“This is a travesty!” Voice shaking with anger, Elymas looked directly at the Hunter. “The Sea Star hasn’t spent its glory because it hasn’t appeared! I’ve been the Earth Skyll for over three hundred years, and I would know!”

            He appealed to the crowd, then met the eyes of Strout. Something unspoken passed between them and the man nodded, lowering the hood of his cloak. No one saw the exchange, but Jessum.  By means fair or foul, the boy thought with heart sinking, Elymas will remain Earth Skyll.

            “Miraculous tidings from the Gibbor, the force who opposed us during the war, and his favorite killer!” Elymas was shouting, waving his arms. “This is a scheme, a dangerous hoax!”

            “Calm down, Elymas, neither the Hunter or the letter poses threat.” Ranald tugged at his beard, then shook his head. “Oren Hunter, I don’t know how to say this. I don’t know if I’ll say this well. Of course, I place great weight on all the Gibbor says—”

            Elymas gave an indignant sputter.

            “—but the truth is this: we have no earth child to send him. Nor have we seen the Sea Star announcing his birth.”

            “There was an unusual burst of light near Marsh Wool some twelve months ago,” said Fulcruchen. “I remember commenting on its endless waves of light.”

            “The fairies were playing with fire,” said Elymas.  Needing to rest his leg, he leaned against the stool. “The Gibbor sent us a false message and to what purpose I can only imagine.”

            “The Gibbor sent the blue feather as well,” countered Fulcruchen. “Surely, you’re not implying that is false!” 

            “Not the feather.” Elymas backtracked for the King was looking grim. “But as for the rest? It’s a baldfaced lie!”