Reverend Quar stood to greet her guests. "Lady Jenn, thank you for traveling so far to meet with me. Lord Girald's letter is deeply concerning. I hope we may resolve this matter."

Quar, the spiritual leader of the Order of Medice, sat across the shiny wood table. She was an elegant older woman clad in a long flowing black dress and a ceremonial gold headpiece that covered most of her short gray hair. Two similarly clad women flanked her, one not much older than Ceres. Two guards in blue and red uniforms stood motionless at the back of the room, each with their hands clasped behind them. On the other side of the table with Lady Jenn was Waithe, posing as her guard; Ceres and Alden, posing as aides Cora and Quill; and Eira, who seemed bored with all the formality.

Reverend Quar's office was ornately decorated. Brightly colored paintings portraying the Life Spirits and Reverend Leaders of the past adorned the walls. A wooden desk inset with lavish carvings occupied one side and old books lined a shelf neatly behind it. Several narrow sheer curtains hung from the ceiling around the perimeter and would waft gently with the slightest of a breeze, creating a calming ambiance that sharply contrasted with the tension at the table.

Jenn replied, "As do I, Reverend. Similar letters were sent to all the other Lords. This will no doubt be discussed at length in the upcoming Council of Lords."

The Reverend put on a calm face, but Waithe noticed subtle signs of apprehension, like a momentary quiver of a lip and the restless clasping and unclasping of her hands. Likely, few ever challenged her authority like this.

Quar said, "I was shocked that one of our own would do such a terrible thing. I do hope that Lord Girald is well. What evidence have you that she poisoned him?"

Jenn's eyes narrowed as she leaned forward. "We found the vial hidden in Adelia's room and she admitted as much. Your concern for Lord Girald's well-being would be more touching if she had not also said that you personally ordered the poisoning."

That hit home. Quar jerked and her eyes darted away like a child caught doing something forbidden. Jenn's intense glare bore through Quar. Waithe was sure that Jenn noticed Quar's reactions as well.

Quar recovered quickly and jumped up from her chair. She spat her words. "How dare you make such an accusation! What proof have you of this?"

"We have Adelia's written testimony."

"Let her speak of it!"

Jenn stood up, her eyes blazed at the old woman across the table. "Her voice was taken with her life. Two nights ago she was assassinated in Tarne, along with two of my soldiers. We were attacked as well by some form of Magic laced with the Darkness. What part did you play in this?"

Quar's jaw dropped and she held her breath. For the briefest of moments, her eyes showed fear. Eventually, she spoke. "I had no part. Only now do I learn of this."

From her reaction, Waithe surmised that she spoke the truth. The attack was a surprise to her.

The younger Shaman that sat next to Quar tilted her head and began to gaze at Ceres, who sat next to Waithe. Ceres caught her eyes for a second and then dipped her head down. The young Shaman then turned away. The wordless exchange concerned him.

Waithe spoke up. "It be late in the day. Perhaps we may adjourn and start again in the morning."

Jenn turned her gaze to Waithe. He gave her a slight nod. She said, "Yes. It is late and long was the journey. We shall continue this discussion tomorrow, Reverend Quar. And I would also like to discuss your rising fees."

Quar smiled. "Yes, perhaps we may come to a mutual agreement."

"Perhaps."

Jenn shot Waithe a side glance. The mention of fees was an exit strategy to keep Quar engaged. He knew no amount of money would resolve this for her.

*****

"Did you see it too, Waithe?" Jenn gathered the group together in the comfortable guest cottage, which stood apart from the Reverend's residence on the sprawling estate.

"Aye, Quar told us much."

Alden lifted an eyebrow. "What did she tell us? She denied everything."

Jenn smiled. "Ah, it was not her words, but her expressions and her actions. She may be an expert in the ways of Life Magic, but she would quickly lose in a game of tiles. She could never bluff with that face."

"You played tiles?" Alden appeared surprised. 

The gambling game of tiles had an unsavory reputation, although it took a good deal of skills to truly master it. Waithe surmised that Alden may not know much of his mother's more adventurous younger years.

Jenn answered, "Aye, in my youth. It was how I met your father. I took all his stake from him in a game. He was so impressed that he decided to woo me. In a way, your existence came from that game."

A hint of red came to Alden's face. He changed the subject. "So what did Quar reveal?"

Jenn said, "She was nervous from the start, which told us there was something she wishes to hide. The letter informed her of Adelia's poisoning attempt, for which she had a response. But it had not stated the accusation against her. When I accused her of ordering the poisoning, her face and actions told me the accusation was true. Did you see how she jumped and looked away?"

Waithe continued. "But when your mother asked of her involvement with the attack in Tarne, she seemed genuinely surprised. She had no involvement. Jenn, did you see the fear in her eyes though?"

"Aye, my friend. She knows those who made the attack and fears them. It all points to Scias and Raste. And Ceres, if what you say is true, that Raste calls on the Darkness, then dire this be. The last powerful Shaman that dabbled in the dark arts caused a bloody war and spawned the Taint."

Waithe said, "There be something else of more immediate concern. Ceres, did you know that young Shaman who sat to Quar's right?"

Ceres nodded, "Aye, Lady Dia. She is three years older than me. We sometimes trained together as students."

"Do you think she recognized you?"

"I think not, but I am not sure."

Jenn pulled her lips together. "If you were found out, a squad of Medice Guards would now be at our door. Waithe, you need to make your move soon, tonight. Would you be ready?"

He turned to Ceres. They both nodded.

Jenn turned to the officer that stood near her." Captain, double the watch tonight. And have your men and the horses be ready to move on a moment's notice. We may need to make a fast exit."