The door flap opened and the older woman stepped inside. She nodded respectfully at Tryss’s mother, then smiled at Tryss.

“The Speakers will be meeting to witness the signing of the alliance this morning. I would like Tryss to attend.”

His mother’s eyebrows rose. “You would? Well, I can’t see why not. Does he have time enough to eat?”

Sirri shrugged. “Yes, if he does not take too long.”

“And you?”

The older woman blinked in surprise. “Me?”

“Would you like some nut mash? It is ready and I have plenty.”

Sirri eyed the bowl. “Well, if it is no trouble…”

Tryss’s mother smiled and spooned out the hot mash into four bowls. Sirri sat down to eat. From the look of relief on her face, Tryss guessed the Speaker had not found the time to eat anything this morning. The hanging across the door to his parents’ room opened and his father stepped out, his hair sticking up in all directions. He looked at Sirri in surprise.

“Speaker,” he said.

“Tiss,” she replied.

“Is that breakfast I can smell?” he said, turning to Tryss’s mother.

“It is,” she replied, handing him a bowl.

“You must be proud of Tryss,” Sirri said.

Tryss felt his heart swell with pleasure as his parents nodded. “He’s always been a clever boy,” his mother said. “I thought he would do well, perhaps become a bowermaker or arrowforger. I never guessed he would help bring about such changes for our people.”

“We couldn’t stay as we were,” his father added. “My grandfather always said adapting to and embracing change was the Siyee’s greatest strength.”

“Your grandfather was a wise man,” Sirri said.

Tryss’s mother nodded in agreement, then glanced at Tryss. “I only fear what any mother fears: that such changes will have a terrible price.”

Sirri grimaced. “I know that fear well. If we go to war with the White, as I suspect we will, I doubt I could keep Sreil here. Nor should I. It will be a difficult time.”

Tryss’s parents nodded again. They all ate in silence, then Sirri set her empty bowl aside and looked at Tryss.

“Change awaits no one, but alliance signings can’t happen without the Head Speaker. We must go. Thank you for the meal, Trilli. It is much appreciated.”

Tryss’s mother gathered the empty bowls and ushered them out. As Tryss and Sirri emerged into the sunlight he caught a movement from the next bower. His heart leapt as Drilli emerged. She saw him and grinned, but the smile faded as her father stepped out. He gave Tryss a warning look then strode away, Drilli following.

Tryss sighed, then turned to find Sirri regarding him.