Again, Oren stepped up to the dais. The king took the scroll, but immediately handed it to Fulcruchen. “My critical powers, though still intact, are limited by endurance. My councilor will read for me.”

            “Shouldn’t this be done in private?” asked Elymas.

            He was ignored.

            Fulcruchen broke the wax seal and began.

            “To His Royal Highness, William Ranald, High King of Casoria and Her Royal Highness, the gracious Queen Laveth.” The Seer’s scrawl was hard to read, but Fulcruchen didn’t hesitate.. “The Sea Star spends its glory at the Earth Child’s birth. Surely, thy reign has been blessed. I hesitate to interrupt what must be a time of festivity, but allow the authority of the Blue Stone to prevail. I do not use this authority lightly, but as one who speaks for Jah, blessed be His Name. Send the babe to me at once. The Earth Child is in danger, mortal danger. Oren will guard him and Oren is my right arm, He wears a mark as well, token of the heaven’s trust.

Signed by my own hand,

Gibbor of the Blue Stone

Keeper of the Stones.

Guardian of the Eld Forest

         In the silence that followed, the expressions of those on the dais appeared almost comical if the matter weren’t so profound.

all material copywright, Joan Spilman, 2023