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“The sojourn?”
Nico stiffened. His grin and his interest faded, like a warm breath on a cold day. “The rumors are true, then. She really is an outsider, one who knows nothing about us?”
The oracle shook her head. “She’s an outsider, but one who is highly regarded. I’m hoping to convince her to remain with us in the coming weeks. The gods would approve of that immensely, as would I.”
“She is god-chosen?”
“Yes.”
Nico peered at Lila’s face as if seeing it anew. All mirth had faded. The oracle’s words hung upon her like a chastity belt.
“What did he mean by the sojourn?” Lila asked.
The oracle chewed her enchilada. “Squab’s Sojourn. Our young spend six years traveling among the oracle children within the Commonwealth. Think of it as an internship and study abroad program all rolled into one. They sign up for a year or two at a time at any compound of their choosing.”
“There is a bidding system, too,” Connell added. “After all, the most popular compounds can’t accept everyone.”
“I didn’t get placed here until my third rotation, and only because I volunteered for a third,” Nico said.
“Connell also took a sojourn?”
“I spent some time in the old country,” Connell said, “then spent five years as the chief of a smaller compound nearby. I apprenticed under Chief Edana after I returned. She retired last year.”
“What about Cecily? Will she go on a sojourn?”
Kenna nodded. “As soon as she finishes college, though only two years will remain on her sojourn. We give our young credit for attending university. My oldest are already on their sojourns. Duncan is in Andalusia, training as a purplecoat. My oldest daughter resides in a little town in north Westminster.”
“I’m going to sojourn abroad,” Cecily said. “Perhaps some place near London, like Connell.”
Camille frowned at her plate.
Kenna did the same.
“Sojourns are good for the oracle children,” Mòr explained. “They make our young well rounded. They also ensure that our compounds don’t become echo chambers. It also gives the kids a chance to meet people, if you catch my drift.”
Blair put down her wine. “She’s talking about sex.”
Dixon coughed on his drink.
“No, she’s talking about a fresh crop of strangers every year, all with new lovers and new friends visiting the compound.” Lila sighed heavily, finally understanding why so many names had appeared on the guest lists. “It’s a security nightmare.”
“What security nightmare?” Nico asked. “We’re all oracle children.”
After everyone finished their enchiladas, Lila picked up her plate and Dixon’s. “Are you visiting the tower tonight?”
Dixon nodded as Blair tugged him from the room.
Everyone else scattered as well, including Nico.
Lila carried her dishes into the kitchen. “You don’t need to help,” Kenna said, taking the plate. The dishes clattered as she placed them near the sink. “Your work is more important.”
“Than the dishes?”
Kenna nodded.
“Work can wait. I could use the break.” Lila took several trips back into the dining room, fetching the leftovers for Kenna to pack into glass dishes. On her first pass, she checked the room with her snoop programs.
She found another bug.
