Kian thought back to their earlier conversation with Losham. "A lot of what went on during the previous call to Losham was communicated nonverbally. Glances and nods that can't work over a phone connection."
"Call Lokan," Annani said. "We need to contact Losham again as soon as possible and find out his situation. If we are going to help him retain power, we need to know what he is facing."
Kian pulled up Lokan's contact on his phone and placed the call. The phone rang twice before Lokan answered.
"Kian. Any news?"
"Several developments. First, we spoke with Navuh. He said that Khiann likely survived the collapse. According to him, the chamber was designed to protect its contents in the event of the traps being triggered."
"That's good news. The Clan Mother must be relieved."
"She is cautiously optimistic." Kian glanced at his mother, who smiled and nodded. "There's more. Remember Losham's cryptic remarks about an alert?"
"I do. He asked me if I got it."
"Navuh told us the alert went out to all his sons. He designed it as a kind of a dead man's switch—if the booby traps were triggered, everyone would be notified of a betrayal."
"Which means that my brothers are converging on Losham as we speak. Losham won't survive that. The moment the others realize Father isn't actually giving orders from the harem, they'll tear him apart."
"That's what we need to discuss. We believe it may be in our best interest to help Losham maintain his position."
There was a long silence on the other end of the line. "You want to help Losham?"
"We want to help ourselves. We have access to Losham, and he's responding well to Toven's compulsion. If we lose access to the island's leadership, our chances of retrieving Khiann drop significantly."
There was another pause while Lokan processed this. "What do you need from me?"
"We need you back in the village. Tonight, if possible. The next call to Losham should happen tomorrow morning, our time, which is night on the island, and we need to prepare."
"Carol and I can leave the keep within the hour. We will notify the paranormals that we are taking a vacation."
With all that was going on, Kian had almost forgotten about the program and its participants. "That's fine. Get some sleep when you arrive. We'll meet early in the morning to plan our approach."
"No problem. Six in the morning at your office?"
"Sounds good to me. I'll let the others know. By the way, your dream-walking ability. Is it something you could use again, if necessary?"
"I wish I could, but the ladies in the brothel that I could possibly dream-share with won't be much help to us, and Carol would not like me doing that."
"I understand, and I don't blame Carol for not wanting you to engage in that, but even someone in the brothel could provide us with valuable information about the island. In fact, they might know things that Losham does not."
"They will know that it's me they are dream-sharing with. They might tell Losham."
Kian smiled. "Navuh is no longer on the island, and neither are you. You have nothing to fear."
"That's true, with the exception of my mate, that is. I fear her reaction very much."
"Do you want me to talk with her?" Annani asked. "I am sure she will be more amenable if the request comes from me."
There were a few moments of a muffled conversation, and then Lokan returned. "Carol says she will take one for the team, but I have to promise her to remain fully clothed in the dreams I share with those ladies, and if they are not fully clothed, to close my eyes."
In the front of the vehicle, Anandur's shoulders were shaking with suppressed laughter.
"Thank you both," Kian said. "I know we are asking a lot from you, but we need to use every advantage available to us, and your ability is unique."
"Carol says that you owe her."
"I do, and not just for that. I will see you both in the village."
