Her dark red robe, tied around the middle with a black tasseled cord, looked worn and stained. Several times that evening she and Duvessa had stood side by side, using all their gifts to try to save the same victim. Sometimes they had succeeded; sometimes they had not. Whatever had been the individual outcome, a mutual sense of respect had grown up between the two healers. Though Adrian's healing gifts were enhanced by her facility with the craft, she and her sisters still wrestled with their new lives in Tammerland, the palace, and the Redoubt. This uncertainty put her on an even footing with Duvessa.

Across the room, Shailiha looked over at Celeste, who nodded back at her. Both Wigg's daughter and the princess were eager to know where Tristan and Wigg had gone.

Her gaze hardening with determination, Shailiha folded her arms and stared at Faegan. "We all want some answers, and we want them now," she demanded. "In the space of a single night, not only have hundreds of severely burned and maimed victims come crashing through the palace gates, but both Tristan and Wigg have disappeared along with Traax and an entire phalanx of warriors!

"Where did you send them? What is it that has so suddenly attacked us?" She sat back, a look of determined expectation on her face.

Faegan knew that there would be no use in putting off the inevitable. Taking a breath, he looked down at his hands. Shailiha wasn't sure she had ever seen the old wizard so upset.

"First things first," Faegan said. He turned to face Ox.

The giant Minion shot to his feet. "I live to serve," he said quickly.

"If I know the prince at all, the first thing he will do when he arrives home will be to call an emergency meeting of the Conclave of the Vigors," the wizard said. "To have all ten members present, we must call Tyranny home. I want you to take a squadron of warriors and fly directly to the Minion outpost nearest the coast. Find out Tyranny's last position and heading, and then go after her. Tell her what has happened, and bring her here at once. Leave Scars in charge of the fleet, pending further orders. Do you understand?"