All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 61

Jano considered Lady Kithia with apprehension. It was pointless to judge Drakel beauty by human standards, but even by those standards, Kithia was beautiful. She had a bearing that did much to enhance this effect and Jano could readily detect what the reserved Tralin had seen in her.

"Lord T'palo," she said formally, her eyes showing a spark of energy.

"Lady Kithia... I wish your visit to me were under more auspicious circumstances."

"More auspicious circumstances could hardly be imagined, my lord. The culture has opened its doors to an unprecedented cultural exchange. Your admittance into council is completely world-changing..."

"I wish that it were that simple, my lady... You may have reason to curse my presence in council soon enough..."

Kithia considered Jano with a considerate look. "Has my husband sent you with a message...?"

"Yes... though the message is not for you, it is for the council..."

"I see," she said with purpose. "I understand..."

"I am afraid you don't. I do not even comprehend it... he did not tell me of you, of his family at all.. but he instructed me to deliver a message to the council that will be extremely disruptive to his family..."

"Tralin has allied himself with a temple..." Kithia said simply and softly.

"What...? I mean how...?"

"I know my husband, Lord T'Palo. His thoughts are known as well. His family contains are large line of communicants to the Water Lord. He resisted long the call of the priesthood, but it is in his blood and in his nature..."

"But why would he not mention you to me or tell me of you..?. This is hurtful to you. He takes it in his hands to crush his family and makes me his agent, but he won't even let me know what it is I am doing..."

"Lord T'palo, you exist under a misapprehension. My family has been De'me'thar for countless generations. Tralin became T'palo against my desires because he wanted what was best for his family. None of this means anything to me... That Tralin reveals himself in this way now shows he has purpose. It also shows he has learned that life inside the K'eld is not the ultimate standard by which Drakel existence might be judged. Far from being upset by your news, I am elated, for it means I may go to my husband... As to why Tralin kept you in the dark, you can gather that yourself... You said as much.... He did not want you to realize what you were doing. He was not disregarding my feelings, he was protecting yours."

"I am bothered by Drakel culture.... It's very trying to me... I come from a democratic society... We believed in self rule..."

"Perhaps, Lord T'palo, that is why you were selected by Tralin... I suspect my husband is being quite purposeful in his actions."