‘It will destroy you,’ she whispered.
‘We will see,’ he said.
They sat together on the rug, hand in hand.
The Great Hall of the Questors was rarely used, save for ceremonial functions or the funeral orations – thankfully rare – of those Avatars who died after centuries of service. Situated beneath the Great Library the vast circular hall had high arched windows and banks of seats around the walls. It had been built to stage plays for guests of the ambassador to the Avatar Prime and could accommodate 800 people.
Now it was scarcely half-full as all of the surviving Avatars and their families gathered to listen to the words of the Questor General. Rael stood in the centre of the hall, gazing at the people as they took up their seats. Rarely were all of the Avatars gathered together, and only at times like this did it come home to him how few they were. Six of the women held newborn babes. A mere six. Elsewhere the younger children were playing in the high gallery watched over by two of the mothers.
When at last all were gathered – save the twenty men sailing with the Serpent – Rael called for silence. Then he told them all of the offer made by Cas-Coatl. Unity with the Almecs. A new life with a brother race. He made it clear to them that he believed the assurances given by the Almec. Then he fell silent for a moment.
‘I shall speak again at the close of the debate,’ he said. ‘But now I shall take questions.’
‘What changed their minds, Rael?’ asked Niclin.
‘I believe the most significant factor is the work of Anu. The Crystal Queen learned of his talents and knows that by absorbing his wisdom and his knowledge she can assure herself of life eternal.’
‘What was it that stopped you agreeing at once?’ asked Caprishan.
‘As I said, I shall speak later.’
High at the back of the hall Mirani raised her hand.
‘I recognize the Lady Mirani,’ said Rael.
‘What are the Almecs’ intentions towards the peoples of the twin cities? It is my understanding that these killers leave’ only destruction in their wake.’
‘They intend to kill all of the Vagars,’ said Rael, his voice even. ‘Cas-Coatl maintains that the Crystal Queen needs this sustenance until such time as Anu’s pyramid begins to generate power.’
‘So they are offering us our lives in return for utter betrayal?’
‘Indeed they are,’ said Rael. Mirani met his gaze, and fell silent.
‘Has Anu been apprised of the situation?’ asked another man, sitting close to the front.
‘We have no way to contact him,’ said Rael.
The blue-bearded Goray raised his hand. Rael gestured for him to speak. ‘As you know,’ he began, ‘I am one of the oldest here. I have seen many wars and a host of battles. My question is this: do you, Questor General, believe this war can be won?’
‘I believe it can be won,’ said Rael.
‘Then I have a second question. What becomes of us if we do win? Where do we go?’
‘I cannot say, Goray. For I do not know. Are there any other questions?’
Niclin rose. ‘Can we win back power once Anu’s work is completed?’
‘I do not believe that we can,’ admitted Rael. ‘Our days of pre-eminence here are over. Worse still, I do not believe the Vagars will allow us to merely go on as immortals in their midst. There will be those who seek revenge against us for what they perceive as past wrongs. There will be others who envy our immortality. No. If we do win this war we must make our home elsewhere.’
‘Unless we join with the Almecs,’ said Caprishan.
‘Indeed so,’ agreed Rael.
No-one spoke, and Rael waited for several heartbeats. ‘Now,’ he said, ‘it is time to debate the question facing us. As is our custom I shall ask two of our number to address us, one in favour of joining with the Almecs, one against. I will ask Questor Caprishan to put forward reasons in favour of accepting Cas-Coatl’s offer.’
Caprishan stood, walked out to the centre of the floor and turned to face his fellow Avatars.