“You and I have been at cross purposes before. I was angry at the risks you were willing to take, and that anger has not fully abated—but that risk pales in comparison to this one, where my duties are concerned. No, it will not end the world. But it could harm or empty the Lake from which our life flows.”

Teela lowered her chin; she had joined the Consort and Kaylin, but walked behind, as if she were a simple guard or escort.

“So, I will speak, here, in a place that no others can reach, of a history of the Lake and the struggle to earn the position of Consort by those families who cannot understand, given their nature and beliefs, that the position cannot and will not be given to those who desire it purely for political purposes. Were there a council which made the decision, were it an election, perhaps they would hold sway.

“It is the Lake that decides, not the High Lord or his many allies or rivals. There was a time when belief in that was at an ebb—people who have power believe, in the end, that the power they have must prevail. It was a disaster—worse than a disaster. It has shadowed all of those who guard and guide the Lake. If children’s stories loom large in your life, imagine that your bedtime stories are actual history. It is a history that is very seldom discussed—but you’ve stumbled across a name that features in it.

“And to speak of that history, I must speak a name that is cursed; beyond the import of the historical lesson it teaches, it is never spoken.”

“Azoria,” Kaylin said.

“Kitling, what does never spoken actually mean to you?” Teela said, in obvious frustration. She spoke in Elantran.

“It’s easier for me to say it; it clearly has more weight for the Consort. I was trying to be helpful, Teela.”

“And if this is a result of helpful, it better explains the chaos you continually cause.”

“This didn’t start with me!”

The Consort cleared her throat, and both of the Hawks turned toward her. To Kaylin’s surprise, the indigo had paled enough the Consort’s eyes looked almost normal—for any other Barrani. Besides Serralyn, the Consort was the only Barrani whose eyes were frequently green. “I am grateful that you chose to accept my invitation, both of you. An’Teela, she is correct. I find it difficult to speak the name. But she speaks the name because nothing I say will make sense if it is not spoken at least once; she confirms her suspicions.”

“I believe context makes it clear, but subtlety has never been Kaylin’s strength.”

Kaylin shrugged.

“You have heard that her entire clan was excised.”

“And that she’s dead, yes.”