"Markis has been talking about changing things. He knows I'm unhappy with the way fate and tradition have denied me. He wants to use that. He's been talking about stirring up the Kallathik."
Aron Ka Vail pushed past his son. "What nonsense. What foolish tales are you concocting now?"
Jarid spoke without turning, still facing the window. "It's no tale," he said.
Something in the lad's voice made Aron stop where he was and turn slowly to face him. "Turn around and look at me."
Jarid did as he was told, leaning back on the window ledge and placing his hands behind him for support, an expression of deadly seriousness on his face. "You know we're having trouble with the Kallathik."
"As we do every time the Return is upon us. There's nothing new there. Every Storm Season they take their opportunity."
"And this time there's a reason for that."
"What? You're telling me that Markis has something to do with it. Come on, Jarid. You can do better than that." He moved back to join his son at the window. "What could he possibly have to gain from doing something like that? You really expect me to believe such stupidity this time."
Jarid nodded. "You will when I tell you what's been happening."
"So tell me. Let's see how much I believe of your little story then."
Jarid nodded slowly. "Markis has been spending a lot of time at the Kallathik burrows. It hasn't been to pacify them. I believe it's been to incite them, to take advantage of the current confusion. He's told me all about what he plans. He wants you to retire, to lose control, one way or another, so he can take over fully. He's sick of waiting for you to announce your retirement. He's asked me to work with him in return for a greater share of the power and his inheritance. With the Return here, with a Kallathik revolt, you'd be forced to travel to the burrows yourself to sort things out. No communication. Poor transport. Accidents happen in Storm Season, don't they?"
Aron looked at his younger son aghast. "How can you even suggest such a thing?"
"Because it's true." Jarid spoke in a flat tone.
For once in his life, Aron felt lost for words. He clamped his jaw shut and crossed back to the table. He pulled out a chair and sat heavily. He didn't know which was worse: to believe that Markis should become involved in a plot to unseat him by whatever means, even to the extent of his life, or that Jarid should concoct such a tale just as a way of bettering his position. Why now?
"Jarid, come here and sit down."
"No, Father. Before I do, there's something I have to show you. Wait here."
Aron frowned. What was the boy playing at now?
Jarid crossed the room rapidly and disappeared from the chamber. He returned a moment later with another person in tow. It was an Atavist! Jarid had brought a scruffy, dirty Atavist here, into the heart of the Guild, into the Guild Chamber itself. Jarid stopped with the Atavist a pace behind, looking around nervously.
Aron made to lift himself from the chair, his knuckles whitening on its arms, but Jarid lifted a hand, waving him down.
"No, wait. Listen to what he has to say. You don't believe me. Then listen to what he has to say. Go on."
The Atavist bowed his head. "It is true. I have been present at meetings where Markis Ka Vail has spoken to Kallathik elders, talking of action against the Guilds."
"What meetings? What are you talking about?"
"Over the past few months, Guildmaster, there have been a number of meetings in the Kallathik settlements."
"And how do you come to know about this?"
"You must know that there are links between our communities and the Kallathik people. We trade. On occasion, we work together to mutual benefit. From time to time, we have reason to be in the same location."
Aron shook his head. No, this was too unbelievable. "And why should I believe you?"
The Atavist lifted his head and looked him straight in the eye. Aron held the gaze and then finally looked back down at his hands. This was an Atavist. He didn't need to ask.
"Get this creature out of here," he said quietly. "Now!"
Jarid rapidly ushered the Atavist from the Chamber and promptly came back to stand in the same position, a self-satisfied look on his face. Aron waved vaguely at a chair opposite. Jarid hesitated, then nodded and pulled the chair back to sit.
