Page 49 of Dark Destiny: A New Thread in the Tapestry

"Five minutes ago. She's somewhere she says is safe, and she's waiting for a callback. Otherwise, I wouldn't have interrupted your family dinner. We need Toven to translate, unless you think the Clan Mother would like to do that."

His mother was enjoying time with a daughter she hadn't seen in months, and she was planning to return to sitting next to her mate immediately after. He wasn't about to take even a minute away from that.

"Get Toven. If he's not available, get Esag."

"William's already on it. Do we warn her about the upcoming attack?"

"No. It doesn't concern her or the enclosure, and I will not undermine the operation by giving her that information."

"That's what I thought, but I wanted to make sure we are on the same page."

"Patch me in when you have Toven on the line."

It took two minutes to get Toven on the line, and then he spoke with Burda for fifteen more, of which Kian understood almost nothing.

Burda didn't sound frightened, which was a relief. She delivered her report, listened to what Toven told her, and chuckled dryly once.

Then Toven said goodbye and told Burda to call again in two weeks. That much Kian had understood. She said she would if she could, and Toven ended the call.

"She says that the power returned six days ago," Toven reported. "Food delivery is back on schedule. When it was not, her garden filled in the gaps. She was very proud of that."

"What are they saying about the missing women and children?"

Kian had caught a few words he understood, so he knew the topic had been discussed.

"Ah. That is the interesting part. The Sacred Mothers have spread a rumor that the missing women were executed for apostasy. They betrayed the god Mortdh."

"That's convenient. I hope Burda is not trying to refute their claim."

"She is not. She is a smart woman, and she realizes that the story stops anyone from questioning what happened to the missing people."

"What about the children? Is anyone asking about them?"

"She did not say, and I did not think to ask."

It wasn't critical information, but Kian was curious, and he made a mental note to ask the next time they talked with Burda.

"Anything else?" Kian asked.

"She asked about the women and children. I told her they were safe and happy, but she didn't fully believe me. She asked if it was possible to talk to Sullha. I told her it could be arranged for the next call in two weeks. I hope that's not a problem."

"It's not. What else?"

"That's it." Toven sighed. "If you can find someone else to talk to Burda, I would appreciate it. I have to talk to Losham because of the compulsion, but you do not need me to compel her."

"You're right." Kian transferred the phone to his other ear. "I think I'll make Sullha the contact person. Both of them will appreciate it."

"Perfect," Toven said. "Until tomorrow morning." He ended the call.

"Using Sullha as the contact person for Burda is a great idea," Onegus said. "Sorry for interrupting your dinner, boss."

"It was for a good cause. See you tomorrow, Chief."

Kian slipped the phone back into his pocket and went back to the dining room.

Everyone looked at him when he entered.

"Burda made contact," he said. "The enclosure is back to normal, and we will talk to her in two weeks."