“...On Winston?”
“Does it look like we’re going to be able to build ourselves another path?”
“Teela doesn’t like it.”
“Ask her for alternatives. Have her tell me—and you—that this is not actually some type of trap meant for you guys, and I willhappilybelieve it.”
“She says the Consort would never harm you. You’d be safe—”
Kaylin shrieked in outrage. “And Bellusdeo?”
“She does not believe the High Lord responsible for the war band.”
“I would like to believe that. In fact, Idobelieve it. But I’m not willing to send the rest of you out into the outlands alone.”
“Teela says—”
“You know how you said I should have these arguments in person, rather than through you?”
“Yes.”
“It was agreatidea.”
It was Eddorian who picked up the thread of Teela’s conversation. “Teela asks what in the hells do you think you’re doing?”
“Tell her we’re running to the outskirts of Ravellon.”
Cacophony, then. If normal hearing had been the key to their detection, they would all be swarmed, by now. She started to tell them all to shut up, but Kariastos did that more effectively. Heroared.
The cohort froze and turned to look over their shoulders, as did Kaylin. She could see what had once been a portal; it was no longer even a tiny bit welcoming. It was Kariastos, all right, but in a form that was much more like a Dragon—an enormous Dragon—than a building. Although Hallionne were not actual Dragons, Kaylin understood from his tone that he was not particularly happy. And as long as they could escape him, she didn’t much care.
* * *
Kaylin.
Go away, she told Ynpharion.
Kaylin!
I mean it, damn you. Go the hells away right bloody now.
The Consort is waiting.
Kaylin struggled, hard, not to tell him where the Consort could go. She was upset. Angry. Possibly a bit confused. Mostly upset, though.I am not about to turn around and betray them. Theylive withme. And you can tell her to forget dinner. Ever.
Kaylin, you are not thinking. The cohort are dangerous—and you know why. You’ve seen why.
She said they might be able to help defeat the thing beneath the High Halls!
They will not help if they are not contained. She does not intend to destroy them; what she said to you was materially true. But she wants some guarantee that they will not become more of a danger to the High Halls than the Test in the tower.
I don’t care.
Kaylin—do not do what you’re considering. The Consort is against it.
If she hadn’t been running, she would have shrieked for a good five minutes in fury and frustration.
She does not wish to lose you. Send the cohort on their way, if you must; she will guarantee—absolutely and unconditionally—your safety and the safety of your Dragon companion.
