But now he was in an orange jumpsuit, wrists and ankles shackled to a chain that trailed from his waist. His right hand was mangled and scarred, but whatever injury had caused it had left enough wrist to keep him restrained. He was thin, too thin, and Gareth almost wished he’d thought to bring a sandwich.

If Silver was surprised to see Gareth, he didn’t let it show. He dropped into the chair when the guard gave him a shove.

Gareth glanced up, realizing he needed to keep up appearances, at least for a little while longer. He half rose from his seat, smoothing his tie as he addressed the officers. “Thank you, gentlemen. We won’t be too long.”

One of the guards gave him a mocking courtly bow on his way out. “By all means, take your time, your highness.” The other laughed.

Then the door slammed.

Silver’s eyes lifted from the table. He cut a glance at the door and kept his voice down. “Gareth. It’s been a long time. You’re looking well.”

“I wish I could say the same.”

Silver glanced at his wrist, his eyes darkening. The chains jingled as he moved. “I let them get too close. It won’t happen again.” He paused. “I began to wonder whether they’d send someone.”

“Of course.” Gareth smiled. “We would never leave one of our own sitting in a cell.”

“Do we have a plan?”

So very like Silver. Right down to business.

Gareth opened one of his file folders. “We have to keep up appearances, if only for a little while.” He tapped his pen against the table. “I thought maybe we could review what you know of your last assignment.”

Silver’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“If I’m going to help you, I’d rather not go in blind.”

Gareth watched the emotion in Silver’s eyes: wounded pride warring with resignation over the fact that he was sitting here with barely more dignity than a caged animal. Proof of his failure.

Gareth waited. He would not rub salt in the wound, but he wouldn’t coddle the man, either.

Silver gritted his teeth. “I know there are pure Elementals in town, enough to form a full circle. Proven dangers.”

Gareth raised his eyebrows. “All proven?”

Silver nodded. “All.” He paused. “We can proceed with eliminating them immediately.”

“I think I’d still like to observe, to be certain.”

Silver’s expression tightened. He was insulted.

Gareth didn’t care. He would not destroy children based on hearsay.

The Guides had few rules, but this one separated them from the Elementals who were driven by nothing but power.

Observe first. Then destroy.

Silver cleared his throat. “There are numerous young Elementals as well, though few have demonstrated the level of their power yet.” He nodded at the papers in front of Gareth. “Show me what you have. I’ll fill in your blanks.”