“Oh, we know there are Darkkin who don’t appreciate the path we’re taking. Many in fact, some quite old. Which is why this interference worked so well. But I wonder, if we stepped back and surveyed the troops, just how much of this is real, how much is outside influence, and how much is… personal ambition?” Senka said.

“Why don’t we poll the Patrons?” Galina suggested. “Let’s start with Hosokawa.”

“He is guarding and cannot be brought in,” Tzao said with a dismissive wave of one tiny hand.

“Oh, we don’t need to bring any of them in,” Galina said, causing looks of confusion on more than one face. “Elder Mausya, perhaps you might consider the odds of his response to the question of whether he backs Elder Senka or not?”

“That’s absurd. She can’t do that… can she?” Atta asked.

Mausya already wore a strange look—half confused, half shocked.

“I… I can’t…” was all she got out, then her body locked up, her back arching, her eyes rolling back in her head. She shook and jerked for a full minute before stopping, head lolled back. But she was an Elder and she shook it off quickly.

“As was explained to me at the start of this… this ridiculous exercise in futility, each time you lie, the response will get worse,” Senka said with a helpful smile.

“So, back to the question. Elder Mausya, would you use your Talent and give us the odds that the Duelist would agree with Elder Senka, or disagree?” Galina said.

Mausya was back to a smooth face, but Tanya saw a micro flash of anger. Then she closed her eyes and tilted her head. A micro frown and then she opened her eyes, poker face in place.

“Well, sister?” Senka asked.

“It is probable that he backs her,” Mausya said in a monotone.

“What about others among the Patrons?” Galina asked.

Tzao twitched her right hand, which rested on the arm of her chair. One of the guards along the wall disappeared, the chamber door closing behind him with a soft thud.

Senka smiled widely, spreading her arms to both sides. Tanya found herself standing alongside her mother. Mausya and Tzao were also standing, and that’s when the room exploded into chaos.

Chapter 22

“Declan!” a voice yelled out.

He stopped and turned back to look at the Quad behind him. Mack was waving one arm, jogging in his direction. His hair looked wet, like he had gotten caught in a rain shower. Overhead, the sky was clear.

“Hey buddy. What’s up?” Declan greeted his friend.

“Thought that was your skinny ass self, striding along up here,” Mack said with a grin, slowing to a stop.

“Skinny ass? Listen stubby, just because you live down there among the little people, don’t take it out on me,” Declan said, grinning back.