All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 35

The Drakel filtered into Tralin's throne room and waited expectantly for his answer.

"We have found in favor of your offer. The crown of Deren grants lease to its land contingent upon the immediate execution of restitution for those who suffered loss and the continued payment of rent as agreed. Further, we request immediate access to K'eld Ner as diplomats to assess our situation and make the requisite arrangements that society, respect, and culture demand. Unfortunately, I cannot come..."

"But you must. Protocol demands that as a sign of trust..."

"Protocol demands that as a sign of trust, the dignitary or his T'palo come to the city." Tralin shifted to a more familiar conversational style. "Indeed, but my obligation to the throne and my own obligation as outward T'palo require me to wait a period of some weeks before I can go myself, and as the Brilhado are at our backs, I cannot wait. So in the proprietary of tradition, we have chosen and instated our T'palo. He shall be the first human ever to hold the role: Jano."

Jano nodded and stepped forward. "I am uniquely qualified. I acted both as king's regent for Deren and as a social ambassador and diplomat for Vandar. Further, I am well trained in espionage and diplomacy."

Darin's eyes widened at this admission but the Drakel Caster merely nodded appreciatively.

"Tal Li Vago," he responded.

"Tal Li Vago," Jano answered.