“It’s Old Iriali,” she said. “It talks of them visiting a land too dangerous for settling.” Now the stinger—and she hoped it was enough. “A land with birds that could form the Nahel bond.” The music stopped. Xisis looked at her. “It’s true,” she said. “Drominad? The planet the Scadrians want? It’s more important than people think.” “The Rosharans want it too.” He continued the song, which became a complex, stately piece. “Full of those birds—Aviar, they’re called. Indeed, I have a reliable report indicating there are enough birds for each inhabitant to bond one—and more to spare. That seems a
...more
