Hours had passed since the failed attempt to procure some food, and Vell stood once again at the frostbitten balcony, gazing over the white wilderness beyond.
The mountains in the distance held nothing, no roads, no towns. Just snow.
He and Sonder were waiting for the Kalandir to make a decision.
They talked and talked but reached no conclusion.
Their long lifespans and reliance on their queen made it difficult for them to reach a decision in just a day, but time pressed on.
If Qualtagh was different from the rest of the Kalandir, he'd be a great threat, and being imprisoned in the queen's tomb wasn't going to hold him indefinitely.
Finally, near dusk, a summons arrived from one of the twin keepers.
Vell and Sonder were brought before the Lord Chancellor Seneschal and the other Kalandir in the throne room.
"We have decided," Seneschal said. His voice was neither cold nor warm. "We ask you to go on our behalf."
Vell inclined his head. "Where to?"
"Magnus Hall."
"The mage's college? That's… not where I imagined you'd ask me to go."
"If any institution in this world knows how Qualtagh managed to slay one of his own, it is Magnus Hall. We believe their archives contain references to ancient and forbidden studies and other... theoretical impossibilities."
Vell folded his arms. "They won't welcome questions like that."
"Which is why you will not ask them directly," Seneschal said. "You will go under a different purpose. You might pose as an independent scholar, researching the decay of long-term enchantments or the effects of entropy on immortal constructs. If you wish, claim that you-", a small flicker of amusement entered his tone, "-the Dread Mage himself, wish to offer your teachings in one of their arcane faculties. I hear they are ever in need of new blood."
"Colorful," Vell muttered, scratching his chin. "I suppose they would welcome me."
"Whatever guise you choose, let it grant you the freedom to move and inquire. You are not one of us, which makes you unseen in ways we no longer can be for our safety. Even with your reputation, or perhaps because of it, you remain unpredictable. If Qualtagh has agents watching, they will not easily discern your purpose. And if your work is quiet, no one need ever know you acted on our behalf."
Vell tilted his head. "And what happens if they suspect something?"
"Then you will improvise." Seneschal looked at him, calm and resolute. "Isn't that what you always do?"
Vell smiled. "And when do we leave?"
"At first light," Seneschal said.