Celandine was first of the High Council, her head high and her dark brown hair in a braid. Katelina caught her silver eyes. The world wavered, but Celandine turned away and the effect disappeared.

Obi came next, his skin dark and his expression neutral. He wore long sand-colored robes and a heavy golden chain around his neck. Behind him was Heng. With dark hair worn in a top knot, delicately slanting eyes, high cheekbones, and long thin fingers, he looked elegant.

Last ...