Jaden acknowledged all who were bowing slightly to him in the same manner, took a breath and began his message.
‘My name is Jaden Daiyus. I have been sent to bring you warning. The Alliance has entered these lands. They’re on their way here. The village of Callibra has been destroyed and used as a base for the past weeks, but they will soon be on their way.’
‘The Alliance,’ repeated Hayden, the second man on Jaden’s left, though he did not sound convincingly surprised. ‘In Aurialis?’
‘It is not impossible,’ said Yahtai, the man opposite Hayden.
Hayden rolled his eyes. ‘I know it’s not impossible, but is hardly expected at this time. How did they get here without going through Corsec?’
‘It is not yet known,’ said Jaden. ‘We believe they have allied with the nations of the west.’
‘Lassah?’ asked Hayden.
Jaden nodded, ‘And maybe Hawan.’
‘Shame. I thought they were good people.’
‘They have never been good people, you just love wine,’ said Yahtai, who received a fierce glare from Hayden.
‘What does this mean to us?’ asked Anthon. ‘Surely we are able to defend against whatever they are able to bring here.’
‘Do not doubt their cunning,’ said Multias. ‘They have taken more than half of the world. That may not necessarily be worthy of our fear, perhaps, but surely it is worthy of some respect.’
‘Half the world doesn’t have our capabilities,’ said Anthon.
‘I believe we should fight,’ said Tony.
‘As do I,’ said Hayden.
‘There was never a question in my mind about it,’ said Multias. ‘We will defend this great city so long as it can protect us.’
‘I have also been given word that the Kayde of Ceahlin wishes to ally with you,’ Jaden continued. ‘They seek protection in exchange for their services.’
‘They are a good people,’ said Multias. ‘Take word back to them that we accept and will be gladdened by their being here.’
Jaden bowed and turned to exit.
‘One moment, Sentinel,’ said Multias, and then he turned to the men around the table. ‘That is all for tonight. Go home to your families.’
All of the men except the two dressed in white stood up from the table and left, moving past Jaden with brief nods as they did.
‘Now, what else have you been sent to tell us?’ asked Multias, revealing the endobraces on his arms.
‘We are to meet in Corsec,’ said Jaden. ‘Gather all that you can. We will make a stand against the Alliance there.’
Multias was thoughtful. ‘Then they have already abandoned the idea of saving Waikor?’
‘I do not know,’ said Jaden.
‘If we are to meet in Corsec, then I would assume so, but I refuse to allow my city to be harmed in my absence.’
Jaden stood waiting, unsure of what to say.
Multias continued. ‘Tell them that I will not be joining them in Corsec. My duties lie with my city and my people for now. If the Alliance manages to defeat us here, we will come to Corsec. Until then, we will do our part by holding them back from here.’
Jaden bowed.
‘You are Noviahn’s grandson,’ said Multias suddenly.
‘I am,’ said Jaden.
‘Give him my regards. He is a good man and a better friend. Tell him that I regret that I will not be there, but hope all the best for him. And I’m sorry to hear that your people did not make it here.
‘It was a pleasure meeting you, Jaden. I will not keep you here any longer when there are messages to deliver.’
Jaden bowed a final time before leaving through the two silver doors. Regustus was waiting for him outside.
‘This way,’ he said, and they returned to the landing pad outside by the same route they had come.
Night had set over Waikor as Jaden was helped into the aircraft. The stars were shining brightly, the sky free of cloud save for in the north, where a thick band of storm clouds hovered.
‘This ride might get a little bumpy,’ said the pilot on the right. ‘Strap in tight.’
Jaden again made sure that he was locked into the harness, and after a minute’s warm-up of the engines, they were flying north again, this time to Corsec.
‘How long will this flight be?’ he called out.
‘At this pace … six to eight hours.’
Jaden threw his head back into the seat, wondering how he was going to pass the time for the next hours. He didn’t feel tired. He had already slept enough to last him well into the night. He had only had one source of entertainment at his disposal, even if it did seem boring to him for some reason. A place where dreams could come true should have been the most amazing thing he had ever witnessed, but it was dark in there, a gateway to hidden problems, and a constant reminder that he was away from Alyssa. Still, with little else to do, he picked up the crystal and placed it between his eyes. He had decided if he was going to be stuck in the aircraft for so long, he should at least attempt to use the time wisely.