A female mage who had just emerged from a Portal looked over in annoyance. The moment her gaze met Annan's face, her expression softened into a friendly smile.
Annan smiled back.
"I knew Mel hadn't misjudged you," Delatorre said with relief.
Annan couldn't tell him the truth, so he changed the subject. "Where's Naven?"
"He's still in the Council Chamber. I came to meet you." The old Holy Grail Knight turned toward a Portal. "Your timing is perfect. The King is holding a meeting. Let's go."
"Am I going too?"
Annan had hoped to see his old friends first.
Tasia and her people were here, along with the women of Jana.
"I can't believe it. You're reinforcements. Of course you're going."
Illymoyas had disappeared. Maybe she really had gone to find her people. Annan followed Delatorre through the Portal and emerged in a square in the Inner City.
This city even used Portals as a quick way to get around.
Annan made a mental note to copy the idea in Free City someday.
The Council Chamber stood at the center of the magnificent city. The heart and soul of High Mountain City, it was a spacious, solemn building.
A huge crystal chandelier hung in the center, casting a soft, bright glow. It was nothing like the dark, somber style of Montreal Mountain.
Then again, they weren't Ratfolk. Why would anyone make a council chamber so gloomy?
Tall guards stood on either side of the entrance. As Annan stepped onto the Council Chamber's plush carpet, the movement drew the attention of the figures seated in a ring.
Annan recognized almost no one. Only the crown and gemstone-studded cloak told him which old man was the King of the Dimon Kingdom.
Annan walked calmly down the red carpet and sat beside Naven