Feranc nodded silently again, but Aaken fluttered slightly. Ibris spoke: ‘You know how fast the Bethlarii can mobilize if they want to, Aaken,’ he said. ‘Their whole society’s built around the procedure. They could field an army ready to march into Whendrak in half the time it takes us. And it’ll cost a damn sight more than mobilizing a few reserves if they do that.’
‘I wasn’t going to quibble about the cost,’ Aaken replied defensively. ‘At least, not now we have Sened backing. But what you’re doing could be construed as a provocation and give the Bethlarii the excuse they’ve been looking for.’
‘No,’ Ibris said, definitely. ‘They need no provocation from us; they’ve made up their minds, I fear. Their envoy having survived, they’re going to use the trouble they’ve stirred up in Whendrak a
