Aridor remained mute. Mizar could almost see his mind working through the options.
It was Warran who spoke next. “How can two Wielders, no matter how powerful, fix an entire country? It would take decades.”
“Why would ya do that?” Maxtar asked Kelia, his expression one of pure bewilderment. “I imprisoned ya at Elzor's request. Ya almost died. Why would ya help me now?”
Confronted by the enormous Vandan, Kelia remained serene. “Because we are not so different, you and I. We, like you, lived in constant fear, mistrusting all who dwelt outside our borders. We long ago convinced ourselves that if Elystra discovered our existence, men craving power would come to steal our Stone and destroy us.”
“Which is what happened,” Aridor said, his face a stoic mask.
“Indeed. But the divine goddess br
