“There is nothing he could be doing that is possibly more important than the news we bear,” Zera said. “Unless he’s dying. He’s not dying, is he?”
The man swallowed hard. “Ahh, no, Your Greatness.”
“Delightful,” Zera said. “Then tell him to put his pants back on and greet us.”
As the servant scurried away, Stran shifted uncomfortably. In a low voice, he said, “I thought you were going to be diplomatic.”
“Whatever gave you that idea?” Zera asked.
Jentt defended her. “Shedidallow him a warning to put on pants.”
She swept forward, following the servant. The others fell in behind her, except for Kreya, who matched her pace. She knew Kreya did it instinctively, but it was exactly right.
“Anything I should know before we go in?” Kreya murmured. “Has Grand Master Lorn changed at all?”
“Everyone changes,” Zera said, “but I believe in essentials you’ll find him much the same.”
“Pity,” Kreya said.
And then they were standing before two massive brass doors, carved with scenes of battle, specifically their battle, when they first confronted Eklor and his army. Zera reflected that she should have perhaps warned the others about this choice of décor. Marso in particular looked a bit green. She hoped he held it together.On the other hand, if he breaks down shrieking, it could underscore our point.She had no doubt that a bone reader freak-out could be spun appropriately, with a little effort.
The servant expected them to wait at the door, she knew. But Zera was not the type to wait. Those days were long over.She pushed through and heard the clack of the mechanism at the top of the door—a construct was employed to make the doors swing as lightly as if they’d been made of hollow wood instead of solid metal.
The servant was conferring with Grand Master Lorn at the far end of the room. Zera’s eyes swept over everything, noting the heavy red brocade drapes were pulled shut, the usually brilliant chandeliers were extinguished, and the only light came from a trio of candles in a candelabra that stood on the grand master’s desk. Even the fire in the marble fireplace was out.
Perhaps he’d been taking a nap? she wondered.
Grand Master Lorn smiled at them as they approached, though she knew they’d given him little time to compose himself. A deliberate choice to keep them in control of the conversation. She wondered, though, if he was as caught off guard as she’d hoped. He dismissed the servant and came around his desk to greet them. “This is both a surprise and an honor!” His voice was rich, with a pleasant burr to it. He could have been a singer, if his life had taken him on a different path. His manners and appearance were equally cultured. He wore a purple velvet robe with silk trim and a large silver pendant with the symbol of his office. His manicured beard was a silvery gray, matching his braided hair.
Kreya stepped forward, and Zera wondered what she’d do. After all, Zera had gone through a lot of effort to ensure they appeared before him as equals in power, if not in rank, and Kreya could easily ruin that with a polite bow or other servile pleasantry.Tread carefully, Kreya. Show him no deference.
“You got old,” Kreya said.
Perfect. It took all Zera’s willpower not to smirk.
Behind her, she heard Stran groan softly.
Kreya continued. “Given your ego, I’d have thought you’d try to hide the natural passage of time. Refreshing to see you’ve embraced your mortality so openly.”
Grand Master Lorn did not let his smile dip, which impressed Zera. It took concentration to remain pleasant while Kreya was being her most unpleasant. In a light voice, he said, “I am delighted to see all of you again.” His eyes swept over them and then his expression did, at last, change as he saw Jentt. His mouth dropped into an O.
Kreya said, “It is mortality that we’ve come to talk to you about.”
Awe in his voice, he said, “Jentt lives again.”
“He does, and he has come as proof that what we’re about to tell you is possible.” Kreya took a breath, and Zera noticed that Jentt shifted his weight so that he was there to support her without looking as if he was supporting her. Zera approved of that. “Eklor lives. And he has amassed a mighty army to march against Vos.”
Grand Master Lorn tore his gaze from Jentt to study Kreya. “Indeed?” He sounded curious but not alarmed.
“We have seen it.” She gestured to the others.
One by one, they stepped forward to verify the truth. Succinctly, Kreya described what they’d seen and experienced, leaving off the true reason for their first trip to the forbidden zone and also excluding the fact that she’d been responsible for Jentt’s return. She kept her report focused on Eklor’s forces, the size and strength and readiness.
“And what do you wish me to do about it?” His voice was neutral, and Zera could not read whether he believed them or not. In his shoes, would she? Leaning a hair forward, she glimpsed his shoes—heavily beaded sandals.Not my style.
“Send heroes,” Kreya said. “Raise an army. Eradicate the threat in a way we never did. Our expertise and guidance will be at your chosen heroes’ disposal.”
“And if there is no threat?”
