms against his chest and regarded the man who acted as theki'sherald. "The only mistake would be in letting our preconceptions destroy her faith in us.”
Loudon's smile was gentle but firm. "Little Storm, I can respect the fact the child has caught your eye. Like her mother before her, she has a bright presence that draws us. However, you have no say in her future. She is a child. It's our responsibility as the elders of her House to ensure she remains on the proper path, despite any wishes she might have to the contrary."
Graydon held in his words by dent of will. Speaking unwisely now would damage his credibility, no matter how satisfying it would be in the short term.
"Loudon, you overstep," Maida chided as she sent Graydon an apologetic glance that was full of wry frustration.
Graydon wasn’t the only one who occasionally found the herald annoying.
Harlow's intelligent gaze watched the drama, taking everything in, but as usual, he was slow to provide his own counsel. He preferred they do the arguing for him. Only once he saw all possible outcomes would he weigh in on an issue.
"This question can be tabled for now," Harlow said. "We still have time before a decision must be made."
Loudon sat, pacified for now, but there was no doubt in Graydon’s mind the Tuann would pursue this line of thinking again.
Harlow focused on Maida and Wren. "The Haldeel have called a quorum."
Silence fell, the issue of Kira's future forgotten in the wake of the news. It had been more than fifty years since the Haldeel had last called a quorum. Humans hadn't even been a player on the galactic stage then.
The quorum was a highly anticipated series of events in the Haldeel’s culture. Holding more in common with the Olympics of old Earth, it took place over ten days and nights. It consisted of physical events as well as difficult puzzles. Any could compete. Those who did won favor for their cause.
It was said a House's or empire's fortune or fate could be won or lost during a quorum. The amount of political maneuvering that took place during one was astonishing.
That they had called a quorum now couldn't be a coincidence. Not with the Tsavitee beginning to move in the shadows.
"Have the humans received an invitation?" Makon asked.
Graydon was the one to answer. "They have."
Surprise echoed in the room. No one had expected the humans to be extended such an honor. That they had been would be something to keep an eye on.
It also answered the question of why Harlow was considering shortening the training of those who showed talent. Roake was smaller than many Houses and wouldn't be able to send many to the quorum without sacrificing their security. Nor could they abstain from attending.
"I don't have to impress on you how important it is we present a strong showing," Harlow continued. His gaze shifted to Maida and Wren. "Begin incorporating the groups. Learning each other's strengths will be important when it comes time to deciding their readiness. We have time before the quorum takes place but not much."
What went unsaid was having initiates who’d already passed theuhva nawould be extremely useful in such a situation.
Harlow regarded them steadily. "Dismissed."
His council stood, acknowledging the order with a wordless assent.
Caius's attention settled on Graydon, a sardonic smile tugging at his lip. "Should you find yourself bored, know that you and your oshota would be welcome on my battlefield any time."
Graydon inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind."
Caius's threw his head back, his laugh warm and carefree.
“Any news on the unidentified ships I sent you?” Graydon asked.
Caius sobered and shook his head. “I’ve had my people checking into it. None of the planets in my sector have been visited by the Tsavitee. Nor have any of Roake’s other commanders seen any suggestion of an incursion.”
