“Where is Pi?” Kestrel questioned.

Merlyn crossed his heavy arms and snorted. “Who cares?”

“You ask every time. He’s never here,” Shryke said. “None of us want him here anyway.”

The others nodded, and Kestrel had to admit he was not all that displeased himself. “As it is. From this moment forward, we are only to make appearances on Skae in public view. The Caere has been attacking unprovoked.”

The commanders’ responses ranged from mild shock to annoyance. “Why is it attacking now?” Kyte asked.

“That is precisely the question I intend to answer, which is why I am not restricting you from the planet entirely.