The dragon-woman turned around in the hallway, thumping against the walls and knocking artwork off them. Before Thisbe followed her, she flashed Rohan a stressed-out look. She wanted to warn him not to eat or drink anything until he’d taken some of the ancestor broth to act against any sabotage the Revinir had planned. But Thisbe had no way to do so without setting off alarm bells in the Revinir’s head. So they parted ways, not sure what to expect for the day.

Thisbe had never been more determined to use her obliterate component at the first opportunity. But she also needed her Artiméan army to come as backup just in case a war broke out because of it. With a sinking heart, Thisbe realized the message to Fifer was still in her pocket, unsent.

Confusion in the Cavelands

Maiven Taveer and Quince returned to the cavelands to a million questions, mainly about Rohan’s whereabouts. Maiven stayed on Quince’s back and raised her hand in the air for silence. Then she explained.

“Rohan and I were able to listen in on a conversation between the Revinir and Thisbe,” Maiven said. “It seems our worst fears are confirmed. Thisbe is all in with the Revinir, and they are planning some sort of takeover.” She lifted her chin. “Rohan was discovered and seized by the Revinir. He’s inside the castle. As he was being captured, he told Quince and me not to wait for him. If he isn’t immediately imprisoned, I believe he will do his best to try to reach Thisbe on a different level, to talk to her and find out what is prompting this treasonous action.” She paused for breath. “If there is anyone who can get through to her after so much has happened, after Fifer herself has failed, I believe Rohan is the one. And so Quince and I left to report back to you as we assured you we would do.”

She turned to Simber. “And now I’d like to meet with Simber and Aaron in my cave. And Ishibashi, too, if you please.” The queen had taken a liking to Ishibashi’s intelligence and calm manner, and she appreciated his insight.

Maiven descended the ghost dragon in a style that was uniquely hers, by sliding down the dragon’s tail, holding her military swagger stick in one hand and a sword in the other for balance. She went to the river first to clean up from her journey. Then she found Simber, Ishibashi, and Aaron waiting at her cave.

“Things seem dire,” Maiven said in greeting.

“Indeed,” said Ishibashi. “This is very serious.”