“It didn’t just happen once, either.”
Clint’s jaw muscles were twitching.
“One woman was made outcaste because she saved Moran’s life. And don’t tellmethat the power of thepraevolois sentient enough to decide that it made a mistake. Lillias was made outcaste because she thwarted the will of the Caste Court. It was political.”
“You’re certain?”
“Dead certain, Clint.”
“Kitling,” he said, in a very familiar tone. He almost never used the endearment anymore. “How far is this going to go?”
“I’ve got an appointment with the Hawklord in an hour. I’ll know then.” She hesitated. “I think the outcaste Dragon is involved.”
Clint’s wings rose, stiffening. It was a visceral reaction, and he got it under control again. “Why?”
“The Oracle. I don’t know if the Dragon will literally show up—but I do believe he’s involved.”
“Does the Emperor know?”
“The Emperor knows of the vision, yes.” She hesitated again. “I’ll be visiting at least one Aerian Arcanist sometime this afternoon.”
“When?”
“Whenever I get the mirror call. It’s being arranged by a Barrani Arcanist.”
“This gets worse and worse. Dragons? Barrani? Arcanists?”
“I didn’t start it, Clint.”
“Doesn’t matter who started it.” He ran his left hand through his very short hair. “Where are you meeting him?”
“The Aerie.” Before Clint could say anything he’d regret—or, more honestly, that Kaylin would—she lifted a hand. “I’m going with Bellusdeo. She’s flying.”
“And Moran?”
“I’d like her to stay put.”
“Meaning she’s going with you.”
“Meaning exactly that. There’s a possibility the Hawklord will order her to remain in the Halls.”
“She won’t disobey a direct order.”
“Not while she’s on duty, no. She’ll just demand that the arranged meeting be moved.”
“What, exactly, do you want to ask the Arcanist? He’s dar Carafel, and he’s at the heart of the Caste Court.”
“I’d guessed, given events. I want to ask the Arcanist about the power of Shadow—and the power of thepraevolo.”
“You are not suggesting they’re the same.”
Kaylin chose not to answer the actual question. “I think the Arcanist has actually been using the power of thepraevoloin a limited fashion. He can’t use it now—Moran has the bracelet. People who have power are reluctant to let it go. He’s had power. I’m certain he considers that power his, by right of birth. He certainly doesn’t consider it the province of an unclaimed, unacknowledged bastard from the Aerian equivalent of the fiefs.”
“She has the wings. He doesn’t.”
“And I’m sure that matters to almost every Aerian alive who knows. I’m also sure it doesn’t matter to him.”
“Kaylin—”
