The servant bowed, but Elion noticed how tightly her hands had clasped together beneath her sleeves. Whatever she thought about this arrangement, she clearly had no intention of questioning it.
"As you wish, master."
Elion waited until she moved toward the door before signalling for the others to follow. They needed no encouragement, though Mayumi remained close enough to brush his shoulder as they crossed the chamber.
"You're really bringing her with us?" she asked quietly.
He glanced back.
Kali was still watching him from her throne, her chin resting upon her fist and a contented smile upon her face. Beside her, the three remaining sages stood motionless near the heap of human bones.
"We'll discuss it when we're alone," Elion murmured.
Mayumi's gaze dropped briefly toward his left arm. He noticed the movement and flexed his fingers, then pulled his hand closer to his side as they passed through the doorway.
...
'Freedom!'
