might assume, therefore, that the northern countries were easier to conquer. The fact that no one returned from the south was proof that it was too dangerous.”
“An interesting theory but impossible to prove. Unless you talk to them,” the mistral said.
“Unless I—what? Me?”
“You’re practically the only one who can. I have some other old language scholars on the way here to continue speaking with Saviič. But he is obviously not aware of the Eculans’ current plans, nor is he one of their leaders. I want you to travel north, find these Eculans, and talk to them.”
“Oh. But if they are simply killing everyone they see, I may not be able to engage them in meaningful conversation.”
“No one has tried to speak to them yet. You have some knowledge of their modern tongue now, and you have a copy of that book, The Seven Kennings. They will listen. And I’m sending a couple of tempests with you to keep you safe.”
“Tempests?” I heard a door open behind me but kept my eyes on the mistral. It would not do to give the impression that there might be something in the room more interesting than she.
“Welcome, gentlemen,” she said. “This is Gondel Vedd, a scholar I’m placing in your care.”
The soft clop of boot heels on stone came to a halt to my left, and I could no longer ignore them. I turned as the tempests bowed to the mistral and saw an old man standing next to me and a younger man beyond.
The old man was my brother—an extremely aged version of him, anyway. He was ten years my junior and should have looked much better than I, but he appeared to be ancient, perhaps in his eighties or nineties, with a bent back and leaning heavily on a walking stick. He was no longer the proud tempest I had last seen many years ago. He now looked as if he would have trouble chewing his food. His voice was scratchy and tired like worn-out carpet.
“Gondel,” he said with a short nod. “It’s been a long time.”
“Hello, Jubal,” I replied, my mouth suddenly gone so dry that I had to cough. “It has indeed.”
The younger tempest looked to be in his twenties, dressed in brilliant orange tied scarves, though his true age might be much younger. He could conceivably still be a teenager. “I am Ponder Tann,” he said. “Peace to you.”
“Now that you’re all here,” Mistral Kira said, “I have a mission for the three of you. Fly to the Brynt coast, beginning at Möllerud. Find out what you can about what happened. Eventually I will need you to locate one of their armies and speak to their leader. I need to know why they’ve invaded and if they’re coming here next. If this is a matter of simple conquest, why were the Brynts and Raelechs targeted if we and Forn are closer to Ecula? And record everything, Gondel. The world is changing, and I want Kaurian eyes to be witness. Ponder will protect you on your travels. However,” she said to the young tempest directly, “if you or Gondel discovers evidence that Kauria is next, I want you to fly back here and inform me immediately, understood?”
All I could manage was a nod. She hadn’t mentioned what role my brother would play, but I already knew. He would fly us there, and after that his life most likely would be over.
The mistral continued, “Otherwise you may send regular reports the slow way through our ambassadors where you find them. I’m giving you a letter of introduction, Gondel, that will instruct our embassies to render you whatever aid they can. Help the Brynts and Raelechs understand what they’re up against but keep Kauria’s safety foremost in your mind.”
She had more to say, but I missed it, my mind preoccupied with the imminent death of my brother so that it ground to a halt like gears obstructed by a pebble. I didn’t hear how or when I was supposed to return, didn’t hear if I would have time to say farewell to my love before we departed, didn’t hear how we were supposed to survive while there. I didn’t even notice that the mistral had stopped speaking until Teela Parr nudged my arm with her elbow. Startled back into the present to find the mistral looking at me expectantly, I bowed my head and said, “As you wish, Mistral Kira,” and hoped that would serve. She gave a tight nod, and