Chapter 23: Banquet at the End of the World

Stepping into the dining room, Etzli felt an odd sort of deja vu. During the Criterion, she faced her first trial in the ancient ruins of a banquet hall cut deep into a mountain.

And now here she was again, in another banquet hall, in another mountain.

All the guests were already enjoying their soup course. They chatted in a restrained, businesslike manner.

At the sudden intrusion of Etzli, Malcolm, and Greenleaf entering, the guests looked up.

Security guards were posted at either side of the door. They shifted their grips on their weapons, but made no aggressive move.

The man at the head of the table got to his feet. His suit shimmered under the lights, making subtle shifts in color. He wore fat gold rings on all of his fingers.

"I'm Gavaris Lundahl, Under-Secretary for Political Affairs. And interim leader, I suppose. Please sit. Join us."

Only two free seats sat at the long table, and Malcolm took one of them without hesitation.