And then a hectic day began.

Fortunately, I had slept in the Palace for several hours before we left. Jasper had some more meetings with the Sages and I took that moment to rest after all the mental chaos I had to go through. Thank God for Elena, who already had my bath ready and her presence beside me so I could fall asleep unburdened.

We now drive straight to the packhouse where the rest of the Elders are waiting.

Jasper and my father brief the Elders while Elder Antony listens in as a witness to the truth. At the end is the round of questions. I have to tell...