Page 102 of Cast in Atonement

“Indeed. We have been much in contact with Eddorian, the only member of our cohort who did not choose to leave the Hallionne Alsanis. As you suggest, Hallionne Alsanis can allow guests to enter the green; it is not the path of approach that most of our people take, because it is not one that is widely known. Terrano made good use of it when he was first attempting to be free of the Hallionne’s cage.”

“Eddorian’s been asking questions of Hallionne Alsanis for you?”

Teela nodded again; her eyes were darker. “It is Alsanis’s belief that there is significance—and danger—in the fact of, the existence of, Azoria’s flower. It was not meant to rest in mortal hair, in mortal lands. He does not believe that she somehow managed to grow the flower with no contact from the green at all.”

“And the fact that she’s dead doesn’t change that.”

“If the connection was firmly rooted in her life, the danger is insignificant. If it was not, the danger exists. And if the Keeper himself vanished in Azoria’s mausoleum, Alsanis believes that the connection exists.”

Kaylin blinked. “Why?”

“Alsanis believes the green is concerned. In the past two weeks, even the Warden has been turned away from the green. This fact, the disappearance of the Keeper, and the fact of the moving, animate statues in the manse imply that even if Azoria is no longer with us, the many roots she planted have not died.”

“She’d learned how to build connections to the outlands,” Kaylin said. “We know that from the paintings she left behind in the High Halls when her line was destroyed. Her manor drew on at least the power of the outlands.”

“That is our belief.”

“What does the High Halls want from this?”

“The destruction of the manor, and everything she built in or upon it.”

Kaylin exhaled. “You’re wearing our tabard,” she said, although she herself wasn’t.

Teela nodded.

“What do you want?”

“I want Terrano back. I want the Keeper back. In that order. I won’t destroy the manor until both of these things happen. But I’ll destroy it in a minute if both of those conditions are satisfied.”

“And that’s why you chose to accept this mission?”

“That’s why they chose to accept me,” Teela countered. “That, and they believed that of the High Court, I am the only person who could gain access to Azoria’s former home.”

There were now too many things to think about. Kaylin exhaled and turned to the silent Bellusdeo; the Dragon’s eyes were almost red, although the flecks in it were copper, not orange. “We’re heading to the Academia to consult with the chancellor and the Arbiters. What will you do?”

“I want to stay here, with Mrs. Erickson. Even if Mrs. Erickson was not much discussed, one Barrani could cause irreparable damage to her, she’s so frail. They won’t,” she added, unnecessarily, “cause me damage.”

Kaylin exhaled. “We’ll head out now. If there’s an emergency, we’ll mirror Helen to let you know.”

Hope’s squawk conveyed annoyance and disgust.

“Fine. If there’s more of an emergency.”

17

Killian was once again standing in the quad when Kaylin and company returned. Severn walked beside her; Teela and Tain walked behind. Mandoran had chosen to remain with Helen, as both Teela and Serralyn would have a cohort ear in the conversation.

An odd, purple haze enshrouded Killian, visible only with Hope’s aid. Or insistence. Kaylin swore if there was one more thing mixed in an already chaotic emergency, she’d scream.

“Evanton did not return?”

Kaylin shook her head.

“We currently cannot be heard by the rest of the Academia,” Killian said, as he turned and led them to the main building.

“Then no. He hasn’t returned. The garden is becoming more unsettled, and poor Grethan has probably pulled out half of his hair in panic.”

Killian did not reply. Instead, he gestured the doors open; they flew to the sides with enough force she could hear the students responding in surprise in the quad.

---