An uneasy murmuring erupted from the entourage. Vark's head swiveled to gaze through the transparent barrier. The object appeared as a luminous orb glowing with prismatic ribbons that glowed against an infinite starry background dominated by the looming glacier. Upon transmitting the landing coordinates to Nirvana, Vark had demanded to know the identity of the craft that would transport the princess. The information was provided, but even so, to watch it hovering toward him, defied belief. Somewhere in the forgotten recesses of Vark's mind, the sight reminded him of something that happened long ago after the seasonal deluges, when the sky was drenched with moisture and the light of the sun created a vision in the sky.

The recollection vanished almost immediately, leaving him confused at why such an insignificant thought should trouble him at all. Turning to the guards, his voice emerged as a hoarse bark.

"Seize them!" he ordered, indicating the royals.

Bonerus raised his hand to strike one of the guards, but Samara grasped his arm. This will resolve nothing, she whispered in his mind. Do not threaten Alaya's task now that she is almost here.

Rodorus moved to block the guards. "Soulmaster, this is quite unnecessary--"

Vark turned on him in a rage. "Enough! The hostages are to be kept under guard until the exchange of the skull." He glared venomously at the royals, both of whom returned his gaze with infuriating coolness. "The time of pandering to these parasites draws to an end. After her arrival, the Nirvanan princess will do my bidding, and my bidding alone."