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"You must be pleased with the peace, then," he said, deliberately casual as he probed for information. "Your goals were achieved."

The taller male—barely more than a youth, he realized—shook his head. "The peace is fragile. There is a movement growing against it, larger and better organized than you might imagine."

"Some of those who wish to sow dissent are within the Crestek leadership itself," the other added, his voice hardening. "The same council members who smile and toast to unity in public whisper of isolation and war in private."

It confirmed exactly what he had overheard, what Linnea had refused to believe. He kept his expression neutral, unwilling to admit that he already knew the truth of their claims. If these two were indeed part of a resistance network, they might have valuable information—but trust had to be earned, not freely given.

"Why tell me this?" he asked. "I am merely an ambassador."

The taller youth snorted. "You are more than that. You are Kyrana's chosen representative, a warrior who was security chief on the sands, and—" he hesitated, exchanging a glance with his companion, "—you are close to the chancellor."

There was something in the way he said it that made his skin prickle. Did they know about his relationship with Linnea? Or were they merely referring to his diplomatic position? Regardless, they seemed to know a great deal about him.

"You could be in danger," the shorter one continued. "The same elements that wish to unseat the chancellor would not hesitate to eliminate a Dothvek ambassador if it served their purpose. Especially one who threatens their plans."

"And what plans might those be?" he asked, relaxing his stance slightly but remaining alert.

Another meaningful look passed between them. "We're still piecing that together," the taller one admitted. "But we know they intend to force the chancellor into actions that will make her appear tyrannical, eroding support for her leadership and the peace she champions."

It aligned perfectly with what he had overheard. He studied the pair more intently, sensing no deception in them. Either they were telling the truth, or they believed they were.

"If you ever need help," the shorter one said, "you can count on us. Our network extends throughout the city and into the government towers."

Curious. Who in the tower was feeding them such accurate information?

A dark laugh escaped him before he could suppress it. "I need help right now. I seem to have lost my way.”

The tension broke, both youths smiling despite the seriousness of their conversation. "We can lead you back," the taller one offered. "It's not far, though it's easy to get lost in these back streets if you're unfamiliar with them."

As they began walking, they flanked him protectively, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. The shorter one moved slightly ahead, checking each intersection before signaling it was safe to proceed.

"You mentioned a network," he said as they navigated the twisting passageways. "How extensive is it?"

"More extensive than the chancellor's advisors would believe," the taller youth replied with a hint of pride. "We have sympathizers in every quarter of the city, including within the government itself."

"Spies, you mean."

"We prefer to call them allies," the shorter one said over his shoulder. "Their goal is the same as ours—preserving the peace, protecting the chancellor from those who would undermine her."

The idea of a shadow network operating within the Crestek city both unsettled and intrigued him. If what they said was true, Linnea had allies she didn't even know existed—Cresteks working to protect her from threats she refused to acknowledge.

"And what do you want from me?" he asked, never one to believe in altruism without purpose. Not from Cresteks.

The taller youth's expression grew serious. "Be vigilant. Watch the council members closely, especially Vellen and Taal. And..." he hesitated, "...protect the chancellor. She is more isolated than she realizes."

He almost stumbled at the mention of the exact advisors he had overheard plotting. Either these Cresteks had allies uncomfortably close to the traitors, or they were part of an elaborate deception he couldn't yet fathom.

The sound of voices reached them as they approached an alley that opened onto what appeared to be the edge of the market square. Sunlight spilled into the narrow passage, a welcome contrast to the dim corridors they'd been traversing.

"How do I find you if I need your help?" he asked quickly, sensing their time was short.

"Our members nearest the chancellors will make themselves known to you," the shorter one replied.

The cryptic answer raised more questions than it answered. Before he could ask, both Cresteks tensed, their heads turning toward the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from a passageway.

“Remember," the taller one whispered as they began backing away, "not all who smile at you wish you well, and not all who hide in shadows are your enemies."

With that enigmatic warning, they melted into the darkness of an alley, their forms disappearing so completely it was as if they had never been there at all.