Ueren, still bearing his role as chief scout, stepped forward with a formal bow toward the throne. "Patriarch, our watchers report the human settlement continues to expand. New fortifications, additional personnel, and supply caravans arriving from the south. They prepare for extended occupation regardless of our response to their negotiating overtures."
"As expected," Korreth nodded grimly.
"They negotiate from a position they believe to be strength while preparing for alternatives should diplomacy fail."
He leaned forward in his throne, the skystone responding to his shift in posture by rotating slightly to better face the assembly.
"The question becomes whether we meet their strength with our own or attempt to guide their ambitions toward less destructive channels."
An elder, far older than any of them, raised her staff to speak.
"Patriarch, people of my generation had constant clashes in the southern waters for years. They can be reasoned with, but only when they understand the true cost of aggression."
Her weathered features creased into something that might have been a smile.
"Perhaps it is time they learned more about the powers that guard these isles."
Korreth studied the assembly for a long moment, his gaze moving from face to face as though reading the currents of opinion and allegiance that flowed through the chamber’s political landscape.
When he finally spoke, his decision carried the weight of absolute authority.
"No," he said simply.
"We will not meet with them. Not yet."
The declaration sent a ripple of surprise through the assembled representatives.
Jorghan just watched, not showing any reaction. He was sure that Korreth had something in his mind. And he wasn’t gonna like it.
"Instead," Korreth continued, his voice rising to carry to the chamber’s furthest reaches, "we will observe. Learn. Let them show us more of their true nature while we prepare our own responses."
His eyes found Jorghan across the chamber. "Human boy, you will return to them. Not as our negotiator, but as our eyes and ears. Stay among them for several days. Watch how they conduct themselves when they believe themselves unobserved. Report on their true activities, their preparations, and their intentions beyond the pretty words they offer for our consumption."
Sigora’s objection was immediate but carefully controlled.
"Patriarch, the risks to the boy—"
"Are outweighed by the intelligence value he can provide," Korreth cut her off gently but firmly. "He has already proven his ability to move between their world and ours without raising excessive suspicion. This makes him uniquely valuable in gathering the information we need to make informed decisions."
Meytiri leaned forward slightly, her youthful features expressing genuine concern. "And if they discover his true purpose? If their suspicions lead to actions that could harm him?"
Korreth’s expression darkened.
"Then they will learn why threatening what we protect is considered... unwise."
The temperature in the chamber seemed to drop several degrees, and several of the magical lights flickered as his power briefly manifested in response to his mood.
Jorghan just nodded and said, "As long as you leave my aunt out of your schemes, I will do so."
"I know you will, young one," Korreth replied, his tone barely contained. His grip on the armrest tightened.
Even the elders and others turned to Jorghan, shocked by what he said.
Sigora’s face was a mixture of pain and warmth as she watched her nephew stand up to the Korreth.
"But remember—you are not expected to take unnecessary risks. Observe, listen, and report. Nothing more. Tell them we will consider their options after your stay there."
Korreth said as he suppressed his anger. Getting provoked by a child, a human no less, would be humiliating for him.
As the assembly began to disperse, clan elders clustering into smaller groups to discuss the implications of the patriarch’s decision, Sigora approached Jorghan with obvious reluctance.
"This is not what I wanted for you," she said quietly, her voice heavy with maternal concern.
"I know," he replied, unconsciously touching the spot where the flower-like tattoo was present on his neck.
"But it’s what’s needed."
Her smile was sad but proud. "Yes, it is. Which doesn’t make it any easier to watch."
"Though I have to say, that was really good back there, talking back to him," Sigora said.
"He is an idiot."
"But are you sure about going back there. If you are not, tell me," Sigora asked him.
"No, it’s fine. I have no problem. In fact, I want to go. There are some interesting things there, I want to explore them."
"As long as you are okay," Sigora said.
Jorghan and Sigora went back to the house.