High upon the Tower of Stars, Ismerie stood at its center, calm, distant, shining like a star set in the farthest reaches of the night sky.
Her gaze swept slowly over all who had gathered, pausing only briefly when it met Leontis'.
No flicker of emotion stirred within her.
Leontis's mind reeled. His impulse to rush the raised platform was almost beyond his control.
But before he could take a step, the Chairman's voice rang out, steady, unyielding, and absolute.
"Hold him."
Leontis froze where he stood, turning to the Chairman with raw, desperate urgency.
"Sir!"
The Chairman met his gaze calmly.
"Stand where you are. This is the Rite of the High Seer. Whoever disturbs it shall answer to me."
In that instant, every piece fell into place.
The Chairman had known all along that Ismer
