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On the opposite side of the room, lovingly misting the massive leaves of some vegetation that took up an entire corner of the room, stood a man that bore a resemblance to the girl.

He was older, with white hair framing a more weathered—though not elderly—face.

But his skin was the same shade of dusty gray, his eyes the same deep-set dark twinkles on either side of a strong nose, his movements similarly graceful.

At our approach, his face broke out into a smile.

“Thank you, Savreen. Welcome, travelers.” He placed the misting apparatus he’d been using on a short glass table and flicked his hand. Immediately, more turtle people appeared with cushioned chairs, rushing forward to place them behind Luthri and me.

“No doubt it’s been a long journey for you,” the man continued, nodding at us to sit. “We’re honored to offer you our hospitality, simple though it may be.”

Tassels attached to the seat swayed gently from the relocation. Did a thing as basic as a chair count as accepting something they gave us? What I wouldn’t give for clearer direction. More likely, Danagil had meant it in a literal sense. But it was better to be safe than sorry.

So I stayed put. “We’ll stand, thank you.”

Luthri paused where he was, hand on the back of his chair and knees bending to lower himself. I caught his gaze. A pointed look was enough for him to return to my side.

Mildly nonplussed, the man wandered to the opposite side of the room to comb through the leaves of another plant.

He made conversation as he worked. “My name is Rugaveld. I’m something of a head man here on the island, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.

Have you had something to eat yet? My daughter makes the best sweets. ”

So this was Rugaveld. I filed away the fact the girl was his daughter for later.

“We’ve heard a lot about you,” I remarked. “And we’re good, thank you. We’ve come for Lady Narille. Our sources tell us you might have been the last person to see her alive.”

“Lady Narille.” A fond smile broke out on Rugaveld’s face. “Yes. She remains alive—and well, of course—but may I ask what business you have with her?”

I steeled my spine. “We’re here to take her home.”

Rugaveld gave the plant a final caress before facing us.

“You are not the first to come to me with this request,” he announced.

“I will tell you what I told the others. You are free to speak with her; however, I request that you respect her wish to stay. You see, Narille found a home here, much like my daughter and myself. As such, I consider her to be under my protection.”

Before I could counter, Luthri spoke up. “Her family would like to see her, to speak with her,” he explained. “Understand where she’s coming from. After that, she would be free to return. If she truly wishes to stay here in Munarzed, no one would hold her against her will.”

He couldn’t promise that, but I held my tongue. Better to present a unified front.

Rugaveld barely acknowledged his words, instead gesturing broadly to our surroundings.

“This place… I have done everything in my power to create a refuge here. A place where people from all walks of life can come together and celebrate their differences. A place where all are welcome, and all are safe, comfortable, and honored by their neighbor. To maintain such an environment requires certain lines to be drawn.”

“I understand—” I began.

“Pardon me, but I don’t think you do.” Rugaveld stood firm, hands clasped before him.

“Too many take peace for granted. My daughter and I come from across the Great Waters, a country plagued by war. There, people must always worry over what the next day will bring. The vulnerable among us, such as women, especially. My daughter and I fled many revolutions ago. My wife, may Ni’imah cherish her immortal soul, did not survive the journey. ”

I opened my mouth to express my condolences, but he kept going.

“It was then we discovered this island. So much potential if one only knew what to do with it… All they needed was a guiding hand. Firm, yet kind. I provide that.”

He scrutinized our expressions, a slight crease appearing in the middle of his forehead.

I kept mine neutral. Where was he going with this?

Did he hope that an emotional plea would convince us to drop our mission and return home empty-handed?

Was this a veiled warning that he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty if the situation called for it?

Rugaveld’s stern countenance softened into a conciliatory smile. “Excuse my rambling. Narille is currently busy, but she will be available this evening and all day tomorrow. In the meantime, please make yourself at home. Stay as long as you like.”

Oh, we would. If his goal was to have us tire of waiting, he would be sorely disappointed.

“How kind of you,” I simpered, grateful for Luthri’s presence should things take a turn.

“We’ve nothing better to do, so my companion and I will be happy to stay put until Narille’s return this evening.

That is, if we might be lucky enough to take advantage of your hospitality further. ”

Appearing pleased by this, Rugaveld nodded. “But of course. What’s mine is yours. The city has much to offer, should you wish to venture beyond the walls of the manor.”

He wouldn’t be rid of us that easily. But since compliments never hurt anyone… “Thank you, but we had the chance to sightsee on the way here. What we’ve seen thus far is beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Rugaveld’s smile broadened.

“We are quite proud of our little island. There is a lovely stretch of beach to the northwest that I would recommend visiting if you have the time. And a fascinating cave system that local legend tells us is full of hidden treasures… Though I’ve yet to see proof of that myself. Both are popular among visitors.”

Cave system? The one that nearly killed us?

“Actually, we were just there.” I debated how many details to share. Perhaps this was an opportunity to coax more information from the mayor. “We didn’t find any treasure, but we did encounter nightmares. It was a close call. I’d recommend avoiding that area in the future.”

It might have been my imagination that his complexion turned ashy.

One hand went to his mouth. “My. Nightmares? How awful. That’s…

Well, thank you for that information. I will need to get the word out to the residents…

We will need to have that area sectioned off and have warnings put up. Ah, what a terrible thing.”

His eyes roamed the room until they found Savreen standing dutifully by the doorway. He beckoned for her to approach, words pouring from his mouth, “My heart, could you show them to a room? I would like to address this immediately. Be sure they are comfortable.”

The girl startled, as though suddenly remembering where she was. “Yes!” Using the plate, she indicated the door we’d come from. “Come with me?”

I opened my mouth to protest, but Rugaveld was already delegating orders to a host of turtle people on his way deeper into his forest of a sunroom. The message was clear—a dismissal.

Well. Patience had never been my strong suit, but there was no time like the present to learn.