“Perhaps the history you rely on is not applicable to this situation,” Pleysia muttered. “Perhaps we should consider another approach.”

“Do you have one in mind?” Bombax pressed. “Because if not, perhaps we should let the Ard Rhys finish.”

Pleysia glared at him but stayed silent. Khyber gave her a moment, waiting to see if she wanted to pursue her argument, and then she continued.

“I think we need a Seer. I think we need a skilled Tracker and a warrior stronger in arms and more experienced in fighting skills than any of us—perhaps even than Garroneck or his Trolls. We need all of these before we even think about setting out. I would like each of you to help in securing their services. Men or women, either will do. But we need balance in our expedition, a cross section of skills and abilities.”

There was an extended silence. “I will go to Varfleet,” Bombax declared. “Better Callahorn than a return to the Federation cities. Men and women possessing such skills as those you describe, Mistress, can be found in the Borderlands.”

“I will go home to the Dwarves,” Seersha added quickly.

“Aphenglow returns to the Elves to search further through the Elven writings in case there is something more on Aleia Omarosian’s time with the Chosen. Carrick, will you travel down into the Federation and look there?”

“Better you send me than Carrick,” Pleysia interrupted suddenly. “He is not skilled enough to avoid being identified, Southlander or no. I am more familiar with travel in the Federation than he is.”

Khyber was surprised. “I gathered from your disagreement with my intentions you would prefer to stay here.”

Pleysia shrugged, her smooth features wrinkling. “I might not agree with your decision to include others in our efforts to find the Elfstones, but that doesn’t mean I don’t intend to take part in the search. I don’t trust Allanon, but I do support you. I am disagreeing, Mistress, not withdrawing.”

She said it calmly, without rancor or disgruntlement. Khyber was impressed. “Your point is taken. I will send you both. Carrick can go into the Eastland with Seersha. Where will you go, Pleysia?”

“Not where anyone else is going. Not to the Elves especially. I leave that to Aphen. Somewhere else. But I would prefer to keep it to myself for now. Will you trust me?”

Khyber nodded. With Pleysia, you never knew what to expect anyway. “Of course I will. Do what you think is necessary.”

She turned back to the others. “We will leave in the morning, all of us. Take skimmers and go alone. Avoid being noticed. There may be some who would attempt to interfere if they learned what we are doing. One man for certain. If Drustan Chazhul learns what we are about, he will almost certainly act on it.”