His smile struck a nerve in quite a number of them.
One man got up, fuming with anger, about to shout what his mind screamed, but a sudden screech drew everyone's attention. It was Serephene Bone, dragging her clawed phlanges across the table. The sound was piercing and discomforting.
When she spoke, her voice was direct, not commanding, but filled with authority. It was calm and soft, but slithered into your mind like an eel.
"As the ruler of the Vermillion Empire, I would want to ask you a question." She paused, and Henndar looked at her with mild amusement. "Do you know what we call you in my lands?"
"Humor me," Henndar replied in all casualness.
"Deceiver," she hissed.
"Oh, and why is that?" Henndar asked, still amused.
The room went silent. It seemed something dangerous was happening under the waves up front. Serephene didn't answer. She just tapped a finger on the table. A rhythmic tap, like a heartbeat.
