Page 38 of Cast in Conflict

“So...most of the argument was between the cohort?”

“Ah, no. Terrano wanted to make clear why the cohort wanted to take the Tower.”

Kaylin closed her eyes and her shoulders briefly slumped.

“Yes, dear. Their reasoning, while it makes sound sense to you in some fashion, offended Bellusdeo.”

It would. A safe base of operations, while it might be provided by a fief Tower, was not the reason the Towers existed. And if Bellusdeo was already concerned about the state of the Candallar border, this was not a discussion she could be sanguine about.

“No. The argument started at that point, and rapidly grew heated. It was Fallessian who pointed out that the Tower might be the safest environment into which a Dragon clutch could be born; the Aeries of old are no longer in use—nor have they been reclaimed enough to be put to the use for which they were originally intended.

“Towers, like Hallionne, can create internal environments that would be largely safe to the young.”

“Let me guess. Sedarias wasn’t impressed.”

“Ah, no. She has heard this before, I believe, but not spoken out loud.”

“So Bellusdeo was also angry about that.”

“Yes, dear.”

“Can I strangle Terrano?”

“I would be tempted at this point to allow it, but unfortunately he is not entirely corporeal at the moment, and I don’t think—”

“There’s no way you could get your hands around my throat, is what she means,” Terrano’s disembodied voice said.

“I’m sure with Helen’s help, we could manage. Why in the hells did you think that discussion was a good idea tonight?”

“If we wait for the right time, we’ll never have it. I thought it’d be safer to have it here, with Helen, than in the open streets or the fief of Candallar—you’re always so concerned about the fate of the civilians.

“And it was only loud, which I expected. I know we’re not singly a match for the Dragon. It’s like she’s stepped out of every bedtime story—”

“You don’t need to sleep.”

“Fine. Every nursery story, better? She’s what we were warned we’d be facing. But we’re not what we were when we first heard those stories. There are ten of us here.”

“Nine.”

“Teela’s here.”

“She said she was moving out!”

“Yes, and that would have been useful for us, because she intended to occupy her rooms in the High Halls. But—she’s here, too. If it helps, Tain’s not.”

“Look—the High Halls are not what they’ve been for most of Teela’s life.”

“No. They’re sentient, now. The Tower of Test has become the heart of the High Halls.”

“And the Tower doesn’t frown on Barrani attempts to murder each other?”

“It’s Barrani politics.” She couldn’t see Terrano, but she could almost hear his shrug.

“The Hallionne don’t allow it. Helen, please, stairs.” She could feel the ground tremble beneath her feet.

“That wouldn’t be smart,” Terrano said.

“If smart were your concern, you would have waited to have this stupid discussion!”

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