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can talk for hours.” She smirked as she walked away.
    Inside the small building, Malja discovered many pieces from the original Assembly Hall. Plain, stiff-backed chairs lined the walls — all except one. On the far wall, that chair had a purple cushion and above it hung a portrait depicting the central myth to these people — Carsite and Scarite gazing upward at the beautiful Pali. Both men sought her and the triangle of love between them caused great tragedy.
    Canto sat on the purple cushioned chair and gestured for Malja and Fawbry to sit. He lowered his head, put out his arms, and said, “For the honor of Pali, Carsite, and Scarite.” He stayed silent for a few moments.
    Malja and Fawbry waited. They both had experienced the Carsite silent prayers and knew to be quiet for as long as it took.
    Finally, Canto lifted his head and leaned forward, bracing his hands on his knees. “I wish you hadn’t brought these strangers here. We are at a delicate time.”
    “Has something happened while I was away?” Malja asked.
    “Nothing like that. But my people are still recovering from the war. They have lost everything they knew. Our lives had been centered around the Great Well and the magic it produced. With that magic we built our floating islands which provided us perfect soils to grow food. We created vehicles that soared through the air. That magic gave us protection and strength to thwart our enemies. That magic was seen as a gift from Pali herself, perhaps even a nod that she favored Carsite.”
    “And I destroyed the wells.”
    “Without that magic, our old world has disappeared. Not gradually, the way a mother loses a son when that boy changes into a man, but so abruptly that many feel as if they had been startled awake from a beautiful dream only to find a horrible nightmare around them. We are learning how to survive, how to live, all over again. Surely, you can imagine how some will not embrace it quite as well as others. I think our Sheriff has had more work than he expected because of this.”
    Fawbry waved off the comment. “Nothing I can’t handle. But I will admit that I can feel the animosity from some people.”
    “Many of us will forever thank you for all you have done. But there are some who think that if you had not come along, we would have fared better.”
    Malja nodded. “I’ve come across this before. Plenty of times I’ve helped people only to have them hate me for it. Doesn’t change anything, though. These people can’t undo any of it.”
    “They’re afraid. They had put their trust in Harskill only to be betrayed. They put their trust in you, only to see the end of the world as they understood it. And, frankly, seeing you walk here with two strangers frightens me, too. I have to protect my people, and right now, their willfulness to trust strangers is not to be found.”
    “I brought them here while I regrouped. I had hoped for a warmer reception, but if my presence here is going to cause you trouble, then all I ask is for a few days to figure out where to go next.”
    Before Canto could refuse, Fawbry said, “I don’t see why that should be a problem. We have plenty of space. We could offer temporary housing. Though Canto is correct that there are those who don’t like you, they are even less fond of me, but I’m doing well enough here. Besides, there are plenty who love us for what we risked.”
    Malja appreciated what Fawbry had attempted. By spouting off such an offer, Canto would be embarrassed to not follow through. Though he held his lips tight, Canto said, “Very well. We shall provide you a place to stay for a few days. But you must provide us something in return.”
    “Which is?”
    “Our morale is low. Despite my misgivings, Sheriff Fawbry is accurate — many here will be thrilled you are back. So, your return is an excellent excuse for a celebration. Even those who fear you, even those who harbor hatred — none will turn down a fine drink and a dance. They’ll