“Oh. Well, suppose you were right, and the worst were to happen, the Watatzi tribe is tiny compared to the might of Cresh, and have no dragons besides.”

Yenni threw down the brush she’d been using to sweep the table clean and put her hands on her hips. “And that makes it acceptable to steal from them?!”

Devon cringed. “No, of course not. I’m only saying they would likely think twice before attacking. Listen,” he said in what he must have assumed was a soothing tone, “what about you, en? You’re here learning all about the magic and culture of Cresh. You have that right, as does anyone who visits our Empire. Why should runelore not be the same? The world grows smaller every day, and I predict that one day there will no longer be hidden runes, just as there are no hidden spells. Magic belongs to everyone, Yenni Ajani. Rich and poor. Islander or Creshen.”

Yenni suddenly remembered what Natahi had said before she left. It is their nature to take what does not belong to them.

“That is not the same,” Yenni insisted. “Creshen knowledge is given freely, even forcefully, in some cases. And while spells may not be technically hidden, there are nonetheless advanced spells that it would take years of study, and many Creshen duvvies to access. It should be up to the Watatzi if and when they want to reveal their hidden runes.”

Devon touched his finger to his chin and studied her. “You know, I wonder if perhaps you aren’t feeling some frustration that a Creshen has discovered a rune you knew nothing about.”

Yenni’s eyebrows flew up. “One, your Desroches did not discover anything. The Watatzi have likely been using that rune for millennia. Two, my frustration is because you either cannot understand or do not care how awful a thing your mentor has done. What of the Watatzi? Once this rune is publicized they will lose much leverage with the other tribes.”

“That is unfortunate,” Devon admitted.

“Or suppose your emperor decides to try to claim the Islands again? The deception rune, as you put it, kept the Watatzi safe once, but they will have no protection in the event of a second attack.”

“That will never happen,” Devon said with finality. “I speak for most Creshens when I say we reject and are deeply ashamed of our past as bloody conquerors.”

“Well, perhaps your next campaign will be not to acquire more land. Perhaps it will be to acquire something more—the very soul of a people.”

Devon’s mouth opened and closed, until he finally said. “There’s nothing to be done. Desroches presented the rune to the High Magus Council not two days ago. It’s up to them to decide what to do with it now.”

Yenni closed her eyes and sighed.

“Yenni Ajani,” Devon said, his voice pleading. “This is a good thing. I promise you.”