Lukas was out of the capitol too and thankful that Sirach ignored that fact. “You mean that you still uphold the Truce. Some of the rumors about the other Changed suggest otherwise.”

Lukas’ voice was sharp. “What do you mean?”

The old man ticked off names on his fingers. “Avalanche, Starfall and Ash have headed south, whether together or separately, none can say. Midden is following rumors looking for Wells despite the Goddess incident. No one has seen Watcher for months. Mark my words- it all adds up to trouble.”

“Let’s hope you’re wrong.” Lukas said quietly. Those names were trouble. Each one had high honors in the Empire- Avalanche stood highest as a general, but discontent cloaked all of them. Was it treason? Or happenstance?

“Oh, aye, M’lord. I hope I’m wrong every day, but the older I get…” Sirach trailed off.

“You’ve given me much to think on. Is there a room available?”

“Of course, and if I didn’t, I’d move people to the common room. It’s not everyday that I get to serve one of you, Tower.”