cropped gray hair. He wore light green cotton shirt and trousers. Millet noticed how much he had aged since he had last seen him. He stood up, smiling and embraced the man warmly.
“It is certainly good to see you, Jansi.”
“And you, Millet,” Jansi replied. “Though I wish it were on more pleasant circumstances.”
“Then you know what I'm doing in Baltria?” asked Millet, trying to hide his anxiety.
“My Lord filled me in,” he said. “At least to the extent I need to know. He wants you to know that Lord Starfinder is in Baltria. He and a young woman named Celandine are staying at his property near the merchant district.”
Millet nodded. He was familiar with the house. “I require your help. My presence is known to our enemies. I was approached by an agent of Angrääl earlier, and they know where and who I am.”
Jansi's eyes widened. “Do they know where Lord Starfinder is?” he asked.
“No,” replied Millet. “As least he didn't seem to. He asked me to give him a message when I found him.”
“Good.” Jansi sighed. “It would not do for Lord Lanson to get mixed up with those people.”
Millet looked confused. “What people?”
Jansi lowered his voice. “The ones from Angrääl. They're everywhere these days—you didn't know?”
Millet shook his head. “I have only just arrived in the city.”
“I see.” He took a deep breath. He proceeded to inform Millet about the faithful and the ambassador, along with recent events regarding the assaults on the temples.
Millet was dumbfounded. “You must take me to Lord Starfinder. But, I must get there without being seen.”
“I have a carriage waiting just outside,” said Jansi. “If you leave through the kitchen you can get to it through the alley. I'll meet you there.”
Millet nodded and got to his feet. “I'll be there in a moment.” He watched as Jansi left and made his way to the kitchen. He slipped the innkeeper a gold coin and instructed him to tell anyone who asked, that he had gone to his room feeling ill, and to tell Jacob to wait for him there.
He was relieved to find no one at the rear entrance as he made his way around the back of the inn, then around the side through the alleyway. He could see the carriage. Jansi was in the driver’s seat and the door was open. Millet raced inside and slammed the door shut.
Jansi expertly navigated the streets until they reached their destination. The sun was sinking over the horizon and Millet looked out the windows for signs of pursuit. To his great relief only a few people were about and none seemed to take notice of them. He slowly crept from the carriage and walked to the front door.
Lee opened the door just as Millet was about to knock. He pulled him inside... Jansi quickly followed.
Lee embraced Millet so tightly he could hardly breathe. “It’s so good to see you, my old friend.”
“It's good to see you too, my lord,” Millet grunted through the embrace.
Lee released him and walked him to living room. Dina awaited them on the couch, a cup of wine in her hand, and wearing her wool traveling clothes. When she saw Millet, she sprang from her seat and flung her arms around him.
“I knew you'd make it,” she said.
“Indeed,” said Millet, smiling. “And I'm pleased your trip was uneventful.”
“We moved too fast to have any adventures.” Dina laughed. “People scarcely knew we had passed.”
Millet's face turned grave. “They know now, I'm afraid.”
“Sit,” said Lee. “We can tell our tales later. I must know where my son is.”
Millet and the others took their seats, Millet just beside Lee. Jansi excused himself and went outside to the carriage.
“Your son is safe,” said Millet. “By now he's probably back at the inn. But now that I've found you, we should leave the city immediately.” He recounted the conversation with Yanti.
Lee lowered his head, deep in thought. “I want you to take Jacob to Dantary in the eastern desert,” he said finally. “He'll be safe there.”
“That might be a problem, my lord,” replied Millet. “Why is that?” asked Lee.
Millet took a deep breath before he spoke. “Your son is a bit... stubborn. I don't think you will be able to talk him into leaving. He's quite determined to rescue his mother.”
Lee nodded with understanding. He knew what Millet meant by stubborn.
“Then I'll have to convince him. I'm sure he holds no love for me, but I'll not have him die needlessly.” Lee got to his