Page 125

“What happens in Red Basin when you make the wrong decision?” she asked.

Rath’s eyebrows rose.

“I correct it.”

“Who tells you it was wrong?”

“My council.”

“Can they overrule you?”

“When necessary.”

Dreven made a quiet sound. Rath looked toward him. Kesta caught the exchange.

“Meaning?”

Dreven rested his forearms on the table. “Ask how often.”

Kesta looked back at Rath.

“How often?”

Rath’s mouth thinned.

“Not recently.”

“So Ash Camp can argue itself into paralysis.”

“Yes.”

“And Red Basin can obey itself into disaster.”

A low sound came from Nethra that might have been approval. Rath studied Kesta more carefully.

“You understand systems.”

“I understand that every system explains why its failures were unavoidable.”

For several seconds, neither spoke. Then Rath leaned forward.

“Come see Red Basin before you refuse.”

Dreven’s tail shifted beneath the table. Kesta glanced at him. His eyes met hers. Still no interruption.

“Would I be free to return?”

Rath hesitated. Not long. Long enough.

“With escort.”

“Yours?”

“Yes.”

“Then no.”

His expression hardened slightly.