Heart of the Deep

When Celina and Llewella are alone, Celina asks her, "Did you feel it? Did you know the Jewel was split in twain? Merlin seemed to recognize it right away."

Llewella shakes her head, scowling. "No. I had no idea. Moire must have had the gem reset so when she wore it, it appeared to be whole. But you wouldn't feel it if you weren't connected somehow, or looking at it sorcerously. What did Merlin say?"

Celina ponders, "He cautioned Cousin Delta not to handle the Deep for long periods of time. She has it bagged. Advice from my father, it seems. I expect that could be something Moire does not know. I will ask Merlin if there are details to the advice."

Celina stills her excitement and looks serious. "Why would Coral be so aged, Llewella? What light can you share about our new Family?"

"This all reminds me of something Fiona said about Eric after he was killed in the war," Llewella says, frowning. "Eric had taken the Jewel of Judgement and, we thought, had mastered it. He was using it quite a bit in the defense of Amber, both when Bleys and your father attacked and later, when the Black Road came close. What Fiona told us afterwards was that she thought Eric should have been able to survive the wound that killed him. But something, possibly the Jewel, had drained him.

"The Heart isn't the Jewel of Judgement, but that's my first guess," she concludes.

Celina considers the small bits of gossip she's heard about the war. Bleys and her father allied against Eric, yes.

Celina says, "How strange. The energies within the crystal must be more powerful than any single life force. Attrition then over time. Overwhelming---like standing too close to a volcano. Perhaps the Deep split when Moins succumbed to the Tir Queen. Or something bigger that caught both of them during the confrontation. That fits better. And time already seems weird around the Ways between Patterns."

Celina looks at Llew, "Did Moins ever say anything about time and Pattern in a continuous conflict or dance?"

Llewella shakes her head in the negative. "Not to me. That sounds more like what I'd expect to hear from Dworkin or Brand. Or Fiona if she was in a very particular sort of mood. Mother didn't talk to me about metaphysics; I got that education in Amber, to the extent that I got it."

Celina nods. "Well here we are. Half the Jewel is still a powerful token of the throne. No telling they can even be put back together. Plus I still think Moire holding half is a threat to Rebma. So Delta is my Heir from here on out, though I need to talk to her about it. We'll not announce in public because it could get back to Moire.

"And I still intend to chase Moire down. Is there any court business I need to talk through with you while I'm here?" Celina adds, "When was the last time you saw this Dworkin fellow?"

"I haven't seen him since Father's funeral," Llewella says. "He was Oberon's court wizard. We had no idea he was our grandfather, or at least most of us didn't. Again, Fiona and her brothers were probably ahead of the rest of us on that point. You might ask your father or Random how to get in touch with him, or some of your cousins of the redheaded persuasion. Or Trump artists. People who know how to make Trumps all learned from him, or from his students, down the line."

This all sounds right to Celina-- she nods.

"For court business, all the usual things, which I am handling for you. I have some matters set aside that require the Queen's imprimatur," which she starts listing, making waves in the current as she does so, "some marriages, senior court appointments, changes in the Guards and the Archivists, and the like. Those can wait until you've rested but you have a day or two of work before you should leave again. Plus whatever Clarifee would like to discuss with you. Oh, also, it would be a kindness to summon Orseas. He worries."

He worries. Celina breathes out. Pauses. She worries.

"Does he know about what Moire said regards this prophecy on my death?" Celina lets the local current refresh her breath.

"I don't think so, but it's hard to tell with Tritons," Llewella points out.

"Yes. The shadow where Coral lives was peculiar. Energetic. Delicious. Llewella, you should go there if you get the chance. I'll see Clarifee tomorrow, of course. Send for Orseas. I'll take a nap then minor business. Tell the guards I am available any hour to Coral and Delta. Tell the Court for now they have Ambassador status. Let it be mysterious."

Celina closes with Llewella, who is nothing like a mother to her and wraps her in a tight embrace. It is peaceful.

Celina moves to a schedule next. She agrees when Llewella points to items the Queen should have a hand in. She doesn't slow down in sending for Clarifee or in eating and refreshing her travel supplies.

She calls on Orseas at the end of the first day. In her quarters, she examines him close enough to assure herself he has no new tattoos, or wounds, or scars.

Then she tells him stories of her travels so far. Her summary includes the Heart of the Deep but does not identify Coral or Delta. She sings to him about Jerod's new kin. She asks him to inform the Hierophant of the addition to Jerod's line.

Then Celina asks Orseas if he will do her a favor for a few days. She does not want to sleep alone and Orseas is certainly furniture sized. She doesn't even suggest tenderizing his muscular chest but settles into it for some rest.

Finally, she really sleeps.

Travel supplies are something that can be prepared by other people, and are, if Celina will at all permit. The Queen has too many duties to prepare supplies.

Celina will personally take care of Mirrors and arcane accessories.

Celina is the Queen so she can do that.

During her first day, Orseas shows up on his own. So also do Archivists, prepared to hear the story of her recent works and all the details of Coral and Delta's story, as well as to record whatever is happening in Court.

Celina does not name Coral and Delta or provide travel details that could start a guessing game of where they are from. Celina gives a travel summary of Paris and rescues of victims of the Klybesian Monks.

Merlin reports in to tell her he has spoken with Conner.

Celina hopes Conner is well and where does he travel now? She tells Merlin about Llewella's comments regards the Jewel.

Merlin relates the details of his conversation with Conner. The Archivists would like to listen in on this conversation and record it, if permitted. Not just because of the Queen, but because Conner is a functionary of the court.

(In an ideal world for Archivists, the Archivists would have a squad of people with him to record what he's doing, but they haven't broached that idea to him yet. Yet.)

Granted.

What does Celina tell the Archivists? Does she tell them about Jerod's daughter?

Celina tells them there is a daughter but gives no names or details. That is Jerod's story to tell, if he deigns.

Does Celina have any questions for the Archivists?

Celina asks them what art and music Moins favored for entertainment. Did she practice sport or TaKhi?

Celina wants songs or artwork contemporary of Moins life. What is considered the best of such?

Both of these items are going to require some Archive research, in that they will need to summon some of the older Archivists who have first- or second-hand experience.

One of the questions outstanding for Celina is whether she wishes to summon Huon back to Rebma so he can resume his work. Similarly, does she wish to summon any of the Archivists who are in Xanadu so they can complete their healing in Rebma and be debriefed.

Huon swore to see them safe to Rebma. Celina will not remind him now, but she will just-in-time Trump Folly and ask if she can look in on the royal archivists in Xanadu's care.

Clarifee speaks to the Queen about many ongoing projects.

Clarifee running projects:
Klybesian influence:
Rebma seems to be relatively free of obvious Klybesian influences, possibly because they're male-dominated and Rebma isn't fertile ground for such an organization to make headway. Where Clarifee thinks her people should look next is into their recruitment amongst the royal guard units, since that's where they are likely to find disaffected males who feel that their prospects are unfairly limited.

Loreena's clique:
This was mainly she left we need to watch her pals and did she really run or is she sneaking back. We have guards on the Paris route.

Loreena does not appear to be sneaking back and no contact with her friends has been detected. Doesn't mean there's not some magical contact that Clarifee's people haven't detected; just that there has been nothing obvious, no couriers, etc.

Lamel's projects (curious here if Lamel is found out as working for Celina/palace putting wards on the mirror disaster room):
Clarifee prefers not to be directly involved with Lamell, which may be professional rivalry. She keeps a loose eye on him. He is not under immediate suspicion other than for general sorcery, and in fact Clarifee mentions that she considers him a risk for Klybesian approach. He would be the kind of man they would approach.

Multi-generational mentors for the coterie around Huon when he is in residence.

New item: what has become of Celina's foster aunts? Does the Shell have a current Trade Lead in Rebma?
They have already been under surveillance. They have a representative in the city (the Shell, not the Aunts). The Aunts remain at home, possibly in case of attack or possible retaliation against Celina. Clarifee explains that her agents think the Queen is leaving the Aunts alone in case elevation draws the attention of royal enemies.

New item: what indication that the Hierophant has progress on his religious schism?
Clarifee adds this to the list.

Orseas is fine with Celina sleeping with/on top of him. It seems to be part of his duties.

That is both charming and unexpected. It's probably nightmare free sleep then.

Celina wakes rested and free of terror sleep. She tells Orseas about Delta and Coral being in the palace.

She keeps knocking tasks off Llewella's list.

She tries Folly who does not answer her Trump.

Celina sends a page around to hospitality staff letting them know we may have more Trade Guests soon at the palace.

Always nice to have new rumors.

Celina asks Orseas to be at hand for her sleep each night. If she leaves Rebma on short notice she wants to be fully rested.

Celina is ready for any interrupts from Coral or Delta.

It is Coral who comes to speak with Celina on the next day after their arrival. A page comes to tell the Queen that the Lady Coral would like to speak with her and carries Celina's return message back to her guests.

At whatever time the Queen prefers, Coral presents herself as directed by the Queen. It is up to Celina whether the Archivists are present to record the meeting.

Celina's first instinct is to go to see Coral but she pulls up short.

There's no way that helps the smoke and mirrors of the pair being a Trade mission. So no Archivists yet, Celina sends for Lady Coral to share a breakfast time.

Orseas can watch or patrol or be around to answer some history and Celina tells him the options with a restrained humor.

Breakfast is deliberately hearty then. Perhaps the city or the food will restore Coral some. Who knows that shadow food has all the essence required?

When Coral arrives, Celina does introduce Orseas and gives Coral a better than diplomat hug. "Come and relax while I dine."

Coral responds in kind, clearly pleased to see Celina.

"Hello, Orseas," she tells the Triton. "Give my love to Gorgos, when you see him. If he wishes to visit, he is welcome." Turning her attention back to Celina, she adds, "Halimedes has taken Delta under his protection. I don't know why, and of course he didn't say, but she thought he'd come to attack until I explained that Tritons protect us. But she means to go to the city, which means there's no disguising that she's royal."

Celina laughs at herself lightly, then explains as she moves food to her platter. "Ah, well. I am protective of my relations but in Rebma the lesson of the limits of my plans is a constant lesson. So we move forward as Royal blood. It will be all over the city soon and the shock will ripple up through the Hundred Families. They will be cross the city folk knew first."

Celina eats a healthy portion of her small plate before she considers Coral again. "Thank you for coming to see my city."

"I'm glad to be here, Celina. Glad my long exile is over." Coral digs into breakfast in a way that tells Celina that even though Coral is out of practice, she learned to eat in the Rebman manner, probably before she learned to eat in the surfacer manner. "Speaking of the Hundred Families," she asks, "How long will it be before the Scipios sidle up to me and Delta?"

Celina sketches in summary Khela defending the city after Moire fled. Khela taking the throne and being killed by the Pattern. Celina taking the throne then per Khela's public request. "Few nobles absented themselves from swearing to me then. Fewer have made waves since. So my answer may be that they're waiting for me to make myself unpopular. Huon's assault was a fierce shock. City damage is still being restored. Perhaps I benefit from a collective blow to confidence here."

Coral tsks and offers condolences at appropriate moments in this recitation. She knew Khela in passing, but not well. More of her than her, as best Celina can tell.

"A week? A month? My guess is they will be more interested in what you think of me than in inviting you into trouble.

"And then there are the Tritons. They honor the old pledges but there is a schism of faith. There may be a False Hierophant in the Nedra reaches. That would certainly be a bigger problem.

"My priority is foundational. The City needs the Jewel to be here. Moire took her shard with her. So I have to go get it."

Celina takes a breath, adds, "Pearls, listen to me chatter. You get to treat the Scipios as you like, even to using me as a block if you wish."

"We'll worry about that bridge when the Scipios swim under it," Coral says, all practical. "My feeling about the throne is better someone who can do what Mother and Moire could not than me. I feel better under the water than I have in years, but I am no longer young. I don't want to contest for the throne, and neither will Delta, I don't imagine."

Celina pauses. "You know her and she loves you. Good enough for me. But I'll note I did not want the throne either. I'm just going to do a better job than the previous circumstances.

"And that includes making things good for you and Delta."

"My poor niece." Coral reaches out to pat Celina the way that she might have done with Delta. "Nobody wants this throne. They say Moins left a blessing when she died, but it seems like the throne itself is a curse. It seems--it feels--as if no one has truly assumed her mantle. Not my mother, not Moire, and not your and Llewella's poor lost Khela, who at least tried. You may not succeed in fully taking her place, but you're already doing better than your mother."

Celina smiled and it did lift her mood, "We shall see. In the meanwhiles I'd love to know more about my Family. Are there stories of Moins you would share? I wasn't raised as a royal."

"Mother had me raised among the Scipio girls, so I was at court, but not raised in it," Coral explains. "Mother had been raised at court and didn't think it was good for me. There was always the question of who stood highest in Grandmother's favor and while I wouldn't say Grandmother tried to get Mother and Moire and Llewella to fight for it the way Oberon did his sons, she was definitely juggling the question of which was her favorite. Grandmother wasn't what you'd call a grandmotherly type. She's never been my model for dealing with Delta. What in particular do you want to know about her?"

"Considering her importance to where we stand, there is little reveal to how and why she stood here. If you see what I mean." Celina adds, "Yes, most of the archives say she was difficult, had certain ways of doing things that were hard to fathom, but I keep in mind I'll not walk such a path even if it means I fail as queen. I'm looking for things I might cleave closer to in my own way."

Coral frowns thoughtfully. "What Mother said about Moins was that she didn't relate to people as human, really; she tended to look at us as tools, whether we were fit to purpose. Which is not to say she didn't love us in her own way. It's just that she had aims that we didn't see and part of her love for us was how we fit into that context. Based on what I knew of her, what I experienced of her, I think that was true. I just don't know what she was trying to do."

"So an inhuman sort if care and cherishment." Celina takes a full breath into her body and lets it resonate for a minute before release.

No wonder so many die on the Patterns. How did I get myself in this place?

Celina muses, "And here around us is the context. Still she left this to confront Tir. Even stranger. That would make Tir a bigger threat than I realized."

Celina smiles kindly, "Thank you for your insight. What can I give you in return?"

"Let me stay under the waves and don't ask me to serve as a Regent," Coral says promptly. "I'm tired of ekeing out life as a poor old woman in a man's realm when I can be a minor relative at court in Rebma now. And in return you can have my advice and support as you need it."

It is an exchange of dreams then and Celina warms to it immediately. She smiles, and no one is wiser to her tears of a very full heart. "Oh I think we can manage that, Lady of the Velvet Currents. Welcome back."

Coral relaxes slightly, but not by any means completely. "Do you know who is currently in posession of my estate? It's not as if I have been able to manage it these many years."

Celina admits, "Fair to say my mother told me nothing of your line, so I asked the Court nothing of your precedents. We can find out. If it is in neglect we shall revive it. If it is held by those taking advantage we will find justice and a place for them elsewhere.

"It would do me good to build something up with my own hands. If you want me about at times."

Celina calls in a page and sends for the Officer of the Day Watch and an Archivist of Estates.

And at length, the Queen has a recounting on the matters of the estate. In Court record, the estate was too valuable to lie fallow or to hand over to the Crown and create a Court squabble, so the Scipios and the Royal line both kept a hand in the matter. The tithes to Throne are done by the Court Treasury and the work of the estate is done by the Scipio family.

But the title is clear, Queen Moire made no changes and by the Record--- Coral still is the owner. Celina gets an answer as to the values coming to the Throne. Then she confirms the estates are productive as ever.

The final business is, Celina asks Coral if she would accept a period of 10 years before the Tithes are again the responsibility of the restored owner, as a consideration of getting her hand back to seeing things as she would like them there.

Celina spends a long time thinking about Moins and Rebma. Then she talks to Archivists about the laws of divorce and the cultural acceptance of widows. If there are any (Doubtful) anecdotes about a widow in Moins's court and how that all worked, she will hear them and memorize them for later study.

She finishes the Court chores that Llewella provided a day ago and sends a message to Aunt Llew that the Queen may depart again if more news of the monks' shadow reactions to the latest reversals reaches Rebma.

Celina goes down to the Moire Mirror Lab to see what changes Lamell wrought to protect it from intrusion.

Lamell is practical. It's currently protected from intrusion by a burly guard, a lock, and a heavy blanket over the mirror. Apparently Lamell had heard of Lord Lucas' untimely fate.

Lamell himself soon arrives with the key. "Your Highness, I was not aware you were coming. How may we assist you?"

Celina smiles at Lamell. "I came to learn from your work. This room is a splinter in my palm. Though I have many things to solve this one quite annoys me. Do you have observations to share about my mother's work here? Has anyone tried to question you about it?"

"Your majesty, I have long cultivated a reputation as the most dangerous wizard in all of Rebma, the one feared by the entire brotherhood of wizards. Which is true, because all the others are charlatans and know I could expose them easily.

"So I am either feared or ignored, and I care not which it is, as long as I can continue my work."

He waves at the covered mirror. "And it is both interesting and frustrating work, ma'am. I have discovered so many kinds of magic that the mirrors do not do. I have only ever observed one kind of magic I could not detect, and it was also related to your majesty's family."

Celina motions the guard away. She notes if, and how far he goes to her unspoken command.

"Lamell, tell me why you do not expose them all," Celina asks.

"My Queen, it's much easier for me to perform my duties and follow my own path toward knowledge, if not wisdom, when the court sends for love charms and fertility spells to the charlatans and not to me." Lamell bows.

"Lamell, they say you are a practical man. Tell me my kingdom is not obsessed with love charms and fertility rituals or tell me why they are so in demand, if you would," Celina lets a small amount of her enjoyment of his manners show in the question.

Lamell shrugs. "It's easy for people who don't know about magic to see it as a shortcut to getting and holding the attention of someone. A trade of gold to assure your luck seems quite a bargain to someone who has more gold than luck.

"Could it be done? I have no idea. I've never wanted to try and I've never wanted to enable those who would think it was a good idea." He sighs. "But I've never been a desperate street magician, looking to not have to sleep in the streets of Downtown.

"Desperation on both sides of the transaction, usually."

Celina feels a shift of Dreams surface within a moment. Is the City reminding her of better days or dreaming hotter nights with scary spices for good measure?

Is it the City? Is it Moins' last thoughts about her throne? Desire? Death? Desperation?

Celina is still nodding to Lamell's observation. Everything is both fine and not fine. "True. Fear and Desperation are lovers, aren't they?" Celina notes she just spoke out loud. Maybe she is closer to the City than ever. Maybe going away brings you back with eyes of desire.

"Lamell, tell me what you have heard about the Queen of Air and Darkness in Magic."

"Fear and Desperation use each other, but not in the genteel way of Queens and Wizards.

"People who study the magic of the royal families of the major cities find themselves going insane, if they live long enough. You come from a line of sorcerer Kings and Queens on both sides, and they jealously guard their secrets. People who wish to gain power from your family would do better to consider money, titles, and sex."

He looks off into space, for a moment. "Ah yes, the Queen of Air and Darkness. I know this verse, from a poet.

Her strong enchantments failing,
Her towers of fear in wreck,
Her limbecks dried of poisons
And the knife at her neck,

The Queen of air and darkness
Begins to shrill and cry,
"O young man, O my slayer,
To-morrow you shall die."

O Queen of air and darkness,
I think 'tis truth you say,
And I shall die to-morrow;
But you will die to-day. [OOC: AE Houseman, 1922, https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Last_Poems_(Housman)/Her_strong_enchantments_failing]

Celina feels an affinity for poetry in the depths of the palace. Moreso because Lamell claims that she and he are genteel in their ways. She reaches and squeezes his shoulder lightly. Carefully.

He flinches, slightly, but suppresses it quickly. There's some history there with being touched, but he's not sharing it and someone who was less sensitive than Celina would not have detected it.

Celina tells him, "You have done much that I asked and more. Thank you. Continue to lend your best to the throne. Needs and time will show us more challenges soon. We shall talk again."

Celina gives the guard she sent out of hearing a blessing as she walks back out to more known passages.

He bows to her as she leaves. Then turns and gets back to work.

Celina thanks Merlin for providing the hard work of a Trump portrait of Conner.

It's not quite the image she expected, but there is plenty of unexpected going around. Rebma feels more like a home. Delta and Coral feel like family. There is something quieter to her dreams these days; bigger dreams but less threatening. Perhaps sleeping always near Orseas has changed that.

Or changes are just part of the path.

She waits until the day is done and tries to contact Conner gently. Warmly. "Conner. It's been too long. This is Celina. How is my timing?"

"Impeccable as always, cousin." Conner replies with his trademark smile. Celina can clearly see the deck of a sailing ship behind him but not much other detail. "How fares things with you? I got partial update from Merlin not too long ago."

Celina fully smiles and notes details of the ship tech. "Good then, I wanted to be sure you knew about Delta and Coral. They are here in Rebma now. No further news on Moire or Klybesians from me.

"But I wanted also to consult with the Warden of Nedra. I think it may be time to nudge an ending to this Civil War of Tritons. What do you think if I put a word of such to the Hierophant?"

Conner pauses for a moment at the unexpected question. "Has there been an escalation of events with the Tritons?" Conner asks. "Last I knew this 'conflict' was happening where we could not see."

Celina shakes her head in negative. "No. But the Moins Panoply is now stronger here. A nudge to Order would be timely and Uniting the theology would defend a City weak point. The actual Triton dialog would still be out of sight."

Conner does not speak but Celina hears him clearly. "I am not sure what that gains us. The Tritons of Rebma and Nedra are already convinced by the tokens of sword and scepter and the Jewel will make it more so, but the Cult will not be swayed. Still, we have let this matter lie fallow too long. I see no harm in speaking to Rebma's Hierophant."

Celina nods assent. She's unsure but impressed by the silent speech. She'll ask him some other time.

"I'll make it happen. But something you've added worries at me. Do you feel the Mother has lost the allegiance of the Cult? That would be a disaster."

"I am saying that it would not surprise me to find another's hand as the reason for the Cult's activities." Conner thinks back to her. "The Dey of Longtides and Thalia seem convinced most of the cults out there are linked or are one Cult wearing another's guise. This may not be a homegrown problem."

"Oh, very valuable insight. It would be an Unusual Guise Hand considering the UnOrdered nature of the Tritons. I'll think about that some. Is there some sorcerous manner to detect Affines in Nedra?" Celina barely pauses, but waves off the idea that Conner could share such now.

"Thank you for taking the call. Be safe. Hurry back."

"I will try." Conner replies. "I am currently in Avalon accompanying my sister who was invited by our Uncle Benedict. This should prove interesting. Until later."

Celina needs to talk to the Hierophant. The Queen asks him to her palace for news.

The Hierophant's complements and he has ceremonial duties until midnight but could arrive then or at whatever time in the morning she wishes to meet with him.

Celina judges he's not likely to improve his limited responses to her in front of Court. Back room, escorted by Orseas if that works.

The hierophant has arrived with a gaggle of attendant priests, all of whom will be waiting in a public chamber while the Hierophant talks to Celina in the back room. The castle attendants are somewhat unnerved. There are a lot of Tritons in the very public areas, and they are huge.

Celina is waiting in dressed down fashion. She welcomes him warmly and gestures to food and drink.

Celina asks, "How does the conversation proceed with leaders of the Divergents, Elder? I have warnings to share for the Kelp Beds. It may relate to your Schism problems."

"I won't say there aren't challenges, your Highness, and we will happily hear your warnings, but we have a habit of resolving our internal affairs internally." He pauses. "It may take some getting used to, having the throne considering our interests."

Celina gets the impression he is not concerned about it, or else he is an excellent poker player.

Celina nods. "It may indeed. I take very seriously the pledges of Moins, Khela, and the Mother of Tritons. I realize you have your own culture and motives. I am willing to be told I'm overstepping, but there is an Outsider Cult threat that may already be targeting the Divergents and it seems to me that would be counter to the Mother's health and personal safety. This Cult is very clever with their infiltration of faiths across the Universe."

Celina pauses only a breath, "I determined that I should give warning to you and let you mull it over. My family has been...harmed repeatedly by members of this Cult. We watch for them in Rebma and have not seen them. It is fair you should know they may strike at the Mother or whisper treason to the Divergents."

The Hierophant nods, his facial tattoos shifting in what must be some sort of meaningful pattern, but not one Celina can easily decipher.

"We will take it into consideration. Are these cultists outlawed? Would you have us capture them if they approach the sons of the dragon?"

"My desire is that the Tritons and their Dam be secure," Celina adds, "There are Oaths at stake in both directions. What would Triton justice be without input from me?"

"Justice is an intimate concept for a society, and one that applies within a people. Between peoples there can only be arrangements. As your people do not serve the Mother, how can we adjudge if their actions adhere to the ways of service or they do not? One might as well give lessons in decorum to a dolphin."

His dorsal fins rise and fall. He projects an aura of calm and authority. He may have practiced that for so long that he no longer knows how to turn it off.

Celina considers learning some dolphin decorum for the sad times. Ah well. To each their own. "There are Oaths at stake in both directions." She repeats slowly with the kind of intensity she has learned from dreams of Khela's death. "So yes. The throne considers these Cultists as outlaws and with evidence that they can follow a superior code of knowledge above the well-being of our mutual society." She makes a gesture that includes him and her and something of the city around them. "You may say later that it was your own foreknowledge or say that it was all my own misgivings, but do heed that these people are perilous. I do not want them twisting the minds of the Tritons with their Code."

He makes a twisting motion that Celina thinks means assent. "We will give them to your people if they approach us."

He pauses, as if working out how to tell this to his priests. "How can we recognize these enemies of the state?"

Celina smiles, "You will know them by their Service to little lies. They will arrive as Strangers but hold they are not. They will offer Wisdoms from far away places but steal secrets for payment. They will Heal those who have fought bravely but take their blood and flesh without consent. They will be Pious and Learned but bolt straightaway for dark places if you expose them. They target the Young but seek advantage over the Ancient. Such shall you know them."

Celina says, "I am honored again by your listening to my Woes. Be wise. Be vigilant."

He makes the triton equivalent of a nod again. The tritons are notoriously a quiet race, and the Hierophant is a prime example of his kind. "We will be on our guard. Such menpeople have little to offer us, but we will be wary of their approach nonetheless."

He doesn't mention that Moire might've thought the same before the Tritons were lured from her by Khela.