Chapter 18

Fren’s claim that it wouldn’t take long proved true, for he returned to the room fifteen minutes later. The news Io had come to deliver in the dead of night was remarkably simple. “They say the Council of Elders will convene tomorrow morning.” “Please go to sleep now.” The next day, as soon as morning broke, Vanessa dressed neatly and accompanied Fren to the temple where the council was being held. No sooner had they stepped inside than someone called out recklessly, in a tone devoid of even a shred of grace.