on the balcony overlooking the edge. Far below, grasses swayed in the moonlight. A minor quake kicked up dust and a distant thunder. Letta handed out beer in wooden mugs.
'It must have been difficult for you to get away,' said Hy Foran. 'I know the work you're doing is very important.'
'Yes,' said Timha, looking out over the edge. 'But family is more important than work.'
Hy Foran nodded.
'I need help,' said Timha. His voice cracked when he spoke. Tears began to well in his eyes. 'I'm in terrible trouble.'
Hy Foran's eyes widened. 'Tell me, Brother. Anything I can do to help I will.'
'I need to get out of the country. I have to get to the Seelie Lands. It's the only place I'll be safe.'
Hy Foran and his wife shared a look. 'Timha,' said Hy Foran, 'what is it? What's happened?'
'Look,' said Timha. 'I know the two of you are Arcadians. You can help me.'
Hy Foran leaned back in his chair, looking sidelong at him. 'Timha, I don't know what-'
'I'm not going to turn you in, damn you. I need you to help me!'
'What is it you think we can do for you, Brother?' Hy Foran's expression had darkened; his voice was flat.
'I've heard that your kind have ways of spiriting people out. Believers who are in trouble with the authorities, that kind of thing.'
Hy Foran's eyes narrowed. 'But you are not a believer.'
Timha paused. 'No. But listen to me. I know things. The Seelie will know who I am. They'll know that I have things that they want. Oh, Brother, I'll be killed if I don't go!'
Hy Foran and Letta shared another, longer look.
'Would you give us a moment, Brother? My wife and I need to talk.'
'Of course,' said Timha. He stood shakily and went inside, closing the balcony door as softly as possible. He went to the common room and sat, his stomach in knots. He nibbled on a sweetcake, but it stuck in his throat.
The door to the balcony opened. 'I must discuss your case with another. You will have to tell him everything. Do not tell me; I do not want to know.'
Timha cried now. He couldn't help it. 'Thank you, Brother. Thank you so much.' He put his hands over his face and wept.
'I cannot promise anything, Timha. I do not think you understand what it is you're asking of me.'
'I'm sorry,' said Timha. 'I'm so sorry.'
A week later, Abbot Estiane was in his office at the Temple Aba-Nylae, lost in contemplation, when a young monk came hurtling into his office, carrying a letter.
'What's this?' Estiane said, a bit crossly. 'I've asked not to be disturbed.'
'Father, you must see this at once,' said the monk, out of breath.
Estiane took the letter and read it. His eyes widened.
'Send a message to Lord Everess in the City Emerald,' he said to the monk. 'Tell him I need to see him immediately.'
It is always easier to get into trouble than out of it.
-Master jedron
he next morning, Silverdun, Ironfoot, and Sela were sitting in the Shadows' Den reviewing a mountain of reports, bored senseless. Paet came limping hurriedly in, carrying a satchel stuffed with papers.
'Go home and pack a bag, each of you,' he said in passing. 'You're leaving in the morning.'
'What, all three of us?' asked Silverdun.
'Be back here in an hour for your briefing,' said Paet. He went downstairs to his office and they heard the door slam.
An hour later, they assembled in the mission room. Paet had a map of the Unseelie pinned on the wall. Red pins showed the current known locations of cities, and chalk arrows showed their expected patterns of movement. Paet was pointing at the city of Preyia with the end of his cane.
