Vera gave firm nods to each of Meesei's points while Darahil looked up from the flask to give a narrow-eyed inspection of Marcaille from across the table. They both had words on their tongues that were held back by Meesei's final suggestion.

Sabine's eyes began to dart between Meesei and the council when she realised the situation.

"You know of the one who...?" Vera trailed off as her memory returned. "Ah, that's right." Vera, as well as everyone else, joined in Meesei in looking at Sabine.

"Enlist Ariel?" Sabine asked. She fidgeted. "She is a long way away."

"How long would it take for your sister to journey here?" Oswall asked.

Sabine looked ahead and tried to focus. "She is at Thorn in Black Marsh. The letters take about a month to get there. Our ship ride to the Imperial City took much longer." Sabine knotted her brow and leaned towards Meesei, speaking in a lower voice and much more nervous voice. "It would be dangerous to ask her here."