Chapter 17

After supper, the Princess Jaelin formally addressed the Ancient Mystic. “O learned one, wherefore hast thou called upon us here?”

The Baret Wray knew Pharrisan royals were instructed in the Great High Speech, but he’d never heard it spoken before. He looked at the Princess, impressed.

The Mystic laughed, deep and rich. “I must admit, I haven’t heard that language spoken for the past, oh, couple hundred years or so.”

Jaelin blushed, chagrinned. “What I meant was—”

“I know what you meant. You want to know why you’re here, right?”

She nodded.

“Well, I can’t tell you that. At least, not yet.”

Her earlier anger returned. “Why not?”

“We have to wait for others.” He held up his hand to cut short her protest. “But, I can tell you why you, my dear Princess, are involved with all of this.”

“All of what?”

“I’m saving that story for when our companions arrive.”

She crossed her arms, miffed. “Does the Baret know?”