96. The Aurelian Steward

Carlos waited for the panel to disappear, but it just stayed there for some reason.

Blue hovered near the water path while Two rested against Carlos's boot. Rowan was still staring at the roots. He looked like he expected them to suddenly dry up again.

Then pale light appeared over the channel stones and Kaia moved in front of Carlos immediately. Something was materializing in front of their eyes.

The light rose and made the shape of a person in a long robe. There was no face under the hood. Only an old round mark where one should have been.

Rhea took a step back.

"What is that?"

Carlos did not answer. He was still trying to figure it out himself.

The thing did not look at them. It looked down at Channel Five.

--

[Aurelian Steward activated]

[Regional Administrator]

[Authority review in progress]

--

Carlos read it once, then again.

"So this is the administrator," he said.