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predict how the phaerimm will respond. It really would be better to establish the coordinating council at once.”
     
    “You have doubts that the shell will hold?” Lord Dyndaryl asked.
    “Not at all. The shell will hold.” Aglarel deliberately looked at Imesfor and said, “It is Evereska we are concerned about. We do not understand the mythal well enough to know how long it can withstand a sustained assault.”
    “It’s still up?” The relief in Imesfor’s voice was obvious. “You know that?”
    The phaerimm had enclosed the entire Sharaedim within a magic deadwall that prevented any sort of travel to or communication with Evereska, and he was not the only one in the room who had been wondering if the city was still in elf hands.
    Aglarel hesitated a moment, then gave a nod so slight it was barely perceptible.
    “Thank Corellon!” Imesfor gasped.
    “Then you are in contact with the city?” It was Laeral Silverhand who asked this. “Do you know if Khelben is there?”
    Aglarel looked away. “Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to answer your questions, Lady Silverhand.” He managed to sound genuinely apologetic. “That information would be available only to our allies.”
    “To your allies?” Laeral fumed. “Who do you think has been fighting at your side—”
    “Were the choice mine, Lady Silverhand, I would tell you,” he said. “Your contributions have not gone unnoticed by our Most High, but your allegiance is obviously to Waterdeep, and Waterdeep has not declared itself our ally.”
    Nor are we like to, said Brian. Waterdeep won’t yield to strong-arm tactics. Never!
    Aglarel looked directly at Brian. “This isn’t strong-arming. How many of its secrets would Waterdeep reveal to a city that refuses to call itself an ally?”
     
    “We are not asking for any of your secrets,” Laeral said, straining to sound patient “Only the simple courtesy of—”
    “The Shadovar are showing you every courtesy, Lady Silverhand,” Aglarel said. “That is what I’m doing here. It is Waterdeep that is being discourteous, that receives information given in good faith with suspicion, that rebukes our offer of friendship with high-handed accusations of coercion, that allows a visitor under its palace roof to call Shade Enclave a den of liars and vipers.”
    Aglarel allowed his gaze to linger on Storm Silverhand for a moment, then looked back to Piergeiron. “You have been advised of the shadowshell’s danger. It is not our intent to interfere with any of your own missions. Should any of your forces wish to pass through, we will be happy to send an escort along to make that possible.”
    The arrogant devils! Brian ranted, either forgetting or ignoring the fact that the prince could obviously hear every word. They’re claiming control of the war zone whether we like it or not!
    Aglarel shot a glance in Brian’s direction but chose to ignore the outburst. “While we regret that it will not be possible to coordinate our efforts, Shade Enclave does thank you for this audience.”
    The Shadovar bowed deeply, then turned toward the door to leave. Though Piergeiron could feel the gazes of the elves and the Silverhand sisters burning into his brow, it was what he knew his fellow lords were leaving unsaid that weighed most heavily on his mind. As usual, Brian the Swordmaster had cut straight to the heart of the matter. Whether Waterdeep and the elves liked it or not, the Shadovar had taken control of the war zone. What Piergeiron didn’t understand was why they had bothered to send an envoy to announce an already obvious fact Were they really hoping to establish an alliance, or was there something more, something broader and more nefarious?
     
    There was only one way to find out. Piergeiron drew himself up to his full height, then called, “Prince Aglarel!”
    To his credit, Aglarel looked properly shocked as he stopped and turned. “Yes, Lord Paladinson?”
    “I did not dismiss you.”
    The prince looked as