Janius grinned and lifted a hand. "Yes, yes, Kaleeth's told me all about it before, but you know what I mean."

When the questions turned on him, Janius lifted his gaze and opened his mouth to breathe in. "Hmm. Nothing in particular beyond what we've been doing for the past week or more." He quickly raised a finger. "Mind you, Kaleeth, were you able to organise a communal with the Hist? I remember you mentioned you wanted to do that while you were here."

[hr]
Something in Ahnasha's response caused Rossarm to stiffen and hold his balance. His hesitation could have been construed as surprise, but it transitioned naturally into his aiming a finger at Ahnasha and boring directly into her eyes. "You have a place you know better, beast. Resume it."

Behind Fendros and Ahnasha, Rhazii noticed Fendros' side of the family in various states of unease. Monderyn was pale. Llarasa was breathing quickly. Even Calia, usually impeccably composed, held her jaw shut so tightly that veins were bulging on her temples.

Fendros stepped up beside Ahnasha. "Father, please!" He brought his fingertips to his chest. "This is what I am now. I'm not dead. I'm not a stranger. Stop all this pretending."

"Hand. Me. My. Sword." Rossarm punctuated each word by swinging forward his outstretched hand. "You are beyond saving now. Even wearing that item on your belt is a spit on the grave of every one of your forefathers! You have no right, and you had best follow my instructions. I am the custodian of their legacy now. I will not allow it desecrated any longer."

Rossarm's eyes shifted between Fendros and Ahnasha with an uncanny awareness.

Rhazii breathed in to shout back. He was interrupted by none other than Monderyn's hand grabbing him by the shoulder. Monderyn murmured, "Whatever you're thinking, don't." Rhazii turned to Monderyn and closed his mouth. Whatever made him as afraid as he looked was worth hesitation.