Sinitïa squeezed Jorvanultumn’s hand. She was shivering noticeably, and Jorvanultumn suspected it was more than just the cold.

He led her forward into the centre of the chamber. “Stand here,” he told her quietly, “right over the spot the hpakrik grows out of. Sinitïa did as he told her.

“What is that eliïspt doing?” someone called out. “He should be barred from this meeting.”

Abatorwishtensen tapped his swagger stick in his other hand. “Speak out like that again, especially with such reprehensible language, and you will be the one barred from the meeting. Jorvanultumn has been absolved of what you accuse him of. You can disagree with your Lamdritta’s ruling, but you will remain silent about it. Do I make myself clear?”

A soft murmur passed through the crowd, but they remained otherwise quiet.

“Good.” Abatorwishtensen turned to Sinitïa. “Apologies for the rude interruption, Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith. You may proceed.”

“Thank you...um…” Sinitïa stuttered.

“Hgirham,” Jorvanultumn whispered to her.

“Thank you, Hgirham.” She raised her papers and stared at the top one. “And thank you Lamdirh and Lammdir.”

Jorvanultumn was impressed with her pronunciation. She must have been practising.

“When I came here, it was not as...um...as an official rep...repree—” she squinted at the page—“representative of Arnor. I was just...just a traveller. I came here with my fomase Meleng Drago and his good friend Jorvanultumn. While I am still not a...um...official repre...representative. Sorry, that’s a hard word. Not an official representative of Arnor, I do speak to you as a princess. A princess who is very dis...disappointed.” Her grip on Jorvanultumn’s hand tightened; she was sweating despite the cold.

“Just relax,” he whispered. “You are doing fine.”

She gritted her teeth and nodded. She raised her papers closer to her face and squinted at the top one again. “A princess who is very disappointed. Shortly after arriving, my fomase was thre...threatened by one of the Lamdritta. I will not go into spe..speck...specify...specifics, but…” She lowered the papers. “I’m sorry. In order to remember everything, I had to write it down, but I’m not very good at writing, and I’m not very good at reading either, and I’ve never given a speech before, so it’s hard, and… Oh fuck it.” She let go of Jorvanultumn’s hand and covered her mouth, her face turning red. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’ve never said that word out loud before. I didn’t mean to. I mean…”

Jorvanultumn squeezed her shoulder. “It is all right.”

“Why are we listening to this nonsense?” someone said.

Abatorwishtensen motioned with his swagger stick and two Hgirh moved into the crowd and grabbed the speaker, dragging him towards the doors.

“You have been warned,” Abatorwishtensen said.

Sinitïa dropped her papers. “No. No, I want to answer that question.”

Abatorwishtensen eyed her for a moment, then nodded. The two Hgirh stopped near the doors and turned their prisoner to face the centre.

“Why are you listening to me? Because I have important things to say. That’s why. I’m mostly talking to them.” She pointed up at the two remaining members of the Lamdritta. “But you chose to come here, so you get to listen, too, and I hope if you do, you might even agree with me. I know you don’t like them. Well, guess what? I don’t like them either. Like I said, when I arrived, one of them, Paydamat, threatened Meleng Drago. Then I was attacked by another one of them. All because I didn’t know your rules and spoke to Itra. And guess what else? That law is stupid. You hate Itra because he can’t use magic, but that isn’t fair. He didn’t choose to be like that. He’s actually really nice if you talk to him, and that’s really amazing considering how awful you treat him.

“But that’s beside the point. I was attacked because I didn’t know something. That’s also not fair. Do you know what would have happened if he—” she pointed up at Griholbovroh—“had killed me? It would have caused… I don’t remember the words from my speech, but it would have been bad.”

“An international incident,” Gen called out.

“Yes, what he said. It would have caused that. Where I come from, everyone thinks Isyar are wonderful. You’re supposed to be kind, and nice, and friendly. You’re supposed to be like angels. But you’re not. You think you’re better than everyone else. Well, guess what again. You’re not. You may be more powerful. You may be better wizards. But you’re mean, and you’re nasty, and you’re just awful people. Not all of you. Some of you are good and kind. People like Jorvanultumn beside me.”

She took Jorvanultumn’s hand and held it against her chest. “You call him names because you think he failed to do his stupid elispt thing. Except he didn’t. He’s still doing it. He came back here for a very important reason, to help my sister, Princess Felitïa Asa Folith in her fight against the Volgs. That’s a fight that affects all of you because maybe you don’t know, but we’re at war with them. The fighting hasn’t started yet, but it will, and we need to work together, not act like we’re better than everyone else.

“Jorvanultumn is one of the kindest, hardest-working people I know, and you should all be praising and thanking him, not calling him names. Without him, you would still have two Darkness Worshippers ruling your town. Because do you know what they did when my Melly was kidnapped?” She pointed up again. “Nothing. That’s what. They knew that an Isyar must have done it, but they didn’t want to accept that, so they pretended it was a human, and they questioned Etiënne Gen’s crew over and over again. They said they didn’t want to cause...I think the word was chaos. Well, that’s what happened anyway.” She paused and frowned. “At least I think it did. I’m actually not entirely sure what chaos means, but I know it’s bad, and bad stuff has definitely happened. Jorvanultumn, Fevionawishtensen, Mikranasta, and a few other good people were the ones who found Meleng and uncovered the presence of the Pundritta. Like I said, you should be thanking him for saving all your lives because they would have come for you eventually.

“So that’s why you should listen to me. I’m not an Isyar and I don’t have any say over how you run yourselves or the laws you follow, but I can point out what I see and point out your Lamdritta’s...hy… There was a fancy word in my speech that I can’t quite remember.” She looked to Captain Gen.

“Hypocrisy,” Gen said.

“Right. That’s it. I can point out their hypocrisy. What you do about it is up to you, but I think you should do something. Take responsibility.” She pointed up once more. “And make them take responsibility. There, I’m done. Thank you for letting me speak.” She squeezed Jorvanultumn’s hand, then turned and walked back over to Mikranasta, Gen, and Ting. Jorvanultumn followed.

Gen clasped Sinitïa’s shoulders. “Well done, my dear. Heartfelt, passionate. A little off-script, but that was probably for the best, I think.”

Sinitïa beamed.

The chamber was surprisingly quiet for several moments. Jorvanultumn was not sure whether people were actually taking in what Sinitïa had said, or they were just too frightened of Abatorwishtensen’s threats to say anything.

Eventually, Griholbovroh tapped his cane again. “Thank you, Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith for that...passionate speech. I would very much like to rebut some of the assertions you’ve made against us. However, for the sake of time, we shall move on. Hgirham Abatorwishtensen has something to say.”

Abatorwishtensen strode to the centre, tapping his swagger stick in his hand as he did so. “Thank you, Lammdir. These have been interesting proceedings. I confess, I came here expecting to talk to the Lamdritta with only minimal others present, such as the Princess and her associates. However, it is probably just as well that you are all here. You all need to learn of this eventually.” He pointed in front of him with his swagger stick and turned slowly in a circle to cover the entire chamber. “I first learned of events here a little under two days ago when I was sent a message by my siare. Since then, I have been in contact with the Lordritta in Stroven and have provided them with a full report on what has happened here. I have also been updating them with any new developments. Their response is straight-forward. They, like you, are very concerned with the state of things here in Chithishtheny. They have ordered me to conduct a full investigation of the situation and of your Lamdritta. I am to use Hgirh who are not from Chithishtheny. I promise you all, my investigation will be thorough and conclusive, and we will find the fugitives, Paydamat and Chiansamorkin.”

“We will, of course, accede fully to the Lordritta’s order.” Maramintorin ‘s voice was weak, even though it carried across the entire audience chamber. “We will not impede your investigation in any way, Hgirham.”

“I would not expect anything else, Lamdirh,” Abatorwishtensen said. “But I have more to say. You have just listened to a harsh, though not entirely unfair, speech by Princess Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith. She suggested that you need to take responsibility for your Lamdritta, and based on my consultations with the Lordritta, I believe they would agree with her if they were here. They specifically mentioned that it would be problematic for the current Lamdritta to remain in charge while an investigation into their actions is underway. Thus, they have ordered me to make it publicly known that they will fully support any change in power that might come because of this.”

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“What?” Griholbovroh yelled. “How can they think to make such a statement? We have—”

Abatorwishtensen loudly cleared his throat. “Perhaps you can ask them when you see them, Lammdir. They have ordered the two of you to report to them in Stroven as soon as possible. In the meantime, I believe you owe the people of Chithishtheny a chance to speak. You will all remain orderly in this time. My Hgirh will select you one at a time to speak. I promise you, anyone who wishes to speak will be given the opportunity provided you show the proper decorum and remain patient. Outbursts will not be tolerated. I hope I am understood.”

The crowd remained silent, but most people nodded their assent. Abatorwishtensen motioned to Fevionawishtensen to begin selecting speakers.

The first speaker was an elderly elementalist Jorvanultumn had seen around a few times but did not know well. She spoke calmly but firmly. “Lamdirh Maramintorin, I dispute your claims of trustworthiness and declare this Lamdritta to be a failure. I hereby formally challenge you for your position.”

Jorvanultumn suspected she was probably somewhat powerful due to age, but if she were a serious threat to Maramintorin, he would have certainly known her name.

More came up to speak. Some simply spoke their displeasure at the Lamdritta. Three more challenged Maramintorin, and two challenged Griholbovroh. Several put their names in to compete for the two open positions. A rare few spoke in defence of Maramintorin and Griholbovroh, one of which was Reszidbovroh.

“I worked closely with Paydamat for many years,” Reszidbovroh said, “and I never once suspected anything of her. If I could not see it, you cannot blame either Lamdirh Maramintorin or Lammdir Griholbovroh for not seeing it either. They have both worked tirelessly for this town.”

It took several hours to get through everyone. Sinitïa got more and more fidgety as the time went by, and she frequently bounced back and forth on her legs. Gen wrapped a blanket around her to help keep her warm.

When the last person had spoken, Maramintorin spoke one last time. “People of Chithishtheny, we have heard everything you have said today. We are truly sorry we have disappointed you so greatly. We will submit to whatever judgement the Lordritta make upon us, and to the results of any and all of your challenges. Again, I am…” His voice cracked. “I am so, so sorry. This council session is adjourned.”

As people began to file out of the chamber, several Hgirh formed a circle around Jorvanultumn, Mikranasta, Sinitïa, and the other two humans.

“What is the meaning of this?” Mikranasta asked.

“Protection,” Abatorwishtensen said, striding over to them. “The people of Chithishtheny have been distracted for now, their anger directed at their Lamdritta. However, it is only a matter of time before they turn their anger on you as well.” He faced Sinitïa. “The human who dared criticise them.” He turned to Jorvanultumn. “The Isyar who—absolved or not—they believe broke his elispt.” To Mikranasta: “And the Isyar who aided these other two. I believe you are all intending to leave soon?”

“Yes,” Jorvanultumn said.

“And you?” Abatorwishtensen asked Mikranasta.

She gave a forced smile. “I have decided to go with Jorvanultumn and provide the requested aid for Princess Felitïa Asa Folith. I think it is fair to assume that Paydamat has disqualified herself, and I nominate myself to replace her.”

“Permission granted. My Hgirh will accompany you at all times while you remain in Chithishtheny, but I have limited resources and cannot maintain this forever. Thus, I suggest you make haste and leave as soon as possible.”

Mikranasta bowed her head. “As you wish, Hgirham. I will be taking my siare with me as an assistant. I also request Fevionawishtensen as a bodyguard. She was originally assigned to accompany Paydamat, and I would like to keep her on.”

Abatorwishtensen turned to look towards his siare. Fevionawishtensen was not one of the Hgirh in the circle around them. She stood by the doors watching them and waiting. Abatorwishtensen tapped his swagger stick in his hand several times, then nodded. “Given her failure with the prisoners, I am surprised you want her along.”

“Her help otherwise has been invaluable, and while I might have been momentarily angry with her, I do not believe anyone else could have done a better job, not even yourself, Hgirham.”

Abatorwishtensen raised his eyebrows. “Very well. She may accompany you. It is probably for the best. As the fomase of Jorvanultumn, people here may choose to take their frustrations with him out on her. Captain Etiënne Gen, when can your ship be ready to sail?”

“By tomorrow, shortly after dawn,” Gen answered.

“Very well. Make it so.”

“Will it be safe for Meleng Drago to move?” Jorvanultumn asked. “He is awake now.”

“If he is awake,” Mikranasta said, “it should be fine for him to move by then. Sinitïa Alessia Deanna Folith, go to Meleng Drago. Watch over him. I will come to see him in a few hours. I need to see my fomase to let him know the situation.”

Sinitïa nodded. “Of course.”

“I understand Hilkorultumn was injured,” Abatorwishtensen said. “How is he?”

Mikranasta sighed sadly. “He will never fly again, but he is otherwise recovering.”

“A shame,” Abatorwishtensen said. “I have always highly respected him. Pass my best wishes on to him, will you?”

“I will. Thank you, Hgirham. Now, if you will excuse me.” Mikranasta placed her hand on her chest. “Pleasant thoughts.”

Abatorwishtensen returned the gesture. “Pleasant thoughts.”

As Mikranasta headed to the doors, Gen put his arm around Sinitïa’s shoulders. “Come, my dear. Miana and I will accompany you on our way back to the ship. Pleasant thoughts, Hgirham.” He led Sinitïa towards the doors. Several of the Hgirh followed them and Mikranasta.

“What of the Pundritta?” Jorvanultumn asked.

“What of them?” Abatorwishtensen said.

“They are still at large. Someone killed the prisoners, probably to prevent them talking.”

“Agreed, but it is not your problem, Jorvanultumn. Leave it to me. You must return to the Will-Breaker. Inform her she has the full support of the Lordritta. If she wishes to speak with them, she need merely present herself in Stroven. Now, I have duties to attend to, and I must still speak to my siare.” He smiled and switched to the informal. “Don’t worry. I’ll let her come to you shortly.” He placed his hand on his chest. “May the night be short, Jorvanultumn.”

Jorvanultumn returned the valediction. “Pleasant thoughts, Hgirham.”

Abatorwishtensen marched over to Fevionawishtensen and led her through the doors.

Jorvanultumn stood for a while longer in the audience chamber. It was empty now apart from himself and two remaining Hgirh—his bodyguards, he assumed. He was not sure what to think of how things had turned out. Technically, he had accomplished what he came here to do. He had convinced Mikranasta to return to Arnor with him. But there was so much else that he had not intended. The Pundritta was active. It was probably for the best to get Meleng and Sinitïa away from here, but that meant letting the Pundritta be. Yes, Abatorwishtensen had promised to take care of that, and Jorvanultumn did not distrust him, but how many others were trustworthy? The Pundritta had demonstrated an ability to get members into a Lamdritta. They almost certainly could get members into other organisations, including the Hgirh. That might be how they managed to get at the prisoners.

Jorvanultumn sighed. As much as he wanted to seek out the Pundritta and find whoever had really kidnapped Meleng—he was becoming more and more certain it was not Paydamat and Nascanmat—he had to acknowledge he could only do so much. He needed to return to Felitïa. Solving her block was important, and Meleng and Sinitïa would be safer with her than here in Isyaria.

“Shall we go?” he said to the Hgirh. He did not wait for an answer, and walked for the doors.