From a side alcove, their daughter Sarein emerged, wearing a traditional shawl of cocoon fiber over a stylish indigo outfit of the type that was fashionable on Earth. Looking at the young woman, Otema saw pride and ambition in Sarein’s eyes. She felt a barb of uneasiness in her skin.

Mother Alexa said, “After much discussion, we have decided to appoint our daughter Sarein as the new ambassador to Earth. She has studied with the Hansa and is familiar with many powerful people on that planet, including Chairman Wenceslas. There is no one more qualified for the job.”

Otema did not let her disappointment show. She narrowed her hard eyes and looked at Sarein, who seemed pleased with her appointment. “Your daughter is a very intelligent and capable young woman, but she is not a green priest. Is that not a necessary criterion for serving the worldforest and speaking for Theroc?”

Idriss made a dismissive gesture. “Not so. Do we not speak for Theroc? Besides, she will have access to green priests in the Whisper Palace, should she need to consult with us through telink.”

“That is not entirely the concern,” Otema said. “It is a matter of… understanding nuances.”

Sarein stepped forward, keeping a quiet face that belied her obvious undercurrent of annoyance. “On the contrary, Lady Ambassador, as the daughter of Father Idriss and Mother Alexa, I can provide a unique perspective and understanding of the worldforest and Theron ways. Unlike the green priests, however, I also have a grasp of new and changing commercial practices within the Terran Hanseatic League.” She raised her eyebrows in an aloof expression. “Such matters may not be clear to someone who is immersed in a one-sided view of interstellar commerce.”

Startled, Otema stood straight, realizing that she had been outmaneuvered. Disturbed by the eagerness and drive that was so apparent in Sarein’s manner—yet somehow invisible to her doting parents—Otema bowed in acquiescence. “I will do my duty.” Formally, she unfastened the clasp of her ambassadorial cloak and removed the ornate fabric, holding it out like a matador’s cape. “Sarein, I present you with this emblem of your new office. Take these robes and serve the worldforest well.”

Somewhat uncomfortably, Sarein accepted the cloak, but draped it over her arm rather than wrapping it around her shoulders.

Now barely clad, her skin such a dark green it was almost black, Otema excused herself from the throne chamber. She sketched a final bow to the two rulers and walked toward the exit arch. “If you need me for further consultation, I will be communing with the worldforest.”

32: NIRA

32NIRA

Nervous yet eager, with a thrill unmatched by anything she’d ever experienced, Nira Khali went deep into the forest. Alone. There, she would survive through the grace and protection of the worldtrees.