Chapter 32

Calto regarded Riftan with unconcealed suspicion before accepting the parchment. Maxi nervously watched the elder's face turn grim as he read the letter.

"And how exactly do you wish me to respond to this?" Calto asked wearily, folding the letter in half again.

Riftan crossed his arms, and his voice was icy when he spoke.

"I want to know your reason for going to the Pamela Plateau." When Calto did not answer, he continued, "What do you intend to do there? I suggest you tell the truth, for we've our own intelligence on the matter."

"I would very much like to know what that is."

Everyone's eyes flew to the entrance. Kuahel Leon had entered the great hall with the Temple Knights. Maxi surmised they must be returning from the castle's chapel, as it was common knowledge that the Temple Knights visited the church of any village or city they stayed in. They silently walked across the hall and stopped in front of Riftan in an almost confrontational gesture.