“I have failed,” she said quietly. “I have not won freedom for your people. The Resort still does as it pleases.”

“Prophet, you have brought us peace,” Beht said.

“But not for all.” Anneliese looked up, encompassing the room with her gaze. “I have seen the destruction of Enceinte. The city dwellers are made to wander the wilderness.”

“Those city dwellers chose to remain with the Resort when their brethren made the pilgrimage to Prajna,” Sivlow-Rakin said. “They are welcome to the wilderness.”

“They will die,” Sayer told him.

The two men locked eyes over the table, their old rivalry still apparent.

Anneliese raised her voice. “We will not let them die. I want sentries stationed around Enceinte to lead the refugees here.”

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