:I see. So this is what people are saying. I don’t think the possibility of war will remain a secret much longer.

:You knew all this?

:Yes and no. We’ve only just begun receiving reliable reports of what’s going on in the south. They’re the observations of people who are being careful not to be noticed. The sort of information you have unearthed—purchases of materials and a change in their military behavior—are new to me. Tell Juran what you have learned. It will help him see the bigger picture.

:I will. How is your work in Si going?

:It’s a fascinating place. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. These people have such gentle natures. I was expecting some kind of internal conflict—like the ancient grudges between the Dunwayan clans—but there’s only a mild sort of competition between tribes that they channel into aerial contests. They look for matches between young men and women of different tribes, and marry quite young, which encourages adolescents to mature quickly. Have you heard from Leiard at all?

Danjin blinked in surprise at the sudden change of subject.

:No. Not once since you left.

Could you…could you visit him? Just to let him know I haven’t completely forgotten about him.

:I’ll do it tomorrow.

:Thank you. And how is…Ah, here’s Speaker Sirri. I will talk to you again soon.

The sense of her presence faded, then suddenly returned.

:And give Mischief an extra scratch for me.

:I will.

Then she was gone. Danjin moved to the chair, crouched and scratched the veez’s head.

“There, that’s from your mistress.”

Mischief closed his eyes, his pointy face a picture of bliss.

Danjin sighed. If only I was so easily soothed, he thought. Auraya knows of the Pentadrian army, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening. I just have to hope that the White are doing all they can to prevent a war—or at least to win if it is unavoidable.

“Sorry, Mischief,” he said to the veez. “I must leave you. I need to tell Juran what I know.”

He gave Mischief one last scratch, then rose and hurried from the room.

After Speaker Sirri left, Auraya slowly walked around the bower the Siyee had made her. It was a marvellous creation, so simple yet so beautiful. They had made hers twice the size of a normal bower, measuring it against the landwalker named Gremmer who had delivered the offer of an alliance to them.