Not necessarily for the same reasons, and certainly not without disagreements, but the Council had endured because its members understood something the rest of the world did not.
And then Kaiser had simply left.
Worse, he had left to serve the very apostle whose existence was becoming an embarrassment to them all.
"That old pile of bones should have known better," Aren muttered.
Marek considered reminding him that Kaiser had once been among the Council's more knowledgeable members.
He decided against it.
Instead, he tried another approach.
"The Shrike survived her encounters with Ludwig, Master."
Aren looked back.
"And?"
"She hasn't made another attempt against him."
"Perhaps she found something more entertaining."
"Or perhaps she understood that confronting him again would be unwise."
Aren's expression darkened.
For several seconds, he stared at Marek.
Then he laughed.
"You really are afraid of him."
Marek lowered his gaze.
