Threshold of Annihilation (The Firebird Chronicles #3) - T.A. White Page 0,140

to reconnect.

“That reminds me. Where’s Raider?” Kira asked. “He should have been here by now.”

Graydon snagged a drink from one of the hovering drones. “He’s around somewhere.”

Before Kira could ask more, the crowd started to move toward the raised dais Kira had noted before but hadn't paid much attention to.

Holding a lot in common with the Mayan pyramids of ancient Earth, the dais stood at least a hundred feet tall, stairs leading from the pavilion on top to the banquet floor.

In the space above the dome, a small fleet of ships approached, hovering protectively around the ship at their center.

As they neared the dome, the other ships stopped as the smallest ship continued, penetrating the membrane of the dome.

Two banners unfurled on either side of the pyramid. This time there was no mistaking the presence of a royal.

The banners carried their insignia. Stark white against an amethyst background, the crest of this royal was modeled after a creature that looked like a cross between a snake and a Betta fish.

Long, elegant fins trailed behind it. A counter to the deadly looking spines along its back.

As a symbol it was very effective in demonstrating the concept of an elegant glove wrapped around an iron fist.

Waves of Haldeel dressed in the uniform of the royal guards filed out of the ship carrying ceremonial tridents.

They glided down the stairs of the dais in two uniform lines. When the first reached the bottom, they came to a stop. As one they faced inward.

All attention turned to the ship.

Tierni stepped into view, pausing on the threshold as she regarded those assembled. A headdress added several inches to her height, long chains framing her face.

The dress she wore was elegant in its complexity. Interwoven metal chains hung in a gentle arc over her chest. Her shoulders were bare but similar chains clasped her biceps before transitioning into sheer sleeves that hung nearly to the floor. A slit in the front of her sleeves made it so she could still use her hands.

The rest of her gown flowed in a line down her body, a chain belt clasped around her waist.

The banquet was silent as she made her way to a throne set on the edge of the platform.

Only when she had taken her seat did her companion descend two steps and stop.

"Esteemed guests, the za na ri na of the Haldeel gives you her greeting and bids you welcome," the man began.

Graydon made a thoughtful sound next to Kira. "That's intriguing. I never expected to see a human entrusted as a Haldeel royal's voice."

Kira's expression was faintly troubled as she stared at the man. "Yes, it is quite the surprise."

In more ways than one.

"What is Alexander doing here?" Jin hissed through the comms. "Did Selene tell you about this? Why didn't you tell me? You know the last time we crossed paths with him, he nearly killed us and warned you never to come close to him again. What if he tells the rest of them what we're up to?"

Kira could only guess as to why Selene had failed to inform them of this development. Most likely, it was the same clandestine bullshit as usual.

"Do you know him?" Graydon’s expression was curious as he looked at her

"You could say that," Kira said after a pause.

"This isn’t good, Kira," Jin warned. “The forty-three never bring anything but trouble.”

Not able to respond without alerting Graydon, Kira sent soothing thoughts down their link.

It didn't matter why he was here, or how he'd ended up as a trusted aide to Tierni. All they had to do was remain focused on their own goals. The rest would sort itself out one way or another

Graydon didn't pry further as he studied the man with interest.

Kira should probably do something about that, but somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to act. While it had never been her intention to draw Graydon's notice to the man, she also didn't feel particularly motivated to distract him either.

Alexander had made it quite clear his affairs were his own. If he wasn't confident in his facade, it was his business.

Even if she did intervene, he wouldn’t thank her. Instead, it was more likely that he would find a way to put the blame on her.

With that thought in mind, Kira tuned in as the man was finishing his speech.

“A few of you have the rare chance to participate in the Harkening. It’s a time-honored tradition. Those selected will have the chance to display their potential before the galaxy."

As