Martin reached the lodge shortly after Cassandra returned. By then, the strange bell's note had faded, though neither of them had forgotten it. He read the complete log beside her.
Martin stopped scrolling when the record reached the moment her hand moved toward the confirmation window. One click would have given Cassandra another private army before anyone else knew it existed.
Cassandra waited without trying to justify the hesitation.
Martin closed the record. "I'm glad you refused, and that you didn't hide this part from us." He tapped the final quest notice. "Now let's find out what rang."
The foreign resonance led them into Slatewind Basin the following afternoon.
Emperoar's formal party consisted of Chaosgraphy, Flash Fang, NukEncore, Crimson Halo, and Kill Clause. Their companions did not take up separate party slots. Angel walked beside Martin, Kumoe ranged ahead with Alexandra, and Kinnami drifted around Katherine in a ribbon of golden light.
