"Will only happen if we are forced to defend ourselves again," Mari said. "In case you are wondering, or planning to use some long-distance weapon, Master of Mages Alain is not the only Mage capable of such spells. There are others. They are spread out, and they are watching your ship. No matter where you go, they will be watching. Mages do not have to wear robes. Many do not. You will not know who they are until they act. I would advise you once again not to force us to take action in self-defense."

Alain watched Talese Groveen glare at Mari, but while her anger remained, it was joined by calculation and caution. Whatever else she was, the woman from Urth was not a fool.

"I have underestimated you," Talese Groveen said. "Apparently the stories were not as exaggerated as many believed. My…apologies for…overreacting. I assume you are aware that hostilities between us are not in the interests of anyone."

"I am aware of that."

"I have a right to have my son and the object he took returned to me."

"I understand. There are many searching for them." Mari left it at that, and if the Urth woman noticed that she did not promise to return either boy or object she was smart enough not to make an issue of it.

"Is my ship allowed to continue its research?" Talese Groveen asked.

"Yes. However," Mari continued, "such activities must be open and visible. We will not permit further spying on us. Alain."

Alain turned and called. "Mage Saburo. Tell Hunter that the thing is prey."

The Roc hove into sight, swooping down in a swift strike, its huge claws closing on seemingly empty air over the harbor. Hunter flexed its claws, shrieked, and acted as if hurling something invisible.

An object appeared and fell toward the harbor, its outer shell rent and dented. It hit the water with an eruption of steam as energy suddenly vented.

"You have badly damaged valuable property," Talese Groveen said, eyeing the Roc.

"Feel free to recover it and repair it. But if it flies again, Hunter will seek it out. Rocs do not like sharing the air with things they cannot see."

"I understand. We will not leave until we have what is ours."

"I understand," Mari said.

The other two of the people from Urth had already staggered back to their flier. Talese Groveen turned and walked back to join them. The opening closed and the flier rose into the air before heading directly back to the large ship perched on the cliffs.

Mari finally relaxed, walking to Alain. "That was hard."

"You should have dodged their attack," he said.

"Alain, I told you that I had to stand firm against those people. Our people needed to see that."

"Perhaps they will build another statue of you on this spot," Alain said, still put out at Mari risking herself that way.