“I offer apologies in advance,” Teela told the Avatar. “Kaylin is second to none when it comes to whining. It’s a small wonder she’s survived it.”

The Avatar chuckled. “She is not so adept at whining as some who make their home in the High Halls; her whining is merely more publicly accessible. It is almost charming in comparison.”

“You have a building’s view of charming,” Teela replied, but she was distracted. “This is new.” She’d clearly visited the High Halls since its transformation.

“Indeed; it was requested by the Consort. And Lord Kaylin, it is the Consort’s will that moves us; the High Lord is subject to the rules and the games played by politicians. The Consort has historically played some part in the politics of her time—but her duties are duties that affect all of the Barrani.

“It is to safeguard the race that I was created, and to safeguard the race that I withdrew almost the entirety of my power to the Tower in which I had imprisoned the slave of our ancient enemy. I have spent much time in conversation with the Consort, the High Lord, and a handful of Barrani Lords of his court; I have spent some time in similar discussions with those who seek—as they always did—a change of ruler, a shift in power.

“But I confess that I find Terrano fascinating, and he is one of the few who has come to offer us information that seems to have no political use whatsoever.”

“It’s a game,” Terrano said, losing all invisibility as the syllables finished. “There’s no political use in a game—you play them for fun.”

“I see. I will leave you here,” he said to Kaylin. “You have your...familiar, and he will preserve you should unfortunate political games go awry. An’Teela. Lord Kaylin. I will take Terrano with me. I will return to guide you out when your meeting is done.”

Here, as the Avatar had called it, was yet another entrance into a forest. A path, however, had been laid between trees that were taller and more impressive. It was odd to pass through the arch, and to see, as Kaylin turned to look over her shoulder, that the wall that arch was cut into on one side had vanished from view. It wasn’t shocking; she’d expected it; she was in the hands of, if not Hallionne, a sentient building, and that building meant her no harm.

“You’re thinking the High Halls will be far safer than they were before,” Teela observed as she began to follow the path.

“You’re not?”