Saras showed no change in his concern, looking inquisitively to Fendros. "Do you believe Vile has managed some sort of influence over your family?" He questioned. 

For Meesei, it did not surprise her that Saras went immediately went to the worst-case scenario. But, she supposed it at least meant that he would be prepared. "That does not seem terribly likely to me. Even if the enemy somehow learned about Rossarm, they could not know we would attempt to recruit him. [i]I[/i] did not know we would be trying it before today. It may simply be his professionalism as a battlemage, and with his past as he described it, I could understand why he would not want to share it with his children. But...all the same, take every precaution as if it were the worst case. In fact, I want heightened security for [i]everyone[/i]. Especially regarding anyone who knows of the invasion plans. That is the one piece of information that [i]cannot[/i] get into Vile's hands."

"It will be done. The enchantments we have in place already will stop, and detect, any attempts at long-range magical communication from the city. Hal-Neesa has already personally complained to me about their presence, but even she was not able to bypass them." Saras explained, though he soon showed a hint of frustration as he crossed his arms. "And on the subject of the vampire, Champion, she is likely the greatest security risk we have here. She moves around unhindered, openly admits to spying on us, and can leave the clan entirely on a moment's notice, with no way of stopping her. Quite simply, I cannot protect our secrets against her." 

Meesei sighed. "You have told me before how you feel about Neesa, and I agree. But, there is nothing we can do about her. We simply have to hope that she is being honest with us about her allegiance. If nothing else, we can be confident that she is strong enough for no one to be able to force her to betray our secrets. It will have to do."

Finally, Meesei stepped over to the door to the hallway. "We should not keep the others waiting much longer. Fendros...how do you think your father would respond to testing his strength against me? Do you think you could learn anything from his reaction?"

[hr]

On the part of Thorantilth and his work on Julan's tattoos, there was nothing much different from any of the previous days that Janius had observed him. However, Janius would easily have noticed substantially more activity around the rest of the village. The people were packing what belongings had not already been stored away, and saddling their beasts of burden. It seemed like they were preparing to move rather soon. 

The final details that remained on Julan's marks would take little under an hour to complete when Zharanthixil. entered the hut. From the fatigue he showed in his movement, as well as the dirt and mud on his scales, his limp did not stop him entirely from working. [i]"Is everything going well, Treeminder?"[/i]

Thorantilth nodded. [i]"Indeed. I will be finished just about when I estimated."[/i]

Zharanthixil looked directly to Janius. [i]"Then your son will soon be one of us."[/i]