"We will just have to keep our wits about us," Lunise said. She let her hand slide from Meesei's back and returned to her usual tone. "I was told that I would have a definite date for the Thalmor response on my next liason. I doubt they shall give you more than a day to prepare. Perhaps they will give you less. We shall see."

They all stood in mostly worried silence for a few moments. The future was somehow even less certain than before.

"The council is probably ready to hear about what happened by now," Sabine said. "I think I would like to go to talk to Karl. Should I tell him what I saw?"

Lunise's eyes darted to Sabine's. "Is he likely to try to interact with Hal-Neesa?"

Sabine held her breath. She slowly shook her head.

"Good." Lunise held her hands to her hips and peered up at the golden orb above the city. "The knowledge won't kill him, at the very least."