Lucas stepped out with the sage and found Tom standing near one of the stone pillars, hands behind his back in a respectful posture while the Ice Belle clung to his sleeve like a child bored out of her mind. She perked up immediately at Lucas's appearance, her eyes brightening, while Tom straightened and bowed slightly.
"Master," Tom said. "Is everything settled?"
Before Lucas could answer, Sage Raph narrowed his eyes, and then looked at Tom. "Boy," the sage said in his deep, aged voice, "go to the inner court and call for several servants. Tell them they are needed here at once. We have heavy cargo that must be moved."
Tom's body stiffened at being addressed directly by the legendary sage, but he quickly nodded. "Yes, Sage Raph. I will bring them immediately."
The Ice Belle tugged lightly on Tom's sleeve as he turned to leave. "Hurry," she muttered, her tiny voice both impatient and amused.
"Go on," Lucas said gently. "We will be here."
