"Starting from the hardest question, I see," Skreek said slowly, his squeaky voice losing all its playful quality. "The foundation of everything."
He studied Julian carefully for a long moment.
"It's quite difficult, you see," Skreek continued, choosing his words with obvious care. "I know you are strong—Skreek can sense that much, even without being a mage himself. And your wives are strong as well, clearly powerful mages. But to understand the true reason for our isolation, you might need to understand some other things first. And Skreek is not sure if you are ready to listen to it."
Julian's frown deepened. "Ready to listen to what?"
Skreek leaned forward, his hands gripping the arms of his chair.
