"The patrols are mobilized," Felix reported a moment later.

Ambassador Kescog pounded a fist on the table. "I wish I was in the hunt with them."

"You'd only slow them down," Ambassador Talamantez said with a grin. "You eat too much."

Ambassador Kescog slapped his paunch and laughed. "I can still beat any man in this room."

"We all wish the hunters gods speed." Emperor Tegnazian raised a fist. "A successful hunt."

Every fist raised and they all joined the chorus, "A successful hunt!"

"Now, what of this Masego?" Emperor Tegnazian asked, turning to Kevlin. "You encountered the man. Can you describe him?"

"No. He blinded me with bright lights, but I'd recognize his voice."

Gabral dropped into the chair recently vacated by Ah'Shan. "Describe it."

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"Cruel. Harsh."

Harafin shook his head. "No Sentinel in the palace speaks with such a voice."

Sentinel Felix added, "No doubt he masks it around others. Evil prefers to remain shrouded in a cloak of innocence until it's ready to strike."

"What I don't understand is why they didn't attack in Diodor," Kevlin said. "They could have easily remained unseen with all the visitors arriving for the funeral and coronation of Prince Lievin."

"That would only work if they were in Diodor," Gabral said.

"Exactly," Harafin said. "Whoever they are, they must be situated here. This Masego could not come to Diodor for some reason, so he orchestrated the need for us to come to him."

"And he's proven he's highly placed in the leadership," Ambassador Talamantez added.

Ambassador Janezeko barked a laugh. "So maybe one of us is involved after all?"

No one else laughed.

Harafin said, "It is no laughing matter, Ambassador. There are questions that remain to be answered. I think now is the perfect time to seek those answers."

"What do you wish to know?" Ambassador Kescog asked. The big Donarri spread his hands wide. "Ask any of us anything you like."

"I will, my friend," Harafin said. "But first I must speak with our delinquent Ambassador Damarist."

Mention of the Ambassador's name sparked a memory in Kevlin's mind and he snapped his fingers. "Of course! Ambassador Damarist. That's where I saw that servant."