The When used three fingers to press the previous buttons, and the display dropped to the console and disintegrated. King Xander continued to stare into the empty space as if he had seen a ghost. Nor recognized the look but said nothing. The Which watched them both carefully.

“However, I hasten to remind you,” said The When, sensing the grimness, “if the Prophecy is to be fulfilled, it has only one night in which to do so.”

The Why and The Where looked up hopefully. Surely, this could be interpreted as good news? But before the king could concede any optimism, the gathering was startled by a disturbance at the door. General Bahn muscled his way through the guards at the entrance.

“I will be allowed passage!” the general boomed, his size and stature dwarfing everyone else in the room.

Instantly territorial, Chancellor Olaf stepped forward. “What is the meaning of this disturbance?”

Bahn strode to the dais, still clad in his battle garb and trailing the dust of the battlefield behind him. The Four Tellers hastily made way. “I must make a report to the king.”

“This is an egregious breach of protocol!” Olaf blustered.

King Xander raised his hand, silencing Olaf before he could become completely apoplectic. “Chancellor Olaf, I will allow it. General Bahn.”

Olaf seethed but took a respectful step backward. Bahn regarded him with baleful eyes before turning his attention to the king. “Thank you, Your Majesty…I am happy to report that the warmen of Mano have repelled an Indiran invasion that attempted to land troops at the Grand Schism.”

There was an audible gasp from those gathered. Xander leaned forward, suddenly invigorated. “I am pleased and mortified at the same time. When?”

“I have come directly from the conflict.”

Queen Nor leaned forward as well, visibly reflecting on all the many possibilities. “Interesting timing, Xander,” she murmured.

Xander, however, had turned his attention to The Which. In contrast to Nor’s analytical thinking, Xander’s reflex had always been to lay blame. “The Which of Front Tier, were you not aware of this? It’s your domain.”

The Which blanched slightly. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was here preparing for our conference.”

Before Xander could pursue this punitive thread, Olaf interjected, “Your Majesties, I cannot help but be struck by the proximity of the attack to the impending arrival of the Prophecy. I find no comfort in coincidence.”

“I just said the exact same thing, Olaf, only with fewer words,” Queen Nor snipped.

The Which glanced gratefully at Olaf, wondering if he had distracted the king to illustrate his own brilliance, or if he had interceded on her behalf. Olaf avoided her eyes and she had to conclude that both could be true.

At the mention of the Prophecy, Xander deflated to his previous impotent state. He leaned back in his throne and only mumbled, “Yes.”

“I’m glad that Chancellor Olaf has broached the subject,” Bahn said, clearly sensing an opening. Olaf’s eyes narrowed at the unexpected bit of diplomacy, but Bahn continued as if it were not out of character. “It was only by the Light of Femera and Amali that we had additional troops at the garrison of Front Tier. Only that and our increased firepower assured our victory.”