"And if he doesn't?" Tessa asked.
Elion shrugged. "Then we'll have to decide what to do about it when that happens. But I'd rather speak to him before he starts whatever he's planning."
Isla nodded, though she didn't look particularly reassured.
"We would still have to find him."
"True. But an entire settlement can't be that easy to hide, especially if they're traveling with supplies and everything else they need. We know where they started, at least."
He looked toward Kali before continuing.
"There's also the trials. We might have a way to help them leave, but we don't know enough to make any promises yet. I would rather negotiate with Albert before committing to that. Perhaps Albert will be willing to take a shot at the trials, since he's so hell-bent on saving his people; I fancy our chances."
Kali said nothing, though she seemed satisfied that he hadn't volunteered her to undertake nine potentially impossible trials on everyone's behalf.
Maya smiled wryly.
