“The Silent Ones, Lakla, bade you say that they⁠—allowed⁠—me three tal to decide,” she said suavely. “Go now in peace, Lakla, and say that Yolara has heard, and that for the three tal they⁠—allow⁠—her she will take council.” The handmaiden hesitated.

“The Silent Ones have said it,” she answered at last. “Stay you here, strangers”⁠—the long lashes drooped as her eyes met O’Keefe’s and a hint of blush was in her cheeks⁠—“stay you here, strangers, till then. But, Yolara, see you on that heart and strength you have sworn by that they come to no harm⁠—else that which you have invoked shall come upon you swiftly indeed⁠—and that I promise you,” she added.

Their eyes met, clashed, burned into each other⁠—black flame from Abaddon and golden flame from Paradise.