Otema scowled. “You are an intelligent girl, Sarein, and I would never doubt your ability to understand.” She took a long sip of her drink and paused, eyes closed, visibly absorbing the energy the ground worldtree seeds gave her. The green in her skin seemed to grow more vibrant.

“However, I hope your understanding extends to the delicacy of the Theron position. It is easy to be contemptuous or forgetful of where you have spent your life. An impatient child might consider our ways uninteresting or dull, but do not let the lure of gaudy treasures distract you from what is truly important. Such flowers are bright and colorful, but they bloom only briefly. Roots, on the other hand, go deep and provide stability for a long time.”

Sarein wanted to make a rude noise, but restrained herself. Instead, she nodded sagely. “A very important point, Otema. I thank you for your insight.”

Basil had talked with her about how frustrating Otema could be. Without emotion or rancor, the old ambassador had deflected all Hansa attempts to achieve even the slightest control over the green priests. Basil knew not to cross the “Iron Lady,” because Otema would not budge.

Under Sarein, though, many things would change.

Outside in the jungle, two mating birds flew about squawking, rustling the leaves and disturbing a cloud of jewel-shelled insects. Otema seemed distracted, as if worried about deeper problems than an ambitious young ambassador to Earth. “The trees have much knowledge—and some of it they do not share, even with us.”

Sarein steeled herself, tried a different tack. “Since I am not a green priest, I realize that my understanding of the worldforest is not as deep as yours. However, I will strive to do my best, and I will always have access to other members of the priesthood for their advice and communication abilities. The worldforest will know everything I do.”

“I doubt, young woman, that you intend to let any green priest sit in on your… shall we say, private consultations with Chairman Wenceslas.” Her suggestiveness so shocked Sarein that the young woman could barely cover her reaction. “You believe that your intimate connection with the Chairman grants you some sort of power over him, but I warn you that Basil Wenceslas is not so easily manipulated. He runs far deeper than a simple girl can comprehend.”

Sarein’s face darkened. “Now that you have been stripped of your ambassadorial cloak, Otema, you have forgotten tact and diplomacy.”

“I have not forgotten the truth, Sarein,” she said. “One doesn’t need a link with the worldtrees to see something so obvious.” Leaving her beverage unfinished, the ancient woman stood and gave a formal bow. “I believe that is more advice than you truly wanted to hear, so I will take my leave.” She backed toward the arched door in the soft-walled room.