Magister Avail frowned. Use your voice, Queen. Let us all hear you. I will speak for Magister Rummage.

Estie reached for her gift. Very well. You say that Sword Eradimnie waits for my response. My response to what?

The hunchback tapped swiftly on his friend’s hand. Almost simultaneously, Avail announced, Magister Rummage says this. He did not foresee the power of the Great God’s priests. He hoped for an easier defense. Now he knows that we must rely on you. Sword Eradimnie wishes to know whether you will do what is needed.

Startled, Estie held her breath. She had come to warn the Magisters. She had not expected to be met with a demand. Suddenly, she had too many questions.

But she kept them to herself. Her father had taught her to hold back until she knew what was at stake. When she could breathe again, she replied, Then tell me. What can I do that all of your sorceries cannot?

The hunchback’s fingers moved like vehemence. Magister Avail repeated the words as fast as his friend wrote them.

Those whoreson priests will master the desert. The Great God will come against us whatever General Klamath and King Bifalt do. But he will not come here. Avail indicated the whole library with a gesture. If he does, he will be within our reach. He cannot be certain that he will escape harm. He will strike from a distance.

Our dilemma is simple, Queen. I must stand on the battlements to direct our defenses. The fury of Rummage’s tapping began to look like terror. My friend must be there to convey my orders. But from that vantage—even from the highest point of the library—I cannot watch the Great God’s approach from the caravan-track. Even when his forces attempt the foothills, they will be beyond my sight. I will not see what they do until they reach the road below the lower plateau.

The Great God will want that clear space for himself. Our strongest Magisters cannot cast their Decimates so far. He will be safe there.

Unable to remain silent longer, Estie put in, I understand, Magister. But you have not explained why you require me.

Magister Rummage turned his head, bared his teeth at her. Now even his glaring resembled fear.

I require your voice, Queen. And your eyes. When the Great God comes, you must be near him.

At that, Commander Crayn signaled for Estie’s attention. But she could not tear her thoughts away from Avail and Rummage.

For his friend, the deaf Magister said, I require you to watch him. There will be fighting until all of our defenders fall. If you do not watch what he does and tell me, I will not know how to respond.