# MINE IN EVERY LIFETIME
## Chapter Thirty — *The Third Elder*
"He will not come through the gate," Rhen said.
"Why," Caius said.
"Because he says the gate is a symbol of Varda authority and he does not recognize Varda authority in matters that concern his territory."
"Then what does he want," Zane said.
"He wants neutral ground," Rhen said. "His words. Neutral ground. Open space. No compound walls."
Mara looked at Rhen. "He wants us outside."
"Yes."
"Where we are exposed," Caius said.
"Yes," Rhen said.
"And Cassian," Mara said. "The second Elder. Where is he."
"Already inside," Rhen said. "He came through the gate an hour ago. He is in the east building eating breakfast and reading the transition framework documentation with an expression that suggests he finds it either very
