Lith knew of Kelia's background from Solus and due to Kelia's symbiotic relationship with Dusk, Lith felt an affinity toward her. He was aware that the Empress was raising Kelia as her successor and that she probably had been sent to Jiera on some mission.
What he suspected and Kelia wasn't aware of, was the fact that part of the mission was gaining field experience and witnessing the consequences of bad leadership. If Lith was right, the Empress wanted Kelia to become more than just a powerful mage who hosted Dusk in her body.
If she ever became the next Empress, her actions would affect the whole Garlen.
***
Once they reached the meeting point, Lith and Kelia had a pleasant surprise.