It was the last comment that decided Amaldi. “Is this about Mrs. Erickson?”

“Not directly, no. Maybe a bit.” Kaylin moved her foot before Teela could step on it. “We need to ask you questions about how you ended up being Mrs. Erickson’s ghosts. We could also have this discussion at Mrs. Erickson’s.”

“No,” Darreno said, before Amaldi could answer. “We will risk the High Halls, if we are with you.”

The moment Kaylin set foot on the wide stairs that led into the towering building, the Avatar of the High Halls was there, waiting. Spike wobbled his way off Kaylin’s shoulder, chattering—or so she assumed, given the noises he was making. She had a suspicion that Spike and Starrante would communicate with ease.

We would, Spike said. I would like to meet the Arbiter.

Amaldi and Darreno stared at the height of the ceilings in comfort, not awe; these were the Halls they had known when they’d lived as Berranin slaves. The Avatar greeted them, which surprised Kaylin; he could see them. It surprised the two phased mortals as well, but their surprise was tinged with desperate delight: they had spent far too long being invisible.

“Terrano’s attempts,” the Avatar said, “were useful in this regard; I understand what he did, and can mimic it without the adverse visual and physical effects.” He offered the two mortals a nod. “Has Kaylin discussed the relevant difficulties with you?”

Darreno shook his head. “She said that there were things she needed to discuss, which might impact Mrs. Erickson. She wanted to discuss them here.”

The Avatar nodded. “Come, then. Let me offer you the hospitality of the High Halls. You will not be in danger while you are here. Follow me.”

He did not lead the two—and their companions—to the Berranin chambers. Instead, he led them down the halls with the highest of ceilings; his feet, and theirs, made no noise. Terrano’s were likewise silent. Mandoran couldn’t be bothered, and Kaylin and Teela were walking in boots on marble floors.

No one spoke, as if by silent consensus, until the Avatar turned to the left, through arches that were almost as tall as the ceilings. The arch opened up into an outdoor space; trees surrounded a clearing, and in it, to the far side, was a pond that almost reminded Kaylin of the pond in Evanton’s elemental garden.

“It is like, and unlike, that,” the Avatar said. He gestured and chairs rose from the stone tiles that emphasized the nature of this man-made clearing. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. There will be no interruptions.”

“The Consort?”

“She is aware that you have arrived, but for the moment, she will refrain from joining you. Yes,” he added, “at my request.”