Xeon's reaction wasn't what I expected. Though the crowd around me spun to stare and glare while Tanasharia and her posse
of cronies faced me down, the Planeless leader smiled with his benevolence, waving me forward.
"Allow her to pass, my children," he said. "Let Senne Hathenemeria join us in celebrating the freedom of our people."
We could fight our way out. Sassafras's nervousness wasn't making things any easier.
No, I sent. Let's see what Xeon has in mind. If worse comes to worse, I can call Syd.
Maybe we should anyway, Sass sent. She and Max appearing overhead might create enough stir we can escape.
I strode up the path opening in the wall of demons, calling out to my sister. Of course she would be out of reach,
wouldn't she? I shook my head at Sassafras who scowled back. The followers of Xeoniteridone turned to face me, eyes
locked on me as I proceeded with as much confidence as I could muster. By the time I reached the edge of the stage, my