Janius allowed himself a small smile. "At least the Hist had the courtesy not to tell us whether that would happen. Let's do our best not to fall. Even if we're sacrifices, we have Kaj-Julan as well."

It was nothing they did not already know.

After a moment, Janius' tone grew lighter. "Did your mother say anything about me? Am I still low in her regards?"

[hr]
"We'll come up with something," Fendros said.

Calia, though noticeably relaxing now that their talk was drawing to a close, remained slightly unconvinced. "I shall not interfere with whatever you decide to do regarding your family. They are pleasant company, Ahnasha. I am glad to have finally met them." She briefly pursed her lips. "Take it from one who grew up with idols of Mephala. The best webs are the ones that require the fewest threads..."

"...If you catch a fly without a web, you've weaved better than any." Fendros finished for her. "I fear we may have a few too many threads already, but we shall make do."

Calia and Fendros began standing up.