“I have a hard time believing that you are doing this out of ‘respect’ or for our ‘mutual benefit’ or whatever other bull-” Whatever Professor Calloway was going to say was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Navihm.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but I have an urgent message for the council,” he said. He was clutching a piece of paper in his hand. “I have received a distressing message from the Prophet of the First.” It was only then that Navihm seemed to notice Naeva standing at the end of the table.

“Well I guess that answers any questions we may have had about the legitimacy of Naeva’s claim,” said Professor Ward, speaking up for the first time. “It seems that it is true that all the Tribes are concerned.”

“Yes, but is her claim accurate?” Professor Calloway turned to Navihm and snapped his fingers. “Show me the letter boy.”

“Of course, Sir, but I am afraid you won't understand it. It is in Genti.” Navihm offered him the letter which was filled with the flowing script of the Tribes.

“Would you tell the council what is in the letter Navihm,” said Ward. “I expect that we already know, but confirmation is always helpful.”

“The North is being invaded,” he answered gravely. “The entire continent is in danger.”

Pandemonium erupted. Every teacher on the council had something to add to the conversation, and every one of them seemed to believe that his contribution was more valuable than anyone else’s. The result was a room of men shouting over each other and achieving exactly nothing.

Navihm was interested in the newcomer in the room. While the council argued he approached the Genti woman and made the traditional greetings in Genti.

“Your name is Naeva?” he asked, having overheard Professor Ward using her name.

“I am Enfeitar Naeva of the Fifth.” She bowed her head, a greeting that befit a fellow Enfeitar. Navihm returned the gesture.

“Enfeitar Navihm of the First,” he introduced himself.

“You are Navihm, son of the Prophet Healani and Amarra to Regina Kaia?”

“I am.”

“My family owes you a great debt.” Naeva sank to one knee, placing her fist on the ground and bowing her head. The gesture drew the attention of the council who had now grown quiet.

“My sister and her family have lived in the Ninth these past 20 years. You saved their lives,” Naeva explained. She was referring to the deed that earned Navihm his ib bead. “You got them out of the village before it was attacked by Nomads more than ten years ago. You warned them and then you got them out. My family can never repay you.”

“You honour me, Enfeitar Naeva,” said Navihm, bowing from the waist. “I performed only my duty to the country, just as you have in earning your Bo Accion. Your debt is not necessary.” He took Naeva’s hand, helping her to her feet. “Here, I am just a student. I beg that you treat me as such.” Naeva smiled and agreed. Navihm felt bowing and scraping was not necessary, they were equals.

“What are we to do about this supposed invasion?” asked Professor Calloway to no one in particular. He had grown bored of the interaction between the two foreigners and felt that they needed to get back to business.

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“We should send a group of teachers and some of our top students to help,” suggested Professor Benedict. “We can spare a company or two of guards to escort them and assist the Northern armies.” This suggestion was met with objection from many of the other teachers.

“I propose that we send a small group to investigate the truth of this claim,” suggested one of the other Professors that had been siding with Professor Calloway.

“I agree,” chimed in Professor Calloway. “We can’t be expected to send any sizable force off on a wild goose chase without any substantial proof. Send an intelligence force if you must, but don't weaken our school’s defences by sending a large group of trained mages and guards after what could be nothing.”

“What happens if it isn't nothing?” asked Professor Ward. “Will this group have time to send word for help?”

“If I may Professors,” said Navihm. “The Tribes have alternative methods of communication, much faster than what is used in the Lowlands. Our empathy means that we are able to send letters via birds and other swift creatures. A message that would otherwise take weeks to send can be delivered in a matter of days.”

Professor Manford spoke up. “Does anyone have any other objections to this plan?” No one did. “Well then, I suppose it is decided. Professor Ward, I suppose you are the best suited to leading this party.”

“I couldn’t possibly… I, um-” Professor Ward stuttered. “I couldn't leave my classes and I don't think I would really be an appropriate choice. I-”

“Nonsense,” Professor Manford cut him off. “Your expertise on the country make you the obvious choice.”

“But I have never travelled so far out of the Lowlands before!” he protested, going a bit pale. Ward had never left Ianterra, truth be told. “I don't even speak the language.”

“That is easily solved.” Professor Manford turned to Navihm. “Navihm, would you accompany the group to your home country and work as a translator and guide?” Navihm had been planning on travelling home to help in the upcoming disaster anyway so he readily agreed.

“Professor Manford,” interjected Dean Ambrose. “May I suggest that we send another advance student to assist Professor Ward. I would be happy to choose the most suitable as well as organise a small group of guards to escort the group.”

“Excellent suggestion Ambrose,” said Professor Manford. “I will leave it to you to sort out the details. Does anyone else have anything to add?” No one did, so he concluded the meeting and dismissed them.

Navihm caught Naeva’s attention before she left the room.

“Enfeitar Naeva,” he said. “May I invite you to join me for a meal tonight? I have found that I have missed the company of people from my homeland.”

“Of course, Enfeitar,” she answered, bowing her head. “I would be honoured.” Navihm lead her towards the kitchens. He knew that the evening meal was over but the cook allowed him free use of the kitchens whenever he wanted in exchange for a supply of rich Northern coffee. It was an uncommon item of trade between the nations but the cook was quite partial to it. Navihm was happy to share his personal supply he’d had sent from home with her.