Читать книгу The Wielder Trials - Franca Ogbonnaya - Страница 7

“Incoming!”

Kahl bounced on the balls of his feet as he tried to anticipate his cousin’s shots. After a week of physical sparring, Mat had suggested they also incorporate wielding sessions. Both Dyhaeri had approached the Weltonian captain with the request, and he had warily agreed.

Kahl didn’t blame the captain for his caution. Mat was a high-level wielder, as was Kahl, but battle wielding on the deck of a ship was enough to scare anyone. For the first two days, the deck crew was suspiciously absent, probably for fear of being accidentally hit by errant shots.

But once they had realized the Dyhaeri aimed at the water and took care not to hit the rigging or masts, the crew had gradually returned to the deck.

While the exercise was taxing, Kahl had to admit it was also a lot of fun. He forced his mind to return to the present and dove low to avoid a fast-moving orb of air. He responded with one of water, and his cousin laughed gleefully as he leapt over the watery missile, simultaneously firing another orb of air at his opponent.

Kahl quickly sidestepped the attack then felt an impact on his left shoulder.

“Another hit to Mat!” yelled the young female crew member keeping score.

Kahl groaned, held a hand up, and waved it in a circle.

“And his opponent concedes!”

A smattering of applause peppered the deck. Kahl sighed as he watched his cousin take a bow for his admirers.

He had no idea how Mat did it. He would have thought his cousin’s charms would work only on fellow Dyhaeri, but surprisingly, they also worked on Weltonians. It had been no secret when Mat had first boarded that he hated being on a human ship and surrounded by humans. His cousin hadn’t been at all friendly, and Kahl had expected the Weltonians to take offense.

Instead, the crew had given both Dyhaeri plenty of space and left them to their own devices. Only the captain had spoken to them, gruffly barking out orders from time to time.

And now Mat was warming up to the humans.

Then a dark thought crossed Kahl’s mind. Was Mat’s change of heart genuine, or was he just being a good marine?

“Outstanding.” Lanead’s dry voice pulled Kahl back to the present.

“Kahl and Mat, with me.” The captain gave the other crew members a look that made them suddenly realize they had places to be and things to do.

The grey-haired Weltonian waited until no one was in earshot. “I’m glad to see you’re both finding constructive things to do in your spare time; however, it’s time for your real lessons to start.”

Both Dyhaeri shared a wary look before turning back to the Weltonian captain.

“What lessons?” asked Mat calmly.

“Lessons on appropriate behavior with humans.”

Kahl blinked. He didn’t think he had heard right.

Mat opened his mouth to say something, then shut it.

Lanead raised an eyebrow. “Speak your mind plainly.”

Mat took a deep breath. “I thought you were joking when you first said that.”

Kahl shot his cousin a concerned look. The gruff Lanead didn’t seem to have a sense of humor.

“But…but why did you let us waste our time for the past three weeks?” Mat continued.

Lanead smiled. “Do you call reconciling with your cousin a waste of time?”

Mat’s complexion looked embarrassed. “No, but…”

The captain’s smile disappeared. “I needed you two in the right frame of mind before the real training started. To be honest, I thought it would take longer for you two to come to your senses, but thank the Mother you both have some brains after all.”

It took a moment for Kahl to realize the captain was referring to the Sea Mother. He thought the humans only worshipped the Maker and His Lords.

“So, what could you possibly teach us about the humans we don’t already know?” asked Mat causally.

Lanead’s smile was dry. “Let’s start with current affairs. Who is the current monarch of Malaquey?”

“King Wilhem of House Taros,” replied Mat without hesitation.

“Who are the members of his immediate family?”

“Queen Ariande and their three children.”

“Their names?” pressed the Weltonian captain.

At this, Mat hesitated. “The crown prince is called Wiltran…I, uh, don’t know the names of the last two children.”

Lanead looked at Kahl, who shook his head. He hadn’t even known the queen’s name.

The Weltonian sighed. “Princess Crystal and Prince Aren. Now, how many elected officials make up the ministry, and can you name at least three of them?”

Mat’s face flushed. “You’ve made your point, captain. I know nothing at all about the Malaquey kingdom, and to be honest, I’m not sure how that information is important to us.”

Kahl caught his breath, stealing a glance at Lanead, Amazingly, the captain looked thoughtful.

“Fair enough. Thank you for your honesty. Do you have anything to add, Kahl?”

For a moment, Kahl was unsure of what to say. Then he had a thought. “Well, actually I am interested.” Both the Dyhaeri and Weltonian stared at him. “We do share this world with them, so we should learn about each other.”

Mat gave him an odd look.

“So, we’ll start with that. Come with me.” Lanead turned away, clearly expecting the two Dyhaeri to follow. It didn’t take long for them to realize they were headed to the captain’s cabin. This was a first for the cousins.

Neither hid their curiosity as they entered the cabin. It was quite spacious and tidy. A table filled with pinned down maps occupied the center of it. Several routes were marked on the maps. Lanead bypassed the table and instead went to a bookshelf at the rear of the cabin. He selected two books and handed them to the Dyhaeri.

“I’ve given you the 14^th edition of Ana Stral’s Who’s Who in the Malaquey Royal Court and the 11^th edition of Thozas Belling’s Social Structure of the Malaquey Republic. ”

He waited for them to flip through the books for a few moments.

“You both have a week to read as much as you can before your test.”

Mat and Kahl shot him identical shocked looks. “What!?”

Lanead smiled dryly. “Any operative worth his or her salt needs to memorize the social structure of their assigned countries. This is basic espionage training. I hope for your sakes you read fast. Now, go on and start studying.”

The cousins shared a befuddled look and left his cabin.

#

Once the two Dyhaeri reached their cabins, Mat nearly threw the book to one side. Was Captain Riverun really going to test them about human society? He can’t be serious! But Mat soon found himself rethinking his own reluctance when he saw how eager Kahl was to read the human book he had been given.

At first he wanted to ask his younger cousin what he was doing. But a part of Mat wondered if he, himself, was just being a stubborn idiot.

But surely the king wouldn’t send him and Kahl to Malaquey as undercover agents! He was a junior lieutenant in the marines and his cousin was still a very junior scout. They were certainly not qualified for such a sensitive operation.

Then a horrifying thought crossed his mind. What if the king and the Seers were planning to turn them into humans? Just like how Princess Sle’niazza and Princess Kallesezza had been transformed decades ago?

He closed his eyes briefly at the dizzying thought.

No. He was overthinking this.

But what if…

Mat stared at his younger cousin, who was completely oblivious to Mat’s thoughts. If what he feared was about to happen, then Mat had better surpass Kahl in this test and any others to come. That way he might be able to convince the king and the Seers to spare Kahl from such a transformation. Mat would even take the pain of being stripped of his Dyhaeri heritage to save his cousin.

With his newfound goal, Mat sat down on his bunk and started reading.

#

Kahl waited nervously as Lanead marked their tests in front of them. They were once again in the captain’s cabin. The week had passed quickly, and the test had come and gone. He glanced at Mat, who was watching the Weltonian captain with narrowed eyes.

He had been surprised by how hard Mat had prepared for the tests. Kahl hadn’t expected his cousin to take it seriously. But he was relieved they were together in this training. It made him feel less lonely and unsure.

I wonder how Britea is doing. He forced himself to push that thought away. He had been thinking about her a lot recently and wasn’t sure why. Training her had made him happy even though he suspected he may never see her again.

A sigh from the captain brought him back to the present.

“Well done to both of you. The results are better than I expected with so little time to prepare.”

“So, how’d we do?” asked Mat so fast Kahl quirked an eyebrow.

“Pretty good, but Kahl had a slight edge: eighty-nine percent to your eighty-seven.”

Kahl’s eyes widened in surprise. He was oddly giddy with relief. He turned to smile at his cousin, but his smile slid away when he saw the dark expression in Mat’s eyes.

“I see. When’s the next assessment?”

Lanead gave Mat a curious look. “You seem eager. Well, fear not. You’ll have another in a week.”

Mat opened his mouth to speak, but he thought better of it and stayed silent.

Kahl was perplexed at his cousin’s behavior.

“Next up is social etiquette in the human royal court.”

What ? thought Kahl with no small amount of alarm.

Lanead tried not to smile at the alarmed expressions on the faces of the two Dyhaeri before him. He shouldn’t have fun tormenting them but he couldn’t help it.

“We’re really going to be assigned at court?” asked a pale-faced Mat.

“That depends on King Jahlaniin,” replied Lanead as he handed a book titled, Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts, Seventh Edition by Tobeyi Avias to Kahl.

Mat stared at the book as if it was a poisonous viper. “Captain, may I have a word?”

“Certainly,” said Lanead. He wasn’t surprised to hear Mat complaining. That’s all he had done since coming on board, though the captain had to admit the older Dyhaeri’s attitude had been improving lately.

“Alone.”

Kahl shot his cousin a startled look.

The Weltonian’s expression changed to one of puzzlement as Mat looked pleadingly at Kahl. After, a long moment, Kahl nodded, a hurt expression on his face as he stood up and left the cabin.

Lanead sat up and braced himself. “All right, what’s on your mind?”

Mat was still in his seat for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “I know why Kahl and I are here. The king needs agents in the Malaquey court.”

Lanead waited.

“But he’s wrong to think he needs two agents. One is sufficient.”

Lanead’s eyes narrowed. Now this he had not foreseen. “What are you suggesting?” He tried and failed to keep the hard edge out of his voice. He was darkly satisfied when Mat flushed at the tone of his voice.

The young Dyhaeri stared at the ground for a moment as if gathering courage, then looked up and met Lanead’s gaze. “I’m the one you need.”

Lanead blinked. “What?”

“Kahl may have done some stupid things, but that’s just inexperience. We both know he doesn’t have the experience for espionage. It would be a suicide mission.”

Lanead was still trying to recover. Here he was thinking Mat was about to sell out Kahl, not try to save him. “I got the impression this was a two-person assignment. You can’t do this on your own Mat.”

Mat closed his eyes briefly for a moment. “I have never asked this of a human, but you need to convince the king that all you need is me. I cannot let Kahl sacrifice his Dyhaeri heritage for this mission. It’s not right—”

Now Lanead was really confused. “Hold on. His Dyhaeri heritage? I don’t understand.”

For a long moment, it seemed like Mat was having difficulty speaking. “For this mission to succeed, I suspect the agent would have to be made fully human to blend into the Malaquey court. It has been done before—”

“I know,” interrupted Lanead curtly as a familiar dark rage almost overwhelmed him. He forced himself to shut that part of himself off.

Mat stared at him. “Are you all right, captain?”

It took a while before Lanead could trust himself to speak. These poor boys had no idea what was going on, and already Mat had jumped to the worst conclusion.

And that made Lanead angry. “I’m fine.” He tried to force a smile. “No one is going to transform you or Kahl into humans to carry out this mission.”

Mat looked skeptical. “Respectively sir, I disagree. As Dyhaeri, we would stand out among the humans.”

Lanead knew there was no point in arguing. “You don’t believe me. Tell you what. I’ll find someone you’ll believe, and afterward, we’ll concentrate on your lessons. You’re dismissed.”

Mat stared at him. “Yes, sir.” The Dyhaeri left the cabin, a confused expression on his face.

Lanead spent several seconds looking at the vacant seat in front of him. It was days like this that made him wish his wife was here. Sonei had a calming influence that was almost magical.

Well, no point wasting time. There was only one thing to do.

His mind made up, he got up and strode over to his wardrobe. It didn’t take long to find what he needed. He changed into a one-piece, specially made Weltonian dive suit. As he walked out on deck, a crewman saw him.

“Tell First Mate Tanet I went for a swim. Shouldn’t be long.”

“Aye, captain.” Lanead ran to the rail and dove off the port side of the Peacekeeper.

#

Once in the water, Lanead held his breath as he drew wet soil from the depths towards him. His element was earth. As a child, he had been taught by Weltonians and two particular Dyhaeri how to create an airtight earth bubble. Soil usually contained moisture, and water was breathable when broken down. Once the wet ocean soil reached him, he spread it paper thin while keeping the soil vibrating so it locked in the moisture. Next, he wielded the thin layer of wet earth to his dive suit and made it airtight before he began to expand it, thus creating a pocket of slightly moist, breathable air. The earth particles were spread so thinly Lanead could see through the earth capsule.

As soon as the bubble was to his satisfaction, he began to descend. When he reached his destination, he wielded continuously, causing small tremors in the ocean floor that sent vibrations in his chosen direction. Any Dyhaeri nearby would recognize the pattern of the vibrations.

It was the call for an urgent message.

He knew someone would answer, and he hoped he had calmed down by the time they arrived.

Lanead waited only five minutes before three Dyhaeri in their bubbles swam up to him. He smiled when he realized they were also earth wielders. That meant what had to be done next would be easy. He motioned for them to combine bubbles. As expected, they looked a bit shocked at the suggestion. Usually, he would use sign language to communicate, but right now, he couldn’t care less. He had a message to deliver. He motioned again and the three Dyhaeri reluctantly agreed.

Once all four were within the air-filled bubble, he didn’t waste time. “Tell High Priest Myltan to get his holy arse to the Peacekeeper as soon as possible or the lessons don’t continue.”

The three Dyhaeri marines were speechless with shock. Finally, one of them spoke.

“You wish for us to word it exactly as you said?”

Lanead smiled coldly, showing his teeth. “Word for word. Got it?”

The three Dyhaeri nodded hastily.

#

Kahl tried to read the same page again for the umpteenth time, but he was unable to concentrate. What had been so important Mat felt he had to speak to the captain alone? At first, Kahl was worried, but then that feeling soon turned to anger.

What was Mat hiding from him? That question made him laugh though there was no humor in their current situation. Here he was, berating the cousin he had betrayed not so long ago.

Yet he wanted to know what was on Mat’s mind.

The sound of the door opening made him look up from his bed. He was both relieved and annoyed to see it was Mat.

“Oh, you’re here.”

Kahl frowned at his cousin’s body language. He looked stiff and worn out. “Mat, what’s going on?”

At first, the older Dyhaeri refused to acknowledge him, then he sighed as he sat down beside Kahl.

“Nothing. I just had some questions for the captain.” Mat’s attitude implied he didn’t want to talk about it.

Kahl was silent as he struggled with the decision to let the matter go. Then he shook his head, shut the book, and dropped it on the small table beside the bunk bed.

“What exactly did you have to discuss with Captain Riverun?”

“I said, it’s nothing.”

“No, it’s not. Does it have anything to do with why we’re here?”

Mat glared at him. “Yes, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

Kahl matched his stare. “Oh, no. You’re going talk about it. Keeping secrets is what got us into this mess in the first place.”

An incredulous look appeared on Mat’s face. “You’re one to talk.”

Kahl held up his hands. “I agree. I was the one that kept the secrets and got you into trouble. All I’m asking is you don’t make the same mistake I did. So, what’s going on?”

His cousin stared at him for a long moment. “I went to ask the captain to try to convince the king only one of us is needed for this mission in Malaquey.”

“Why?”

Mat grimaced as he replied. “I assumed for this mission to work, any agent placed in Malaquey would have to be transformed into a…a human, to blend in. Like what was done to the condemned princesses.”

Silence reigned for several moments.

“Oh, I see.”

Mat nodded wearily. “I asked Captain Riverun to pick me for the assignment.”

“You did what?!” yelled Kahl. Mat’s eyes widened at his cousin’s declaration.

“I was only doing it to protect you—”

“I didn’t ask you to!” Kahl closed his eyes as he tried to calm down. “Mat, I love you like a brother, but I am not a child. I can make my own decisions. Besides, I broke the rules, so if the punishment is that I become human to make amends, then so be it. By trying to take that decision away from me, you dishonored me.”

Mat stared at him. “You’ve grown.”

Kahl almost bristled before he realized his cousin wasn’t mocking him.

“I’m sorry. I thought I was looking out for you, as a brother should. Besides, your mother would be heartbroken if you were stripped of your Dyhaeri heritage.”

“Aunt Neilara would also be unhappy if anything happened to you, cousin.”

Mat laughed dryly. “Maybe.”

Both Dyhaeri sat in silence for several heartbeats.

“So, did he say when they’d do it?” asked Kahl somberly.

“Well, actually, he said that wasn’t the case.” Mat rubbed his face wearily. “Lanead said no one was transforming us into humans, but I find that hard to believe.”

Kahl was puzzled. “Why would he lie?”

“I don’t know. He is human after all.”

Kahl rolled his eyes. “He strikes me as an honorable person, Mat. The king wouldn’t place such trust in him otherwise.”

Mat shrugged, “I still wonder what kind of relationship exists between the captain and our leader.”

“Same here.” Kahl’s eyes were drawn to the new textbook on the table. “We might as well study until we find out more.” He was startled when Mat startled laughing.

“What?”

“Your resilience is amazing. When this is over, you’re definitely joining the Marine Corps.”

Kahl just sighed. “Let’s just study.”

#

Lanead was pacing the deck when the high priest finally arrived. Though the captain was still angry, he had to admit the religious leader had arrived on the Peacekeeper in a timely fashion. Startled mutters from the Weltonian crew peppered the deck when they saw who had graced their ship.

High Priest Myltan and three Dyhaeri guards. The high priest acknowledged the respectful nods and gestures of the Weltonian crew. Lanead was grateful his wife had insisted every crew member be able to recognize the ranking members of the Dyhaeri. The courtesy and deference his crew were showing now illustrated the wisdom of that rule. Many other Weltonian factions were not so diligent in such things, and though there were times he wished he could be just as oblivious as them, his birthright wouldn’t permit it.

“Captain Riverun,” said High Priest Myltan as he bowed to the Weltonian captain, startling him with the unusual respectful gesture. The three Dyhaeri marines exchanged worried looks at the deference shown to this human. Even some of the crew were gaping at this act.

“Please,” said Lanead, “don’t do that. I’m just a low-ranking Weltonian captain.” He tried to keep his tone cordial while hiding the panic and anger as he recovered from the shock.

“Of course,” said the sly priest.

Lanead swallowed his rage. He knew the priest was just trying to get back at him for the stunt he had pulled earlier.

“If we could please talk privately in my quarters.”

Haigh Priest Myltan nodded, told his guards to wait for him here, and then indicated Lanead should precede him.

Lanead waited to speak until they were alone in his quarters.

“You look well.” The captain sat down behind his desk.

The Dyhaeri looked around the cabin and remained standing. “So do you. It has been quite a while since we last spoke.”

Lanead grimaced. That had been several years ago, and that conversation had ended in a shouting match. “Well, I thought it best to keep my distance until matters improved.”

“Oh, is that so? Is that why you terrified three of my marines to get me here? A simple request would have been sufficient.”

Lanead sighed. “So that’s why you have an honor guard this time? Are they worried I’m going to tear you to bits?”

The priest waved the question away. “The guards are not because of you. Some of our Dyhaeri scouts have disappeared recently, so High Commander Neilara felt it was prudent to safeguard senior officials journeying beyond the border.”

The news disturbed Lanead. “Are the Namirans involved?”

“That’s a possibility.”

He tried not to think about the fate of those unfortunate Dyhaeri. Lanead shook his head and said, “Anyway, I called you here for something else entirely.”

High Priest Myltan waited.

“Mat-rallenin is certain he and Kahl are going to be transformed into humans for this mission in Malaquey.”

The priest blinked. “Where in the Deep did he get that idea?”

Lanead shrugged. “I have no idea, but that’s why you’re here. You have to speak to them, give them at least some inkling of what’s been happening. They can’t go to Malaquey without any intel.”

An angry glint appeared in the high priest’s eyes. “Like you did with Danai?”

“Keep her out of this,” growled Lanead.

“I’m afraid I can’t.” High Priest Myltan rested his hands on the desk and leaned towards the captain. “We warned you, and how did you respond? You spirited her away to Malaquey in hopes of foiling the prophecy, even though we both know she has a part to play in what is to come.”

“I don’t want to go over this anymore,” said the captain through gritted teeth. The Dyhaeri and Weltonian looked each other in the eye, neither willing to back down for several moments. Eventually Lanead looked away first.

The senior priest sighed and backed away from the table. “I will speak to Mat and Kahl and try to ease their minds.” He turned to go then paused. “A word of advice. The time will come when you must speak to Danai about who she really is. I hope, for all our sakes, that you tell her the truth rather than attempt to shield her from her destiny.”

On his way out the door, he looked over his shoulder and added. “Especially since a person with your experience knows one can’t hide from fate.”

He was gone before Lanead could utter a word.

#

Kahl finally gave up on studying. His mind was in a turmoil and he was unable to concentrate. He looked at the top bunk. Maybe Mat had the right idea. They’d been trying to read the human book on etiquette for hours until Mat had declared he needed a rest and had thrown the book to the side.

But one thought continued to dominate Kahl’s mind. Would it be such a bad thing being a human?

“I could see Britea,” Kahl whispered to himself. Then he shook his head. Who was he fooling? For the mission to work—whatever that mission was— he couldn’t afford distractions. But Kahl was getting the distinct impression he and Mat were being left in the dark about the true purpose of the assignment. All they had received so far were hints, riddles, human books, and tests.

He was beginning to feel more than a bit frustrated.

A loud knock at their door interrupted his train of thought.

“Who is it?” demanded Mat from the top bunk before Kahl could say a word.

“First Mate Tanet. You have a visitor.”

Mat stuck his head over the side of the bunk to share a startled look with his cousin. Who would be coming to visit them?

“It’s got to be my mother,” whispered Mat as he jumped down.

Kahl darted upright. “I hope nothing terrible has happened.”

Mat froze at his words. “Well, let’s find out, shall we?”

Kahl’s anxiety multiplied when he saw who was waiting for them outside their door.

High Priest Myltan.

The Dyhaeri clergy took in their stunned expressions. “I believe you two have questions.”

Mat was the first to recover. “Um…yes?”

“Walk with me.”

Kahl and Mat exchanged puzzled looks before following the high priest. It took only a moment for them to notice the three Dyhaeri marines standing by the bow of the vessel deep in conversation with two Weltonians, one of whom was First Mate Tanet.

The high priest led them to the ship’s stern, which at that moment, was deserted. “How has your stay been on the Peacekeeper?”

Kahl watched an uneasy expression cross Mat’s face.

“Eventful.”

The high priest raised an eyebrow. “I hope I don’t have to remind you two to treat Captain Riverun with respect?”

“No, sir,” said Kahl. Mat nodded in agreement.

High Priest Myltan regarded them for a long moment. “Good. Your mothers are well, and our home is safe for the time being. Now, onto the crux of the matter. What do you know about your assignment?”

There was a moment of silence before Mat spoke. “Not much, to be honest. I thought being banished to the Peacekeeper was simply punishment. I wasn’t aware at first that we were to be assigned to the Malaquey Royal Court. Then, just in the last week, I discovered that was our new mission.”

High Priest Myltan smiled dryly. “The royal court is not your final destination, but we will have to go there first.”

Kahl frowned. “If I may ask, high priest, what is the true assignment then?”

The priest was silent for several heartbeats. “The situation within Namira is worsening. For four decades, we have observed and waited for the Malaquey government to respond, but all they have done is take in refugees and attempt diplomatic negotiations, which have all failed. As Dyhaeri, our policy is not to get involved in human affairs.” He looked at Kahl, who felt his face grow warm at the scrutiny. “However, it appears our approach of noninterference is about to change, and we need you two to help us.”

“H…how?” stammered Kahl while Mat gaped at the high priest.

“You’re both young and handsome. I believe you can accomplish much more than an ancient one like me.”

Mat and Kahl shared a brief look of disbelief before the older cousin raised his hand.

“Yes?” said High Priest Myltan.

“Permission to speak freely, sir?”

“Granted.”

Mat took a deep breath. “Sir, we are the two least qualified Dyhaeri to deal with the human mess. So why did you really choose us? Lies and half-truths will only get us killed, so please, cut the Alkynaia crap and tell us what we need to know to keep us alive among the humans.”

Kahl’s jaw dropped. He half expected the high priest to punish Mat for his insolence.

The Dyhaeri priest stared at the angry Mat for a moment, then suddenly started laughing. This alarmed both cousins.

“It’s all right. It’s just that it’s been a long time since I had a reason to be amused,” said High Priest Myltan when he finally recovered. “The Seers chose you. They said only you two could make this work, that your inexperience and temperaments were key factors…” he paused thoughtfully before adding, “Especially when considering your human counterparts.”

Mat’s face paled at the mention of the Seers. “Does this have to do with a prophecy?”

Kahl’s mind flashed back to when his mother had muttered something about a prophecy. “Which one?” he asked without thinking.

The high priest narrowed his eyes. “Who mentioned a prophecy?”

Mat and Kahl shared a look.

“I’m waiting for an answer.”

Kahl decided to take the plunge. “Well, it’s logical to suspect that considering you mentioned the Seers. So, my question is, does this involve a short-term prophecy or one we’ve been anticipating for thousands of years?” Mat nodded in agreement,

The priest gave the two younger Dyhaeri a startled look. “You are perceptive, but I’m afraid I can’t reveal anything at this point.” High Priest Myltan sighed at their frustrated expressions. “In time, more will be revealed, but for now, know you don’t have to become humans for this assignment.”

Even as he felt a flicker of disappointment, Kahl saw his cousin’s shoulders drop with relief.

“My advice to you is to learn everything you can from Captain Riverun. His experience is invaluable and will help you survive.” High Priest Myltan turned to go.

“Wait!”

The high priest turned to face Kahl.

“You mentioned our human counterparts? Who are they? Are they soldiers at the Malaquey Royal Court?”

“Good question,” agreed Mat, but Kahl ignored him and concentrated on the high priest’s expression, which gave nothing away.

“That too, in time will be revealed. For now, you two have to learn a lot about the Malaquey government, so we can better assess the political situation and what they plan to do about Namira’s Queen. Good day my sons. I will send your regards to your mothers.” He left before Kahl could protest. The young Dyhaeri was determined to go after him but found Mat blocking his way.

“Let him go. He’s said all he’s willing to share.”

“But don’t you want to know more?!” demanded Kahl.

“Oh, I do. I want answers, but I think we’ll have to discover the rest on our own.”

Kahl turned to see High Priest Myltan exchange a few words with Captain Riverun, who had emerged from his cabin.

“I wonder who our human counterparts are.”

“Probably soldiers like us. I can’t wait to meet them,” said Mat dryly as the cousins watched the high priest and his guards dive off the starboard side of the Peacekeeper.