“No, it’s not,” Nori replies.
Of all the Penticari, she seems to be the one most worthy of a mate, as she is most familiar with logic.
“Why is this happening?” Araelya asks, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Why is the world changing?”
“Because worlds change,” Grixis replies.
“Eddard, what’s going to happen to our families?” Meg’s voice trembles.
“They have years. Decades, even,” Eddard says.
Reclaiming his seat, Grixis continues. “Each of you must remain silent regarding what was revealed to you, and if you are not, the consequences will be dire.”
Elena, Nori, and Meg nod, though I see Meg is troubled and I wonder if it will affect her relationship with Eddard.
Araelya still struggles with the revelation, hiding her face in her hands. Kairi looks to be in shock.
“Do not take my threat lightly,” Grixis says. “The only reason I saw fit to tell any of you this was to alleviate Meg’s guilt. Her actions had consequences, but they also created opportunity, and her mistake has given your people life anew. Do you understand?”
The girls mumble in agreement.
“In the future, we will gather the women to discuss the impending changes to the climate, but there is no need to bring useless worry to them when they are still so new to our way of life,” Grixis adds.
“The ribbons,” Elena says. “We don’t have them in Penticar, and I’ve never experienced anything like them before coming to Melgrim.”
“Over time, they will become more frequent, leaving a lasting bite,” Grixis tells her. “But you need not worry, as we are planning how best to shield you from them.” Grixis looks over at Kairi. “I am going to have to ask you to step outside the cave until we are finished, as there are still matters to discuss.”
She leaves, keeping her head bowed as she steps out.
“Jacek, Orvell, I have allowed you to be here because you are aware of the situation with Meg in Outpost 2-2-7.”
“It seems that the council has grown remiss with their honor,” Orvell says, his eyes honed on Eddard.
“I have discussed the situation with Eddard and, in light of new information, have determined that his revelation to Meg regarding the command post was necessary and will go without punishment. I have also decided that Elena’s council must be given more knowledge. This will happen over time.”
“You have decided that on your own?” Orvell challenges.
“As is his right,” I say sharply, because while I do not agree with everything Grixis has said and done, with Veriskans nearby, it is best not to divide the tribe.
Grixis sighs in relief at my support.
“The tribe is supposed to vote on such issues,” Orvell insists.
“Except when matters are so urgent, there is not the time,” Grixis replies.
“And what, might I ask, is so urgent?”
“The Veriskan’s discovery of the women.”
Orvell’s cheeks turn dark blue with rage. “All because you sought to hide away Meg while she recovered?”
“It was I who encountered them,” I tell him.
“Encountered?”
“There were two stalking around the forest. They caught Amber’s scent, but could not locate her. Hopefully, they believe the scent was from the shipwreck and think that the women are now dead.”
After a long moment of silence, Grixis says, “Orvell, despite your misgivings, you have served us well in our exile, and I hope you will continue to do so.”
