Neoshima's lotus-like petals sealed behind the small convoy. Two vehicles. No escort fanfare.
The lead car was low and armored - reinforced panels, narrow windows, a Warden driver and a Warden in the passenger seat. The second was longer, sealed, climate-controlled. Eight royal scholars – four on each side, two Wardens, and a thirteen-year-old Ruler who sat in the center of the rear bench with his hands folded on his lap and his back barely touching the seat.
"Storm front ahead" the driver said over the intercom. "Conditions deteriorating."
Rain hit the windshield in large drops. Keahi watched the water run down the glass in fast, uneven lines. "Nothing's fun this far from the wall…" she mumbled.
