“Don’t expect too much from a group of cultivators stuck on a mud ball in practically nowhere, Cardinal Northstar”. His Young Eminence scoffed.A...though he paid a measure of attention to the tryouts, he frankly was not interested in them at all, much less in the supposed young prospects of Ercas Mir. He preferred to return to the Holy Palace. If it was not Sister Iaura who asked to stay for sightseeing, which eventually resulted in holding prematurely the Elite Tryouts, than even Cardinal. Beginning at the bottom of her incision, right at her pubic bone, the girl took a black threading and the long needle she had and began to close up the large incision. Later, this would have to be reopened by the mortuary staff responsible for her final preparations, but for now it was important to seal her back up and get her on ice to retard putrification. Her soft, pale flesh was easily pulled back in as she continued the stitching, though she stopped just below the girl’s cracked ribs.. ” “Even if I did believe you,” Aryth started, something in his tone betraying the fact that he clearly did, “You have not proven yourself worthy of this seat.” “I CHALLENGE YOU!” Oluth growled. “I ACCEPT!” Aryth replied, launching to his feet. The two strode solemnly from the central hut and walked together to the town square. A huge crowd of Myrnotaurs had gathered, probably the entire village and they moved with the brothers, clearing a space. An Elder moved forward flanked by a dozen. "I nodded wearily. "Oh yes, I agree. I was thinking of the framework construction, the seclusion, the insane hours." I laughed. "It was so easy to lose track of time. But no more! In four days I leave for Qataban, and I'm finding the anticipation is as enjoyable as I'm sure the trip will be."Faisal nodded, stretching and yawning. "I admit that too. The thoughts of my cathedral at Giza pull at my heart. It will be good to be home." And then he blinked and laughed. "And now I have four homes!.