Belkni's watchful eyes met mine as I entered the lounge where Tara sat next to Avenesequoia and approached him.

"I need to talk to my grandfather." Not Leader. No nonsense. My intention to make an impression either did the job or not, but Belkni nodded regardless.

"I'll see to it," he said. "About the girl, I presume?"

I wasn't sure if he was referring to Ameline or Tara, but I nodded anyway.

"I have more information he needs," I said. "Some of it might ...