TWENTY THREE

MATTHAN

There was more murmur but the delay in their response meant at least some of them had an interest in my cause. I had even the blasted attention of the Marigold elder. It was fun to watch because I already knew where this was going. I had gotten my cause imprinted in their minds. It wasn't like they had any other important matters to attend to.

They finally stopped to give me a unison answer. "Matthan Gardenia, you excuse the table. The circle would like to come to a conclusion in regards to your request."

I put up with a ceremonial bow before being escorted out by a sentinel. The alone time prancing to and fro outside gave me the time I needed to work on the twinges of my master plan. The way I saw it, Eloise would eventually have to reach out to me for help out of the dilemma I was about to put her in and I would gladly help. Whatever solution I was going to offer was going to be a far cry from what the several packs that would solicit her allegiance would demand. I was stil