"If you knew as much as you think you do, then you'd know that I was accused of doing the same thing to Alain when we had first met! I am not sympathetic to charges that my daughter is trying to seduce your son!" Mari took a moment to calm herself. "I repeat that we are trying to ensure the safety of my daughter and your son, and that any actions you take are likely to further imperil both of them. I request that you refrain from further interference in the affairs of this world."

The Urth woman's eyes went to the space before her face, her hands moving before her. "I have been very patient. There are laws governing these situations. If you have not produced my son by this time tomorrow, I will be forced to initiate active measures in defense of his life and the security of the other citizens with me."

Active measures. That sounded bad, the sort of phrase used to cloak actions that no one wanted to openly talk about. "I ask again," Mari said, "that you refrain from actions that might worsen the situation and further increase the risk to your son."

"You have until this time tomorrow," Talese Groveen repeated. She turned and walked imperiously back into the ship from Urth. The opening vanished, leaving Mari and the others facing a solid surface, their distorted reflections visible amid the silvery sheen.

Mari turned away from it. All around, people were looking at her. Waiting for her to lead them. She felt incredibly tired.

Calu stepped close. "A message Mage just passed word to us. Things have been happening in Dorcastle."

"What things?" Mari said. "Is Kira all right?"

"We don't know."

* * *

Kira thought the air inside the crate was getting worse, but couldn't be sure. She did know that if there wasn't enough air getting in, she would get confused and then pass out.

There had been more noise around them as the rest of the cargo was loaded, then vague noises elsewhere, shouts hard to make out clearly, and the lurch of the ship leaving the quay. The ship had shifted about as it wended its way through the harbor, then Kira felt the ship's motion change to a long, twisting roll endlessly repeated and knew that they were in the open sea.

"Kira?" Jason whispered. "What are we going to do?"

"I'm still working on that."

"How did you do what you did back in the alley? Take down those three bam bam bam?"

"Muscle memory," Kira said. "I've been taking self-defense lessons since I was five years old, and my teachers really pushed me."

"Do you think you could show me some moves?"

"Sure. When we get a chance."