The tribal leaders nodded and murmured agreement. Auraya sensed a wave of relief from friz.
“We will speak to you then,” Sirri finished.
The crowd began to disperse. As Auraya started toward her bower Sirri joined her.
“I feel like I could sleep for a week,” Sirri admitted when they were out of the crowd. “I’m not used to travelling long distances. My position keeps me here.” She paused. “Despite that, I doubt I’ll sleep at all.”
“I wouldn’t sleep well if my son was leading the scouts watching the Pentadrians. However, Sreil is a sensible young man. He will not take any risks.”
Sirri looked at Auraya anxiously. “Do you think the Pentadrians will leave?”
Auraya shook her head. “I can’t be sure. I caught a mind conversation between the leader and her superior. His orders were to leave, but he did warn her that his orders might change. I do not think it likely. I doubt they’d start another war by attacking Siyee, but I would not dismiss the possibility completely.”
Sirri sighed. “I don’t like that we won’t know of an attack for days.”
Auraya nodded. “I don’t like it either.”
“The sooner we have priests and priestesses the better.”
“Yes.”
They had arrived outside Auraya’s bower.
“Do try to rest at least,” Auraya told the Siyee leader gently. “Even if you have to slip away to a hiding place to get some peace.”
Sirri chuckled. “Might have to.” She glanced around. There were few Siyee around. “Yes. That’s another good idea. I’ll see you after dinner.”
Auraya smiled as Sirri strode away, heading deeper into the forest. She pushed past the hanging of her bower and stepped inside. As she moved toward the seats in the center of the room she focused her mind on her ring.
:Jur—
Something fell onto her shoulders. She jumped, then gasped in relief as a high voice spoke uncomfortably close to her ear.
“Owaya! Owaya! Owaya!”
“Yes, Mischief,” she said, unwinding him from around her neck. “I’m back. I’m alive and safe.” He clutched her arm, whiskers quivering. “And, yes, I’d like to play with you, but right now I need to talk to Juran.”
As she sat down he let go of her and curled up in her lap. Taking a deep breath, she sought Juran’s mind again.
:Auraya? I thought that was you.
:Yes. I have just reached the Open. Juran had watched the confrontation telepathically. I thought about what I learned there all the way back. Are you free to discuss it?
:Yes. So what were you thinking?
:This woman we met believes her superior—Nekaun—is the leader of the Pentadrians. They have elected a replacement for Kuar already.
:It appears so, Juran agreed. Either the Pentadrians breed powerful sorcerers at a frightening rate, or they have elected a less powerful sorcerer in order to regain their people’s confidence.
:The latter does seem more likely. These Pentadrians were sent to Si to befriend the Siyee in order to turn them from the Circle of Gods to their own five gods. Would he have sent similar groups to other Ithanian lands for the same purpose?
:It is possible. We will have to be watchful.
:I would say they had little chance of success if I was sure the Pentadrian gods did not exist. Have the gods discovered anything more?
:They have not spoken of it. What of Chaia? Is he still “chatting” with you?
:Yes. He has said nothing on the subject, however.
:Have you asked him?
:Yes, but he is remarkably good at ignoring questions he doesn‘t want to answer.
:He would tell you if he could.
:Do you think so? He can be a frustrating companion at times.
:You are fortunate that he favors you with his presence so often. He regards you highly, Auraya. Enjoy it; it may not last forever.
She winced. Was she being ungrateful? She couldn’t reveal the reason she found Chaia’s visits so… so… She could not think of a word to describe the mix of annoyance and curiosity she felt.
It’s all very well for Juran to tell me to enjoy Chaia’s visits. He’s probably never had a god murmuring seductively in his ear before, she thought. Then she frowned. Or has he? She shook her head. Get back to the subject, she told herself.
:I would like to stay here until we are sure the Pentadrians have left Si.
:Yes, you should.
She sighed with relief. After his earlier resistance to her going to the Siyee’s aid she had expected him to order her back to Jarime.
:I will return when they are gone.
As she drew back from Juran’s mind, she paused to scratch Mischief. She should see