“I doubt,” Lord Cambor cuts in, “that King Kharo has to give any more than a moment’s thought as to whether or not to save the youngest generation of his people. It is what any of our sovereigns would do.” The ambassador’s stormy expression is made sterner under his heavy brows, pulled closely together. “Besides, we all rely on the Leonodai’s protection.”

“We don’t,” says Freanna. “Our fortresses are built to withstand any attack—like the one that we are about to invite thanks to the Leonodai’s lack of prowess in the healing arts. That is why I suggested we look for the cure on Vyrinterra before going to the humans,” she finishes. “But if you recall, I was overruled.”

“The Leonodai children dying several floors below your feet do not have the luxury of time,” snaps Sentinel Renna, voice rising with years of practiced authority. “We don’t have time to be pulling weeds up in the mountains. We must rely on what we know.”

“So far,” the king says slowly, letting the room calm, “the disease has only affected children, but we don’t know if that will change. We must act fast. Sentinel Hammond, if you please.”

To my left, the Second Sentinel straightens up.

“Tonight,” Hammond’s voice booms, “we will send out teams of Leonodai warriors to Balmora. Only the most trusted will be chosen. No one will know their mission except them. The teams will seek out the panacea and return it to the Heliana.”

“And what is it you are asking of this council?” Alys asks, drawing a long lock of hair forward and twisting it around her finger. “Our people already defend from the seas as you defend from the skies. We’ve taken down nearly two dozen large ships this year alone.”

Hammond bows his head. “And you have our gratitude, Lady Alys. From the sea-folk, we are asking only greater vigilance. The humans know we are weak, so they may ready a stronger attack.”

Rhys cleared his throat. “We need not consult our Queen for this,” he says. He shares a glance with his sister, who nods at the same moment he does. “We know our sovereign’s will dearer than our own. The people of the sea have the most to lose if the shores of Vyrinterra are corrupted and polluted by humans should the Leonodai not defend us. I will request that patrols be increased.”

“The humans may try to go around the Heliana,” Renna notes.

“The Queen sees all,” is Lady Alys’s immediate reply. “She knows every shadow that crosses the horizon and which of those do not belong. She will know, and we will fight.”

“Thank you,” says King Kharo.

An awkward silence follows. I steel myself. Faera would never have allowed a lull during something so important, even for a moment. She would lead the ambassadors to where she wanted them to go.