Castellan Yerko made his way to the chamber door, and Kurth appealed to him to allow Rhiann to speak.
Yerko said, “He’s a boy, Kurth. The Council has pressing business, including discussions about your wife’s insubordination. Why should I allow him before the Council?”
Rhiann implored, “I carry my Uncle Mayard’s message.”
Yerko answered derisively, “Then let him speak for himself! I grow weary of his messages!”
Kurth said, “Rhiann brings word from the Hanging Gardens.”
Yerko gruffly replied, “So he’s kowtowing in the Gardens with his harlot Nona. The only word I want from the Three Sisters is their total submission and dissolution of their power. When Nona shatters her distaff and leaves the Veldt, I will treat with her. Mayard’s ways are old ways, Marsh. Your young relative must learn he can’t follow Mayard’s path. Thynna moves away from the old ways.”
Rhiann said, “Please allow me to speak, Castellan.”
Kurth added, “Let him be heard, Castellan. If you are so comfortable with the Council and Thynna’s course, what harm can he do?”
Yerko looked up at the twin suns sparkling in the east and said, “The day is wasting while we tarry here. You want to speak, whelp? Well, if you want to make a fool of yourself, proceed. You’ll be as big a laughing stock as your senile Uncle Mayard.”
Rhiann said excitedly, “I’ll be brief, but thorough.”
Yerko clapped his hands together and the guards separated and granted access to the doors. Rhiann and Kurth followed the Castellan into the large amphitheater. Murmurs passed through the captive audience.
The Castellan headed for the podium and addressed the Council of Thynna members, “Fellow Council Members, you are honored to be addressed by an adolescent sorcerer, Master Rhiann Klarje. He intends to enlighten us about the Hanging Gardens. His Uncle Mayard has sent him to face us in his stead. I’m sure his Uncle’s lack of courage makes young Rhiann proud of the mark he wears on his face.”
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