Like Wren, the two had a long history. They were boyhood playmates. Loudon had been part of the twins’ first pod and had remained close to them even when the pod split to pursue separate paths.
"It's obvious she possesses amazing potential, but her motives and upbringing remain an unknown. It would be wise to delay her progress until we are assured it is safe," Loudon said. "I can't help but feel we would be making a mistake in allowing her to progress."
Graydon crossed his arms against his chest and regarded the man who acted as the ki's herald. "The only mistake would be in letting our preconceptions destroy her faith in us.”
Loudon's smile was gentle but firm. "Little Storm, I can respect the fact the child has caught your eye. Like her mother before her, she has a bright presence that draws us. However, you have no say in her future. She is a child. It's our responsibility as the elders of her House to ensure she remains on the proper path, despite any wishes she might have to the contrary."
Graydon held in his words by dent of will. Speaking unwisely now would damage his credibility, no matter how satisfying it would be in the short term.
"Loudon, you overstep," Maida chided as she sent Graydon an apologetic glance that was full of wry frustration.
Graydon wasn’t the only one who occasionally found the herald annoying.
Harlow's intelligent gaze watched the drama, taking everything in, but as usual, he was slow to provide his own counsel. He preferred they do the arguing for him. Only once he saw all possible outcomes would he weigh in on an issue.
"This question can be tabled for now," Harlow said. "We still have time before a decision must be made."
Loudon sat, pacified for now, but there was no doubt in Graydon’s mind the Tuann would pursue this line of thinking again.
Harlow focused on Maida and Wren. "The Haldeel have called a quorum."
Silence fell, the issue of Kira's future forgotten in the wake of the news. It had been more than fifty years since the Haldeel had last called a quorum. Humans hadn't even been a player on the galactic stage then.
The quorum was a highly anticipated series of events in the Haldeel’s culture. Holding more in common with the Olympics of old Earth, it took place over ten days and nights. It consisted of physical events as well as difficult puzzles. Any could compete. Those who did won favor for their cause.
It was said a House's or empire's fortune or fate could be won or lost during a quorum. The amount of political maneuvering that took place during one was astonishing.
That they had called a quorum now couldn't be a coincidence. Not with the Tsavitee beginning to move in the shadows.
"Have the humans received an invitation?" Makon asked.
Graydon was the one to answer. "They have."
Surprise echoed in the room. No one had expected the humans to be extended such an honor. That they had been would be something to keep an eye on.
It also answered the question of why Harlow was considering shortening the training of those who showed talent. Roake was smaller than many Houses and wouldn't be able to send many to the quorum without sacrificing their security. Nor could they abstain from attending.
"I don't have to impress on you how important it is we present a strong showing," Harlow continued. His gaze shifted to Maida and Wren. "Begin incorporating the groups. Learning each other's strengths will be important when it comes time to deciding their readiness. We have time before the quorum takes place but not much."
What went unsaid was having initiates who’d already passed the uhva na would be extremely useful in such a situation.
Harlow regarded them steadily. "Dismissed."
His council stood, acknowledging the order with a wordless assent.
Caius's attention settled on Graydon, a sardonic smile tugging at his lip. "Should you find yourself bored, know that you and your oshota would be welcome on my battlefield any time."
Graydon inclined his head in acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind."
Caius's threw his head back, his laugh warm and carefree.
“Any news on the unidentified ships I sent you?” Graydon asked.
Caius sobered and shook his head. “I’ve had my people checking into it. None of the planets in my sector have been visited by the Tsavitee. Nor have any of Roake’s other commanders seen any suggestion of an incursion.”
“Then we still don’t know their destination,” Harlow said.
Caius hit a few buttons on his armor before sending the data through. “Not in a way that is meaningful. However, a few of mine were able to analyze likely trajectories.”
Harlow brought up the information Caius had sent, his expression darkening as he put it in the holovid. The planet of Ta Sa’Riel shimmered into being.
“You think they’re coming here?” Graydon asked.
Caius’s expression was serious as he nodded. “My person isn’t often wrong. It won’t get you proof enough to have the emperor launch a full-scale search of all Houses’ territories, but it can give you an idea of what you’re dealing with.”
“The Tsavitee are here,” Harlow stated, sprawling in his chair.
“The question is why and what do they want?” Graydon said.
Caius shook his head. “I’ll leave that for you to discover. Try not to die, won’t you?”
With that the commander signed off, leaving Graydon and Harlow to sit in silence as they studied the information Caius had sent
“I will inform the emperor of this. Caius was right in that it isn’t enough proof to justify trespassing onto House territory, but he can put some of his own resources on this,” Graydon said, standing. “I trust you will do the same.”
Harlow nodded. “In addition to Caius, I have a few people I can place on this. See if we can pinpoint where they landed. If they’ve infiltrated our House, we will find them. The same can’t be said if they’ve infiltrated one of the other Houses.”
“Leave that to the emperor. He has contacts he can reach out to. It’s not a perfect solution, but tensions are already high because of Ta Da’an,” Graydon said.
“Before you go, there’s one last matter I want to discuss,” Harlow said, tapping a button on his desk.
Information scrolled above it.
"Care to explain this?" Harlow inquired.
Graydon's frown morphed into a scowl. "I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out."
Harlow gaze held Graydon's for several long seconds before the corner of his mouth twitched. "I expect you will."
Graydon was on his feet and out the door in the next instant. He had a certain woman to track down and demand information from. This time he planned to get it.
TEN
Kira dangled upside down, patiently waiting as she basked in the crisp morning air that contained more of a bite than normal. Snow was in their future.
She shook her hands and cupped them to her lips, blowing on them as she trusted the cable attached to the harness around her waist would hold her. The movement caused her to twist slightly, changing her view from the rock face of the monolith she hung next to, to the forest stretching below.
"I don't know how you can be so calm with only a few pieces of wire to hold you up," Jin grumbled in her ear.