The event-support unit prepared the meeting room without declaring Max's arrival an event.
Water, writing materials, maps, and current reports waited at each place. The gnomes had tested the communication crystals, checked the doors, and vanished before the first leader arrived. A small card beside Max's chair identified the preparation as REQUESTED SUPPORT.
Max left the card where it was.
Anna sat at his right. Quin took a place near the records rather than among the leaders, though everyone present knew her questions could redirect a meeting.
Hizon arrived first, followed by Nethren. Kildra entered with a packet of Masquerade Castle schedules. The Orc Chief brought two translated reports from the work camp. Veyrath came last, directly from a defensive inspection, and placed his helmet beneath his chair.
None of them had been summoned because of a crisis.
That fact made the gathering necessary.
