A World of Worlds

  * * *

  Constructed entirely of wood without adornment, polished though it may be, the chair on which the Seeress sat could not be called a throne. Thrones were made of precious stones and metals. Even the simple white gown the Seeress wore was not made to impress. But Xandor stood straight and tall before this modest woman.

  He nearly crumpled to the floor when Willem came to life in the pouch.

  It wasn’t a twitch or a squirm. It was a thrashing that immediately drew the attention of the Seeress. Xandor had felt anger towards Jenna only a couple of times in his life, but now he felt furious. She’d made no effort to communicate with him through Willem this whole time and now she dared to make a spectacle before the Seeress? But he had to maintain his composure and say nothing. There was little use in trying to cover the pouch with his hand. He simply stayed as still as he could and waited for the Seeress to order him to leave.

  But that would have been too easy. Instead, she ordered with a cold, steely voice, “Open your pouch, young Xandor. I would see what you have brought into my Chamber.”

  He loosened the drawstring. Willem sprang out and ran down his leg. Once on the floor, the mouse tugged at Xandor’s breeches with one paw while trying to run on the other three. When Xandor did not budge, the rodent spun its head from side to side, as though only now assessing where it was. Then it turned around and faced the Seeress.

  * * *

  Willem felt drowned in Jenna’s dismay. He sat on his haunches and put his paws over his eyes.

  * * *

  Jenna hadn’t realized where Xandor was when she tried to get his attention. He would be angry with her for interrupting his audience with the Seeress, but he’d forgive her after he learned the truth. Once he discovered she was missing, he’d not stop until he found her. The problem was she might not live that long. But perhaps there was a way for her to buy some time.