LoisMcMasterBujold

TheCurseof

Chalion

Contents

1Cazarilheardthemountedhorsemenontheroadbeforehe…

2Asheclimbedthelastslopetothemaincastle…3Thesoundsofthehouseholdstirring—callsfromthecourtyard,…4SoitwasCazarilfoundhimself,thenextmorning,introduced…

5TheRoyesseIselle'ssixteenthbirthdayfellatthemidpointof…6AttheTemplepageantcelebratingtheadventofsummer,Iselle…

7Theroyseandroyesse'scaravanapproachedCardegossfromthesouth…8Thefirstnight'swelcomingbanquetwasfollowedalltoosoon…9Cazarilspentthefollowingdayinsmilinganticipationofthe…10

Cazarilsatinhisbedchamberwithaprofligacyofcandles…11Cazarilwasjustexitinghisbedchamberonthewayto…

12Cazaril'seyespulledopenagainstthegluethatrimmedtheir…13TheroyessewassodrainedbytheordealofLord…14CazarilhadtoallowUmegat'swinethismuchmerit—it…15Aftersometimecastingaboutthe

ZangretheyranOrico…16Twoafternoonslater,Cazarilwassittingunguardedlyathisworktable…

17Itwasbychance,latethefollowingmorning,thatCazaril…18Asheturnedontotheendstairs,Cazarilhearda…19CazarilfoundtheZangreeerilyquietthefollowingday.After…20Iselle'seyes,thoughreddenedwithfatigueandgrief,weredry.

21TheycametoValendaatduskonthefollowingday.22CazarilregretfullygaveupuseoftheChancellery'scourierremounts…

23Atthelastmoment,withprinciplesagreedupon,treatieswritten…24TheyretracedCazaril'soutboundrouteacrosswesternChalion,changinghorses…25Inapalacefranticwithpreparations,Cazarilfoundhimselfthe…

26Distraught,Cazarilkepttohischamberallmorning.Inthe…27Cazarilputahandtothepavement,shovinghimselfto…

28Atappingandlowvoicesathischamberdoordrew…29PallihadsentFerdagallopingaheadwhileCazarillingeredby…

AcknowledgmentsAbouttheAuthorOtherBooksbyLoisMcMasterBujold

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1

Cazarilheardthemountedhorsemenontheroadbeforehesawthem.Heglancedoverhisshoulder.Thewell-worntrackbehindhimcurleduparoundarollingrise,whatpassedforahillonthesehighwindyplains,beforedipping

againintothelate-wintermuckofBaocia’sbonysoil.Athisfeetalittlerill,toosmallandintermittenttorateaculvertorabridge,trickledgreenlyacrossthetrackfromthesheep-croppedpasturesabove.Thethumpofhooves,jangleofharness,clinkofbells,creakofgearandcarelessechoofvoicescameonattooquickarhythmtobesomecarefulfarmerwithateam,orparsimoniouspack-

mendrivingtheirmules.

Thecavalcadetrottedaroundthesideoftheriseridingtwobytwo,infullpanoplyoftheirorder,somedozenmen.Notbandits—Cazarilletouthisbreath,andswallowedhisunsettledstomachbackdown.Notthathehadanythingtoofferbanditsbutsport.Hetrudgedalittlewayoffthetrackandturnedtowatchthempass.

Thehorsemen’schainshirtsweresilvered,glintinginthewaterymorningsunlight,forshow,notforuse.Theirtabardsofblue,dyesalmostmatchingonewithanother,wereworkedwithwhiteinthesigiloftheLadyofSpring.Theirgraycloakswerethrownbacklikebannersinthebreezeoftheirpassing,pinnedattheirshoulderswithsilverbadgesthathadallthetarnish

polishedofftoday.Soldier-brothersofceremony,notofwar;theywouldhavenodesiretogetCazaril’sstubbornbloodstainsonthoseclothes.

ToCazaril’ssurprise,theircaptainheldupahandastheycamenear.Thecolumncrashedraggedlytoahalt,thesquelchandsuckofthehoovestrailingoffinawaythatwouldhavehadCazaril’s

father’soldhorse-masterbellowinggrievousandentertaininginsultsatsuchabandofboysasthis.Well,nomatter.

“Youthere,oldfellow,”theleadercalledacrossthesaddlebowofhisbanner-carrieratCazaril.

Cazaril,aloneontheroad,barelykepthisheadfromswivelingaroundtoseewho

wasbeingsoaddressed.Theytookhimforsomelocalfarmlout,trundlingtomarketoronsomeerrand,andhesupposedhelookedthepart:wornbootsmud-weighted,athickjumbleofmismatchedcharityclotheskeepingthechillsoutheastwindfromfreezinghisbones.Hewasgratefultoallthegodsoftheyear’sturningforeverygrubbystitchofthatfabric,eh.Twoweeksofbeard

itchinghischin.Fellowindeed.Thecaptainmightwithjusticehavechosenmorescornfulappellations.But…old?

Thecaptainpointeddowntheroadtowhereanothertrackcrossedit.“IsthattheroadtoValenda?”

Ithadbeen…Cazarilhadtostopandcountitinhishead,andthesumdismayedhim.

Seventeenyearssincehehadriddenlastdownthisroad,goingoffnottoceremonybuttorealwarintheprovincarofBaocia’strain.Althoughbittertoberidingageldingandnotafinerwarhorse,he’dbeenjustasglossy-hairedandyoungandarrogantandvainofhisdressasthefineyounganimalsuptherestaringdownathim.Today,Ishouldbehappyforadonkey,thoughIhadtobendmykneestokeep

fromtrailingmytoesinthemud.Cazarilsmiledbackupatthesoldier-brothers,fullyawareofwhathollowed-outpurseslaygapinganddisemboweledbehindmostofthoserichfacades.

Theystareddowntheirnosesathimasthoughtheycouldsmellhimfromthere.Hewasnotapersontheywishedtoimpress,nolordorladywhomighthanddownlargesseto

themastheymighttohim;still,hewoulddoforthemtopracticetheiraristocraticairsupon.Theymistookhisreturningstareforadmiration,perhaps,ormaybejustforhalf-wittedness.

Hebitbackthetemptationtosteerthemwrong,upintosomesheepbyreorwhereverthatdeceptivelybroad-lookingcrossroadpeteredout.Notricktopullonthe

Daughter’sownguardsmenontheeveoftheDaughter’sDay.Andbesides,themenwhojoinedtheholymilitaryorderswerenotespeciallynotedfortheirsensesofhumor,andhemightpassthemagain,beingboundforthesametownhimself.Cazarilclearedhisthroat,whichhadn’tspokentoamansinceyesterday.“No,Captain.TheroadtoValendahasaroya’smilestone.”Orit

had,once.“Amileorthreefartheron.Youcan’tmistakeit.”Hepulledahandoutofthewarmthofthefoldsofhiscoat,andwavedonward.Hisfingersdidn’treallystraightenright,andhefoundhimselfwavingaclaw.Thechillairbithisswollenjoints,andhetuckedhishandhastilybackintoitsburrowofcloth.

Thecaptainnoddedathisbanner-carrier,athick-

shouldered…fellow,whocradledhisbannerpoleinthecrookofhiselbowandfumbledouthispurse.Hefishedinit,lookingnodoubtforacoinofsufficientlysmalldenomination.Hehadacouplebroughtuptothelight,betweenhisfingers,whenhishorsejinked.Acoin—agoldroyal,notacoppervaida—spurtedoutofhisgripandspundownintothemud.Hestaredafterit,aghast,but

thencontrolledhisfeatures.Hewouldnotdismountinfrontofhisfellowstogrubinthemuckandretrieveit.NotlikethepeasantheexpectedCazariltobe:forconsolation,heraisedhischinandsmiledsourly,waitingforCazariltodivefranticallyandamusinglyafterthisunexpectedwindfall.

Instead,Cazarilbowedandintoned,“Maytheblessings

oftheLadyofSpringfalluponyourhead,youngsir,inthesamespiritasyourbountytoaroadsidevagabond,andaslittlebegrudged.”

Iftheyoungsoldier-brotherhadhadmorewitsabouthim,hemightwellhaveunraveledthismockery,andCazariltheseeming-peasantdrawnawell-earnedhorsewhipacrosshisface.Littleenoughchanceofthat,judgingbythe

brother’sbull-likestare,thoughthecaptain’slipstwistedinexasperation.Butthecaptainjustshookhisheadandgesturedhiscolumnonward.

Ifthebanner-bearerwastooproudtoscrambleinthemud,Cazarilwasmuchtootiredto.Hewaitedtillthebaggagetrain,agaggleofservantsandmulesbringinguptherear,hadpassedbeforecrouching

painfullydownandretrievingthelittlesparkfromthecoldwaterseepingintoahorse’sprint.Theadhesionsinhisbackpulledcruelly.Gods.Idomovelikeanoldman.Hecaughthisbreathandheavedtohisfeet,feelingacenturyold,feelinglikeroaddungstucktothebootheeloftheFatherofWinterashemadehiswayoutoftheworld.

Hepolishedthemudoffthe

coin—littleenoughevenifgold—andpulledouthisownpurse.Nowtherewasanemptybladder.Hedroppedthethindiskofmetalintotheleathermouthandstareddownatitslonelyglint.Hesighedandtuckedthepouchaway.Nowhehadahopeforbanditstostealagain.Nowhehadareasontofear.Hereflectedonhisnewburden,sogreatforitsweight,ashestumpeduptheroadinthe

wakeofthesoldier-brothers.Almostnotworthit.Almost.Gold.Temptationtotheweak,wearinesstothewise…whatwasittoadull-eyedbullofasoldier,embarrassedbyhisaccidentallargesse?

Cazarilgazedaroundthebarrenlandscape.Notmuchinthewayoftreesorcoverts,exceptinthatdistantwatercourseoverthere,the

barebranchesandbramblesliningitcharcoal-grayinthehazylight.Theonlyshelteranywhereinsightwasanabandonedwindmillontheheighttohisleft,itsrooffalleninanditsvanesbrokendownandrotting.Still…justincase…

Cazarilswungofftheroadandbegantrudgingupthehill.Hillock,comparedtothemountainpasseshe’d

traversedaweekago.Theclimbstillstolehiswind;almost,heturnedback.Thegustsupherewerestronger,flowingovertheground,rifflingthesilver-goldtuftsofwinter’sdrygrasses.Henippedoutoftherawairintothemill’sshadoweddarknessandmountedadubiousandshakingstaircasewindingpartwayuptheinnerwall.Hepeeredouttheshutterlesswindow.

Ontheroadbelow,amanbelaboredabrownhorsebackalongthetrack.Nosoldier-brother:oneoftheservants,withhisreinsinonehandandastoutcudgelintheother.Sentbackbyhismastertosecretlyshaketheaccidentalcoinbackoutofthehideoftheroadsidevagabond?Herodeuparoundthecurve,then,inafewminutes,backagain.Hepausedatthemuddyrill,turnedbackand

forthinhissaddletopeeraroundtheemptyslopes,shookhisheadindisgust,andspurredontojoinhisfellowsagain.

Cazarilrealizedhewaslaughing.Itfeltodd,unfamiliar,ashudderthroughhisshouldersthatwasn’tcoldorshockorgut-wringingfear.Andthestrangehollowabsenceof…what?Corrosiveenvy?Ardentdesire?He

didn’twanttofollowthesoldier-brothers,didn’tevenwanttoleadthemanymore.Didn’twanttobethem.He’dwatchedtheirparadeasidlyasamanwatchingadumb-showinthemarketplace.Gods.Imustbetired.Hungry,too.Itwasstillaquarter-day’swalktoValenda,wherehemightfindamoneylenderwhocouldchangehisroyalformoreusefulcoppervaidas.

Tonight,bytheblessingoftheLady,hemightsleepinaninnandnotacowbyre.Hecouldbuyahotmeal.Hecouldbuyashave,abath…

Heturned,hiseyesadjustednowtothehalfshadowsinthemill.Thenhesawthebodysplayedoutontherubble-strewnfloor.

Hefrozeinpanic,butthenbreathedagainwhenhesaw

thebodydidn’t.Nolivemancouldlieunmovinginthatstrangeback-bentposition.Cazarilfeltnofearofdeadmen.Whateverhadmadethemdead,now…

Despitethecorpse’sstillness,Cazarilscoopedupaloosecobblefromthefloorbeforeapproachingit.Aman,plump,middle-aged,judgingfromthegrayinhisneatlytrimmedbeard.Theface

underthebeardwasswollenandempurpled.Strangled?Therewerenomarksshowingonhisthroat.Hisclothingwassoberbutveryfine,yetillfitting,tightandpulledabout.Thebrownwoolgownandblacksleevelessvest-cloakedgedwithsilver-embroideredcordmightbethegarbofarichmerchantorminorlordwithausteretastes,orofascholarwithambition.Notafarmerorartisan,inany

case.Norsoldier.Thehands,mottledpurple-yellowandswollenalso,lackedcalluses,lacked—Cazarilglancedathisownlefthand,wherethetwomissingfingerendstestifiedtotheill-advisednessofarguingwithagrapplingrope—lackeddamage.Themanborenoornamentsatall,nochainsorringsorsealstomatchhisrichdress.HadsomescavengerbeenherebeforeCazaril?

Cazarilgrittedhisteeth,bendingforacloserlook,amotionpunishedbythepullsandachesinhisownbody.Notillfitted,andnotfat—thebodywasunnaturallyswollen,too,likethefaceandhands.Butanyonethatfargoneindecayoughttohavefilledthisdrearyshelterwithhisstench,enoughtohavechokedCazarilwhenhe’dfirstduckedthroughthebrokendoor.Noscentshere

butsomemuskyperfumeorincense,tallowsmoke,andclay-coldsweat.

Cazarildiscardedhisfirstthought,thatthepoorfellowhadbeenrobbedandmurderedontheroadanddraggeduphereoutofsight,ashelookedovertheclearedpatchofhard-packeddirtflooraroundtheman.Fivecandlestumps,burnedtopuddles,blue,red,green,

black,white.Littlepilesofherbsandash,allkickedaboutnow.Adarkandbrokenpileoffeathersthatresolveditselfintheshadowsasadeadcrow,itsnecktwisted.Amoment’sfurthersearchturnedupthedeadratthatwentwithit,itslittlethroatcut.RatandCrow,sacredtotheBastard,godofalldisastersoutofseason:tornadoes,earthquakes,droughts,floods,

miscarriages,andmurders…Wantedtocompelthegods,didyou?Thefoolhadtriedtoworkdeathmagic,bythelookofit,andpaiddeathmagic’scustomaryprice.Alone?

Touchingnothing,Cazarilleveredhimselftohisfeetandtookaturnaroundboththeinsideandtheoutsideofthesaggingmill.Nopacks,nocloaksorpossessionsdumped

inacorner.Ahorseorhorseshadbeentieduponthesideoppositetheroad,recentlybydampnessoftheirdroppings,buttheyweregonenow.

Cazarilsighed.Thiswasnobusinessofhis,butitwasimpioustoleaveamandeadandabandoned,torotwithoutceremony.Thegodsaloneknewhowlongitwouldbetillsomeoneelsefoundhim.Hewasclearlyawell-to-do

man,though—someonewouldbelooking.Notthesorttodisappeartracelesslyandunmissedlikearaggedvagabond.Cazarilsetasidethetemptationtoslidebackdowntotheroadandgooffpretendinghe’dneverseentheman.

Cazarilsetoffdownthetrackleadingfromthebacksideofthemill.Thereoughttobeafarmhouseattheendofit,

people,something.Buthe’dnotwalkedmorethanafewminutesbeforehemetamanleadingadonkey,loadedhighwithbrushandwood,climbinguparoundthecurve.Themanstoppedandeyedhimsuspiciously.

“TheLadyofSpringgiveyougoodmorning,sir,”saidCazarilpolitely.Whatharmwasinit,forCazariltoSirafarmer?He’dkissedthescaly

feetoflessermenbyfar,intheabjectterrifiedslaveryofthegalleys.

Theman,afteranappraisinglook,gavehimahalfsaluteandamumbled,“B’yer’Lady.”

“Doyoulivehereabouts?”

“Aye,”themansaid.Hewasmiddle-aged,wellfed,hishoodedcoat,likeCazaril’s

shabbierone,plainbutserviceable.Hewalkedasthoughheownedthelandhestoodon,thoughprobablynotmuchmore.

“I,ah,”Cazarilpointedbackupthetrack.“I’dsteppedofftheroadamoment,totakeshelterinthatmillupthere”—noneedtogointodetailsofwhathe’dbeenshelteringfrom—“andIfoundadeadman.”

“Aye,”themansaid.

Cazarilhesitated,wishinghehadn’tdroppedhiscobble.“Youknowabouthim?”

“Sawhishorsetiedupthere,thismorning.”

“Oh.”Hemighthavegoneondowntheroadafterall,withnoharmdone.“Haveyouanyideawhothepoorfellowwas?”

Thefarmershrugged,andspat.“He’snotfromaroundhere,isallIcansay.IhadourdivineoftheTempleup,soonasIrealizedwhatsortofbaddoingshadbeengoingontherelastnight.Shetookawayallthefellow’sgoodsthatwouldcomeloose,toholdtillcalledfor.Hishorseisinmybarn.Afairtrade,aye,forthewoodandoiltospeedhimout.Thedivinesaidhedaren’tbelefttill

nightfall.”Hegesturedtothehigh-piledloadofburnableshitchedtothedonkey’sback,gavethehalterropeatug,andstartedupthetrackagain.Cazarilfellintostepbesidehim.

“Doyouhaveanyideawhatthefellowwasdoing?”askedCazaril.

“Plainenoughwhathewasdoing.”Thefarmersnorted.

“Andgotwhathedeservedforit.”

“Um…orwhohewasdoingitto?”

“Noidea.I’llleaveittotheTemple.Idowishhehadn’tdoneitonmyland.Droppinghisbadluckallover…liketohaunttheplacehereafter.I’llpurgehimwithfireandburndownthatcursedwreckofamillatthesametime,aye.No

goodtoleaveitstanding,it’stooclosetotheroad.Attracts”—heeyedCazaril—“trouble.”

Cazarilpacedalongforanothermoment.Finally,heasked,“Youplantoburnhimwithhisclotheson?”

Thefarmerstudiedhimsideways,summingupthepovertyofhisgarb.“I’mnottouchinganythingofhis.I

wouldn’thavetakenthehorse,exceptit’snocharitytoturnthepoorbeastloosetostarve.”

Cazarilsaidmorehesitantly,“WouldyoumindifItooktheclothes,then?”

“I’mnottheoneasyouneedtoask,aye?Dealwithhim.Ifyoudare.Iwon’tstopyou.”

“I’ll…helpyoulayhimout.”

Thefarmerblinked.“Now,thatwouldbewelcome.”

Cazariljudgedthefarmerwassecretlymorethanpleasedtoleavethecorpsehandlingtohim.Perforce,Cazarilhadtoleavethefarmertopileupthebiggerlogsforthepyre,builtinsidethemill,thoughheofferedafewmildsuggestionshowtoplacethemtogainthebestdraftandbemostsureoftaking

downwhatremainedofthebuilding.Hehelpedcarryinthelighterbrush.

ThefarmerwatchedfromasafedistanceasCazarilundressedthecorpse,tuggingthelayeredgarmentsoffoverthestiffenedlimbs.Themanwasswollenfurthereventhanhe’dappearedatfirst,hisabdomenpuffingoutobscenelywhenCazarilfinallypulledhisfine

embroideredcottonundershirtfromhim.Itwasratherfrightening.Butitcouldn’tbecontagionafterall,notwiththisuncannylackofsmell.Cazarilwondered,ifthebodyweren’tburnedbynightfall,ifitwaslikelytoexplodeorrupture,andifitdid,whatwouldcomeoutofit…orenterintoit.Hebundleduptheclothing,onlyalittlestained,asquicklyashecould.Theshoesweretoo

small,andheleftthem.Heandthefarmertogetherheavedthecorpseontothepyre.

Whenallwasreadied,Cazarilfelltohisknees,shuthiseyes,andchantedouttheprayerforthedead.Notknowingwhichgodhadtakenuptheman’ssoul,thoughhecouldmakeashrewdguess,headdressedallfiveoftheHolyFamilyinturn,speaking

clearlyandplainly.Allofferingsmustbeone’sbest,evenifallonehadtoofferwaswords.“MercyfromtheFatherandtheMother,mercyfromtheSisterandtheBrother,MercyfromtheBastard,fivetimesmercy,HighOnes,webeseechyou.”Whateversinsthestrangerhadcommitted,hehadsurelypaid.Mercy,HighOnes.Notjustice,please,notjustice.Wewouldallbefoolstoprayfor

justice.

Whenhe’dfinished,heclimbedstifflybacktohisfeetandlookedaround.Thoughtfully,hecollectedtheratandthecrow,andaddedtheirlittlecorpsestotheman’s,athisheadandfeet.

ItwasCazaril’sdayforthegods’ownluck,itseemed.Hewonderedwhichkinditwouldprovetobethistime.

ACOLUMNOFOILYSMOKEROSEFROMTHEBURNINGmillasCazarilstarteduptheroadtoValendaoncemore,thedeadman’sclothestiedintoatightbundleonhisback.Thoughtheywerelessfilthythantheclotheshewore,hewould,hethought,findalaundressandhavethemthoroughlycleanedbeforedonningthem.Hiscoppervaidasweredwindlingsadlyinhismind’saccounting,but

theservicesofalaundresswouldbeworththem.

He’dsleptlastnightinabarn,shiveringinthestraw,hismealahalfaloafofstalebread.Theremaininghalfhadbeenhisbreakfast.ItwasnearlythreehundredmilesfromtheportcityofZagosur,onIbra’smildcoast,tothemiddleofBaocia,centralmostprovinceofChalion.Hehadn’tbeenabletowalkthe

distancenearlyasquicklyashe’dcalculated.InZagosur,theTempleHospitaloftheMother’sMercywasdedicatedtothesuccorofmencastup,inallthevariouswaystheycouldbecastup,bythesea.Thecharitypursetheacolytestherehadgivenhimhadrunthin,thenoutaltogether,beforehe’dreachedhisgoal.Butonlyjustbefore.Onemoreday,he’dfigured,lessthanaday.

Ifhecouldjustputonefootinfrontoftheotherforonemoreday,hemightreachhisrefugeandcrawlintoit.

Whenhe’dstartedfromIbra,hisheadhadbeenfullofplansforhowtoasktheDowagerProvincaraforaplace,foroldtimes’sake,inherhousehold.Atthefootofhertable.Something,anythingatallsolongasitwasnottoohard.His

ambitionhaddwindledashe’dsloggedeastoverthemountainpassesintothecoolerheightsofthecentralplateau.Maybehercastlewarderorherhorse-masterwouldgranthimaplaceinherstables,oraplaceinherkitchen,andheneednotintrudeuponthegreatladyatall.Ifhecouldbegaplaceasascullion,hewouldn’tevenhavetogivehisrealname.Hedoubtedanyonewasleft

inherhouseholdbynowwho’dknowhimfromthecharmeddayswhenhe’dservedthelateProvincardyBaociaasapage.

Thedreamofasilent,abashedplacebythekitchenfire,nameless,notbellowedatbyanycreaturemorealarmingthanacook,foranytaskmoredreadfulthandrawingwaterorcarryingfirewood,haddrawnhim

onwardintothelastofthewinterwinds.Thevisionofrestdrovehimasanobsession,thatandtheknowledgethateverystrideputanotheryardbetweenhimselfandthenightmareofthesea.He’dbemusedhimselfforhoursonthelonelyroad,revolvingsuitablenewservilenamesforhisnew,anonymousself.Butnow,itseemed,heneednotappearbeforetheshocked

eyesofhercourtdressedinpoormen’scastoffsafterall.Instead,Cazarilbegsapeasantfortheclothesoffacorpse,andisgratefulforboththeirfavors.Is.Is.Mosthumblygrateful.Mosthumbly.

THETOWNOFVALENDATUMBLEDDOWNOVERITSlowhilllikearichquiltworkedin

redandgold,redforthetileroofs,goldforthenativestone,bothglowinginthesun.Cazarilblinkedatthedazzleofcolorinhisblurringeyes,thefamiliarhuesofhishomeland.ThehousesofIbrawereallwhitewashed,toobrightintheirhotnorthernnoons,bleachedandblinding.Thisochresandstonewastheperfectshadeforahouse,atown,acountry—acaressupontheeyes.Atthetopof

thehill,likeagoldencrownintruth,theProvincara’scastlesprawled,itscurtainwallsseemingtowaverinhisvision.Hestaredatit,daunted,foralittle,thensloggedonward,hisstepssomehowgoingfasterthanhe’dbeenabletopushthemallthislongjourney,despitetheshaking,achingwearinessofhislegs.

Itwaspastthehourforthe

markets,sothestreetswerequietandsereneashethreadedthroughthemtothemainsquare.Atthetemplegate,heapproachedanelderlywomanwholookedunlikelytotrytofollowandrobhim,andaskedhiswaytoamoneylender.Themoneylenderfilledhishandwithasatisfyingweightofcoppervaidasinexchangeforhistinyroyal,anddirectedhimtothelaundressandthe

publicbath.Hepausedonthewayonlylongenoughtobuyanoilcakefromalonestreetvendor,anddevourit.

Hepouredoutvaidasonthelaundress’scounterandnegotiatedtheloanofapairoflinendrawstringtrousersandatunic,togetherwithapairofstrawsandalsinwhichhemighttrotdownthestreetthroughthenow-mildafternoontothebaths.In

competentlyredhandsshecarriedoffallhisvileclothingandhisfilthyboots.Thebath’sbarbertrimmedhishairandbeardwhilehesat,still,inarealchair,ohwonderful.Thebathboyservedhimtea.Andthenitwasbacktothebathcourtyarditself,tostandontheflagstonesandscrubhimselfalloverwithscentedsoapandwaitforthebathboytosluicehimdownwith

abucketofwarmwater.Injoyousanticipation,Cazarileyedthehugecopper-bottomedwoodentankthatwassizedforsixmen,orwomeneveryotherday,butwhichbythehappychanceofthehourhelookedtohavealltohimself.Thebrazierunderneathkeptthewatersteaming.Hecouldsoakthereallafternoon,whilethelaundressboiledhisclothing.

Thebathboyclimbedthestoolandpouredthewateroverhishead,whileCazarilturnedandsputteredunderthestream.Heopenedhiseyestofindtheboystaringathim,mouthagape.

“Wereyou…wereyouadeserter?”theboychokedout.

Oh.Hisback,theropyredmessofscarspiledoneacross

anothersothicklyastoleavenountouchedskinbetween,legacyofthelastfloggingtheRoknarigalley-mastershadgivenhim.HereintheroyacyofChalion,armydeserterswereamongthefewcriminalspunishedsosavagelybythatparticularmeans.“No,”saidCazarilfirmly.“I’mnotadeserter.”Cast-off,certainly;betrayed,perhaps.Buthe’dneverdesertedapost,notevenhis

mostdisastrousones.

Theboysnappedhismouthshut,droppedhiswoodenbucketwithaclunk,andscamperedout.Cazarilsighed,andmadeforthetank.

He’djustloweredhisachingbodytothechinintheheavenlyheatwhenthebathownerstompedintothetinytiledcourtyard.

“Out!”theownerroared.“Outofthere,you—!”

Cazarilrecoiledinterrorasthebathmanseizedhimbythehairanddraggedhimbodilyupoutofthewater.“What?”Themanshovedhistunicandtrousersandsandalsathim,allinawad,anddraggedhimfiercelybythearmoutofthecourtyardandintothefrontoftheshop.“Here,wait,whatareyou

doing?Ican’tgonakedintothestreet!”

Thebathmanwheeledhimaround,andreleasedhimmomentarily.“Getdressed,andgetout.Irunarespectableplacehere!Notforthelikesofyou!Godowntothewhorehouse.Orbetterstill,drownyourselfintheriver!”

Dazedanddripping,Cazaril

fumbledthetunicoverhishead,yankedupthetrousers,andtriedtocramhisfeetbackintothestrawsandalswhileholdingupthepants’drawstringandbeingshovedagaintowardthedoor.Itslammedinhisfaceasheturned,realizationdawninguponhim.TheothercrimepunishedbyfloggingneartodeathintheroyacyofChalionwastherapeofavirginoraboy.Hisface

flushedhot.“Butitwasn’t—butIdidn’t—IwassoldtothecorsairsofRoknar—”

Hestoodtrembling.Heconsideredbeatingonthedoor,andinsistingthosewithinlistentohisexplanations.Oh,mypoorhonor.Thebathmanwasthebathboy’sfather,Cazarilratherguessed.

Hewaslaughing.Andcrying.

Teeteringontheraggededgeof…somethingthatfrightenedhimmorethantheoutragedbathman.Hegulpedforbreath.Hehadnotthestaminaforanargument,andevenifhecouldgetthemtolisten,whyshouldtheybelievehim?Herubbedhiseyeswiththesoftlinenofhissleeve.Ithadthatsharp,pleasantscentleftonlybythetrackofagoodhotiron.Ittumbledhimbackto

memoriesoflifeinhouses,notinditches.Itseemedathousandyearsago.

Defeated,heturnedandshuffledbackupthestreettothelaundress’sgreen-painteddooragain.Itsbellrangashepushedtimidlybackinside.

“HaveyouacornerwhereImightsit,ma’am?”heaskedher,whenshepoppedbackoutatthebell’ssummons.

“I…finishedearlierthan…”hisvoicediedinmuffledshame.

Sheshruggedsturdyshoulders.“Ah,aye.Comebackwithme.Wait.”Shedivedbelowhercounterandcameupwithasmallbook,thespanofCazaril’shandandboundinplainundyedleather.“Here’syourbook.You’reluckyIcheckedyourpockets,oritwouldbea

muckymessbynow,believeyoume.”

Startled,Cazarilpickeditup.Itmusthavelainconcealedinthethickclothofthedeadman’soutercloak;hehadn’tfeltitwhenhe’dbundledthegarmentupsohastilybackinthemill.ThisoughttogotothatdivineoftheTemple,withtherestofthedeadman’spossessions.Well,I’mnotwalkingitbackthere

tonight,that’scertain.Hewouldreturnitassoonashewasable.

Fornow,hemerelysaid,“Thankyou,ma’am,”tothelaundress,andfollowedherintoacentralcourtwithadeepwell,similartoherneighbor’softhebathhouse,whereafirekeptacauldronontheboil,andaquartetofyoungwomenscrubbedandsplashedatthelaundrytubs.

Shegesturedhimtoabenchbythewallandhesatdownoutofrangeofthesplashes,staringawhileinakindofdisembodiedblissatthepeaceful,busyscene.Timewashewouldhavescornedtoeyeatroupeofred-facedpeasantgirls,savinghisglancesforthefineladies.Howhadheneverrealizedhowbeautifullaundresseswere?Strongandlaughing,movinglikeadance,and

kind,sokind,sokind…

Finally,hishandmovedinreawakenedcuriositytolookinthebook.Itmightbearthedeadman’sname,solvingamystery.Heflippeditopentodiscoveritspagescoveredinathicketofhandwriting,withoccasionallittlescratchydiagrams.Entirelyinacipher.

Heblinked,andbentmore

closely,hiseyebeginningtotakethecipherapartalmostdespitehisownvolition.Itwasmirror-writing.Andwithasubstitution-of-letterssystem—thosecouldbetedioustobreakdown.Butthechanceofashortword,threetimesrepeatedonthepage,handedhimhiskey.Themerchanthadchosenthemostchildishofciphers,merelyshiftingeachletteronepositionandnottroubling

toshufflehispatternthereafter.Exceptthat…thiswasn’tintheIbranlanguagespoken,initsvariousdialects,intheroyaciesofIbra,Chalion,andBrajar.ItwasinDarthacan,spokeninthesouthernmostprovincesofIbraandgreatDarthacabeyondthemountains.Andtheman’shandwritingwasdreadful,hisspellingworse,andhiscommandofDarthacangrammar

apparentlyalmostnonexistent.ThiswasgoingtobeharderthanCazarilhadthought.Hewouldneedpaperandpen,aquietplace,time,andagoodlight,ifhewastomakeheadortailofthismess.Well,itmighthavebeenworse.ItmighthavebeencipheredinbadRoknari.

Itwasalmostcertainlytheman’snotesonhismagicexperiments,however.That

muchCazarilcouldtell.Enoughtoconvictandhanghim,ifhehadn’tbeendeadalready.Thepunishmentsforpracticing—no,forattempting—deathmagicwereferocious.Punishmentforsucceedingwasgenerallyconsideredredundant,astherewasnocaseCazarilknewofamagicalassassinationthathadnotcostthelifeofitscaster.Whateverthelinkwasbywhichthe

practitionerforcedtheBastardtoletoneofhisdemonsintotheworld,italwaysreturnedwithtwosoulsornone.

Thatbeingso,thereshouldhavebeenanothercorpsemadesomewhereinBaocialastnight….Byitsnature,deathmagicwasn’tverypopular.Itdidnotallowsubstitutionsorproxiesinitsdouble-edgedscything.To

killwastobekilled.Knife,sword,poison,cudgel,almostanyothermeanswasabetterchoiceifonewantedtosurviveone’sownmurderouseffort.But,indelusionordesperation,menstillattempteditfromtimetotime.Thisbookmustdefinitelybetakenbacktothatruraldivine,forhertopassalongtowhateversuperiorofthegods’Templeendedupinvestigatingthe

casefortheroyacy.Cazaril’sbrowwrinkled,andhesatup,closingthefrustratingvolume.

Thewarmsteam,therhythmofthewomen’sworkandvoices,andCazaril’sexhaustiontemptedhimtolieonhisside,curleduponthebenchwiththebookpillowedunderhischeek.Hewouldjustclosehiseyesforamoment…

Hewokewithastartandacrickinhisneck,hisfingersclosingaroundanunexpectedweightofwool…oneofthelaundresseshadthrownablanketoverhim.Aninvoluntarysighofgratitudeescapedhisthroatatthiscarelessgrace.Hescrambledupright,checkingthelayofthelight.Thecourtyardwasnearlyallinshadownow.Hemusthavesleptformostoftheafternoon.Thesound

wakinghimhadbeenthethumpofhiscleanedand,tothelimittheywouldtakeit,polishedboots,droppedfromthelaundress’shand.ShesetthepileofCazaril’sfoldedclothing,fineanddisreputableboth,onthebenchnexttohim.

Rememberingthebathboy’sreaction,Cazarilaskedtimorously,“HaveyouaroomwhereImightdress,

ma’am?”Privately.

Shenoddedcordiallyandledhimtoamodestbedroomatthebackofthehouse,andlefthim.Westernlightpouredthroughthelittlewindow.Cazarilsortedhiscleanlaundry,andeyedwithaversiontheshabbyclotheshe’dbeenwearingforweeks.Anovalmirroronastandinthecorner,theroom’srichestornament,decidedhim.

Tentatively,withanotherprayerofthankstothespiritofthedepartedmanwhoseunexpectedheirhehadbecome,hedonnedcleancottontrews,thefineembroideredshirt,thebrownwoolrobe—warmfromtheiron,thoughtheseamswerestillatrifledamp—andfinallytheblackvest-cloakthatfellinarichprofusionofclothandglintofsilvertohisankles.Thedeadman’s

clotheswerelongenough,iflooseonCazaril’sgauntframe.Hesatonthebedandpulledonhisboots,theirheelslopsidedandtheirsolesworntoscarcelymorethanthethicknessofparchment.Hehadnotseenhimselfinanymirrorlargerorbetterthanapieceofpolishedsteelfor…threeyears?Thisonewasglass,andtiltedtoshowhimselfquitehalfatatime,fromheadtofoot.

Astrangerstaredbackathim.Fivegods,whendidmybeardgopart-gray?Hetoucheditsshort-trimmedneatnesswithatremblinghand.Atleasthisnewlyscissoredhairhadnotbeguntoretreatfromhisforehead,much.IfCazarilhadtoguesshimselfmerchant,lord,orscholarinthisdress,hewouldhavetosayscholar;oneofthemorefanaticsort,hollow-eyedandalittlecrazed.Thegarments

wantedchainsofgoldorsilver,seals,afinebeltwithstudsorjewels,thickringswithgleamingstones,toproclaimhimanyrankhigher.Andyettheflowinglinessuitedhim,hefancied.Hestoodalittlestraighter.

Inanycase,theroadsidevagabondhadvanished.Inanycase…herewasnotamantobegascullion’splacefromacastlecook.

He’dplannedtobuyanight’sbedinaninnwiththelastofhisvaidasandpresenthimselftotheProvincarainthemorning.Uneasily,hewonderedifgossipfromthebathmanhadgottenroundtownveryfaryet.Andifhewouldbedeniedentrytoanysafeandrespectablehouse….

Now,tonight.Go.Hewouldclimbtothecastleandfindoutifhemightclaimrefuge

ornot.Icannotbearanothernightofnotknowing.Beforethelightfailed.Beforemyheartfails.

Hetuckedthenotebookbackintotheinsidepocketoftheblackvest-cloakthathadapparentlyconcealeditbefore.Leavingthevagabond’sclothinginapileonthebed,heturnedandstrodefromtheroom.

2

Asheclimbedthelastslopetothemaincastlegate,Cazarilregrettedhe’dhadnowaytoprovisionhimselfwithasword.Thetwoguardsinthegreen-and-blackliveryoftheprovincarofBaociawatchedhisunarmed

approachwithoutalarm,butalsowithoutanyofthealertinterestthatmightpresagerespect.Cazarilsalutedtheonewearingthesergeant’sbadgeinhishatwithonlyanaustere,calculatednod.Theservilityhe’dpracticedinhismindwasforsomebackgate,notthisone,notifheexpectedtogetanyfarther.Atleast,bythecourtesyofhislaundress,he’dbeenabletoprovisionhimselfwiththe

rightnames.

“Goodevening,Sergeant.Iamheretoseethecastlewarder,theSerdyFerrej.IamLupedyCazaril.”Leavingthesergeanttoguess,preferablywrongly,ifhe’dbeensummoned.

“Onwhatbusiness,sir?”thesergeantasked,politebutunimpressed.

Cazaril’sshouldersstraightened;hedidn’tknowfromwhatunusedlumberroominthebackofhissoulthevoicecame,butitcameoutclippedandcommandingnonetheless:“Onhisbusiness,Sergeant.”

Automatically,thesergeantsaluted.“Yes,sir.”Hisnodtoldoffhisfellowtostaysharp,andhegesturedCazariltofollowhimthroughthe

opengate.“Thisway,sir.I’llaskifthewarderwillseeyou.”

Cazaril’sheartwrungashestaredaroundthebroadcobbledcourtyardinsidethecastlegates.He’dwornouthowmuchshoeleather,scamperingacrossthesestonesonerrandsforthehighhousehold?Themasterofthepageshadcomplainedofbankruptcyinbuskins,tillthe

Provincara,laughing,hadinquiredifhewouldtrulypreferalazypagewhowouldwearouttheseatofhistrousersinstead,forifso,shecouldfindafewtoplaguehimwith.

Shestillranherhouseholdwithakeeneyeandafirmhand,itappeared.Theliveriesoftheguardswereinexcellentcondition,thecobblesofthisyardwere

sweptclean,andthesmallbaretreesintubs,flankingthemajordoorways,hadflowersforcedfrombulbsgracingtheirfeet,bloomingbrightandfairandperfectlytimedfortheDaughter’sDaycelebrationtomorrow.

TheguardgesturedCazariltowaituponabenchagainstawallstillblessedlywarmfromtheday’ssun,whilehewenttothesidedoorleading

totheofficequarters,andspoketoahouseservanttherewhomight,ormightnot,turnoutthewarderforthisstranger.He’dnotpacedhalfwaybacktohispostbeforehiscomradestuckhisheadaroundthegatetocall,“Theroysereturns!”

Thesergeantturnedhisheadtowardtheservants’quarterstotakeupthebellow,“Theroysereturns!Looksharp,

there!”andquickenedhismarch.

Groomsandservantstumbledfromvariousdoorsaroundthecourtyardasaclatterofhoovesandhalloingvoicessoundedfromoutsidethegates.Firstthroughthestonearches,withaself-suppliedfanfareofunladylikebuttriumphantwhoops,rodeapairofyoungwomenonblowinghorsesbelly-

splashedwithmud.

“Wewin,Teidez!”thefirstcalledoverhershoulder.Shewasdressedinaridingjacketofbluevelvet,withamatchingbluewoolsplitskirt.Herhairescapedfromunderagirl’slacecap,somewhataskew,inringletsneitherblondnorredbutasortofglowingamberintheshaftofsettingsunlight.Shehadagenerousmouth,pale

skin,andcuriouslyheavy-liddedeyes,squeezednowwithlaughter.Hertallercompanion,apantingbrunetteinred,grinnedandtwistedinhersaddleastherestofthecavalcadefollowed.

Anevenyoungergentleman,inashortscarletjacketworkedwithbeastsinsilverthread,followedonanevenmoreimpressivehorse,

glossyblackwithsilkentailbannering.Hewasflankedbytwowooden-facedgrooms,andfollowedbyafrowninggentleman.Hesharedhis—sister’s?yes,surely—curlyhair,ashaderedder,andwidemouth,morepouting.“Theracewasoveratthebottomofthehill,Iselle.Youcheated.”

ShemadeanOh,poohfaceatherroyalbrother.Beforethe

scramblingservantcouldpositiontheladies’mountingbenchhewastryingtobringtoher,sheslidfromhersaddle,bouncingonherbootedtoes.

Herdark-hairedcompanionalsoprecededhergroomtothedismountandhandedoffherreinstohim,saying,“Givethesepoorbeastsanextrawalk,tilltheyarequitecool,Deni.Wehavemisused

themterribly.”Somewhatbelyingherwords,shegaveherhorseakissonthemiddleofitswhiteblaze,and,asitnudgedherwithpracticedassurance,slippeditsometreatfromherpocket.

Lastthroughthegate,acoupleofminutesbehind,cameared-facedolderwoman.“Iselle,Betriz,slowdown!MotherandDaughter,yougirlscannotgallopover

halfthehinterlandofValendalikeapairoflunatics!”

“Wearesloweddown.Indeed,we’restopped,”thedark-hairedgirlpointedoutlogically.“Wecannotoutrunyourtongue,goodheart,nomatterhowwetry.ItistoofastforthespeediesthorseinBaocia.”

Theolderwomanmadeamoueofexasperationand

waitedforhergroomtopositionhermountingbench.“Yourgrandmotherboughtyouthatlovelywhitemule,Royesse,whydon’tyoueverridehim?Itwouldbesomuchmoresuitable.”

“Andsomuchmoresloooow,”theamber-hairedgirl,laughing,shotback.“Andanyway,poorSnowflakeisallwashedandbraidedfortheprocession

tomorrow.ThegroomswouldhavebeenheartbrokenifI’dtakenhimoutandrunhimthroughthemud.Theyplantokeephimwrappedinsheetsallnight.”

Wheezing,theolderwomanallowedhergroomtohelpherdismount.Afootagain,sheshookoutherskirtedlegsandstretchedherapparentlyachingback.Theboydepartedinaclusterof

anxiousservants,andthetwoyoungwomen,uncrushedbytheirwaitingwoman’scontinuingmurmurofcomplaint,racedeachothertothedoortothemainkeep.Shefollowed,shakingherhead.

Astheyapproachedthedoor,astoutishmiddle-agedmaninsevereblackwoolexited,andremarkedtotheminpassing,inavoicewithoutrancorbut

perfectlyfirm,“Betriz,ifeveryougallopyourhorsehomeuphilllikethatagain,Iwilltakehimfromyou.Andyoucanuseupyourexcessiveenergyrunningaftertheroyesseonfoot.”

Shedroppedhimaswiftcurtsey,andadauntedmurmurof,“Yes,Papa.”

Theamber-hairedgirlcameinstantlytoattention.“Please

excuseBetriz,SerdyFerrej.Thefaultwasmine.WhereIled,shehadnochoicebuttofollow.”

Hisbrowtwitched,andhegaveheralittlebow.“Thenyoumightmeditate,Royesse,onwhathonoracaptaincanclaim,whodragshisfollowersintoanerrorwhenheknowshewillhimselfescapethepunishment.”

Theamber-hairedgirl’swidelipstwistedatthis.Afteralongglanceupunderherlashes,she,too,droppedhimafractionofacurtsey,beforebothgirlsescapedfurtherchastisementbydodgingindoors.Themaninblackheavedasigh.Thewaitingwoman,laboringafterthem,casthimanodofthanks.

Evenwithoutthesecues,Cazarilcouldhaveidentified

themanasthecastlewarderbytheclinkofkeysathissilver-studdedbelt,andthechainofofficearoundhisneck.Heroseatonceasthemanapproachedhim,andessayedacursedlyawkwardbow,pulledshortbyhisadhesions.“SerdyFerrej?MynameisLupedyCazaril.IbeganaudienceoftheDowagerProvincara,if…ifitisherpleasure.”Hisvoicefalteredunderthewarder’s

frown.

“Idonotknowyou,sir,”saidthewarder.

“Bythegods’grace,theProvincaramayrememberme.Iwasonceapage,here”—hegesturedaroundratherblindly—“inthishousehold.Whentheoldprovincarwasalive.”Theclosestthingtoahomehehadleft,hesupposed.Cazaril

wasunutterablywearyofbeingastrangereverywhere.

Thegraybrowsrose.“IwillinquireiftheProvincarawillseeyou.”

“That’sallIask.”Allhedaredask.Hesankbacktohisbench,andwoundhisfingerstogether,asthewarderstumpedbackintothemainkeep.

Afterseveralmiserableminutesofsuspense,staredatsidelongbypassingservants,Cazarillookedupatthewarder’sreturn.DyFerrejeyedhimwithbemusement.

“HerGracetheProvincaragrantsyouaninterview.Followme.”

Hisbodyhadstiffened,sittinginthegatheringchill;Cazarilstumbledalittle,andcursed

hisstumble,ashefollowedthewarderindoors.Hescarcelyneededaguide.Theplanoftheplacecamebacktohim,tumblingthroughhismemorywitheveryturning.Throughthishall,acrossthoseblue-and-yellow-patternedtiles,upthisstairandthatone,throughawhitewashedinnerchamber,andthentheroomonthewesternwallshe’dalwaysfavoredforsittinginthistime

ofday,withthebestlightforherseamstresses,orforreading.Hehadtoduckhisheadalittlethroughitslowdoor,ashe’dneverhadtobefore;itseemedtheonlychange.Butnotachangeinthedoor.

“Hereisthemanasyoubade,yourgrace,”thewarderannouncedCazarilneutrally,decliningtoeitherendorseordenyhisclaimedidentity.

TheDowagerProvincarawasseatedinawidewoodenchair,madesoftforheragingboneswithcushions.Sheworeasoberdarkgreengownsuitabletoherhigh-rankedwidowhood,butdeclinedawidow’scap,choosinginsteadtohavehergrayinghairbraideduparoundherheadintwoknotsandtwinedwithgreenribbons,lockedwithjeweledclasps.Shehadaladycompanionalmostas

oldasherselfseatedbyherside,awidowalso,judgingbythegarbofalaydedicatoftheTemplethatshewore.ThecompanionclutchedherneedleworkandregardedCazarilwithanuntrustingfrown.

Prayinghisbodywouldnotbetrayhimnowwithsometwitchorstumble,Cazarilleveredhimselfdownontoonekneebeforeherchairand

bowedhisheadinrespectfulgreeting.Herclotheswerescentedwithlavender,andadryold-womansmell.Helookedup,searchingherfaceforsomesignofrecognition.Ifshedidnotknowhimnow,thennoonehewouldbecomeintruth,andswiftly.

Shegazedback,andbitherlipinwonder.“Fivegods,”shemurmuredsoftly.“Itreallyisyou.Mylorddy

Cazaril.Ibidyouwelcometomyhouse.”Sheheldoutherhandforhimtokiss.

Heswallowed,almostgasping,andbenthisheadoverit.Once,ithadbeenfineandwhite,thenailsperfectandpearl-rubbed.Nowtheknucklesstoodout,andthethinskinwasbrown-spotted,thoughthenailswerestillaswellkeptaswhenshe’dbeenamatroninherprime.She

didnot,bythesmallestjerk,reacttothecoupleoftearshedroppedhelplesslyuponitsback,butherlipscurvedupalittle.Herhanddriftedfromhislightgrasptotouchhisbeardandtraceoneofthegraystreaks.“Dearme,Cazaril,haveIgrownthatold?”

Heblinkedrapidlyupather.Hewouldnot,hewouldnotbreakdownweepinglikean

overwroughtchild…“Ithasbeenalongtime,YourGrace.”

“Tsk.”Herhandturned,andthedryfingerstappedhimonthecheek.“ThatwasyourcuetosayIhaven’tchangedabit.Didn’tIteachyouhowtolietoaladybetterthanthat?IhadnoideaIwassoremiss.”Withperfectcomposure,sheretrievedherhandandnoddedtoher

companion.

“MayImakeyouknowntomycousin,theLadydyHueltar.Tessa,mayIpresentmylordtheCastillardyCazaril.”

FromthecornerofhiseyeCazarilsawthewarder,withabreathofrelief,relaxhisguard,foldinghisarmsandleaningagainstthedoorframe.Stillonhisknee,

Cazarilmadeaclumsybowinthededicat’sdirection.

“Youareallkindness,YourGrace,butasInolongerholdCazaril,noritskeep,noranyofmyfather’slands,Idonotclaimhistitleeither.”

“Don’tbefoolish,Castillar.”Beneathherbanteringtone,hervoicesharpened.“MydearProvincarisdeadthesetenyears,butI’llseethe

Bastard’sdemonseatthefirstmanwhodarestocallmeanythinglessthanProvincara.Wehavewhatwecanhold,dearboy,andneverletthemseeyouflinchorfalter.”

Besideher,thededicatstiffenedindisapprovalofthesebluntwords,ifnot,perhaps,ofthesentimentbehindthem.Cazariljudgeditimprudenttopointoutthatthetitlebyrightnow

belongedtotheProvincara’sdaughter-in-law.Hersonthepresentprovincarandhiswifelikelyjudgeditimprudent,too.

“Youwillalwaysbethegreatladytome,YourGrace,whomweworshippedfromafar,”Cazariloffered.

“Better,”sheapprovedjudiciously.“Muchbetter.Idolikeamanwhocanpull

hiswitsabouthim.”Shewavedatherwarder.“DyFerrej,fetchthecastillarachair.Oneforyourself,too;youloomlikeacrowthere.”

Thewarder,apparentlyaccustomedtosuchaddresses,smiledandmurmured,“Certainly,YourGrace.”HepulledupacarvedchairforCazaril,withagratifyingmurmurofWillmylordbeseated?,and

retrievedanotherforhimselffromthenextchamber,placingitalittleapartfromhisladyandherguest.

Cazarilscrambledupandsankdownagaininblessedcomfort.Heventuredtentatively,“WasthattheroyseandroyesseIsawcomeinfromridingasIarrived,YourGrace?Ishouldnothavetroubledyouwithmyintrusion,hadIknownyou

hadsuchvisitors.”Hewouldnothavedared.

“Notvisiting,Castillar.Theyarelivingherewithmefornow.Valendaisaquiet,cleantown,and…mydaughterisnotentirelywell.Itsuitshertoretirehere,afterthetoo-hecticcourt.”Awearylookflickeredinhereyes.

Fivegods,theLadyIstawashereaswell?TheDowager

RoyinaIsta,Cazarilhastilycorrectedthisthought.WhenhehadfirstcometoserveBaocia,asunformedalarvaasanyboyoflikedegree,theProvincara’syoungestdaughterIstahadseemedalreadyagrownwoman,thoughonlyafewyearsolderthanhimself.Fortunately,evenatthatfoolishage,he’dnotbeensofoolishastoconfidehishopelessinfatuationofhertoanyone

else.HerhighmarriagesoonaftertoRoyaIashimself—herfirst,hissecond—-hadseemedherbeauty’sproperdestiny,despitetheroyalcouple’sdisparityofage.CazarilsupposedIsta’searlywidowhoodmighthavebeenexpected,thoughnotasearlyasithadproved.

TheProvincarabrushedasideherfatiguewithanimpatientflashofherfingers,and

followedwitha,“Andwhatofyourself?ThelastIheardofyou,youwereridingcourierfortheprovincarofGuarida.”

“Thatwas…someyearsago,YourGrace.”

“Howdidyoucomehere?”Shelookedhimover,herbrowsdrawingdown.“Whereisyoursword?”

“Oh,that.”Hishandvaguelytouchedhisside,whereneitherbeltnorswordhung.“Ilostitat…WhentheMarchdyJironalledRoyaOrico’sforcesuptothenorthcoastforthewintercampaignthese…three?yes,threeyearsago,hemademecastlewarderofthefortressatGotorget.ThendyJironalhadthatunfortunatereversal…weheldthekeepninemonthsagainsttheRoknariforces.

Theusual,youknow.IsweartherewasnotaratleftunroastedinGotorgetwhenthewordcamethroughthatdyJironalhadmadetreatyagain,andwewereorderedtolaydownourarmsandmarchout,andturnthefortressovertoourfoes.”Heofferedupabrief,unfeltsmile;hislefthandcurledinhislap.“Formyconsolation,IwasinformedourfortresscosttheRoknariprinceanextrathree

hundredthousandroyals,inthetreatytent.Plusconsiderablymoreinthefieldthatnine-month,Icalculate.”Poorconsolation,fortheliveswespent.“TheRoknarigeneralclaimedmyfather’ssword;hesaidhewasgoingtohangitinhistent,toremembermeby.SothatwasthelastIsawofmyblade.Afterthat…”Cazaril’svoice,growingstrongerthroughthisreminiscence,faltered.He

clearedhisthroat,andbeganagain.“Therewasanerror,somemix-up.Whenthelistofmentoberansomedarrived,togetherwiththechestsofroyals,mynamehadbeenleftoffitsomehow.TheRoknariquartermastersworetherewasnomistake,becausetheamountscountedoutevenlywiththenames,but…therewassomemistake.Allmyofficerswererescued…Iwasputinwith

theunransomedmen,andwewereallmarchedtoVisping,tobesoldtotheRoknaricorsairmastersasgalleyslaves.”

TheProvincaradrewinherbreath.Thewarder,whohadbeenleaningfartherandfartherforwardinhisseatduringthisrecital,burstout,“Youprotested,surely!”

“Oh,fivegods,yes.I

protestedallthewaytoVisping.Iwasstillprotestingastheydraggedmeupthegangplankandchainedmetomyoar.Ikeptprotestingtillweputtosea,andthenI…learnednotto.”Hesmiledagain.Itfeltlikeaclown’smask.Happily,nooneseizedonthatweakerror.

“Iwasononeshiporanotherfor…foralongtime.”Nineteenmonths,eightdays,

hehadcounteditoutlater.Atthetime,hecouldnothavetoldonedayfromthenext.“AndthenIhadthegreatestpieceofgoodfortune,formycorsairranafoulofafleetoftheroyaofIbra,outonmaneuvers.IassureyouIbra’svolunteersrowedbetterthanwedid,andtheysoonranusdown.”

Twomenhadbeenbeheadedintheirchainsbythe

increasinglydesperateRoknari,fordeliberately—oraccidentally—foulingtheiroars.OneofthemhadbeensittingnearCazaril,hisbenchmateformonths.Someofthespurtingbloodhadgotinhismouth;hecouldstillhalftasteit,whenhemadethemistakeofthinkingofit.Hecouldtasteitnow.Whenthecorsairwastaken,theIbranshadtrailedtheRoknari,somestillhalf-alive,

behindtheshiponropesmadeoftheirownguts,tillthegreatfisheshadeatenthem.Someofthefreedgalleyslaveshadhelpedrow,withawill.Cazarilcouldnot.ThatlastflayinghadbroughthimwithinhoursofbeingcastoverboardbytheRoknarigalleymasterasbrokenanduseless.He’dsatonthedeck,musclestwitchinguncontrollably,andwept.

“ThegoodIbransputmeashoreinZagosur,whereIfellillforafewmonths.Youknowhowitiswithmenwhenalongstrainisremovedofasudden.Theycangrow…ratherchildish.”Hesmiledapologeticallyaroundtheroom.Forhim,ithadbeencollapseandfever,tillhisbackhalfhealed;thendysentery;thenanague.And,throughoutitall,theboutsofinconsolableweeping.He’d

weptwhenanacolyteofferedhimdinner.Whenthesuncameout.Whenthesunwentin.Whenacatstartledhim.Whenhewasledtobed.Oratanytime,fornocause.“TheTempleHospitaloftheMother’sMercytookmein.WhenIfeltalittlebetter”—whentheweepinghadtailedmostlyoff,andtheacolyteshaddecidedhewasnotmad,merelynervous—“theygavemealittlemoney,andI

walkedhere.Iwasthreeweeksontheroad.”

Theroomwasdeadsilent.

Helookedup,toseethattheProvincara’slipshadgonetightwithanger.Terrorwrenchedhisemptystomach.“ItwastheonlyplaceIcouldthinkof!”heexcusedhimselfhastily.“I’msorry.I’msorry.”

Thewarderblewouthisbreathandsatback,staringatCazaril.Theladycompanion’seyeswerewide.

Inavibratingvoice,theProvincaradeclared,“YouaretheCastillardyCazaril.Theyshouldhavegivenyouahorse.Theyshouldhavegivenyouanescort.”

Cazaril’shandsflappedinfrighteneddenial.“No,no,

mylady!Itwas…itwasenough.”Well,almost.Herealized,afteranunsteadyblink,thatherangerwasn’tathim.Oh.Histhroattightened,andtheroomblurred.No,notagain,nothere…Hehurriedon.“Iwishedtoplacemyselfinyourservice,lady,ifyoucanfindanyuseforme.IadmitI…can’tdomuch.Justnow.”

TheProvincarasatback,her

chinrestinglightlyonherhand,andstudiedhim.Afteramoment,shesaid,“Youusedtoplaytheluteverypleasantly,whenyouwereapage.”

“Uh…”Cazaril’scrooked,callusedhandstriedtohidethemselvesineachotherforaspasmodicinstant.Hesmiledinrenewedapology,anddisplayedthembrieflyonhisknees.“Ithinknotnow,my

lady.”

Sheleanedforward;hergazerestedforamomentonhishalf-mangledleft.“Isee.”Shesatbackagain,pursingherlips.“Irememberyoureadallthebooksinmyhusband’slibrary.Themasterofthepageswasalwayscomplainingofyouforthat.Itoldhimtoleaveyoualone.Youaspiredtobeapoet,asIrecall.”

Cazarilwasnotsurehisrighthandcouldclosearoundapen,atpresent.“IbelieveChalionwassavedfromadealofbadpoetry,whenIwentofftowar.”

Sheshruggedhershoulders.“Come,come,Castillar,youquitedauntmewithyourofferofservice.I’mnotsurepoorValendahaspostsenoughtooccupyyou.You’vebeenacourtier—a

captain—acastlewarder—acourier—”

“Ihaven’tbeenacourtiersincebeforeRoyaIasdied,mylady.Asacaptain…IhelpedlosethebattleofDalus.”AndrottedfornearlyayearinthedungeonsoftheroyacyofBrajar,thereafter.“Asacastlewarder,well,welostthesiege.Asacourier,Iwasnearlyhangedasaspy.Twice.”Hebrooded.And

threetimesputtothetortureinviolationofparley.“Now…now,well,Iknowhowtorowboats.Andfivewaysofpreparingadishofrats.”

Icouldrelishamightydishofratrightnow,infact.

Hedidnotknowwhatshereadinhisface,forallthathersharpoldeyesprobedhim.Perhapsitwas

exhaustion,buthehopeditwashunger.Hewasfairlysureitwashunger,forsheatlastsmiledcrookedly.

“Thencometosupperwithus,Castillar,thoughI’mafraidmycookcannotofferyourat.Theyarenotinseason,inpeacefulValenda.Ishallthinkonyourpetition.”

Henoddedmutethanks,nottrustinghisvoicetonot

break.

ITBEINGSTILLWINTER,THEMAINMEALOFTHEhousehold’sdayhadbeentakenatnoon,formally,inthegreathall.Theeveningsupperwasalighterrepast,featuring,bytheProvincara’seconomy,theleftoverbreadsandmeatsfromnoon,butbyherpride,theverybestofthem,supplementedbyagenerouslibationofher

excellentwines.Intheshimmeringheatofthehighplainssummer,theprocedurewouldbereversed;nuncheonwouldbelightfare,andthemainmealtakenafternightfall,whenBaociansofalldegreestooktotheircoolercourtyardstoeatbylanternlight.

Theysatdownonlyeight,inanintimatechamberinanewbuildingquitenearthe

kitchens.TheProvincaratookthecenterofthetable,andplacedCazarilonherhonoredright.CazarilwasdauntedtofindtheRoyesseIselleonhisotherside,andtheRoyseTeidezacrossfromher.Hetookheartagainwhentheroysechosetowhileawaythewaitforalltobeseatedbyflickingbread-ballsathisoldersister,amaneuversternlysuppressedbyhisgrandmother.Aretaliatory

gleamintheroyesse’seyewasonlysidetracked,Cazariljudged,bysometimelydistractionfromhercompanionBetriz,seatedacrossandalittledownfromhim.

LadyBetrizsmiledacrosstheboardatCazarilinfriendlycuriosity,revealinganelusivedimple,andseemedabouttospeak,butthentheservantpassedamongthemwitha

basinforhand-washing.Thewarmwaterwasscentedwithverbena.Cazaril’shandsshookashedippedandwipedthemonthefinelinentowel,aweaknessheconcealedassoonashemightbyhidingtheminhislap.Thechairdirectlyacrossfromhimremainedempty.

Cazarilnoddedtoit,andaskedtheProvincaradiffidently,“Willthe

dowagerroyinabejoiningus,YourGrace?”

Herlipspressedclosed.“Istaisnotwellenoughtonight,unfortunately.She…takesmostofhermealsinherchamber.”

Cazarilquelledamomentofunease,andresolvedtoasksomeoneelse,later,exactlywhattroubledtheroyseandroyesse’smother.Thatbrief

compressionsuggestedsomethingchronic,orlingering,ortoopainfultobediscussed.HerlongwidowhoodhadsparedIstathefurtherdangersofchildbirththatwerethebaneofyoungwomen,butthentherewereallthosefrighteningfemaledisordersthatovertookmatrons…AsRoyaIas’ssecondwife,Istahadbeenwedinhismiddleagewhenhissonandheir

Oricowasalreadyfull-grown.InthelittletimeCazarilhadbeenatthecourtofChalion,yearsago,hehadwatchedheronlyfromadiscreetdistance;she’dseemedhappy,thelightoftheroya’seyewhenthemarriagewasnew.IashaddotedupontoddlerIselleanduponTeidez,ababeinthenurse’sarms.

Theirhappinesshadbeendarkenedduringthe

unfortunatetragedyofLorddyLutez’streason,which,mostobserversagreed,hadhastenedtheagingroya’sdeathbygrief.Cazarilcouldn’thelpwonderingiftheillnessthathadevidentlydrivenRoyinaIstafromherstepson’scourthadanyunfortunatepoliticalelements.ButthenewroyaOricohadbeenrespectfulofhisstepmother,andkindtohishalfsiblings,byall

reports.

Cazarilclearedhisthroattocoverthegrowlingofhisstomachandgaveattentiontotheroyse’ssuperiorgentleman-tutor,onthefarendofthetablebeyondLadyBetriz.TheProvincara,witharegalnodofherhead,desiredhimtoleadtheprayertotheHolyFamilyblessingtheapproachingmeal.Cazarilhopeditwasapproaching

rapidly.ThemysteryoftheemptychairwassolvedwhenthecastlewarderSerdyFerrejhurriedinlate,andmadebriefapologiesallroundbeforeseatinghimself.

“IwascaughtbythedivineoftheOrderoftheBastard,”heexplainedasbread,meat,anddriedfruitwerepassed.

Cazaril,hard-pressednottofallonhisfoodlikeastarving

dog,madeapolitelyinquiringnoise,andtookhisfirstbite.

“Themostearnestlylong-windedyoungman,”dyFerrajexpanded.

“Whatdoeshewantnow?”askedtheProvincara.“Moredonationsforthefoundlinghospital?Wesentdownaloadlastweek.Thecastleservantsarerefusingtogiveupanymoreoftheirold

clothes.”

“Wetnurses,”saiddyFerrej,chewing.

TheProvincarasnorted.“Notfrommyhousehold!”

“No,buthewantedmetopassthewordthattheTemplewaslooking.Hewashopingsomeonemighthaveafemalerelativewhowouldbemovedtopiouscharity.Theyhad

anotherbabeleftattheposternlastweek,andhe’sexpectingmore.It’sthetimeofyear,apparently.”

TheOrderoftheBastard,bythelogicofitstheology,classifiedunwantedbirthsamongthethings-out-of-seasonthatwerethegod’smandate:includingbastards—naturally—andchildrenbereftofparentsuntimelyyoung.TheTemple’s

foundlinghospitalsandorphanageswereoneoftheorder’smainconcerns.Inall,Cazarilthoughtthatagodwhowassupposedtocommandalegionofdemonsoughttohaveaneasiertimeshakingoutdonationsforhisgoodworks.

Cautiously,Cazarilwateredhiswine;acrimetotreatthisvintageso,butonhisemptystomachitwassuretogo

straighttohishead.TheProvincaranoddedapprovinglyathim,butthenenteredintoanargumentwithherladycousinonthesamesubject,emergingpartiallytriumphantwithhalfaglassofwineundiluted.

SerdyFerrejcontinued,“Thedivinehadagoodstory,though;guesswhodiedlastnight?”

“Who,Papa?”saidLadyBetrizhelpfully.

“SerdyNaoza,thecelebratedduelist.”

ItwasnotanameCazarilrecognized,buttheProvincarasniffed.“Abouttime.Ghastlyman.Ididnotreceivehim,thoughIsupposetherewerefoolsenoughwhodid.Didhefinallyunderestimateavictim—I

mean,opponent?”

“That’swherethestorygetsinteresting.Hewasapparentlyassassinatedbydeathmagic.”Nobadraconteur,dyFerrejquaffedwinewhiletheshockedmurmurranaroundthetable.Cazarilfrozeinmid-chew.

“IstheTemplegoingtotrytosolvethemystery?”askedRoyesseIselle.

“Nomysterytoit,thoughIgatheritwasratheratragedy.Aboutayearago,dyNaozawasjostledinthestreetbytheonlysonofaprovincialwoolmerchant,withtheusualresult.Well,dyNaozaclaimeditforaduel,ofcourse,buttherewerethoseonthescenewhosaiditwasbloodymurder.Somehow,noneofthemcouldbefoundtotestifywhentheboy’sfathertriedtotakedyNaoza

tojustice.Therewassomequestionabouttheprobityofthejudge,too,itwasrumored.”

TheProvincaratsked.Cazarildaredtoswallow,andsay,“Dogoon.”

Encouraged,thecastlewardercontinued,“Themerchantwasawidower,andtheboynotjustanonlyson,butanonlychild.Justabouttobe

married,too,toturntheknife.Deathmagicisanuglybusiness,true,butIcan’thelphavingaspotofsympathyforthepoormerchant.Well,richmerchant,Isuppose,butinanycase,fartoooldtotrainuptothedegreeofswordsmanshiprequiredtoremovesomeonelikedyNaoza.Sohefellbackonwhathethoughtwashisonlyrecourse.Spentthenextyearstudyingtheblackarts—

wherehefoundallhisloreisagoodpuzzlefortheTemple,mindyou—lettinghisbusinessgo,Iwastold—andthen,lastnight,tookhimselfofftoanabandonedmillaboutsevenmilesfromValenda,andtriedtocallupademon.And,bytheBastard,succeeded!Hisbodywasfoundtherethismorning.”

TheFatherofWinterwasthegodofalldeathsingood

season,andofjustice;butinadditiontoalltheotherdisastersinhisgifttheBastardwasthegodofexecutioners.And,indeed,godofawholepursefulofotherdirtyjobs.Itseemsthemerchantwenttotherightstoreforhismiracle.ThenotebookinCazaril’svestsuddenlyseemedtoweightenpounds;butitwasonlyinhisimaginationthatitfeltasthoughitmightscorch

throughtheclothandburstintoflame.

“Well,Idon’thaveanysympathyforhim,”saidRoyseTeidez.“Thatwascowardly!”

“Yes,butwhatcanyouexpectofamerchant?”observedhistutor,fromdownthetable.“Menofthatclassarenottrainedupinthekindofcodeofhonoratrue

gentlemanlearns.”

“Butit’ssosad,”protestedIselle.“Imean,aboutthesonabouttobewed.”

Teidezsnorted.“Girls.Allyoucanthinkaboutisgettingmarried.Butwhichisthegreaterlosstotheroyacy?Somemoneygrubbingwool-man,oraswordsman?Anyduelistthatskilledmustbeagoodsoldierfortheroya!”

“Notinmyexperience,”Cazarilsaiddryly.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Teidezpromptlychallengedhim.

Abashed,Cazarilmumbled,“Excuseme.Ispokeoutofturn.”

“What’sthedifference?”Teidezpressed.

TheProvincaratappeda

fingeronthetableclothandshothimanindecipherablelook.“Doexpand,Castillar.”

Cazarilshrugged,andofferedaslight,apologeticbowintheboy’sdirection.“Thedifference,Royse,isthataskilledsoldierkillsyourenemies,butaskilledduelistkillsyourallies.Ileaveyoutoguesswhichawisecommanderpreferstohaveinhiscamp.”

“Oh,”saidTeidez.Hefellsilent,lookingthoughtful.

Therewas,apparently,norushtoreturnthemerchant’snotebooktotheproperauthorities,andalsonodifficulty.CazarilmightsearchoutthedivineattheTempleoftheHolyFamilyhereinValendatomorrowathisleisure,andturnitovertobepassedalong.Itwouldhavetobedecoded;some

menfoundthatsortofpuzzledifficultortedious,butCazarilhadalwaysfounditrestful.Hewonderedifheought,asacourtesy,tooffertodecipherit.Hetouchedhissoftwoolrobe,andwasgladhe’dprayedforthemanathishurriedburning.

Betriz,herdarkbrowscrimping,asked,“Whowasthejudge,Papa?”

DyFerrejhesitatedamoment,thenshrugged.“TheHonorableVrese.”

“Ah,”saidtheProvincara.“Him.”Hernosetwitched,asthoughshe’dsniffedabadsmell.

“Didtheduelistthreatenhim,then?”askedRoyesseIselle.“Shouldn’the—couldn’thehavecalledforhelp,orhaddyNaozaarrested?”

“IdoubtthatevendyNaozawasfoolishenoughtothreatenajusticiaroftheprovince,”saiddyFerrej.“Thoughitwasprobableheintimidatedthewitnesses.Vresewas,hm,likelyhandledbymorepeacefulmeans.”Hepoppedafragmentofbreadintohismouthandrubbedhisthumbandforefingertogether,mimingamanwarmingacoin.

“Ifthejudgehaddonehisjobhonestlyandbravely,themerchantwouldneverhavebeendriventousedeathmagic,”saidIselleslowly.“Twomenaredeadanddamned,whereitmighthaveonlybeenone…andevenifhe’dbeenexecuted,dyNaozamighthavehadtimetocleanhissoulbeforefacingthegods.Ifthisisknown,whyisthemanstillajudge?Grandmama,can’tyoudo

somethingaboutit?”

TheProvincarapressedherlipstogether.“Theappointmentofprovincialjusticiarsisnotwithinmygift,dearone.Northeirremoval.Ortheirdepartmentwouldberathermoreorderlyrun,Iassureyou.”Shetookasipofherwineandaddedtohergranddaughter’sfrowninglook,“IhavegreatprivilegeinBaocia,child.Idonothave

greatpowers.”

IselleglancedatTeidez,andatCazaril,beforeechoingherbrother’squestion,inavoicegoneserious:“What’sthedifference?”

“Oneistherighttorule—andthedutytoprotect!T’otheristherighttoreceiveprotection,”repliedtheProvincara.“Thereisalasmoredifferencebetweena

provincarandaprovincarathanjusttheoneletter.”

Teidezsmirked.“Oh,likethedifferencebetweenaroyseandaroyesse?”

Iselleturnedonhimandraisedherbrows.“Oh?Andhowdoyouproposetoremovethecorruptjudge—privilegedboy?”

“That’senough,youtwo,”

saidtheProvincarasternly,inavoicethatwaspuregrandmother.Cazarilhidasmile.Withinthesewalls,sheruled,rightenough,byanoldercodethanChalion’s.Herswasasufficientlittlestate.

Theconversationturnedtolessluridmattersastheservantsbroughtcakes,cheese,andawinefromBrajar.Cazarilhad,

surreptitiouslyhehoped,stuffedhimself.Ifhedidn’tstopsoon,hewouldmakehimselfsick.Butthegoldendessertwinealmostsenthimintotearsatthetable;thatone,hedrankunwatered,thoughhemanagedtolimithimselftooneglass.

Attheendofthemealprayerswereofferedagain,andRoyseTeidezwasdraggedoffbyhistutorfor

studies.IselleandBetrizweresenttodoneedlework.Theydepartedatagallop,followedatamoresedatepacebydyFerrej.

“Willtheyactuallysitstillforneedlework?”CazarilaskedtheProvincara,watchingthedepartingflurryofskirts.

“TheygossipandgiggletillIcan’tbearit,butyes,they’reveryhandy,”saidthe

Provincara,thedisapprovingpurseofherlipsbeliedbythewarmthofhereyes.

“Yourgranddaughterisadelightfulyounglady.”

“Toamanofacertainage,Cazaril,allyoungladiesstarttolookdelightful.It’sthefirstsymptomofsenility.”

“True,mylady.”Hislipstwitchedup.

“She’swornouttwogovernessesandlookstobebentondestroyingathird,bythewaythewomancomplainsofher.Andyet…”theProvincara’startvoicegrewslower,“sheneedstobestrong.Someday,inevitably,shewillbesentfarfromme.AndIwillnolongerbeabletohelpher…protecther…”

Anattractive,freshyoungroyessewasapawn,nota

player,inthepoliticsofChalion.Herbride-pricewouldcomehigh,butapoliticallyandfinanciallyfavorablemarriagemightnotnecessarilyproveagoodoneinmoreintimatesenses.TheDowagerProvincarahadbeenfortunateinherpersonallife,butinherlongyearshaddoubtlesshadopportunitytoobservethewholerangeofmaritalfatesawaitinghighbornwomen.Would

IsellebesenttofarDarthaca?Marriedofftosomecousininthetoo-close-relatedroyacyofBrajar?GodsforbidsheshouldbebarteredawaytotheRoknaritosealsometemporarypeace,exiledtotheArchipelago.

Shestudiedhimsidelong,inthelightfromthelavishbranchesofcandlesshehadalwaysfavored.“Howoldareyounow,Castillar?Ithought

youwereaboutthirteenwhenyourfathersentyoutoservemydearProvincar.”

“Aboutthat,yes,YourGrace.I’mthirty-five.”

“Ha.Youshouldshaveoffthatnastymessgrowingoutofyourface,then.Itmakesyoulookfifteenyearsolderthanyouare.”

Cazarilconsideredsomequip

aboutaturnintheRoknarigalleysbeingveryagingtoaman,buthewasn’tquiteuptoit.Insteadhesaid,“IhopeIdidnotannoytheroysewithmymaunderings,mylady.”

“IbelieveyouactuallymadeyoungTeidezstopandthink.Arareevent.Iwishhistutorcouldmanageitmoreoften.”Shedrummedherthinfingersbrieflyontheclothanddrainedthelastofhertiny

glassofwine.Shesetitdown,andadded,“Idon’tknowwhatflea-riddeninnyou’veputupatdownintown,Castillar,butI’lldispatchapageforyourthings.You’lllodgeheretonight.”

“Thankyou,YourGrace.Iacceptwithgratitude.”Andalacrity.Thankthegods,oh,fivetimesfive,hewasgatheredin,atleast

temporarily.Hehesitated,embarrassed.“But,ah…itwon’tbenecessarytotroubleyourpage.”

Sheraisedabrowathim.“That’swhattheyexistfor.Asyoumayrecall.”

“Yes,but”—hesmiledbriefly,andgestureddownhimself—“thesearemythings.”

Atherpainedlook,headdedweakly,“Ihadless,whenIfellofftheIbrangalleyinZagosur.”He’dbeendressedinabreechcloutofsurpassingfilthiness,andscabs.Theacolyteshadburnedtheragattheirfirstopportunity.

“Thenmypage,”saidtheProvincarainaprecisevoice,stillregardinghimlevelly,“willescortyoutoyourchamber.MylordCastillar.”

Sheadded,asshemadetorise,andhercousin-companionhastenedtoassisther,“We’llspeakagaintomorrow.”

THECHAMBERWASONEINTHEOLDKEEPRESERVEDforhonoredguests,moreonaccountofhavingbeensleptinbyseveralhistoricalroyasthanforitsabsolutecomfort;Cazarilhadserveditsguestshimselfahundredtimes.The

bedhadthreemattresses,straw,feather,anddown,andwasdressedinthesoftestwashedlinenandacoverletworkedbyladiesofthehousehold.Beforethepagehadlefthim,twomaidsarrived,bearingwashwater,drinkingwater,towels,soap,atooth-stick,andanembroiderednightgown,cap,andslippers.Cazarilhadbeenplanningtosleepinthedeadman’sshirt.

Itwasabruptlyalltoomuch.Cazarilsatdownontheedgeofthebedwiththenightgowninhishandsandburstintowrackingsobs.Gulping,hegesturedtheunnerved-lookingservitorstoleavehim.

“What’sthematterwithhim?”heheardthemaid’svoice,astheirfootstepstrailedoffdownthecorridor,andthetearstraileddownthe

insideofhisnose.

Thepageanswereddisgustedly,“Amadman,Isuppose.”

Afterashortpause,themaid’svoicefloatedbackfaintly,“Well,he’llfitrightinhere,then,won’the…”

3

Thesoundsofthehouseholdstirring—callsfromthecourtyard,thedistantclankofpots—wokeCazarilinthepredawngray.Heopenedhiseyestoamomentofpanickeddisorientation,butthereassuringembraceofthe

featherbeddrewhimdownagainintodrowsyrepose.Notahardbench.Notmovingupanddown.Notmovingatall,ohfivegods,thatwasveryheaven.Sowarm,onhisknottedback.

TheDaughter’sDaycelebrationswouldrunfromdawntilldark.Perhapshewouldlieslugabedtillthehouseholdhaddepartedfortheprocession,thengetup

late.Creeparoundunobtrusively,lieinthesunwiththecastlecats.Whenhegrewhungry,dredgeupoldmemoriesfromhisdaysasapage—he’dusedtoknowhowtocharmthecookforanextratidbit…

Acrispknockonthedoorinterruptedthesepleasantmeditations.Cazariljerked,thenrelaxedagainasLadyBetriz’svoicefollowed:“My

lorddyCazaril?Areyouawake?Castillar?”

“Amoment,mylady,”Cazarilcalledback.Hewallowedtothebed’sedgeandtorehimselffromthelovingclutchofthemattress.Awovenrushmatonthefloorkeptthemorningcoldofthestonefromnippinghisbarefeet.Heshookthegenerouslinenofthenightgowndownoverhis

legs,shuffledtothedoor,andopeneditacrack.“Yes?”

Shestoodinthecorridorwithacandleshieldedbyablown-glasslanterninonehandandapileofcloth,leatherstraps,andsomethingthatclankedwedgedawkwardlyunderherotherarm.Shewasfullydressedforthedayinabluegownwithawhitevest-cloakthatfellfromshouldertoankle.Herdarkhairwas

braideduponherheadwithflowersandleaves.Hervelvetbrowneyesweremerry,glintinginthecandle’sglow.Cazarilcouldnothelpbutsmileback.

“HerGracetheProvincarabidsyouablessedDaughter’sDay,”sheannounced,andstartledCazarilintojumpingbackwardbyfirmlykickingthedooropen.Sherockedherloadedhipsthrough,handed

offthecandleholdertohimwithaHere,takethis,anddumpedherburdenontheedgeofthebed:pilesofblueandwhitecloth,andaswordwithabelt.Cazarilsetthecandledownonthechestatthefootofthebed.“Shesendsyouthesetowear,andifitpleaseyoubidsyoujointhehouseholdintheancestors’hallforthedawnprayers.Afterwhichwewillbreakourfast,which,she

says,youknowwellwheretofind.”

“Indeed,mylady.”

“Actually,IaskedPapaforthesword.It’shissecond-bestone.Hesaiditwouldbeanhonortoloanittoyou.”Sheturnedahighlyinterestedgazeuponhim.“Isittrueyouwereinthelatewar?”

“Uh…whichone?”

“You’vebeeninmorethanone?”Hereyeswidened,thennarrowed.

Allofthemforthelastseventeenyears,Ithink.Well,no.He’dsatoutthemostrecentabortivecampaignagainstIbrainthedungeonsofBrajar,andmissedthatfoolishexpeditiontheroyahadsentinsupportofDarthacabecausehe’dbeenbusybeinginventively

tormentedbytheRoknarigeneralwithwhomtheprovincarofGuaridawasbargainingsoineptly.Besidesthosetwo,hedidn’tthinktherehadbeenadefeatinthelastdecadehe’dmissed.“Hereandthere,overtheyears,”heansweredvaguely.Hewassuddenlyhorridlyconsciousthattherewasnothingbetweenhisnakednessandhermaideneyesbutathinlayeroflinen.

Hetwitchedinward,clutchinghisarmsacrosshisbelly,andsmiledweakly.

“Oh,”shesaid,followinghisgesture.“HaveIembarrassedyou?ButPapasayssoldiershavenomodesty,onaccountofhavingtolivealltogetherinthefield.”

Shereturnedhereyestohisface,whichwasheating.Cazarilgotout,“Iwas

thinkingofyourmodesty,mylady.”

“That’sallright,”shesaidcheerfully.

Shedidn’tgoaway.

Henoddedtowardthepileofclothes.“Ididn’twishtointrudeuponthefamilyduringcelebration.Areyousure…?”

Sheclaspedherhandstogetherearnestlyandintensifiedhergaze.“Butyoumustcometotheprocession,andyoumust,youmust,youmustcometotheDaughter’sDayquarter-giftingatthetemple.TheRoyesseIselleisgoingtoplaythepartoftheLadyofSpringthisyear.”Shebouncedonhertoesinherimportunity.

Cazarilsmiledsheepishly.

“Verywell,ifitpleaseyou.”Howcouldheresistallthisurgentdelight?RoyesseIsellemustberisingsixteen;hewonderedhowoldLadyBetrizwas.Tooyoungforyou,oldfellow.Butsurelyhemightwatchherwithapurelyaestheticappreciation,andthankthegoddessesforhergiftsofyouth,beauty,andvervehowsoevertheywerescattered.Brighteningtheworldlikeflowers.

“Andbesides,”LadyBetrizcinchedit,“theProvincarabidsyou.”

Cazarilseizedtheopportunitytolighthiscandlefromhersand,bywayofahintthatitwastimeforhertogoawayandlethimdress,handedtheglass-globedflamebacktoher.Thedoubledlightthatmadehermorelovelydoubtlessmadehimlessso.She’djustturnedtogowhen

hebethoughthimofhisprudentquestion,unansweredlastnight.

“Wait,lady—”

Sheturnedbackwithalookofbrightinquiry.

“Ididn’twanttotroubletheProvincara,oraskinfrontoftheroyseorroyesse,butwhatgrievestheRoyinaIsta?Idon’twanttosayordo

somethingwrong,outofignorance…”

Thelightinhereyesdiedalittle.Sheshrugged.“She’s…weary.Andnervous.Nothingmore.Wehopeshewillfeelbetter,withthecomingofthesun.Shealwaysseemstodobetter,inthesummertime.”

“Howlonghasshebeenlivingherewithhermother?”

“Thesesixyears,sir.”Shegavehimalittlehalfcurtsey.“NowIhavetogotoRoyesseIselle.Don’tbelate,Castillar!”Hersmiledimpledathimagain,andshedartedout.

Hecouldnotimaginethatyoungladybeinglateanywhere.Herenergywasappalling.Shakinghishead,thoughthesmileshe’dlefthimstilllingeredonhislips,

heturnedtoexaminethenewlargesse.

Hewascertainlymovinguptoabettergradeofcastoffs.Thetunicwasbluesilkbrocade,thetrousersheavydarkbluelinen,andtheknee-lengthvest-cloakwhitewool,allclean,thelittlemendsandstainsquiteunobtrusive;dyFerrej’sfestivalgearoutgrown,perhaps,orpossiblyevensomething

packedawayfromthelateprovincar.Theloosefitwasforgivingofthischangeinownership.Withtheswordhungathislefthip,familiar/unfamiliarweight,Cazarilhurrieddownoutofthekeepandacrossthegraycourtyardtothehousehold’sancestors’hall.

Theairofthecourtyardwaschillanddamp,thecobblesslipperyunderhisthinboot

soles.Overhead,afewstarsstilllingered.Cazarileasedopenthebigplankdoortothehallandpeeredinside.Candles,figures;washelate?Heslippedwithin,hiseyesadjusting.

Notlatebutearly.Thetiersoflittlefamilymemoriboardsatthefrontoftheroomhadhalfadozenoldcandlestubsburningbeforethem.Twowomen,huddledintoshawls,

satonthefrontbenchwatchingoverathird.

TheDowagerRoyinaIstalaybeforethealtarintheattitudeofdeepestsupplication,proneuponthefloor,herarmsoutflung.Herfingerscurledanduncurled;thenailswerebittendowntothered.Amuddleofnightgownsandshawlspuddledaroundher.Hermassesofcrinklyhair,oncegold,nowdarkenedby

agetoadulldun,spreadoutaroundherheadlikeafan.Foramoment,Cazarilwonderedifshehadfallenasleep,sostilldidshelie.Butinherpaleface,turnedsidewayswithhersoftcheekrestingdirectlyonthefloor,hereyeswereopen,grayandunblinking,filledwithunshedtears.

Itwasafaceofthemostprofoundgrief;Cazarilwas

putinmindofmen’slooksthathehadseen,brokeninnotjustbodybutsoulbythedungeonorthehorrorsofthegalleys.Orofhisown,seendimlyinapolishedsteelmirrorintheMother’shouseinIbra,whentheacolyteshadshavedhisnervelessfaceandencouragedhimtolook,see,wasn’tthatbetter?Yethewasquitecertaintheroyinahadneverbeenwithinsmellingdistanceofadungeoninher

life,neverfeltthebiteofthelash,never,perhaps,evenfeltaman’shandraisedagainstherinanger.What,then?Hestoodstill,lipsparted,afraidtospeak.

Atacreakandabustlebehindhim,heglancedroundtoseetheDowagerProvincara,attendedbyhercousin,slipinside.Sheflickedaneyebrowathiminpassing;hejerkedalittle

bow.Thewaitingwomenattendingupontheroyinastarted,androse,offeringghostlycurtseys.

TheProvincarastrodeuptheaislebetweenthebenchesandstudiedherdaughterexpressionlessly.“Oh,dear.Howlonghasshebeenhere?”

Oneofthewaitingwomenhalfcurtseyedagain.“She

roseinthenight,YourGrace.Wethoughtitbettertolethercomedownthantofighther.Asyouinstructed…”

“Yes,yes.”TheProvincarawavedawaythisnervousexcuse.“Didshegetanysleepatall?”

“Oneortwohours,Ithink,mylady.”

TheProvincarasighed,and

kneltbyherdaughter.Hervoicewentgentle,allthetartnessdrainedout;forthefirsttime,Cazarilheardtheageinit.

“Ista,heart.Riseandgobacktobed.Otherswilltakeovertheprayingtoday.”

Thepronewoman’slipsmoved,twice,beforewordswhisperedout.“Ifthegodshear.Iftheyhear,theydonot

speak.Theirfacesareturnedfromme,Mother.”

Almostawkwardly,theoldwomanstrokedherhair.“Otherswillpraytoday.We’lllightallthecandlesnew,andtryagain.Letyourladiesputyoubacktobed.Up,now.”

Theroyinasniffed,blinked,and,reluctantly,rose.AtajerkoftheProvincara’shead,

thewaitingladieshurriedforwardtoguidetheroyinaoutofthehall,gatheringupherdroppingshawlsbehindher.Cazarilsearchedherfaceanxiouslyasshepassed,butfoundnosignsofwastingillness,noyellowtingetoherskinoreyes,noemaciation.ShescarcelyseemedtoseeCazaril;norecognitionflickeredinhereyesforthebeardedstranger.Well,therewasnoreasonsheshould

rememberhim,merelyoneofdozensofpagesinandoutofdyBaocia’shouseholdovertheyears.

TheProvincara’sheadturnedbackasthedoorclosedbehindherdaughter.Cazarilwascloseenoughtoseeherquietsigh.

Hemadeheradeeperbow.“Ithankyouforthesefestivalgarments,YourGrace.If…”

hehesitated.“Ifthere’sanythingIcandotoeaseyourburdens,lady,orthoseoftheroyina,justask.”

Shesmiled,andtookhishandandpatteditratherabsently,butdidn’tanswer.Shewenttoopenthewindowshuttersontheroom’seastside,toletinthepeach-coloreddawnglow.

Aroundthealtar,Ladydy

Hueltarblewoutthecandlesandgatheredupallthestubbyendsinabasketbroughtforthatpurpose.TheProvincaraandCazarilwenttohelpherreplacethesadlumpsineachholderwithafresh,newbeeswaxcandle.Whenthedozensofcandleswerestandinguplikeyoungsoldierseachinfrontoftheirrespectivetablets,theProvincarasteppedbackandgaveasatisfiednod.

Therestofthehouseholdbeganarrivingthen,andCazariltookaseatoutofthewayonabackbench.Cooks,servants,stableboys,pages,thehuntsmanandthefalconer,theupperhousekeeper,thecastlewarder,allintheirbestclothes,withasmuchblueandwhiteascouldbemanaged,filedinandsat.ThenLadyBetrizledinRoyesseIselle,fullydressed

andatriflestiffintheelaborate,multilayeredandbrilliantlyembroideredrobesoftheLadyofSpring,whosepartshewasselectedtoplaytoday.Theytookanattentiveseatonafrontbenchandmanagednottogiggletogether.TheywerefollowedbyadivineoftheHolyFamilyfromthetempleintown,hisvestmentstoochangedfromyesterday’sblack-and-grayrobesofthe

Fathertotheblue-and-whiteoftheDaughter.Thedivineledtheassemblyinashortserviceforthesuccessionoftheseasonandthepeaceofthedeadhererepresented,and,asthefirstraysofsunfingeredthroughtheeastwindow,ceremoniallyextinguishedthelastcandleleftburning,thelastflameanywhereinthehousehold.

Allthenadjournedforacold

breakfastsetupontrestlesinthecourtyard.Cold,butnotsparing;Cazarilremindedhimselfthatheneedn’ttrytomakeupforthreeyearsofprivationinaday,andthathehadsomeup-anddownhillwalkingcomingupsoon.Still,hewashappilyrepletewhentheroyesse’swhitemulewasledin.

It,too,wasdecoratedwithribbonsofblueandfresh

earlyflowersbraidedintoitsmaneandtail.ItshangingsweregloriouslyelaboratedwithallthesymbolsoftheLadyofSpring.IselleinherTemplegarments,herhairarrangedtorippledownlikeanamberwaterfalloverhershouldersfromunderhercrownofleavesandflowers,wasloadedcarefullyintohersaddle,andherdrapesandpanelsarranged.Thistime,sheusedamountingblock

andtheassistanceofacoupleofheftyyoungpages.Thedivinetookthemule’sbluesilkropetoleadheroutthegate.TheProvincarawashoistedaboardasedatechestnutmarewithshowywhitesocks,alsobraidedwithribbonsandflowers,ledbyhercastlewarder.Cazarilmuffledabelch,andatdyFerrej’sbeckoninghastenedtopositionhimselfafterthemountedladies,courteously

offeringhisarmtotheLadydyHueltar.Therestofthehousehold,thosewhoweregoing,alsofellinbehindonfoot.

Thewholemerrymobwounddownthroughthestreetsoftowntotheoldeastgate,wheretheprocessionwastoformallybegin.Somecoupleofhundredpeoplewaitedthere,includingfiftyorsomountedhorsemenfromthe

Daughter’sguardsmen’sassociationsdrawnfromallaroundthehinterlandsofValenda.Cazarilwalkedrightunderthenoseoftheburlysoldierwho’ddroppedhimthatmistakencoininthemudyesterday,butthemangazedbackathimwithoutrecognition,merelyacourteousnodforhissilksandhissword.Andhistrimandhisbath,Cazarilsupposed.Howstrangelywe

areblindedbythesurfacesofthings.Thegods,presumably,sawstraightthrough.Hewonderedifthegodsfoundthisasuncomfortableashesometimesdid,thesedays.

Heputhisoddthoughtsasideastheprocessionformedup.ThedivineturnedIselle’sleadlineovertotheelderlygentlemanwho’dbeenselectedtoplaythepartoftheFatherofWinter.Inthe

winterprocessionayoungnewfatherwouldhavetakenthegod’splace,hisdarkgarbneatasajudge’s,andhe’dhaveriddenafineblackhorsethattheoutgoingandraggedSonofAutumnled.Today’sgrandfatherworeacollectionofgrayragsthatmadeCazaril’slatewearlookpositivelylikeaburgher’s,hisbeardandhairandbarecalvesstreakedwithashes.Hesmiledandmadesome

jokeupatIselle;shelaughed.Theguardsmenformedupbehindthepair,andthewholeparadebeganitscircuitoftheoldtownwalls,orasnearlyasitcouldcometothemwiththenewbuildingallaround.SomeTempleacolytesfollowedbetweentheguardsmenandtherest,toleadthesinging,andencourageeveryonetousetheproperwordsandnottherudeversions.

Anytownspeoplenotintheprocessionplayedtheaudience,andthrew,mostly,flowersandherbs.Inthevan,CazarilcouldseetheusualfewyoungunmarriedwomendartintotouchtheDaughter’sgarmentsforluckinfindingahusbandthisseason,andflurryoffagain,giggling.Afteragoodlymorningwalk—thankheavensforthemildlovelyweather,onememorable

springthey’ddonethisinasleetstorm—thewholestragglingtrainsnakedroundtotheeastgateoncemore,andfiledthroughtothetempleinthetown’sheart.

Thetemplestoodontheonesideofthetownsquare,surroundedbyabitofgardenandalowstonewall.Itwasbuiltintheusualfour-lobedpattern,likeafour-leafedcloverarounditscentral

court.ItswallswerethegoldennativestonethatsoeasedCazaril’sheart,cappedwiththelocalredtile.Onedomedlobeheldthealtarforthegodofeachseason;theBastard’sseparateroundtowerdirectlybackofhisMother’sgateheldhis.

TheLadydyHueltarruthlesslydraggedCazariltothefrontastheroyessewasunloadedfromhermuleand

ledbeneaththeportico.HefoundLadyBetrizhadtakenupstationonhisotherside.ShecranedhernecktofollowIselle.BeneathCazaril’snosethefreshodorfromtheflowersandfoliagetwinedaroundherheadmingledwiththewarmscentofherhair,surelyspring’sownexhalation.Thecrowdpressedthemonwardthroughthewide-flungdoors.

Inside,withtheslantedshadowsofmorningstilldimmingthepavedmaincourtyard,theFatherofWintercleanedthelastoftheashfromtheraisedhearthofthecentralholyfireandsprinkleditabouthisperson.Theacolyteshurriedforwardtolaythenewtinderandwood,whichthedivineblessed.Theashygraybeardwasthendrivenfromthechamberwithhoots,catcalls,

littlestickswithbells,andmissilesofsoftwoolrepresentingsnowballs.Itwasconsideredanunluckyyear,atleastbythegod’savatar,whenthecrowdcoulduserealsnowballs.

TheLadyofSpringinthepersonofIsellewasthenledforwardtolightthenewfirefromflintandsteel.Shekneltonthecushionsprovided,andbitherlipcharminglyinher

concentrationasshemoundedupthedryshavingsandsacredherbs.Allheldtheirbreaths;adozensuperstitionssurroundedthematterofhowmanytriesittooktheascendinggod’savatartolightthenewfireeachseason.

Threequickstrikes,ashowerofsparks,apuffofyoungbreath;thetinyflamecaught.Quickly,thedivinebentto

lightthenewtaperbeforeanyunfortunatefailurecouldoccur.Nonedid.Amurmurofrelievedapprovalroseallround.Thelittleflamewastransferredtotheholyhearth,andIselle,lookingsmugandatriflerelieved,washelpedtoherfeet.Hergrayeyesseemedtoburnasbrightlyandcheerfullyasthenewflame.

Shewasthenledtothethrone

ofthereigninggod,andtherealbusinessofthemorningbegan:collectingthequarterlygiftstothetemplethatwouldkeepitrunningforthenextthreemonths.EachheadofahouseholdsteppedforwardtolaytheirlittlepurseofcoinsorotherofferingintheLady’shands,beblessed,andhavetheamountrecordedbythetemple’ssecretaryatthetabletoIselle’sright.Theywere

thenledofftoreceiveinreturntheirtaperwiththenewfire,toreturntotheirhouse.TheProvincara’shouseholdwasthefirst,byorderofrank;thepursethatthecastlewarderlaidinIselle’shandswasheavywithgold.Othermenofworthsteppedforward.Isellesmiledandreceivedandblessed;thechiefdivinesmiledandtransferredandthanked;thesecretarysmiledandrecorded

andpiled.

BesideCazaril,Betrizstiffenedwith…excitement?ShegrippedCazaril’sleftarmbriefly.“Thenextoneisthatvilejudge,Vrese,”shehissedinhisear.“Watch!”

Adour-lookingfellowofmiddleyears,richlydressedindarkbluevelvetsandgoldchains,steppeduptotheLady’sthronewithhispurse

inhishand.Withatightsmile,hehelditout.“TheHouseofVresepresentsitsofferingtothegoddess,”heintonednasally.“Blessusinthecomingseason,mylady.”

Isellefoldedherhandsinherlap.Sheraisedherchin,lookedacrossatVresewithanabsolutelylevel,unsmilingstare,andsaidinaclear,carryingvoice,“TheDaughterofSpringreceives

honesthearts’offerings.Shedoesnotacceptbribes.HonorableVrese.Yourgoldmeansmoretoyouthananything.Youmaykeepit.”

Vresesteppedbackahalfpace;hismouthopenedinshock,andhungthere.Thestunnedsilencespreadoutinwavestothebackofthecrowd,toreturninarisingmutterofWhat?Whatdidshesay?Ididn’thear…What?

Thechiefdivine’sfacedrained.Therecordingsecretarylookedupwithanexpressionofjoltedhorror.

Awell-attiredmanwaitingtowardthefrontofthelineventedasharpcrackofgleefullaughter;hislipsdrewbackinanexpressionthathadlittletodowithhumor,butmuchwithappreciationofcosmicjustice.BesideCazaril,LadyBetrizbounced

onhertoesandhissedthroughherteeth.Atrailofchokedsnickersfollowedthewhispersofexplanationtricklingbackthroughthemoboftownspeoplelikeasmallspringfreshet.

Thejudgeswitchedhisglaretothechiefdivine,andmadeanoddlittleabortivejerkofhishand,thebaggedofferinginit,towardhiminstead.Thedivine’shandsopenedand

clenchedagain,athissides.Hestaredacrossbeseechinglyattheenthronedavatarofthegoddess.“LadyIselle,”hewhisperedoutofthecornerofhismouth,notquitelowlyenough,“youcan’t…wecan’t…doesthegoddessspeaktoyou,inthis?”

Isellereturned,notnearlysolowly,“Shespeaksinmyheart.Doesn’tsheinyours?Andbesides,Iaskedherto

signmeapprovalbygivingmethefirstflame,andshedid.”Perfectlycomposed,sheleanedaroundthefrozenjudge,smiledbrightlyatthenexttownsmaninline,andinvited,“You,sir?”

Perforce,thejudgesteppedaside,especiallyasthenextmaninline,grinning,hadnohesitationatallinsteppingupandshoulderingpast.

Anacolyte,jerkedintomotionbyaglarefromhissuperior,hurriedforwardtoinvitethejudgetostepoutsomewhereanddiscussthiscontretemps.Hisslightreachtowardtheofferingpursewasknifedrightthroughbyanicyfrowntossedathimbytheroyesse;heclappedhishandsbehindhisbackandbowedthefumingjudgeaway.Acrossthecourtyard,theProvincara,seated,pinched

thebridgeofhernosebetweenthumbandforefinger,wipedherhandoverhermouth,andstaredinexasperationathergranddaughter.Isellemerelyraisedherchinandcontinuedblandlyexchangingthegoddess’sblessingsforthegiftsofthequarter-daywithalineofsuddenlynolongerborednorperfunctorytownsmen.

Assheworkedherwaydownthroughthetown’shouseholds,suchgiftsinkindaschickens,eggs,andabull-calfwerecollectedoutside,theirbearersaloneenteringthesacredprecinctstocollecttheirblessingandtheirnewfire.LadydyHueltarandBetrizwenttojointheProvincaraonhercourtesybench,andCazariltookupstationbehinditwiththecastlewarder,whofavored

hisdemuredaughterwithasuspiciousparentalfrown.Mostofthecrowddriftedaway;theroyessecontinuedcheerfullyinhersacreddutydowntothelastandleast,thankingawood-gatherer,acharcoalburner,andabeggar—whoforhisgiftsangahymn—inthesameeventonesasshe’dblessedthefirstmenofValenda.

THESTORMINTHE

PROVINCARA’SFACEDIDN’TBREAKtillthewholefamilypartyhadreturnedtothecastlefortheafternoonfeast.

Cazarilfoundhimselfleadingherhorse,ashercastlewarderdyFerrejhadtakenafirmandprudentgripontheleadlineofIselle’swhitemule.Cazaril’splantoquietlyabsenthimselfwasthwartedwhen,helpeddownoffherchestnutmarebyher

servants,theProvincarademandedshortly,“Castillar,givemeyourarm.”Hergriparounditwastightandtrembling.Throughthinnedlips,sheadded,“Iselle,Betriz,dyFerrej,inhere.”Shejerkedherheadtowardtheplankdoorsoftheancestors’hall,justoffthecastlecourtyard.

Isellehadleftherfestalgarmentsatthetemplewhen

theceremonieshadconcluded,andwasmerelyayoungwomaninprettyblueandwhiteoncemore.No,Cazarildecided,watchingherdecidedchincomeupagain;merelyaroyesseoncemore.Beneaththatapprehensivesurfaceglowedanalarmingdetermination.Cazarilheldthedoorastheyallfiledpast,includingLadydyHueltar.Whenhe’dbeenayoungpage,Cazarilthought

ruefully,hisinstinctfordangerspillingdownfromonhighwouldhavespedhimoffatthispoint.ButdyFerrejstoppedandwaitedforhim,andhefollowed.

Thehallwasquiet,emptynow,thoughwarmlylitbytheranksofcandlesonthealtarthatwouldbeallowedtoburnalldaytodayuntilentirelyconsumed.Thewoodenbencheswere

polishedtoasubduedgleaminthecandlelightbymanypious—orrestive—prioroccupants.TheProvincarasteppedtothefrontoftheroom,andturnedonthetwogirls,whodrewtogetherunderhersterneye.

“Allright.Whichofyouhadthatidea?”

Iselletookahalfstepforward,andgaveatiny

curtsey.“Itwasmine,Grandmama,”shesaidinalmost,butnotquite,asclearavoiceasinthetemplecourtyard.Sheofferedafteranothermomentunderthatdourgaze,“ThoughBetrizthoughtofaskingthefirstflameforconfirmation.”

DyFerrejwheeledonhisdaughter.“Youknewthiswascomingup?Andyoudidn’ttellme?”

BetrizgavehimacurtseythatwasanechoofIselle’s,rightdowntotheunbentbackbone.“IhadunderstoodIwasassignedtobetheroyesse’shandmaiden,Papa.Notanybody’sspy.IfmyfirstloyaltywastobetoanyonebutIselle,nooneevertoldme.Guardherhonorwithyourlife,yousaid.”Afteramomentsheaddedmorecautiously,undercuttingthisfinespeechatrifle,“Besides,

Icouldn’tknowitwasgoingtohappentillaftershehadstruckthefirstflame.”

DyFerrejabandonedtheyoungsophistandmadeahelplessgesturetotheProvincara.

“Youareolder,Betriz,”saidtheProvincaratoher.“Wethoughtyou’dbeacalminginfluence.TeachIsellethedutiesofapiousmaiden.”

Herlipstwisted.“AswhenBeetimthehuntsmancouplestheyounghoundstotheolderones.AlasthatIdidnotgiveyourupbringingovertohim,insteadoftotheseuselessgovernesses.”

Betrizblinked,andofferedanothercurtsey.“Yes,mylady.”

TheProvincaraeyedher,suspiciousofconcealed

humor.Cazarilbithislip.

Iselletookadeepbreath.“Iftoleratinginjusticeandturningablindeyetomen’stragicandunnecessarydamnationsareamongthefirstdutiesofapiousmaiden,thenthedivinesnevertaughtittome!”

“No,ofcoursenot,”theProvincarasnapped.Forthefirsttime,herharshvoice

softenedwithashadeofpersuasion.“Butjusticeisnotyourtask,heart.”

“Themenwhosetaskitwasappeartohaveneglectedit.Iamnotamilkmaid.IfIhaveagreaterprivilegeinChalion,surelyIhaveagreaterdutytoChalionaswell.Thedivineandthegooddedicathavebothtoldmeso!”SheshotadefyinglookatthehoveringLadydyHueltar.

“Iwastalkingaboutyouattendingtoyourstudies,Iselle,”LadydyHueltarprotested.

“Whenthedivinestalkedofyourpiousduties,Iselle,”dyFerrejadded,“theydidn’tmean…theydidn’tmean…”

“Theydidn’tmeanmetotakethemseriously?”sheinquiredsweetly.

DyFerrejsputtered.Cazarilsympathized.Aninnocentwiththemoraladvantage,andasfecklessandignorantofherdangersasthenewpuptheProvincarahadcomparedherto—Cazarilwasprofoundlythankfulthathehadnopartinthis.

TheProvincara’snostrilsflared.“Fornow,youmaybothgotoyourchambersandstaythere.I’dsetyoubothto

readscripturesforapenance,but…!Iwilldecidelaterifyouwillbepermittedtocometothefeast.GoodDedicat,followafterandmakesuretheyarrive.Go!”Shegesturedimperiously.AsCazarilmadetofollow,hersweepingarmstoppedinmidair,andshepointedfirmlydownward.“Castillar,dyFerrej,attendamoment.”LadyBetrizshotacuriousglanceoverhershoulderas

shewasusheredout.Isellemarchedheadhigh,anddidn’tlookback.

“Well,”saiddyFerrejwearilyafteramoment,“wedidhopetheywouldbecomefriends.”

Heryoungaudienceremoved,theProvincarapermittedherselfaruefulsmile.“Alas,yes.”

“HowoldistheLady

Betriz?”Cazarilaskedcuriously,staringaftertheclosingdoor.

“Nineteen,”answeredherfatherwithasigh.

Well,heragewasnotquitesodisparatefromhisasCazarilhadthought,thoughherexperiencesurelywas.

“IreallydidthinkBetrizwouldbeagoodinfluence,”

dyFerrejadded.“Itseemstohaveworkedtheotherwayaround.”

“Areyouaccusingmygranddaughterofcorruptingyourdaughter?”theProvincarainquiredwryly.

“Say,inspiring,rather,”dyFerrejsaid,withaglumshrug.“Terrifying,that.Iwonder…Iwonderifweshouldpartthem?”

“Therewouldfollowmuchhowling.”Wearily,theProvincaraseatedherselfonabench,gesturingthementodolikewise:“Don’twantacrickinmyneck.”Cazarilclaspedhishandsbetweenhiskneesandwaitedherpleasure,whateveritwastobe.Shemusthavedraggedhimalonginhereforsomething.Shestaredthoughtfullyathimforalongmoment.

“Youhaveafresheye,Cazaril,”shesaidatlast.“Doyouhaveanysuggestions?”

Cazaril’sbrowsclimbed.“I’vehadthetrainingofyoungsoldiers,lady.Neverofyoungmaidens.I’mquiteoutofmydepth,here.”Hehesitated,thenspokealmostdespitehimself.“ItlookstometobeatrifletoolatetoteachIselletobeacoward.Butyoumightdrawher

attentiontohowlittlefirsthandevidenceshejumpedfrom.Howcouldshebesosurethejudgewasasguiltyasrumorwouldhavehim?Hearsay,gossip?Evensomeapparentevidencecanlie.”Cazarilthoughtruefullyofthebathman’sassumptionsaboutthewitnessofhisback.“Itwon’thelpfortoday’sincident,butitmightslowherdowninfuture.”Headdedinadrier

voice,“Andyoumightlooktobemorecarefulwhatgossipyoudiscussinfrontofher.”

DyFerrejwinced.

“Infrontofeitheroneofthem,”saidtheProvincara.“Fourears,onemind—oroneconspiracy.”Shepursedherlipsandnarrowedhereyesathim.“Cazaril…youspeakandwriteDarthacan,doyou

not?”

Cazarilblinkedatthissidewisejinkintheconversation.“Yes,mylady…?”

“AndRoknari?”

“My,ah,courtRoknariisalittlerustyatpresent.Granted,myvileRoknariisquitefluent.”

“Andgeography?YouknowthegeographyofChalion,ofIbra,oftheRoknariprincedoms?”

“Fivegods,thatIdo,mylady.WhatIhaven’triddenover,I’vewalked,whatIhaven’twalked,I’vebeendraggedacross.Orthrough.I’vehadgeographygroundintomyskin.AndI’verowedroundhalftheArchipelagoatleast.”

“Andyouwrite,youcipher,youkeepbooks—you’vedoneletters,reports,treaties,logisticalorders…”

“Myhandmaybeatrifleshakyatpresent,butyes,I’vedoneallthat,”headmittedwithbelatedlyrisingwariness.Wherewasshegoingwiththisinterrogation?

“Yes,yes!”Sheclappedherhandstogether;Cazaril

flinchedatthesharpnoise.“Thegodshavesurelylandedyouuponmywrist.Bastard’sdemonstakemeifIhaven’tthewittojessyou.”

Cazarilsmiledbewilderedinquiry.

“Cazaril,yousaidyousoughtapost.Ihaveoneforyou.”Shesatbacktriumphantly.“Secretary-tutortotheRoyesseIselle!”

Cazarilfelthisjawunhinge.Heblinkedstupidlyather.“What?”

“Teidezalreadyhashisownsecretary,whokeepsthebooksofhischambers,writeshisletters,suchastheyare…it’stimeIsellepossessedherownwarder,atthegatebetweenherwomen’sworldandthegreateroneshe’llhavetodealwith.Andbesides,noneofthosestupid

governesseshaveeverbeenabletohandleher.Sheneedsaman’sauthority,that’swhat.Youhavetherank,youhavetheexperience…”TheProvincara…grinned,wasallonecouldcallthathorrifyinggleefulexpression.“Whatdoyouthink,mylordCastillar?”

Cazarilswallowed.“Ithink…Ithinkifyoulentmearazornow,formetocutmythroatwith,itwouldsaveeverso

manysteps.PleaseYourGrace.”

TheProvincarasnorted.“Good,Cazaril,good.Idosolikeamanwhodoesn’tunderestimatehissituation.”

DyFerrej,who’datfirstlookedstartledandalarmed,eyedCazarilwithnewinterest.

“I’llwageryoucoulddirect

hermindtoherDarthacandeclensions.You’vebeenthere,afterall,whichnoneofthesefoolwomenhave,”theProvincarawenton,gainingenthusiasm.“Roknari,too,thoughweallprayshe’llneverneedthat.ReadBrajaranpoetrytoher,youusedtolikethat,Iremember.Deportment—you’veservedattheroya’scourt,thegodsknow.Come,come,Cazaril,don’tlookatmelikealost

calf.Itwouldbeeasyworkforyou,inyourconvalescence.Eh,don’timagineIcan’tseehowsickyou’vebeen,”sheaddedathislittlenegatinggesture.“Youwouldn’thavetoanswerbuttwolettersaweekatmost.Less.Andyou’veriddencourier—whenyourodeoutwiththegirls,Iwouldn’thavetolistentoalotofwheezingandwhiningafterwardaboutsaddlegalls

fromthosewomenwiththighslikedough.Asforkeepingthebooksofherchamber—why,afterrunningafortress,itshouldbechild’splayforyou.Whatsayyou,dearCazaril?”

Thevisionwasatonceenticingandappalling.“Couldn’tyougivemeafortressundersiege,instead?”

Thehumorfadedinherface.

Sheleanedforward,andtappedhimontheknee;hervoicedropped,andshebreathed,“Shewillbe,soonenough.”Shepaused,andstudiedhim.“Youaskediftherewasanythingyoucoulddotoeasemyburdens.Forthemostpart,theanswerisno.Youcan’tmakemeyoung,youcan’tmake…manythingsbetter.”Cazarilwonderedanewhowthestrangefragilehealthofher

daughterweigheduponher.“Butcan’tyougivemethisonelittleyes?”

Shebeggedhim.Shebeggedhim.Thatwasallwrong.“Iamyourstocommand,ofcourse,lady,ofcourse.It’sjust…it’sjustthat…areyousure?”

“Youarenotastrangerhere,Cazaril.AndIaminthemostdesperateneedofamanIcan

trust.”

Hisheartmelted.Ormaybeitwashiswits.Hebowedhishead.“ThenIamyours.”

“Iselle’s.”

Cazaril,hiselbowsonhisknees,glancedupandacrossather,atthethoughtfullyfrowningdyFerrej,andbackattheoldwoman’sintentface.“I…see.”

“Ibelieveyoudo.Andthat,Cazaril,iswhyIshallhaveyouforher.”

4

SoitwasCazarilfoundhimself,thenextmorning,introducedintotheyoungladies’schoolroombytheProvincaraherself.Thissunnylittlechamberwasontheeastsideofthekeep,onthetopflooroccupiedby

RoyesseIselle,LadyBetriz,theirwaitingwoman,andamaid.RoyseTeidezhadchambersforhissimilarsubhouseholdinthenewbuildingacrossthecourtyard,rathermoregenerouslyproportioned,Cazarilsuspected,andwithbetterfireplaces.Iselle’sschoolroomwassimplyfurnishedwithapairofsmalltables,chairs,asinglebookcasehalf-empty,anda

coupleofchests.WiththeadditionofCazaril,feelingovertallandawkwardunderthelow-beamedceiling,andthetwoyoungwomen,itwasasfullasitwouldhold.Theperpetualwaitingwomanhadtotakehersewingintothenextchamber,thoughthedoorswereleftproppedopenbetweenthem.

ItseemedCazarilwastohaveaclass,notjustapupil.A

maidenofIselle’srankwouldalmostneverbeleftalone,andcertainlynotwithaman,evenaprematurelyagedandconvalescentoneofherownhousehold.Cazarildidn’tknowhowthetwoladiesfeltaboutthistacitarrangement,buthewassecretlyrelieved.Neverhadhefeltmorerepulsivelymale—uncouth,clumsy,anddegraded.Inall,thischeerful,peacefulfeminineatmospherewas

aboutasfarfromaRoknarigalleyrower’sbenchasitwaspossibleforCazariltoimagine,andhehadtoswallowalumpofdeliriousjoyatthecontrastasheduckedhisheadunderthelintelandsteppedinside.

TheProvincaraannouncedhimbrisklyasIselle’snewsecretary-tutor,“Justasyourbrotherhas,”aclearlyunexpectedgiftthatIselle,

afterablinkofsurprise,acceptedwithouttheleastdemur.Byhercalculatinglook,thenoveltyandincreasedstatusofbeinginstructedbyamanwasquitepleasingtoher.LadyBetriz,too,Cazarilwasheartenedtonote,lookedalertandinterestedratherthanwaryorhostile.

Cazariltrustedheappearedscholarlyenoughtofoolthe

youngladies,thewoolmerchant’sneatbrowngownsecuredtodaybythecastlewarder’ssilver-studdedbeltwithoutthesword.He’dhadtheforethoughttosupplyhimselfwithallthebooksinDarthacanthatafastrummagethroughtheremainsofthelateprovincar’slibrarycouldsupply,somehalfdozenrandomvolumes.Hedroppedthemwithanimpressivethumpuponone

ofthelittletablesandfavoredbothnewpupilswithadeliberatelysinistersmile.Ifthiswastobeanythingliketrainingyoungsoldiers,younghorses,oryounghawks,thekeywastotaketheinitiativefromthefirstmoment,andkeepitthereafter.Hecouldbeashollowasadrum,solongashewasasloud.

TheProvincaradepartedas

brisklyasshe’darrived.Intheinterestofpretendinghehadaplanwhiledevisingone,Cazarilstartedrightinbytestingtheroyesse’scommandofDarthacan.Hehadherreadarandompagefromoneofthevolumes,asitchancedonatopicthatCazarilknewwell:miningandsappingfortifiedlinesduringsieges.Withmuchhelpandprompting,Isellestumbledthroughthree

laboriousparagraphs.TwoorthreequestionsCazarilputtoherinDarthacanchallenginghertoexplicatethecontentsofwhatshe’djustreadlefthersputteringandfloundering.

“Youraccentisterrible,”hetoldherfrankly.“ADarthacanwouldfindyounearlyunintelligible.”

Herheadcameup,andshe

glaredathim.“MygovernesssaidIwasquitegood.ShesaidthatIhadaverymelodicintonation.”

“Yes;youspeaklikeaSouthIbranfishwomanhawkingherwares.Theyareverymelodic,too.ButanyDarthacanlordling,andtheyareallarrogantaswaspsabouttheirdreadfultongue,wouldlaughinyourface.”Atleast,theyhadinCazaril’s,

once.“Yourgovernessflatteredyou,Royesse.”

Shefrownedacrossathim.“Itakeityoudonotfancyyourselfaflatterer,Castillar?”

Hertoneandtermswereabitmoredouble-leveledthanhe’dexpected.Hisironicreturnbow,fromhisseatonachestdrawnuptohertable’sotherside,waspulledshorter

andalittlelessapologeticthanhe’dintendedbytheyankofhisadhesions.“ItrustIamnotacompletelout.Butifyoudesireamantotellyoucomfortableliesaboutyourprowess,andsofetteranyhopeoftrueexcellence,I’msureyoumayfindoneanywhere.Notallprisonsaremadeofironbars.Somearemadeoffeatherbeds.Royesse.”

Hernostrilsflared;herlipsthinned.Belatedly,itoccurredtoCazarilthatperhapsthiswasthewrongapproach.Shewasatenderyoungthing,barelymorethanagirl—perhapsheoughttosoften—andifshecomplainedofhimtotheProvincara,hemightlose—

Sheturnedthepage.“Letus,”shesaidinanicyvoice,“goon.”

Fivegods,he’dseenexactlythatsamelookoffrustratedfuryintheeyesoftheyoungmenwho’dpickedthemselvesup,spatthedirtfromtheirmouths,andgoneontobecomehisbestlieutenants.Maybethiswasn’tgoingtobesodifficultafterall.Withgreateffort,hecrankedabroadgrindownwardintoagravefrownandnoddedaugusttutorlypermission.“Continue.”

Anhourflewbyinthispleasant,easyemployment.Well,easyforhim.Whenhenoticedtheroyesserubbinghertemples,andlinesdeepeningbetweenherbrowsthathadnothingtodowithmereoffense,hedesistedandtookthebookbackfromher.

LadyBetrizhadfollowedalongatIselle’sside,herlipsmovingsilently.Cazarilhadherrepeattheexercise.With

Iselle’sexamplebeforeher,shewasquicker,butalasshesufferedfromthesamebroadSouthIbranaccent,probablyfromthesameSouthIbranpriorinstructress,asIselle.Isellelistenedintentlyastheywadedthroughcorrections.

Theyhadallearnedtheirnoondinnerbythattime,Cazarilfelt;buthehadonemoredispleasingtasktoaccomplish,strictlycharged

tohimbytheProvincara.Heleanedback,asthegirlsstirredandmadetorise,andclearedhisthroat.

“Thatwasquiteaspectaculargestureyoubroughtoffyesterdayatthetemple,Royesse.”

Herwidemouthcurvedup;hercuriouslythickeyelidsnarrowedinpleasure.“Thankyou,Castillar.”

Helethisownsmilegrowastringent.“Amostshowyinsult,toputuponamanconstrainedtostandandnotanswerback.Atleasttheidlerswerevastlyamused,judgingbytheirlaughter.”

Herlipsconstrictedintoanuneasypurse.“ThereismuchilldoneinChalionthatIcandonothingabout.Itwaslittleenough.”

“Ifitwaswell,itwaswell-done,”heconcededwithadeceptivelycordialnod.“Tellme,Royesse,whatstepsdidyoutakebeforehand,toassureyourselfoftheman’sguilt?”

Herchinstoppedinmid-rise.“SerdyFerrej…saiditofhim.AndIknowhimtobehonest.”

“SerdyFerrejsaid,andI

recallhiswordsprecisely,forheuseshiswordsso,thathe’dhearditsaidthejudgehadtakentheduelist’sbribe.Hedidnotclaimfirsthandknowledgeofthedeed.Didyoucheckwithhim,afterdinner,tofindouthowhecamebyhisbelief?”

“No…IfI’dtoldanyonewhatIwasplanning,theywouldhaveforbiddenme.”

“You,ah,toldLadyBetriz,though.”Cazarilfavoredthedark-eyedwomanwithanod.

Stiffening,Betrizrepliedwarily,“It’swhyIsuggestedaskingthefirstflame.”

Cazarilshrugged.“Thefirstflame,ah.Butyourhandisyoungandstrongandsteady,LadyIselle.Areyousurethatfirstflamewasn’tallyourdoing?”

Herfrowndeepened.“Thetownsmenapplauded…”

“Indeed.Onaverage,one-halfofallsupplicantstocomebeforeajudge’sbenchmustdepartangryanddisappointed.Butnot,bythat,necessarilywronged.”

Thatonehitthetarget,bythechangeinherface.Theshiftfromdefianttostrickenwasnotespeciallypleasurableto

watch.“But…but…”

Cazarilsighed.“I’mnotsayingyouwerewrong,Royesse.Thistime.I’msayingyouwererunningblindfolded.Andifitwasn’theadlongintoatree,itwasonlybythemercyofthegods,andnotbyanycareofyours.”

“Oh.”

“Youmayhaveslanderedanhonestman.Oryoumayhavestruckablowforjustice.Idon’tknow.Thepointis…neitherdoyou.”

Herohthistimewassorepressedastobeunvoiced.

ThehorriblypracticalpartofCazaril’smindthathadeasedhimthroughsomanyscrapescouldn’thelpadding,“Andrightorwrong,whatIalso

sawwasthatyoumadeanenemy,andlefthimalivebehindyou.Greatcharity.Badtactics.”Damn,butthatwasnoremarktomaketoagentlemaiden…withaneffort,hekeptfromclappinghishandsoverhismouth,agesturethatwoulddonothingtopropuphisposeasahigh-mindedandearnestcorrector.

Iselle’sbrowswentupandstayedup,foramoment,this

time.SodidLadyBetriz’s.

Afteranunnervinglylongandthoughtfulsilence,Isellesaidquietly,“Ithankyouforyourgoodcounsel,Castillar.”

Hereturnedheranapprovingnod.Good.Ifhe’dgotthroughthatstickyoneallright,hewashalfwayhomewithher.Andnow,thankthegods,ontotheProvincara’sgeneroustable…

Isellesatbackandfoldedherhandsinherlap.“Youaretobemysecretary,aswellasmytutor,Cazaril,yes?”

Cazarilsankback.“Yes,mylady?Youwishsomeassistancewithaletter?”Healmostaddedsuggestively,Afterdinner?

“Assistance.Yes.Butnotwithaletter.SerdyFerrejsaidyouwereonceacourier,

isthatright?”

“IoncerodefortheprovincarofGuarida,mylady.WhenIwasyounger.”

“Acourierisaspy.”Herregardhadgrowndisquietinglycalculating.

“Notnecessarily,thoughitwassometimeshardto…convincepeopleotherwise.Weweretrustedmessengers,

firstandforemost.Notthatweweren’tsupposedtokeepoureyesopenandreportourobservations.”

“Goodenough.”Thechincameup.“Thenmyfirsttaskforyou,asmysecretary,isoneofobservation.IwantyoutofindoutifImadeamistakeornot.Ican’tverywellgodownintotown,oraskaround—Ihavetostayupontopofthishillinmy”—

shegrimaced—“featherbed.Butyou—youcandoit.”Shegazedacrossathimwithanexpressionofthemostdisturbingfaith.

Hisstomachfeltsuddenlyashollowasadrum,andithadnothingtodowiththelackoffood.Apparently,hehadjustputonslightlytoogoodashow.“I…I…immediately?”

Sheshifteduncomfortably.

“Discreetly.Asopportunitypresents.”

Cazarilswallowed.“I’lltrywhatIcando,mylady.”

ONHISWAYDOWNTHESTAIRSTOHISOWNCHAMBER,onefloorbelow,avisionsurfacedinCazaril’sthoughtsfromhisdaysasapageinthisverycastle.He’dfanciedhimselfabitofaswordsman,onaccountofbeingashade

betterthanthehalfdozenotheryounghighbornloutswho’dsharedhisdutiesandhistrainingintheprovincar’shousehold.Onedayanewyoungpagehadarrived,ashort,surlyfellow;theprovincar’sswordmasterhadinvitedCazariltostepupagainsthimatthenexttrainingsession.Cazarilhaddevelopedhimselfaprettythrustortwo,includingaflourishthat,withareal

blade,wouldhaveneatlynippedtheearsoffmostofhiscomrades.He’dtriedhisspecialpassonthenewfellow,comingtoahappyhaltwiththedullededgeflatagainstthenewcomer’shead—onlytolookdownandseehisopponent’slightpracticebladebentnearlydoubleagainsthisgutpadding.

Thatpagehadgoneon,Cazarilhadheard,tobecome

theswordmasterfortheroyaofBrajar.Intime,Cazarilhadtoownhimselfanindifferentswordsman—hisinterestshadalwaysbeentoobroad-scatteredforhimtomaintainthenecessaryobsession.Buthe’dneverforgottenthatmoment,lookingdowninsurpriseathismock-death.

ItbemusedhimthathisfirstlessonwiththedelicateIsellehadchurnedupthatold

memory.Oddlittleflickersofintensity,toburninsuchdisparateeyes…whathadthatshortpage’snamebeen…?

Cazarilfoundthatacouplemoretunicsandtrousershadarrivedonhisbedwhilehewasout,relicsofthecastlewarder’syoungerandthinnerdays,unlesshemissedhisguess.Hewenttoputthemawayinthechestatthefootofhisbedandwasreminded

ofthedeadwoolmerchant’sbook,foldedinsidetheblackvest-cloakthere.Hepickeditup,thinkingtowalkitdowntothetemplethisafternoon,butthensetitback.Possibly,withinitscipheredpages,mightlurksomeofthatmoralcertaintytheroyessesoughtofhim—thathehadprickedhertoseekofhim—someclearerevidencefororagainsttheshamedjudge.Hewouldexamineithimself,first.

PerhapsitwouldprovidesomeguidancetothesecretsofValenda’slocalscene.

AFTERDINNER,CAZARILLAYDOWNFORAMARVELOUSlittlenap.HewasjustcomingtoluxuriantwakefulnessagainwhenSerdyFerrejknockedonhisdoor,anddeliveredtohimthebooksandrecordsoftheroyesse’schambers.Betrizfollowedshortlywithaboxoflettersforhimtoputin

order.Cazarilspenttheremainderoftheafternoonstartingtoorganizetherandomlypiledlot,andfamiliarizehimselfwiththematterstherein.

Thefinancialrecordswerefairlysimple—thepurchaseofthisorthattrivialtoyorbitoftrumperyjewelry;listsofpresentsgivenandreceived;asomewhatmoremeticulouslistingofjewelsofgenuine

value,inheritances,orgifts.Clothing.Iselle’sridinghorse,themuleSnowflake,andtheirassortedtrappings.Itemssuchaslinensorfurnitureweresubsumed,presumably,intheProvincara’saccounts,butwouldinfuturebeCazaril’scharge.Aladyofrankwasnormallysentofftomarriagewithcartloads—Cazarilhopednotboatloads—offinegoods,andIsellewassurely

duetobegintheyearsofaccumulationagainstthatfuturejourney.ShouldhelisthimselfasItemOneinthatbridalinventory?

Hepicturedtheentry:Sec’t’y-tutor,Oneea.GiftfromGrandmama.Agedthirty-five.Badlydamagedinshipping.Value…?

Thebridalprocessionwasaone-wayjourney,normally,

althoughIselle’smotherthedowagerroyinahadreturned…broken,Cazariltriednottothink.TheLadyIstapuzzledanddisturbedhim.Itwassaidthatmadnessraninsomenoblefamilies.NotCazaril’s—hisfamilyhadruntofinancialfecklessnessandunluckypoliticalalliancesinstead,justasdevastatinginthelongrun.WasIselleatrisk…?Surelynot.

Iselle’scorrespondencewasscantbutinteresting.Someearly,kindlylittlelettersfromhergrandmother,frombeforethewidowedroyinahadmovedherfamilybackhomefromcourt,fullofadviceonthegeneralorderofbegood,obeyyourmother,sayyourprayers,helptakecareofyourlittlebrother.Oneortwonotesfromunclesoraunts,theProvincara’sotherchildren—Isellehadnoother

relativesonherfatherthelateRoyaIas’sside,Iashavingbeentheonlysurvivingchildofhisownill-fatedfather.Aregularseriesofbirthdayandholydaylettersfromhermucholderhalfbrother,thepresentroya,Orico.

Thosewereintheroya’sownhand,Cazarilnotedwithapproval,oratleast,hetrustedtheroyadidnotemployanysecretarywith

suchacrabbedanddifficultfist.Theywereforthemostpartstifflittlemissives,theeffortofamanfull-grownattemptingtobekindlytoachild,exceptwhentheybrokeintodescriptionsofOrico’sbelovedmenagerie.Thentheybecamespontaneousandflowingforthespaceofaparagraphortwo,inenthusiasmand,perhaps,trustthathereatleastwasaninterestthetwohalfsiblings

mightshareonthesamelevel.

Thispleasanttaskwasinterruptedinturnlateintheafternoonwiththeword,broughtbyapage,thatCazaril’spresencewasnowrequiredtorideoutwiththeroyesseandLadyBetriz.Hehastilydonnedtheborrowedswordandfoundthehorsessaddledandwaitinginthecourtyard.Cazarilhadn’thad

alegacrossahorsefornearlythreeyears;thepageeyedhimwithsurpriseanddisfavorwhenCazarilaskedforamountingblock,toeasehimselfgingerlyaboard.Theygavehimanicemild-manneredbeast,thesamebaygeldinghe’dseentheroyesse’swaitingwomanridingthatfirstafternoon.Astheyformedup,thewaitingwomanleanedfromawindowinthekeepand

wavedthemoutwithapieceoflinenandevidentgoodwill.Buttherideprovedmuchmilderandmoreplacidthanhe’danticipated,amerejauntdowntotheriverandback.SincehedeclaredattheoutsetoftheexcursionthatallconversationbythepartymustbeconductedinDarthacan,itwasalsolargelysilent,addingtothegeneralrestfulness.

Andthensupper,andthentohischamber,wherehepotteredabouttryingonhisnewoldclothing,andfoldingitaway,andattemptingthefirstfewpagesofdecipheringthepoordeadfoolofawoolmerchant’sbook.ButCazaril’seyesgrewheavyoverthistask,andhesleptlikeablocktillmorning.

ASITHADBEGUN,SOITWENTON.INTHEMORNING,lessons

withthetwolovelyyoungladiesinDarthacanorRoknariorgeographyorarithmeticorgeometry.Forgeography,hefilchedawaythegoodmapsfromTeidez’stutorandentertainedtheroyessewithsuitablyeditedaccountsofsomeofhismoreexoticpastjourneysaroundChalion,Ibra,Brajar,greatDarthaca,orthefiveperpetuallyquarrelingRoknariprincedomsalongthe

northcoast.

Hismorerecentslave’s-eyeviewsoftheRoknarArchipelago,heeditedmuchmoreseverely.Iselle’sandBetriz’sopenboredomwithcourtRoknari,hediscovered,wassusceptibletoexactlythesamecureashe’dusedonthecoupleofyoungpagesfromtheprovincarofGuarida’shouseholdhe’doncebeendetailedtoteachthe

language.HetradedtheladiesonewordofrudeRoknari(albeitnotthemostrude)foreverytwentyofcourtRoknaritheydemonstratedthemselvestohavememorized.Notthattheywouldevergettousethatvocabulary,butitmightbewellforthemtobeabletorecognizethingssaidintheirhearing.Andtheygiggledcharmingly.

Cazarilapproachedhisfirst

assignedduty,quietlyinvestigatingtheprobityoftheprovincialjusticiar,withtrepidation.ObliqueinquiriesoftheProvincaraanddyFerrejfilledinbackgroundwithoutsupplyingcertainty,asneitherhadcrossedthemaninhisprofessionalcapacity,merelyinunexceptionablesocialcontacts.Afewexcursionsdownintotowntotrytofindanyonewho’dknownCazaril

seventeenyearsagoandwouldspeaktohimfranklyprovedalittledisheartening.Theonlymanwhorecognizedhimwithcertaintyatsightwasanelderlybakerwho’dmaintainedalongandlucrativecareersellingsweetstoallthecastle’sparadeofpages,buthewasanamiablefellownotinclinedtolawsuits.

Cazarilstartedworking

throughthewoolmerchant’snotebookleafbyleaf,asquicklyashisotherdutiespermittedhim.SometrulydisgustingearlyexperimentsincallingdowntheBastard’sdemonshadbeenentirelyineffective,Cazarilwasrelievedtoobserve.Thedeadduelist’snameneverappearedbutwithsomeexcoriatingadjectivesattached,orsometimesjusttheadjectivesalone;thelive

judge’snamedidnotturnupexplicitly.ButbeforeCazarilhadthetangleevenhalf-unraveled,thequestionwastakenoutofhisinexperthands.

AnOfficerofInquiryfromtheProvincarofBaocia’scourtarrived,fromthebusytownofTaryoon,towhichtheDowager’ssonhadmovedhiscapitaluponinheritinghisfather’sgift.It

hadtaken,Cazarilcountedoffinhisheadlater,justaboutasmanydaysasonecouldexpectforaletterfromtheProvincaratohersontobewritten,dispatched,andread,fororderstobepasseddowntoBaocia’sChancelleryofJustice,andfortheInquirertoreadyhimselfandhisstafffortravel.Privilegeindeed.CazarilwasunsureoftheProvincara’sallegiancetotheprocessesoflaw,buthe

wageredthebusinessofleavinglooseenemiesuntidilyabouthadpluckedsome,ah,housewifelynerveofhers.

ThenextdaythejudgeVresewasdiscoveredtohaveriddenoffinthenightwithtwoservantsandsomehastilypackedbagsandchests,leavingadisruptedhouseholdandafireplacefullofashesfromburnedpapers.

CazariltriedtodiscourageIsellefromtakingthisasproofeither,butthatwasabitofastretchevenforhisslowjudgment.Thealternative—thatIsellehadbeentouchedbythegoddessthatday—disturbedhimtocontemplate.Thegods,thelearnedtheologiansoftheHolyFamilyassuredmen,workedinwayssubtle,secret,andaboveall,parsimonious:throughtheworld,notinit.

Evenforthebright,exceptionalmiraclesofhealing—ordarkmiraclesofdisasterordeath—men’sfreewillmustopenachannelforgoodoreviltoenterwakinglife.Cazarilhadmet,inhistime,sometwoorthreepersonswhohesuspectedmightbetrulygod-touched,andafewmorewho’dplainlythoughttheywere.Theyhadnotanyofthembeencomfortabletobearound.

CazariltrusteddevoutlythattheDaughterofSpringhadgoneawaysatisfiedwithheravatar’saction.Orjustgoneaway…

Isellehadlittlecontactwithherbrother’shouseholdacrossthecourtyard,excepttomeetatmeals,orwhentheymadeupapartyforarideoutintothecountryside.Cazarilgatheredthetwochildrenhadbeencloser,

beforetheonsetofpubertyhadbeguntodrivethemintotheseparateworldsofmenandwomen.

Theroyse’ssternsecretary-tutor,SerdySanda,seemedunnecessarilyunnervedbyCazaril’semptyrankofcastillar.Helaidclaimtoahigherplaceattableorinprocessionabovethemereladies’tutorwithaninsincerelyapologeticsmile

thatserved—everymeal—todrawmoreattentionthanitpurportedtosoothe.Cazarilconsideredtryingtoexplaintothemanjusthowmuchhedidn’tcare,butdoubtedhe’dgetthrough,socontentedhimselfwithmerelysmilingback,aresponsewhichconfuseddySandaterriblyashekepttryingtoplaceitassomesortofsubtletactic.WhendySandashowedupinIselle’sschoolroomoneday

todemandhismapsbereturned,heseemedtoexpectCazariltodefendthemasthoughtheyweresecretstatepapers.Cazarilproducedthempromptly,withgentlethanks.DySandawasforcedtodepartwithhishuffbarelyhalf-vented.

LadyBetriz’steethwereset.“Thatfellow!Heactslike,like…”

“Likeoneofthecastlecats,”Isellesupplied,“whenastrangecatcomesaround.Whathaveyoudonetomakehimhissatyouso,Cazaril?”

“Ipromiseyou,Ihaven’tpissedoutsidehiswindow,”Cazarilofferedearnestly,aremarkthatmadeBetrizchokeonagiggle—ah,thatwasbetter—andlookaroundguiltilytobesurethewaitingwomanwastoofaroffto

hear.Hadthatbeentoocrude?Hewassurehedidn’tquitehavethehangofyoungladiesyet,buttheyhadnotcomplainedofhim,despitetheDarthacan.“IsupposeheimaginesIwouldpreferhisjob.Hecan’thavethoughtitthrough.”

Orperhapshehad,Cazarilrealizedabruptly.WhenTeidezhadbeenborn,hisheirshiptohisnew-wedhalf

brotherOricohadbeenmuchlessapparent.Butasyearhadfollowedyear,andOrico’sroyinastillfailedtoconceiveachild,interest—possiblyunhealthyinterest—inTeidezmustsurelyhavebeguntogrowinthecourtofChalion.PerhapsthatwaswhyIstahadleftthecapital,takingherchildrenoutofthatfervidatmospheretothisquiet,cleancountrytown.Awisemove,withal.

“Oh,no,Cazaril,”saidIselle.“Stayupherewithus.It’smuchnicer.”

“Indeed,yes,”heassuredher.

“It’snotjust.You’vetwiceSerdySanda’swits,andtentimeshistravels!Whydoyouendurehimso,so…”Betrizseemedatalossforwords.“Quietly,”shefinallyfinished.Shestaredawayforamoment,asifafraidhe

wouldconstrueshe’dswallowedatermlessflattering.

Cazarilsmiledcrookedlyathisunexpectedpartisan.“DoyouthinkitwouldmakehimhappierifIpresentedmyselfasatargetforhisfoolishness?”

“Clearly,yes!”

“Well,then.Yourquestion

answersitself.”

Sheopenedhermouth,andclosedit.Isellenearlychokedonashortlaugh.

Cazaril’ssympathyfordySandaincreased,however,onemorningwhenheturnedup,hisfacesodrainedofbloodastobealmostgreen,withthealarmingnewsthathisroyalchargehadvanishedaway,nottobefoundin

houseorkitchen,kennelorstable.Cazarilbuckledonhisswordandreadiedhimselftorideoutwiththesearchers,hismindalreadyquarteringthecountrysideandthetown,weighingtheoptionsofinjuries,bandits,theriver…taverns?WasTeidezoldenoughyettoattemptawhore?Reasonenoughtoscrapeoffhisclingingattendants.

BeforeCazarilwasmovedtopointouttherangeofpossibilitiestodySanda,whosemindwasutterlyfixatedonbandits,Teidezhimselfrodeintothecourtyard,muddyanddamp,acrossbowslungoverhisshoulder,aboygroomfollowingbehind,andadeadfoxhungoverhissaddlebow.Teidezstaredatthehalf-assembledcavalcadewithsurlyhorror.

Cazarilabandonedhisattempttoclimbonhishorsewithoutpullingsomethingthathurt,loweredhimselftoaseatonhismountingblockwiththebaygelding’sreinsinhishand,andwatchedinfascinationasfourgrownmenbegantobelabortheboyandtheobvious.

Wherehaveyoubeen?scarcelyneededasked,Whydidyoudothat?likewise,

Whydidn’tyoutellanyone?grewmoreapparentbytheminute.Teidezendureditwithhisteethclosed,forthemostpart.

WhendySandapausedforbreath,TeidezthrusthislimpandruddypreyatBeetimthehuntsman.“Here.Skinthisforme.Iwantthepelt.”

“Pelt’snogoodatthisseason,younglord,”saidBeetim

severely.“Thehair’sallthin,andfallsout.”Heshookhisfingeratthevixen’sdarkdugs,heavywithmilk.“Andit’sbadlucktotakeamotheranimalintheDaughter’sseason.I’llhavetoburnitswhiskers,oritsghost’llbeback,stirringupmydogsallnightlong.Andwherearethecubs,eh?Youshould’veslainthemaswell,whileyouwereatit,it’srightcrueltoleavethemtostarve.Orhaveyou

twogoneandhiddenthemsomewhere,eh?”Hisglowertookintheshrinkingboygroom.

Teidezthrewhiscrossbowtothecobbles,andsnarledinexasperation,“Welookedfortheden.Wecouldn’tfindit.”

“Yes,andyou—!”dySandaturnedontheunluckygroom.“Youknowyoushouldhavecometome—!”Heabused

thegroominmuchbluntertermsthanhe’ddaredtoventupontheroyse,endingwiththecommand,“Beetim,gobeattheboyforhisstupidityandinsolence!”

“Withawill,m’lord,”saidBeetimgrimly,andstalkedawaytowardthestables,thefox’sscruffinonehandandthecoweringgroom’sintheother.

Thetwoseniorgroomsledthehorsesbacktotheirstalls.Cazarilgaveuphismountgladlyandconsideredhisbreakfast—now,itappeared,nottobeindefinitelydelayed.DySanda,angersucceedinghisterror,confiscatedthecrossbowanddrovethesullenTeidezindoors.Teidez’svoicefloatedbackinalastcounterargumentbeforethedoorbangedcloseduponthepair,“ButI’msobored

…!”

Cazarilpuffedalaugh.Fivegods,butwhatahorribleagethatwastobeforanyboy.Allfullofimpulsesandenergy,plaguedwithincomprehensiblearbitraryadultswithstupidideasthatdidnotinvolveskippingmorningprayerstogofoxhuntingonafairspringmorning—heglancedupattheskyoverhead,brightening

toawashedceruleanasthedawnmistsburnedaway.ThequietudeoftheProvincara’shousehold,balmtoCazaril’ssoul,wasdoubtlessacidtopoorconstrictedTeidez.

AnywordofadvicefromthenewlyemployedCazarilwasnotlikelytobewellreceivedbydySanda,asmattersstoodbetweenthematpresent.ButitseemedtoCazarilthatifdySandawaslookingtoguard

hisfutureinfluenceovertheroysewhenhecametoaman’sestatewithitsfullpowerandprivilegeofahighlord—attheveryleast—ofChalion,hewasgoingaboutitexactlybackward.Teidezwasmorelikelytoshedhimatthefirstopportunity.

Still,dySandawasaconscientiousman,Cazarilhadtogrant.Avilermanoflikeambitionmightwellbe

panderingtoTeidez’sappetitesinsteadofattemptingtocontrolthem,winningnotloyaltybutaddiction.Cazarilhadmetanoblescionortwosocorruptedbyhisattendants…butnotindyBaocia’shousehold.WhiletheProvincarawasincharge,Teidezwasunlikelytoencountersuchparasites.Onthatcomfortingreflection,Cazarilpushedofftheblock

andclimbedtohisfeet.

5

TheRoyesseIselle’ssixteenthbirthdayfellatthemidpointofspring,somesixweeksafterCazarilhadcometoValenda.ThebirthdaypresentsentdownthisyearfromthecapitalatCardegossbyherbrotherOricowasa

finedappledgraymare,aninspirationeitherwellcalculatedorverylucky,forIselleflewintotransportsovertheshimmeringbeast.Cazarilhadtoconcedeitwasaroyalgift.Andhewasabletoavoidtheproblemofhisdamagedhandwritingalittlelonger,asitwasnotroubleatalltopersuadeIselletomakeherthank-youinherownhand,tosendwiththeroyalcourier’sreturn.

ButCazarilfoundhimselfsubjectedinthedaysfollowingtothemostminuteandcareful,nottosayembarrassing,inquiriesfromIselleandBetrizafterhishealth.Littlegiftsofthebestfruitorviandsweresentdownthetabletotempthisappetite;hewasencouragedtogoearlytobed,anddrinkalittlewine,butnottoomuch;bothladiespersuadedhimouttofrequentshortwalksinthe

garden.Itwasn’ttilldyFerrejletfallacasualjoketotheProvincarainhishearingthatCazarilcaughtonthatIselleandherhandmaidenhadbeenconstrainedtotempertheirgallopsoutofconsiderationforthenewsecretary’ssupposedlyfrailhealth.Cazaril’switsovertookhisindignationjustbarelyintimetoconfirmthiscanardwithastraightfaceandaconvincinglystiffgait.Their

feminineattentions,howeverblatantlyself-interested,weretoolovelytoscorn.And…itwasn’tthatmuchofanact.

Boththeimprovingweatherand,truthtotell,hisimprovingconditionbaitedhimintorelenting.Afterall,soonenoughthesummerheatwouldbeuponthem,andslowlifedownagain.Afterwatchingbothgirlssticktotheirhorsesoverlogsand

downthetwistingtrailsbytheriver,flashingalonginripplesofgoldandgreenfromthehalfshadeofthenewleavesoverhead,hisconcernfortheirsafetyeased.Itwashishorse,shyingsidewaysafterstartlingadoeoutofathicket,thatdumpedhimviolentlyintoamessofrocksandtreeroots,knockinghiswindoutandpoppinganadhesioninhisback.Helaywheezing,thewoodsblurred

withtearsofpain,tilltwofrightenedfemalefaceswaveredintohisviewagainstthelaceofleavesandsky.

Ittookthepairofthemandthehelpofafallentreetogethimloadedbackuponhisrecapturedhorse.Thereturntripupthehilltothecastlewasasdemureandladylike,nottomentionguilty,awalkaseverthegovernessescouldhavewished.Theworldhad

stoppedtwistingaroundhisheadinoddlittlejerksbythetimetheyrodethroughthearchedgate,butthetornadhesionwasaburningagonymarkedbyalumpthesizeofaneggbeneathhistunic.Itwouldlikelydarkentoblackandtakeweekstosubside.Arrivingsafeatlastinthecourtyard,hehadnoattentionforanythingbutthemountingblock,thegroom,andagaingettingoffthe

damnedhorsealive.Secureonthegroundhestoodforamoment,headbentagainstthesaddlebow,grimacingwithpain.

“Caz!”

Thefamiliarvoicesmotehisearsoutofnowhere.Hisheadcameup;heblinkedaround.Stridingtowardhim,hisarmsheldout,wasatall,athleticmanwithdarkhair,dressed

inanelegantredbrocadetunicandhighridingboots.“Fivegods,”whisperedCazaril,andthen,“Palli?”

“Caz,Caz!Ikissyourhands!Ikissyourfeet!”Thetallmanseizedhim,nearlyknockinghimover,madethefirsthalfofhisgreetingliteral,buttradedthesecondforanembraceinstead.“Caz,man!I’dthoughtyouweredead!”

“No,no…Palli…”Hispainthree-fourthsforgotten,hegrabbedthedark-hairedman’shandsinturn,andturnedtoIselleandBetriz,who’dabandonedtheirhorsestothegroomsanddriftedupinopencuriosity.“RoyesseIselle,LadyBetriz,permitmetointroducetheSerdyPalliar—hewasmygoodrightarmatGotorget—fivegods,Palli,whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Icouldaskyouthesame,withmorereason!”Pallireplied,andmadehisbowtotheladies,whoeyedhimwithincreasingapproval.ThetwoyearsandmoresinceGotorgethaddonemuchtoimprovehisalready-pleasantlooks,notthattheyhadn’talllookedlikedepravedscarecrowsattheendofthesiege.“Royesse,mylady,anhonor—butit’stheMarchdyPalliarnow,Caz.”

“Oh,”saidCazaril,andgavehimanimmediate,apologeticnod.“Mycondolences.Isitarecentloss?”

Pallireturnedanunderstandingduckofhischin.“Almosttwoyearsgone,now.TheoldmanhadsufferedanapoplecticstrokewhilewewerestillclosedupinGotorget,buthehungontilljustafterImadeithome,thanksbetotheFatherof

Winter.Heknewme,Iwasabletoseehimatthelast,tellhimofthecampaign—heofferedupablessingforyou,youknow,onhislastday,thoughweboththoughtwewereprayingforthelostdead.Caz,man,wheredidyougo?”

“I…wasn’transomed.”

“Notransomed?How,notransomed?Howcouldyou

notberansomed?”

“Itwasanerror.Mynamewasleftoffthelist.”

“DyJironalsaidtheRoknarireportedyoudiedofasuddenfever.”

Cazaril’ssmilegrewtight.“No.Iwassoldtothegalleys.”

Palli’sheadjerkedback.

“Someerror!No,wait,thatmakesnosense—”

Cazaril’sgrimace,andhishandpressedpalmdownbeforehischest,stoppedPalli’sprotestonhislips,thoughitdidn’tquenchthestartledlookinhiseyes.Pallialwayscouldtakeahint,ifyoucloutedhimwithithardenough.Thetwistofhismouthsaid,Verywell,butIwillhavethisoutofyoulater

—!BythetimeheturnedtoSerdyFerrej,cominguptoobservethisreunionwithaninterestedexpression,hischeerfulsmilewasbackinplace.

“MylorddyPalliaristakingwinewiththeProvincarainthegarden,”thecastlewarderexplained.“Dojoinus,Cazaril.”

“Thankyou.”

Pallitookhisarm,andtheyturnedtofollowdyFerrejoutofthecourtyardandhalf-aroundthekeep,tothelittleplotwheretheProvincara’sgardenergrewflowers.Ingoodweathershemadeitherfavoritebowerforsittingoutdoors.Threestrides,andCazarilwastrailing;PallishortenedhisstepabruptlyatCazaril’sstumble,andeyedhimsidelong.TheProvincarawaitedtheirreturnwitha

patientsmile,enthronedunderanarchingtrellisofclimbingrosesnotyetinbloom.Shewavedthemtothechairstheservantshadbroughtout.Cazarilloweredhimselfontoacushionwithawinceandanawkwardgrunt.

“Bastard’sdemons,”saidPalliunderhisbreath,“didtheRoknaricrippleyou?”

“Onlyhalf.LadyIselle—oof!

—seemsbentoncompletingthetask.”Gingerly,heeasedhimselfback.“Andthatfoolhorse.”

TheProvincarafrownedatthetwoyoungladies,whohadtaggedalonguninvited.“Iselle,wereyougalloping?”sheinquireddangerously.

Cazarilwavedadivertinghand.“Itwasallthefaultofmynoblesteed,mylady—

attacked,itthought,byahorse-eatingdeer.Itwentsidewise,Ididn’t.Thankyou.”Heacceptedaglassofwinefromtheservantwithdeepappreciationandsippedquickly,tryingnottoletitslosh.Theunpleasantshakyfeelinginhisgutwaspassingoff,now.

Isellecasthimagratefulglance,whichhergrandmotherdidnotmiss.

TheProvincarasniffedfaintdisbelief.Bywayofpunishment,shesaid,“Iselle,Betriz,goandchangeoutofthoseridingclothesandintosomethingsuitableforsupper.Wemaybecountryfolkhere;weneednotbesavages.”Theydraggedoff,withacoupleofbackwardglancesatthefascinatingvisitor.

“Buthowcameyouhere,

Palli?”Cazarilasked,whenthedoubledistractionhadpassedaroundthecornerofthekeep.Palli,too,staredafterthem,andseemedtohavetoshakehimselfbackawake.Closeyourmouth,man,Cazarilthoughtinamusement.Ihaveto.

“Oh!I’mridinguptoCardegoss,todanceattendanceatcourt.M’fatheralwaysusedtobreakhis

journeyshere,beingthickwiththeoldProvincar—whenwepassednearValenda,Imadetopresume,andsentamessenger.Andm’lady”—henoddedtotheProvincara—“waskindenoughtobidmebide.”

“I’dhavecuffedyouifyou’dfailedtomakeyourdutytome,”saidtheProvincaraamiably,withadmirableillogic.“I’dnotseenyour

fathernoryouforfartoomanyyears.Iwassorrytohearofhispassing.”

Pallinodded.HecontinuedtoCazaril,“Weplantorestthehorsesovernightandgoontomorrowataleisurelypace—theweather’stoofinetobeinarush.Therearepilgrimsontheroadstoeveryshrineandtemple—andthosewhopreyon’em,alas—therewerebanditsreportedinthehill

passes,butwedidn’tfind’em.”

“Youlooked?”saidCazaril,bemused.Notfindingbanditshadbeenallhisdesire,ontheroad.

“Hey!IamthelorddedicatoftheDaughter’sOrderatPalliarnow,I’llhaveyouknow—inmyfather’sshoes.Ihaveduties.”

“Youridewiththesoldier-brothers?”

“Morelikewiththebaggagetrain.It’sallkeepingthebooks,andcollectingrents,andchasingthedamnedequipment,andlogistics.Thejoysofcommand—well,youknow.Youtaughtthemtome.Onepartglorytotenpartsshovelingmanure.”

Cazarilgrinned.“Thatgooda

ratio?You’reblessed.”

Palligrinnedbackandacceptedcheeseandcakesfromtheservant.“Ilodgedmytroopdownintown.Butyou,Caz!AssoonasIsaid,Gotorget,theyaskedmeifwe’dmet—youcouldhaveknockedmeoverwithastrawwhenm’ladysaidyou’dturneduphere,havingwalked—walked!—fromIbra,andlookinglike

somethingthecathawkedup.”

TheProvincaragaveasmall,unrepentantshrugatCazaril’sfaintlyreproachfulglanceherway.

“I’vebeentellingthemwarstoriesforthepasthalfhour,”Palliwenton.“How’syourhand?”

Cazarilcurleditinhislap.

“Muchrecovered.”Hehastenedtochangethesubject.“What’sforwardatcourt,foryou?”

“Well,I’dnothadthechancetomakeformaloathtoOricosincem’fatherdied,andalso,I’mtorepresenttheDaughter’sOrderofPalliarattheinvestiture.”

“Investiture?”saidCazarilblankly.

“Ah,hasOricofinallygivenoutthegeneralshipoftheDaughter’sOrder?”askeddyFerrej.“Sincetheoldgeneraldied,IheareveryhighfamilyinChalionhasbeenbadgeringhimforthegift.”

“Ishouldimagine,”saidtheProvincara.“Lucrativeandpowerfulenough,evenifitissmallerthantheSon’s.”

“Oh,aye,”saidPalli.“It’snot

beenannouncedyet,butit’sknown—it’stobeDondodyJironal,theyoungerbrotheroftheChancellor.”

Cazarilstiffened,andsippedwinetohidehisdismay.

Afteraratherlongpause,theProvincarasaid,“Whatanoddchoice.Oneusuallyexpectsthegeneralofaholymilitaryordertobemore…personallyaustere.”

“But,but,”saiddyFerrej,“ChancellorMartoudyJironalholdsthegeneralshipoftheOrderoftheSon!Two,inonefamily?It’sadangerousconcentrationofpower.”

TheProvincaramurmured,“MartouisalsotobecometheProvincardyJironal,ifrumoristrue.AssoonasolddyIldarstopslingering.”

“Ihadn’theardthat,”saidPalli,soundingstartled.

“Yes,”saidtheProvincaradryly.“TheIldarfamilyisnottoohappy.Ibelievethey’dbeencountingontheprovincarshipforoneofthenephews.”

Pallishrugged.“ThebrothersJironalcertainlyridehighinChalion,byOrico’sfavor.IsupposeifIwereclever,I

wouldfindsomewayofgrabbingontotheircloak-hems,andridingalong.”

Cazarilfrownedintohiswineandgropedforawaytodivertthetopic.“Whatothernewsdoyouhear?”

“Well,thesetwoweeksgone,theHeirofIbrahasraisedhisbannerinSouthIbra—again—againsttheoldfox,hisfather.Everyonehadthought

lastsummer’streatywouldhold,butitseemstheyhadsomesecretfalling-out,lastautumn,andtheroyarepudiatedit.Again.”

“TheHeir,”saidtheProvincara,“presumes.Ibradoeshaveanotherson,afterall.”

“OricosupportedtheHeirthelasttime,”observedPalli.

“ToChalion’scost,”murmuredCazaril.

“ItseemedtomeOricowastakingthelongview.Intheend,”saidPalli,“surelytheHeirmustwin.Onewayoranother.”

“Itwillbeajoylessvictoryfortheoldmanifhissonloses,”saiddyFerrejinatoneofslowconsideration.“No,Iwagerthey’llspend

moremen’slives,andthenmakeitupagainbetweenthemoverthebodies.”

“Asadbusiness,”saidtheProvincara,tighteningherlips.“Nogoodcancomeofit.Eh,dyPalliar.Tellmesomegoodnews.TellmeOrico’sroyinaiswithchild.”

Pallishookhisheadruefully.“NotasI’veheard,lady.”

“Well,then,letusgotooursupperandtalknomorepolitics.Itmakesmyoldheadache.”

Hismuscleshadseizedupwhilehewassitting,despitethewine;Cazarilalmostfellover,tryingtorisefromhischair.Pallicaughthimbytheelbowandsteadiedhim,andfrowneddeeply.Cazarilgavehimatinyshakeofhisheadandwentofftowashand

change.Andexaminehisbruisesinprivate.

SUPPERWASACHEERFULMEAL,ATTENDEDBYMOSTofthehousehold.DyPalliar,noslouchattablewhenitcametoeitherfoodortalk,heldtheattentionofeveryone,fromtheLordTeidezandLadyIselledowntotheyoungestpage,withhistales.Despitethewinehekepthisheadinthehighcompany,andtold

onlythemerrystories,withhimselfmoreasbuttthanhero.Theaccountofhowhe’dfollowedCazarilonanightsortieagainsttheRoknarisappers,andsodiscouragedthemforamonththereafter,drewwide-eyedstaresuponCazarilaswellashimself.Theyclearlyhadahardtimepicturingtheroyesse’stimid,soft-spokensecretarygrinninginthedirtandthesoot,scrambling

throughtheburningrubblewithadirkinhishand.Cazarilrealizedhedislikedthestares.Hewantedtobe…invisible,here.TwicePallitriedtotosstheconversationalballtohim,totakeaturnattheentertaining,andtwicehefieldeditbacktoPalliortodyFerrej.Afterthesecondattemptfellflat,Pallidesistedfromtryingtodrawhimout.

Themealranverylate,butatlastcamethehourCazarilhadbeenbothlongingforanddreading,whenallpartedforthenight,andPalliknockedonhischamberdoor.Cazarilbadehimenter,pushedthetrunktothewall,tossedacushionuponitforhisguest,andsettledhimselfuponhisbed;bothheanditcreakedaudibly.Pallisatandstaredacrossathiminthedimdoublecandlelight,andbegan

withadirectnessthatrevealedthetrendofhismindalltooclearly.

“Error,Caz?Haveyouthoughtaboutthat?”

Cazarilsighed.“Ihadnineteenmonthstothinkofit,Palli.Irubbedeverypossibilityasthinasanoldcoininmybrain.IthoughtofittillIwassicktodeathofthethinking,andcalledit

done.It’sdone.”

Thistime,Pallibrushedthehintfirmlyaside.“DoyouthinkitwastheRoknaritakingrevengeuponyou,byhidingyoufromusandsayingyoudied?”

“That’sone.”ExceptthatIsawthelist.

“Ordidsomeoneleaveyouoffthelistonpurpose?”Palli

persisted.

ThelistwasinMartoudyJironal’sownhand.“Thatwasmyfinalconclusion.”

Palli’sbreathblewout.“Vile!Avilebetrayal,afterwhatwesuffered—dammit,Caz!WhenIgetuptocourt,IamgoingtotellMarchdyJironalofthis.He’sthemostpowerfullordinChalion,thegodsknow.Together,Iwager

wecangettothebottomof—”

“No!”Cazarillurcheduprightfromhiscushions,terrified.“Don’t,Palli!Don’teventelldyJironalIexist!Don’tdiscussit,don’tmentionme—iftheworldthinksI’mdead,somuchthebetter.IfI’drealizedthatwasso,IwouldhavestayedinIbra.Just…dropit.”

Pallistared.“But…Valendaishardlytheendoftheworld.Ofcoursepeoplewilllearnyou’realive.”

“It’saquiet,peacefulplace.I’mnotbotheringanyonehere.”

Othermenwereasbrave,somewerestronger;itwasPalli’switsthathadmadehimCazaril’sfavoritelieutenantatGotorget.Itonly

neededtheonethreadtostarthimunraveling…hiseyesnarrowed,glintinginthesoftcandlelight.“DyJironal?Himself?Fivegods,whatdidyoueverdotohim?”

Cazarilshifteduncomfortably.“Ithinkitwasnotpersonal.Ithinkitwasjustalittle…favor,forsomeone.Alittle,easyfavor.”

“Thentwomenmustknowthetruth.Gods,Caz,whichtwo?”

Palliwouldgonosingin—Cazarilmusteithertellhimnothing—toolatealready—orelseenoughtostophim.Nothinghalfway,Palli’sbrainwouldkeeppluckingatthepuzzle—itwasdoingsoevennow.

“Whowouldhateyouso?

Youwerealwaysthemostagreeableman—youweredownrightfamousforrefusingduels,andleavingthebullroarerstolooklikethefoolstheywere—formakingpeace,forwheedlingoutthemostamazingtreatyterms,foravoidingfaction—Bastard’shell,youdidn’tevenmakebetsongames!Little,easyfavor!Whatcouldpossiblydrivesuchanimplacablecruelhatredof

you?”

Cazarilrubbedhisbrow,whichwasbeginningtoache,andnotfromtonight’swine.“Fear.Ithink.”

Palli’slipsscrewedupinastonishment.

“Andifitbecomesknownyouknow,they’llfearyoutoo.It’snotsomethingIwishtoseefallonyou,Palli.I

wantyoutosteerclear.”

“Ifit’sthatdegreeoffear,thefactthatwe’veeventalkedtogetherwillmakemesuspect.Theirfear,plusmyignorance—gods,Caz!Don’tsendmeblindfoldedintobattle!”

“Iwantnevertosendanymanintobattleagain!”ThefiercenessinhisownvoicetookevenCazarilbysurprise.

Palli’seyeswidened.Butthesolution,thewaytousePalli’sownravenouscuriosityagainsthim,cametoCazarilinthatmoment.“IfItellyouwhatIknow,andhowIknowit,willyougivemeyourword—yourword!—todropit?Don’tpursueit,don’tmentionit,don’tmentionme—nodarkhints,nodancingabouttheissue—”

“What,asyouaredoing

now?”saidPallidryly.

Cazarilgrunted,halfinamusement,halfinpain.“Justso.”

Pallisatbackagainstthewall,andrubbedhislips.“Merchant,”hesaidamiably.“Tomakemebuyapiginabag,withouteverseeingtheanimal.”

“Oink,”murmuredCazaril.

“Ionlywanttobuythesqueal,y’know—damn,allright.Ineverknewyoutoleadusoverwetgroundunknowing,norintoambush.I’lltrustyourjudgment—totheexactextentyoutrustmydiscretion.Mywordonthat.”

Aneatcounterthrust.Cazarilcouldnotbutadmireit.Hesighed.“Verywell.”Hesatsilentforamomentafterthis—welcome—dualsurrender,

marshalinghisthoughts.Wheretobegin?Well,itwasn’tasthoughhehadn’tgoneoverit,andoverit,andoveritinhismind.Amostpolishedtale,forallithadnevercrossedhislipsbefore.

“It’squicklyenoughtold.IfirstmetDondodyJironaltospeaktofour,no,it’sfivenow,fiveyearsago.IwasinGuarida’straininthatlittleborderwaragainstthemad

RoknariprinceOlus—youknow,thefellowwhomadeahabitofburyinghisenemiesuptothewaistinexcrementandburningthemalive?—theonewhowasmurderedaboutayearlaterbyhisownbodyguards?”

“Oh,yes.I’dheardofhim.Endedheaddownintheexcrement,theysay.”

“Thereareseveralversions.

Buthewasstillincontrolatthattime.LorddyGuaridahadcorneredOlus’sarmy—well,rabble—upinthehillsattheedgeofhisprincedom.LordDondoandIweresentastheenvoys,undertheflagofparley,todeliveranultimatumtoOlusandarrangethetermsandransoms.Thingswent…badly,intheconference,andOlusdecidedheonlyrequiredonemessengertoreturnhis

defiancetotheassembledlordsofChalion.Sohestoodusup,Dondoandme,inhistentsurroundedbyfourofhismonsterguardswithswordsandgaveusachoice.Whicheverofuswouldcutofftheother’sheadwouldbepermittedtoridewithitbacktoourlines.Ifwebothrefused,webothwoulddie,andhe’dreturnbothourheadsbycatapult.”

Palliopenedhismouth,buttheonlycommenthemanagedwas,“Ah.”

Cazariltookabreath.“Iwasgiventhefirstchance.Irefusedthesword.Oluswhisperedtome,inthisweirdoilyvoice,‘Youcannotwinthisgame,LordCazaril.’Isaid,‘Iknow,m’hendi.ButIcanmakeyouloseit.’Hewasquietforalittle,butthenhejustlaughed.Thenhe

turnedroundandgavethechancetoDondo,whowasgreenasacorpsebythen…”

Pallistirred,butdidn’tinterrupt;hesignaledCazarilmutelytogoon.

“Oneoftheguardsknockedmetomykneesandstretchedmyhead,bythehair,overafootstool.Dondo—tookhiscut.”

“Ontheguard’sarm?”saidPallieagerly.

Cazarilhesitated.“No,”hesaidatlast.“ButOlus,atthelastmoment,thrusthisswordbetweenus,andDondo’sswordcamedownonitsflat,andslid—”Cazarilcouldstillhearthesharpscrapingskreeofmetalonmetal,inhismemory’sear.“Iendedupwithabruiseacrossthebackofmyneckthatwasblackfor

amonth.TwooftheotherguardswrestledtheswordbackfromDondo.AndthenwewerebothmounteduponourhorsesandsentbacktodyGuarida’scamp.Asmyhandswerebeingtiedtomysaddle,Oluscameuptomeagain,andwhispered,‘Nowweshallseewholoses.’

“Itwasaverysilentrideback.Untilwewereinsightofcamp.AndDondoturned

andlookedatmeforthefirsttime,andsaid,‘Ifyouevertellthistale,Iwillkillyou.’AndIsaid,“Don’tworry,LordDondo.Ionlytellamusingtalesattable.’Ishouldhavejustswornsilence.Iknowbetternow,andyet…maybeeventhatwouldnothavebeenenough.”

“Heowesyouhislife!”

Cazarilshookhishead,andlookedaway.“I’veseenhissoulstrippednaked.Idoubthecaneverforgivemeforthat.Well,Ididn’tspeakofit,ofcourse,andheletitlie.Ithoughtthatwastheendofit.ButthencameGotorget,andthencame…well.WhatcameafterGotorget.AndnowIamdoublydamned.IfDondoeverlearns,ifheeverrealizesthatIknowexactlyhowIcametobesoldtothegalleys,

whatdoyouthinkmylifewillbeworththen?ButifIsaynothing,donothing,nothingtoremindhim…perhapshehasforgotten,bynow.Ijustwanttobeleftalone,inthisquietplace.Hesurelyhasmorepressingenemiesthesedays.”HeturnedhisfacebacktoPalli,andsaidtensely,“Don’tyouevermentionmetoeitheroftheJironals.Ever.Youneverheardthisstory.Youscarcely

knowme.Ifyoueverlovedme,Palli,leaveitbe.”

Palli’slipswerepressedtogether;hisoathwouldholdhim,Cazarilthought.Buthemadealittleunhappygesturenonetheless.“Asyouwill,but,but…damn.Damn.”HestaredforlongacrossthedimchamberatCazaril,asifsearchingforwho-knew-whatinhisface.“It’snotjustthatdreadfulexcuseforabeard.

Youaremuchchanged.”

“AmI?Well,so.”

“How…”Pallilookedaway,lookedback.“Howbadwasit?Really?Inthegalleys.”

Cazarilshrugged.“Iwasfortunateinmymisfortunes.Isurvived.Somedidnot.”

“Onehearsallsortsofhorrificstories,howthe

slavesareterrorized,or…misused…”

Cazarilscratchedhisslanderedbeard.Itwastoofillingin,abit,hefancied.“Thestoriesarenotsomuchuntrueastwisted,exaggerated—exceptionaleventsmistakenasdailybread.Thebestcaptainstreatedusasagoodfarmertreatshisanimals,withasortofimpersonalkindness.Food,

water—heh—exercise—enoughcleanlinesstokeepusfreeofdiseaseandingoodcondition.Beatingamansenselessmakeshimunfittopullhisoar,youknow.Anyway,thatsortofphysical…disciplinewasonlyrequiredinport.Onceatsea,theseasuppliedall.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”

Cazaril’sbrowsflickedup.

“Whybreakaman’sskin,orhishead,whenyoucanbreakhisheartsimplybyputtinghimoverboard,inthewaterwithhislegsdanglingdownlikewormsforthegreatfishes?TheRoknarionlyhadtowaitaverylittletohaveusswimafterandbegandpleadandweepforourslaveryagain.”

“Youwerealwaysastrongswimmer.Surelythathelped

youbearitbetterthanmost?”Palli’svoicewashopeful.

“Theopposite,I’mafraid.Themenwhosanklikestoneswentmercifullyquickly.Thinkaboutit,Palli.Idid.”Hestilldid,sittingupboltuprightinthedarkinthisbedfromsomenightmareofthewater,closingoverhishead.Orworse…not.Once,thewindhadcomeupunexpectedlywhiletheoar-

masterhadbeenplayingthislittlegamewithacertainrecalcitrantIbran,andthecaptain,anxiousforportbeforethestorm,hadrefusedtocircleback.TheIbran’sfadingscreamshadechoedoverthewaterastheshipdrewaway,growingfainterandfainter….Thecaptainhaddockedtheoar-masterthecostoftheslave’sreplacement,aspunishmentforhismisjudgment,which

hadmadehimsurlyforweeks.

AfteramomentPallisaid,“Oh.”

Ohindeed.“Grantyou,mypride—andmymouth—didwinmeonebeatingwhenIfirstwentaboard,butIstillfanciedmyselfalordofChalionthen.Iwasbrokenofthat…later.”

“But…youweren’t…theydidn’tmakeyouanobjectof…Imean,useyouafteradegrading…um.”

ThelightwastoodimtotellifPallireddened,butitfinallydawnedonCazarilthathewastryingtoinquireinthisworriedandtongue-tumbledfashionifCazarilhadbeenraped.Cazaril’slipstwistedinsympathy.“YouareconfusingtheRoknarifleets

withthoseofDarthaca,Ithink.I’mafraidthoselegendsrepresentwishfulthinkingonsomeone’spart.TheRoknariheresyofthefourgodsmakesacrimeofthesortofoddlovestheBastardrules,here.TheRoknaritheologianssaytheBastardisademon,likehisfather,andnotagod,afterhisholymother,andsocallusalldevilworshippers—whichisadeepoffensetotheLadyof

Summer,Ithink,aswellastothepoorBastardhimself,fordidheasktobeborn?Theytortureandhangmencaughtinsodomy,andthebetterRoknarishipmastersdonottolerateitaboardineithermenorslaves.”

“Ah.”Pallisettledinrelief.Butthen,beingPalli,thoughttoask,“AndtheworseRoknarishipmasters?”

“Theirdiscretioncouldbecomedeadly.Itdidn’thappentome—IfancyIwastoobony—butafewoftheyoungmen,thesofterboys…Weslavesknewtheywereoursacrifice,andwetriedtobekindtothemwhentheywerereturnedtothebenches.Somecried.Somelearnedtousethemischanceforfavors…fewofusbegrudgedthemtheextrarationsortrivialtreatssodearlybought.

Itwasadangerousgame,fortheRoknariinclinedtotheminsecretwereliketoturnonthematanymoment,andslaythemasiftheycouldsoslaytheirownsin.”

“Youmakemyhairstandonend.IthoughtIknewmywayaroundtheworld,but…eh.Butatleastyouweresparedtheworst.”

“Idon’tknowwhatisthe

worst,”saidCazarilthoughtfully.“Iwasonceusedafteravilehumorforthespaceofonehellishafternoonthatmadewhathappenedtosomeoftheboyslooklikeafriendlygesture,butnoRoknaririskedhangingforit.”Cazarilrealizedhe’dnevertoldanyoneoftheincident,notthekindacolytesofthetemplehospital,not,certainly,anyoneinthe

Provincara’shousehold.He’dhadnoonehecouldtalkto,tillnow.Hecontinuedalmosteagerly.“MycorsairmadethemistakeoftacklingalumberingBrajaranmerchanter,andspotteditsescortinggalleystoolate.Aswewerebeingchasedoff,Ifailedatmyoar,faintedintheheat.Tomakesomeuseofmedespiteall,theoar-masterhauledmeoutofmychains,strippedme,andhungme

overthesternrailwithmyhandstiedtomyankles,tomockourpursuers.Icouldn’ttellifthecrossbowboltsthatthumpedintotherailorthesternaroundmeweregoodorbadaimontheBrajaranarchers’parts,norbywhatgod’smercyIdidn’tendmylifewithafewinmyass.MaybetheythoughtIwasRoknari.Maybetheyweretryingtoendmymisery.”ForthesakeofPalli’swidening

eyes,Cazarilskippedcertainofthemoregrotesquedetails.“Youknow,welivedwithfearformonthsonendatGotorget,tillwewereusedtoit,asortofnaggingacheinthegutthatwelearnedtoignore,butthatneverquitewentaway.”

Pallinodded.

“ButIfoundoutthat…thisisodd.Idon’tquiteknowhow

tosayit.”He’dneverhadachancetotrytoputitintowords,outwherehecouldseeit,tillnow.“Ifoundthereisaplacebeyondfear.Whenthebodyandthemindjustcan’tsustainitanymore.Theworld,time…reorderthemselves.Myheartbeatsloweddown,Istoppedsweatingandsalivating…itwasalmostlikesomeholytrance.WhentheRoknarihungmeup,I’dbeen

weepinginfearandshame,inagonyforthedisgustofitall.WhentheBrajaransfinallyveeredoff,andtheoar-mastertookmedown,allblisteredfromthesun…Iwaslaughing.TheRoknarithoughtIhadgonemad,andsowithaldidmypoorbenchmates,butIdidn’tthinkso.Thewholeworldwasall…new.

“Ofcourse,thewholeworld

wasonlyafewdozenpaceslong,andmadeofwood,androckedonthewater…alltimewastheturningofaglass.Iplannedmylifebythehourascloselyasoneplansayear,andnofurtherthananhour.Allmenwerekindandbeautiful,eachinhisway,Roknariandslavealike,lordlyorvileblood,andIwasafriendtoall,andsmiled.Iwasn’tafraidanymore.Ididtakecarenevertofaintatmy

oaragain,though.”

Hisvoiceslowed,thoughtfully.“Sowheneverfearcomesbackintomyheart,Iammorepleasedthananything,forItakeitasasignthatIamnotmadafterall.Ormaybe,atleast,gettingbetter.Fearismyfriend.”Helookedup,withaquick,apologeticsmile.

Palliwassittingplastered

backagainstthewall,hislegstense,hisdarkeyesroundassaucers,smilingfixedly.Cazarillaughedoutloud.

“Fivegods,Palli,forgiveme.Ididnotmeantomakeyouadonkeyformyconfidences,tocarrythemsafelyaway.”Orperhapshehad,forPalliwouldbegoingawaytomorrow,afterall.“Theymakeamotleymenagerietoburdenyouwith.I’msorry.”

Palliwavedawayhisapologyasifbattingastingingfly.Hislipsmoved;heswallowed,andmanaged,“Areyousureitwasn’tjustsunstroke?”

Cazarilchuckled.“Oh,Ihadthesunstroke,too,ofcourse.Butifitdoesn’tkillyou,sunstrokepassesoffinadayortwo.Thislasted…months.”UntilthelastincidentwiththatterrifieddefiantIbran

boy,andCazaril’sresultantfinalflogging.“Weslaves—”

“Stopthat!”criedPalli,runninghishandsthroughhishair.

“Stopwhat?”askedCazarilinpuzzlement.

“Stopsayingthat.Weslaves.YouarealordofChalion!”

Cazaril’ssmiletwisted.He

saidgently,“Welords,atouroars,then?Wesweating,pissing,swearing,gruntinggentlemen?Ithinknot,Palli.Onthegalleyswewerenotlordsormen.Weweremenoranimals,andwhichprovedwhichhadnorelationIeversawtobirthorblood.ThegreatestsoulIevermettherehadbeenatanner,andIwouldkisshisfeetrightnowwithjoytolearnheyetlived.Weslaves,welords,we

fools,wemenandwomen,wemortals,wetoysofthegods—allthesamething,Palli.Theyareallthesametomenow.”

Afteralong,indrawnbreath,PallichangedthesubjectabruptlytothelittlemattersofmanaginghisescortfromtheDaughter’smilitaryorder.Cazarilfoundhimselfcomparingusefultricksfortreatingleatherrotandthrush

infectionsinhorses’hooves.SoonthereafterPalliretired—orfled—forthenight.Anorderlyretreat,butCazarilrecognizeditsnatureallthesame.

Cazarillaydownwithhispainsandhismemories.Despitethefeastandthewine,sleepwasalongtimecoming.Fearmightbehisfriend,ifthatwasn’tjustbluffandblusterforPalli’ssake,

butitwasclearthedyJironalbrotherswerenot.TheRoknarireportedyou’ddiedofafeverwasalieoutright,and,cleverly,quiteuncheckablebynow.Well,hewassurelyshelteredhereinquietValenda.

Hehopedhe’dcautionedPallisufficientlytowalkwarilyatthecourtinCardegossandnotputafootinapileofoldmanure

unawares.CazarilrolledoverinthedarknessandsentupawhisperedprayertotheLadyofSpringforPalli’ssafety.AndtoallthegodsandtheBastard,too,forthedeliveranceofallupontheseatonight.

6

AttheTemplepageantcelebratingtheadventofsummer,IsellewasnotinvitedtorepriseherroleoftheLadyofSpringbecausethatpartwastraditionallytakenbyawomannew-wed.Averyshyanddemureyoung

bridehandedoffthethroneofthereigninggod’savatartoanequallywell-behavedmatronheavywithchild.CazarilsawoutofthecornerofhiseyethedivineoftheHolyFamilyheaveasighofreliefastheceremonyconcluded,thistime,withoutanyspiritualsurprises.

Lifeslowed.Cazaril’spupilssighedandyawnedinthestuffyschoolroomasthe

afternoonsunbakedthestonesofthekeep,andsodidtheirteacher;onesweatyhourheabruptlysurrenderedandcanceledfortheseasonallclassesafterthenoonnuncheon.AsBetrizhadsaid,theRoyinaIstadidseemtodobetterasthedayslengthenedandsoftened.Shecamemoreoftentothefamily’smealsandsatalmosteveryafternoonwithherladyattendantsintheshadeofthe

gnarledfruittreesattheendoftheProvincara’sflowergarden.Shewasnot,however,permittedbyherguardianstoclimbtothedizzy,breezyperchesuponthebattlementsfavoredbyIselleandBetriztoescapeboththeheatandthedisapprovalofvariousagingpersonsdisinclinedtomountstairs.

Drivenfromhisown

bedchamberbyitsdog-breathclosenessonahazyhotdayfollowinganunusuallyheavynight’srain,Cazarilventuredintothegardenseekingamorecomfortableperchhimself.Thebookunderhisarmwasoneofthefewinthecastle’smeagerlibraryhehadnotpreviouslyread,notthatOrdol’sTheFivefoldPathwayoftheSoul:OntheTrueMethodsofQuintarianTheologywasexactlyoneof

hispassions.Perhapsitsleaves,flutteringlooselyinhislap,wouldmakehisprobablenaplookmorescholarlytopassersby.Heroundedtherosearborandhaltedashediscoveredtheroyina,accompaniedbyoneofherladieswithanembroideryframe,occupyinghisintendedbench.Asthewomenlookeduphedodgedacoupleofdeliriousbeesandmadeanapologeticbowto

themforhisunintendedintrusion.

“Stay,Castillardy…Cazaril,isit?”murmuredIsta,asheturnedtowithdraw.“Howdoesmydaughtergooninhernewstudies?”

“Verywell,mylady,”saidCazaril,turningbackandduckinghishead.“Sheisveryquickatherarithmeticandgeometry,andvery,um,

persistentinherDarthacan.”

“Good,”saidIsta.“That’sgood.”Shestaredawaybrieflyacrossthesun-bleachedgarden.

Thecompanionbentoverherframetotieoffathread.LadyIstadidnotembroider.Cazarilhadhearditwhisperedbyamaidservantthatsheandherladieshadworkedforhalfayearupon

anelaboratealtarclothfortheTemple.Justasthelaststitcheswereset,theroyinahadsuddenlyseizeditandburneditinthefireplaceofherchamberwhenherwomenhadleftheraloneforamoment.Truetaleornot,herhandsheldnoneedletoday,butonlyarose.

Cazarilsearchedherfacefordeeperrecognition.“Iwondered…Ihavemeantto

askyou,mylady,ifyourememberedmefromthedaysIservedyournoblefatherasapagehere.Ascoreofyearsago,now,soitwouldbenowonderifyouhadforgottenme.”Heventuredasmile.“Ihadnobeardthen.”Helpfully,hepressedhishandoverthelowerhalfofhisface.

Istasmiledback,butherbrowsdrewdowninaneffort

ofrecognitionthatwasclearlyfutile.“I’msorry.Mylatefatherhadmanypages,overtheyears.”

“Indeed,hewasagreatlord.Well,nomatter.”Cazarilshiftedhisbookfromhandtohandtohidehisdisappointment,andsmiledmoreapologetically.Hefearedhernonrecallhadnothingtodowithhernervousstate.Hehadmore

likelysimplyneverregistereduponherinthefirstplace,aneageryoungwomanlookingforwardandupward,notdownorback.

Theroyina’scompanion,huntinginhercolorbox,murmured,“Drat,”andglancedupinappraisalatCazaril.“MylorddyCazaril,”shesaid,smilinginvitingly.“Ifitwouldbenotroubletoyou,mightyoustay

andkeepmyladygoodcompanywhileIrunuptomyroomandfindmydarkgreensilk?”

“Notroubleatall,lady,”saidCazarilautomatically.“Thatis,um…”HeglancedatIsta,whogazedbackathimlevelly,withanunsettlingtingeofirony.Well,itwasn’tasthoughIstaweregiventoshriekingandraving.Eventhetearshehadsometimes

seeninhereyeswelledsilently.Hegavethecompanionalittlehalfbowassherose;sheseizedhimbythearmandtookhimalittlewayaroundthearbor.

Shestoodontiptoetowhisperinhisear.“Allwillbewell.Justdon’tmentionLorddyLutez.Andstaybyher,tillIreturn.IfshestartsgoingonagainaboutolddyLutez,just…don’tleaveher.”

Shedartedoff.

Cazarilconsideredthishazard.

ThebrilliantLorddyLutezhadbeenforthirtyyearsthelateRoyaIas’sclosestadvisor:boyhoodfriend,brotherinarms,booncompanion.OvertimeIashadloadedhimwitheveryhonorthatwashistocommand,makinghimprovincaroftwo

districts,chancellorofChalion,marshalofhishouseholdtroops,andmasteroftherichmilitaryorderoftheSon—allthebettertocontrolandcompeltherest,menmurmured.IthadbeenwhisperedbyenemiesandadmirersalikethatdyLutezwasroyainChalioninallbutname.AndIashisroyina…

Cazarilsometimeswonderedifithadbeenweaknessor

clevernessonIas’spart,toletdyLutezdothedirtyworkandtaketheheatofthehighlords’grumbling,leavinghismasterwiththenameonlyofIastheGood.Thoughnot,Cazarilconceded,IastheStrong,norIastheWise,nor,thegodsknew,everIastheLucky.ItwasdyLutezwhohadarrangedIas’ssecondmarriagetotheLadyIsta,surelygivinglietothepersistentrumoramongthe

highbornofCardegossofanunnaturallovebetweentheroyaandhislifelongfriend.Andyet…

Fiveyearsafterthemarriage,dyLutezhadfallenfromtheroya’sgrace,andallhishonors,abruptlyandlethally.Accusedoftreason,he’ddiedundertortureinthedungeonsoftheZangre,thegreatroyalkeepatCardegoss.OutsideofthecourtofChalion,itwas

whisperedthathisrealtreasonhadbeentolovetheyoungRoyinaIsta.Inmoreintimatecircles,aconsiderablymorehushedwhisperhaditthatIstahadatlastpersuadedherhusbandtodestroyherhatedrivalforhislove.

Howeverthetrianglewasarranged,intheshrinkinggeometryofdeathithadcollapsedfromthreepointsto

two,andthen,asIasturnedhisfacetothewallanddiednotayearafterdyLutez,onealone.AndIstahadtakenherchildrenandfledtheZangre,orwasexiledtherefrom.

DyLutez.Don’tmentiondyLutez.Don’tmention,therefore,mostofthehistoryofChalionforthepastgenerationandahalf.Right.

CazarilreturnedtoIstaand,

somewhatwarily,satinthedepartedcompanion’schair.Istahadtakentoshreddingherrose,notwildly,butverygentlyandsystematically,pluckingthepetalsandlayingthemuponthebenchbesideherinapatternmimickingtheiroriginalform,circlewithincircleinaninwardspiral.

“Thelostdeadvisitedmeinmydreamslastnight,”Ista

continuedconversationally.“Thoughtheywereonlyfalsedreams.Doyoursevervisityouso,Cazaril?”

Cazarilblinked,anddecidedshewastooawareforthistobedementia,evenifshewasatrifleelliptical.Andbesides,hehadnotroublecatchinghermeaning,whichwouldsurelynotbethecaseifsheweremad.“SometimesIdreamofmyfatherand

mother.Foralittletime,theywalkandtalkasinlife…soIregrettowakeagain,andlosethemanew.”

Istanodded.“Falsedreamsaresadthatway.Buttruedreamsarecruel.Thegodsspareyoufromeverdreamingtheirtruedreams,Cazaril.”

Cazarilfrowned,andcockedhishead.“Allmydreamsarebutconfusedthrongs,and

disperselikesmokeandvaporsuponmywaking.”

Istabentherheadtoherdenudedrose;shenowwasspreadingthegoldenpowderystamens,fineassnipsofsilkthread,inatinyfanwithinthecircleofpetals.“Truedreamssitlikeleadupontheheartandstomach.Weightenoughto…drownoursoulsinsorrow.Truedreamswalkinthewakingday.Andyet

betrayusstill,ascertainlyasanymanoffleshmightswallowbackhisvomitedpromises,likeadogitscast-updinner.Don’tputyourtrustindreams,Castillar.Orinthepromisesofmen.”Sheraisedherfacefromherarrayofpetals,hereyessuddenlyintent.

Cazarilclearedhisthroatuncomfortably.“Nay,lady,thatwouldbefoolish.Butit’s

pleasanttoseemyfather,fromtimetotime.ForIshallnotmeethimanyotherwayagain.”

Shegavehimanodd,tiltedsmile.“Youdon’tfearyourdead?”

“No,mylady.Notindreams.”

“Perhapsyourdeadarenotveryfearsomefolk.”

“Forthemostpart,no,ma’am,”heagreed.

Highinthewallofthekeep,acasementwindowswungwide,andIsta’scompanionleanedoutandstareddownintothegarden.Apparentlyreassuredbythesightofherladyingentleconversationwithhershabbycourtier,shewavedanddisappearedagain.

CazarilwonderedhowIsta

passedthetime.Shedidnotsew,apparently,nordidsheseemmuchofareader,nordidshekeepmusiciansofherown.Cazarilhadseenhersporadicallyatprayers,someweeksspendinghoursintheancestors’hall,oratthelittleportablealtarkeptinherchambers,or,farmorerarely,escortedbyherladiesanddyFerrejdowntothetempleintown,thoughneveratitscrowdedmoments.Other

timesweekswouldpasswhensheseemedtokeepnoobservancestothegodsatall.“Haveyoumuchconsolationinprayers,lady?”heaskedcuriously.

Sheglancedup,andhersmileflattenedatrifle.“I?Ihavenotmuchconsolationanywhere.Thegodshavesurelymadeamockofme.Iwouldreturnthefavor,buttheyholdmyheartandmy

breathhostagetotheirwhims.Mychildrenareprisonersoffortune.Andfortuneisgonemad,inChalion.”

Heofferedhesitantly,“Ithinkthereareworseprisonsthanthissunnykeep,lady.”

Herbrowsrose,andshesatback.“Oh,aye.WereyouevertotheZangre,inCardegoss?”

“Yes,whenIwasayoungerman.Notlately.Itwasavastwarren.Ispenthalfmytimelostinit.”

“Strange.Iwaslostinit,too…itishaunted,youknow.”

Cazarilconsideredthismatter-of-factcomment.“Ishouldn’tbesurprised.Itisthenatureofagreatfortressthatasmanydieinitasbuild

it,winit,loseit…menofChalion,therenownedRoknarimasonsbeforeus,thefirstkings,andmenbeforethemI’msurewhocreptintoitscaves,onbackintothemistsoftime.Itisthatsortofprominence.”Highhomeofroyasandnoblesforgenerations—rankonrankofmenandwomenhadendedtheirlivesintheZangre,somequitespectacularly…somequite

secretly.“TheZangreisolderthanChalionitself.Itsurely…accumulates.”

Istabegangentlypressingthethornsfromherrosestem,andliningthemupinarowliketheteethofasaw.“Yes.Itaccumulates.That’stheword,precisely.Itcollectscalamitylikeacistern,asitsslatesandgutterscollectrainwater.YouwilldowelltoavoidtheZangre,Cazaril.”

“I’venodesiretoattendcourt,mylady.”

“Idesiredto,once.Withallmyheart.Thegods’mostsavagecursescomeuponusasanswerstoourownprayers,youknow.Prayerisadangerousbusiness.Ithinkitshouldbeoutlawed.”Shebegantopeelherrosestem,thingreenstripspullingawaytorevealfinewhitelinesofpith.

Cazarilhadnoideawhattosaytothis,somerelysmiledhesitantly.

Istabegantopullthewhipofpithapartlengthwise.“AprophecywastoldoftheLorddyLutez,thatheshouldnotdrownexceptuponamountaintop.Andthatheneverfearedtoswimthereafter,nomatterhowviolentthewaves,foreveryoneknowsthereisno

wateruponamountaintop;itallrunsawaytothevalleys.”

Cazarilswallowedpanic,andlookedaroundsurreptitiouslyforthereturningattendant.Shewasnotyetinsight.LorddyLutez,itwassaid,haddiedunderthewatertortureinthedungeonsoftheZangre.Beneaththecastlestones,butstillhighenoughabovethetownofCardegoss.Helickedslightlynumblips,

andtried,“Youknow,Ineverheardthatwhilethemanwasalive.Itismyopinionthatsometale-spinnermadeituplater,tosoundshivery.Justifications…tendtoaccrueposthumouslytosospectacularafallashiswas.”

Herlipspartedinthestrangestsmileyet.Shedrewthelastthreadsofthestempithapart,alignedthemuponherknee,andstrokedthem

flat.“PoorCazaril!Howdidyougrowsowise?”

CazarilwassavedfromtryingtothinkofananswerforthisbyIsta’sattendant,whoemergedagainfromthedoorofthekeepwithahankofcoloredsilkinherhands.Cazarilleapttohisfeetandnoddedtotheroyina.“Yourgoodladyreturns…”

Hegavealittlebowin

passingtotheattendant,whowhisperedurgentlytohim,“Wasshesensible,mylord?”

“Yes,perfectly.”Inherway…

“NothingofdyLutez?”

“Nothing…remarkable.”Nothinghecaredtoremarkupon,certainly.

Theattendantbreathedrelief

andpassedon,fixingasmileonherface.Istaregardedherwithboredtoleranceasshebeganchatteringaboutalltheitemsthatshe’dhadtooverturnandhuntthroughtofindherstrayedthread.ItcrossedCazaril’smindthatnodaughteroftheProvincara’s,normotherofIselle’s,couldpossiblybeshortofwit.

IfIstaspoketoverymanyof

herdullercompanywiththecrypticleapsofthoughtshe’dsprungonhim,itwaslittlewonderrumorscirculatedofmadness,andyet…heroccasionalopacityofdiscoursefeltmorelikecipherthanbabbletohim.Ofanelusiveinternalconsistency,ifonlyoneheldthekeytoit.Which,granted,hedidnot.Notthatthatwasn’talsotrueofsomesortsofmadnesshehadseen…

Cazarilclutchedhisbookandwentofftoseeksomelessdisturbingshade.

SUMMERADVANCEDATALAZYPACETHATEASEDCazaril’smindandbodyboth.OnlypoorTeidezchafedattheinactivity,huntingbeingcurtailedbytheheat,theseason,andhistutor.Hedidpotrabbitswithacrossbowinthedawnmistsaroundthecastle,totheearnestapplause

andapprovalofallthecastle’sgardeners.Theboywassoout-of-season—hotandrestlessandplump—ifevertherewasaborndedicattotheSonofAutumn,godofthehunt,war,andcoolerweather,CazariljudgeditwassurelyTeidez.

CazarilwasalittlesurprisedtobeaccostedonthewaytonuncheononewarmnoonbyTeidezandhistutor.Judging

byboththeirreddenedfaces,theywereinthemiddleofanotheroftheirtearingarguments.

“LordCaz!”Teidezhailedhimbreathlessly.“Didn’ttheoldprovincar’sswordmastertootakethepagestotheabattoir,toslaytheyoungbulls—toteachthemcourage,inarealfight,notthis,this,dancingaboutintheduelingring!”

“Well,yes…”

“See,whatdidItellyou!”TeidezcriedtodySanda.

“Wepracticedinthering,too,”Cazariladdedimmediately,forthesakeofsolidarity,shoulddySandaneedit.

Thetutorgrimaced.“Bull-baitingisanoldcountrypractice,Royse.Notbefitting

trainingforthehighborn.Youaredestinedtobeagentleman—attheleast!—notabutcher’sapprentice.”

TheProvincarakeptnoswordmasterinherhouseholdthesedays,soshe’dmadesuretheroyse’stutorwasatrainedman.Cazaril,whohadoccasionallywatchedhispracticesessionswithTeidez,respecteddySanda’sprecision.DySanda’s

swordsmanshipwasprettyenough,ifnotquitebrilliant.Sporting.Honorable.ButifdySandaalsoknewthedesperatebrutaltricksthatkeptmenaliveonthefield,hehadnotshownthemtoTeidez.

Cazarilgrinnedwryly.“Theswordmasterwasn’ttrainingustobegentlemen.Hewastrainingustobesoldiers.I’llgivehisoldmethodthis

credit—anybattlefieldIwaseveronwasalotmorelikeabutcher’syardthanitwaslikeaduelingring.Itwasugly,butittaughtusourbusiness.Andtherewasnowastetoit.Ican’tthinkitmatteredattheendofthedaytothebullswhethertheydiedafterbeingchasedaroundforanhourbyafoolwithasword,orweresimplystalledandthwackedontheheadwithamallet.”ThoughCazarilhadnotcared

tostretchthebusinessout,assomeoftheyoungmenhad,makingmacabreanddangerousplaywiththemaddenedanimals.Withalittlepracticehehadlearnedtodispatchhisbeastwithaswordthrustnearlyasquicklyasthebutchermight.“Grantyou,onthebattlefieldwedidn’teatwhatwekilled,exceptsometimesthehorses.”

DySandasniffeddisapprovalathiswit.HeofferedplacatinglytoTeidez,“Wemighttakethehawksouttomorrowmorning,mylord,iftheweatherholdsfine.Andifyoufinishyourcartographyproblems.”

“Aladies’sport—withhawksandpigeons—pigeons!WhatdoIcareforpigeons!”InavoiceoflongingTeidezadded,“Attheroya’scourtat

Cardegoss,theyhuntwildboarintheoakforestsinthefall.That’sarealsport,aman’ssport.Theysaythosepigsaredangerous!”

“Verytrue,”saidCazaril.“Thebigtuskerscandisemboweladog—orahorse.Oraman.They’remuchfasterthanyouexpect.”

“DidyoueverhuntatCardegoss?”Teidezasked

himeagerly.

“IfollowedmylorddyGuaridaafewtimesthere.”

“Valendahasnoboars.”Teidezsighed.“Butwedohavebulls!Atleastit’ssomething.Betterthanpigeons—orrabbits!”

“Oh,pottingrabbitsisausefulsoldier’straining,too,”Cazarilofferedconsolingly.

“Incaseyoueverhavetohuntratsfortable.It’smuchthesameskill.”

DySandaglaredathim.Cazarilsmiledandbowedoutoftheargument,leavingTeideztohisbadgering.

Overnuncheon,Iselletookupadescantversionofasimilarsong,thoughtheauthoritysheassailedwashergrandmotherandnothertutor.

“Grandmama,it’ssohot.Can’twegoswimmingintheriverasTeidezdoes?”

Asthesummersimmeredon,theroyse’safternoonrideswithhisgentleman-tutorandhisgroomsandthepageshadbeenexchangedforafternoonswimsatashelteredpoolintheriverupstreamofValenda—thesamespotoverheateddenizensofthecastlehadfrequentedwhenCazarilhad

beenapage.Theladieswere,ofcourse,excludedfromtheseexcursions.Cazarilhadpolitelydeclinedinvitationstojointheparty,pleadinghisdutiestoIselle.Thetruereasonwasthatstrippingnakedtoswimwoulddisplayalltheolddisasterswritteninhisflesh,ahistoryhedidnotcaretoexpoundupon.Themisunderstandingwiththebathmanstillmortifiedhim,inmemory.

“Certainlynot!”saidtheProvincara.“Thatwouldbeentirelyimmodest.”

“Notwithhim,”saidIselle.“Makeupourownparty,aladies’party.”SheturnedtoCazaril.“Yousaidtheladiesofthecastleswamwhenyouwereapage!”

“Servants,Iselle,”saidhergrandmotherwearily.“Lesserfolk.It’snotapastimefor

you.”

Iselleslumped,hotandredandpouting.Betriz,sparedtheunbecomingflush,droopedatherplace,lookingpaleandwiltedinstead.Soupwasserved.Everyonesateyeingtheirsteamingbowlswithrevulsion.Maintainingthestandards—asalways—theProvincarapickedupherspoonandtookadeterminedsip.

Cazarilsaidsuddenly,“ButtheLadyIsellecanswim,canshenot,yourgrace?Imean,shepresumablywastaught,whenshewasyounger?”

“Certainlynot,”saidtheProvincara.

“Oh,”saidCazaril.“Oh,dear.”Heglancedaroundthetable.RoyinaIstawasnotwiththem,thismeal;relievedofconcernforacertain

obsessivesubject,hedecidedthathedared.“Thatputsmeinmindofamosthorribletragedy.”

TheProvincara’seyesnarrowed;shedidnottakethebait.Betriz,however,did.“Oh,what?”

“ItwaswhenIwasridingfortheprovincarofGuarida,duringaskirmishwiththeRoknariprinceOlus.Olus’s

troopscameraidingovertheborderunderthecoverofnight,andastorm.IwastoldofftoevacuatetheladiesofdyGuarida’shouseholdbeforethetownwasencircled.Neardawn,afterridinghalfthenight,wecrossedahighfreshet.Oneofhisprovincara’sladies-in-waitingwassweptoffwhenherhorsefell,andwascarriedawaybytheforceofthewaters,togetherwiththepage

whowentafterher.BythetimeI’dgotmyhorseturnedaround,theywereoutofsight…Wefoundthebodiesdownstreamnextmorning.Theriverwasnotthatdeep,butshepanicked,nothavinganyideahowtoswim.Alittletrainingmighthaveturnedafatalaccidentintomerelyafrighteningone,andthreelivessaved.”

“Threelives?”saidIselle.

“Thelady,thepage…”

“Shehadbeenwithchild.”

“Oh.”

Averydauntedsilencefell.

TheProvincararubbedherchin,andeyedCazaril.“Atruestory,Castillar?”

“Yes,”Cazarilsighed.Herfleshhadbeenbruisedand

battered,cold,blue-tinged,inertasclaybeneathhisclutchingfingers,hersoddenclothesheavy,butnotasheavyashisheart.“Ihadtotellherhusband.”

“Huh,”grunteddyFerrej.Thetable’smostreliableraconteur,hedidnottrytotopthistale.

“It’snotanexperienceIeverwishtorepeat,”added

Cazaril.

TheProvincarasnortedandlookedaway.Afteramoment,shesaid,“Mygranddaughtercannotgosportingaboutnakedintheriverlikeaneel.”

Isellesatup.“Butsupposewewore,oh,linenshifts.”

“It’strue,ifoneneededtoswiminanemergency,one

wouldmostlikelyhaveclothesstillon,”Cazarilsaidhelpfully.

Betrizaddedwistfullyunderherbreath,“Andwecouldcoolofftwice.Oncewhenweswam,andoncewhenwesataboutdryingout.”

“Cannotsomeladyofthehouseholdinstructher?”Cazarilcoaxed.

“Theydonotswimeither,”saidtheProvincarafirmly.

Betriznoddedconfirmation.“Theyjustwade.”Sheglancedup.“Couldyouteachushowtoswim,LordCaz?”

Iselleclappedherhands.“Oh,yes!”

“I…uh…”Cazarilstammered.Ontheotherhand…inthatcompany,he

mightkeephisshirtonwithoutcomment.“Isupposeso…ifyourladieswentalong.”HeglancedacrossattheProvincara.“Andifyourgrandmotherwouldpermitme.”

Afteralongsilence,theProvincaragrowledgrudgingly,“Mindyoudon’tallcatchchills.”

IselleandBetriz,prudently,

suppressedhootsoftriumph,buttheycastCazarilsparklingglancesofgratitude.Hewonderediftheythoughthehadmadeupthestoryofthenight-ridedrowning.

THELESSONSBEGANTHATAFTERNOON,WITHCAZARILstandinginthemiddleoftherivertryingtopersuadetworatherstiffyoungwomenthattheywouldnotdrown

instantlyiftheygottheirhairwet.Hisfearthathehadoverdonethediresafetywarningsgraduallypassedasthewomenatlengthrelaxedandlearnedtoletthewatersbuoythemup.TheywerenaturallymorebuoyantthanCazaril,thoughhismonthsattheProvincara’stablehaddrivenadealofthewolf-gauntnessfromhisbeardedface.

Hispatienceprovedjustified.Bytheendofthesummer,theyweresplashinganddivinglikeottersinthedrought-shrunkenstream.Cazarilhadmerelytositintheshallowsinwateruptohiswaistandcalloccasionalsuggestions.

Hischoiceofvantagehadonlypartlytodowithstayingcool.TheProvincarawasright,hehadtoallow—

swimmingwaslewd.Andlooselinenshifts,thoroughlywetteddownandclingingtolitheyoungbodies,madefairmockeryofthemodestytheyattemptedtopreserve,astunningeffecthecarefullydidnotpointouttohistwoblithecharges.Worse,theeffectcuttwoways.Wetlinentrewsclingingtohisloinsrevealedastateofmind—um,body—um,recoveringhealth—thatheearnestly

prayedtheywouldnotnotice.Iselledidn’tseemto,anyway.HewasnotentirelysureaboutBetriz.Theirmiddle-agedlady-in-waitingNandyVrit,whodeclinedthelessonsbutwadedaboutintheshallowsfullydressedwithherskirtshoistedtohercalves,missednothingintheplay,andwasclearlyhard-pressedtocontrolhersnickers.Charitably,sheseemedtogranthimhisgood

faith,anddidnotlaughathimoutloud,nortattleonhimtotheProvincara.Atleast…hedidn’tthinkshedid.

CazarilwasuncomfortablyconsciousthathisawarenessofBetrizwasincreasingdaybyday.Notyettothepointofslippinganonymousbadpoetryunderherdoor,thankthegodsfortheshredsofhissanity.Playingtheluteunderherwindowwas,perhaps

fortunately,nolongerwithinhisgift.Andyet…inthelongsummerquietofValenda,hehadbeguntodaretothinkofalifebeyondtheturningofanhourglass.

Betrizdidsmileathim—thatwastrue,hedidnotdeludehimself.Andshewaskind.Butshesmiledatandwaskindtoherhorse,too.Herhonestfriendlycourtesywashardlygroundenoughto

buildadreammansionupon,letalonebringbedandlinensandtrytomovein.Still…shedidsmileathim.

Hestifledtheidearepeatedly,butitkeptpoppingup—alongwithotherthings,alas,especiallyduringswimminglessons.Buthe’dswornoffambition—hedidn’thavetomakeafoolofhimselfanymore,dammit.Hisembarrassingarousalmight

beasignofreturningstrength,butwhatgooddiditdohim?Hewasaslandlessandpennilessasinhisdayshereasapage,andwithfarfewerhopes.Hewasmadtoentertainfantasiesofeitherlustorlove,andyet…Betriz’sfatherwasalandlessmanofgoodblood,livingalifeofservice.Surelyhecouldnotdespisealikesojourner.

NotdespiseCazaril,no—dy

Ferrejwastoowiseforthat.Buthewasalsowiseenoughtoknowhisdaughter’sbeautyandconnectionwiththeroyessewasadowrythatcouldbringhersomethingratherbetterinthewayofahusbandthanfortunelessCazaril,oreventhelocalpettygentry’ssonswhoservedtheProvincara’shouseholdaspagesnow.Betrizclearlyconsideredtheboystobeannoyingpuppies

anyway.Butsomeofthemhadelderbrothers,heirsoftheirmodestestates…

TodayhesankdowninthewatertohischinandpretendednottowatchthroughhiseyelashesasBetrizscrambledupontoarock,translucentlinendripping,blackhairstreamingdownoverhertremblingcurves.Shestretchedherarmstothesunbeforebelly-

floppingforwardtosplashIselle,whoduckedandshriekedandsplashedherback.Thedayswereshorteningnow,thenightswerecooling,andlikewisetheafternoons.ThefestivaloftheascentoftheSonofAutumnwasathand.Ithadbeentoocooltoswimalllastweek—onlyafewdayswerelikelyleftwarmenoughtomaketheseprivatewetriverexcursionstolerable.Fast

gallops,andthehunt,wouldsoonenticehisladiestodrierdelights.Andhisgoodsensewouldreturntohimlikeastrayeddog.Wouldn’tit?

THESLANTINGLIGHTANDCHILLINGAIRDROVETHElingeringswimmingpartyfromthewatertodryawhileonthestonybanks.Cazarilwassodrenchedinmelloweasethathedidn’tevenmakethemconducttheiridle

chitchatinDarthacanorRoknari.Atlasthepulledonhisheavyridingtrousersandboots—goodnewboots,agiftfromtheProvincara—andhisswordbelt.Hetightenedthebrowsinghorses’girthsandremovedtheirhobbles,andhelpedtheladiesmount.Reluctantly,withmanybackwardglancesatthesylvanrivergladefallingbehind,thelittlecavalcadewoundupthehilltothe

castle.

Inaspurtofrecklessness,CazarilpressedhishorseforwardtomatchpacewithBetriz’s.Sheglancedacrossathim,quickfugitivedimplewinking.Wasitwantofcourage,orwantofwitsthatturnedhistonguetowoodinhismouth?Both,hedecided.HeandtheLadyBetrizattendedIselletogetherdaily.Ifsomeponderousattemptof

hisatdallianceshouldproveunwelcome,mightitdamagethepreciouseasethathadgrownbetweenthemintheroyesse’sservice?No—hemust,hewouldsaysomething—butherhorsebrokeintoatrotatthesightofthecastlegate,andthemomentwaslost.

Astheyenteredthecourtyard,thescrapeoftheirhorses’hoovesechoinghollowlyon

thecobbles,Teidezburstfromasidedoor,crying“Iselle!Iselle!”

Cazaril’shandleapttohisswordhiltinshock—theboy’stunicandtrouserswerebespatteredwithblood—thenfellawayagainatthesightofthedustyandgrimydySandatrudgingalongbehindhischarge.Teidez’sgoryappearancewasmerelytheresultofanafternoontraining

sessionatValenda’sbutcher’syard.Itwasn’thorrorthatdrovehisexcitedcries,butrapture.Theroundfaceheturneduptohissisterwasshiningwithjoy.

“Iselle,themostwonderfulthinghashappened!Guess,guess!”

“HowamItoguess—”shebegan,laughing.

Impatientlyhewavedthisaway;hisnewstumbledfromhislips.“AcourierfromRoyaOricojustarrived.YouandIareorderedtoattenduponhimthisfallatcourtinCardegoss!AndMotherandGrandmamaarenotinvited!Iselle,we’regoingtoescapefromValenda!”

“We’regoingtotheZangre?”Isellewhooped,andslidfromhersaddletograbher

brother’sreekinghandsandwhirlwithhimaroundthecourtyard.Betrizleanedonhersaddlebowandwatched,herlipspartedinthrilleddelight.

Theirlady-in-waitingpursedherlipsinmuchlessdelight.CazarilcaughtSerdySanda’seye.Theroyse’stutor’smouthwassetinagrimfrown.

Cazaril’sstomachlurched,asthecoinsofconclusiondropped.TheRoyesseIsellewasorderedtocourt;thereforeherlittlehouseholdwouldaccompanyhertoCardegoss.IncludingherhandmaidenLadyBetriz.

Andhersecretary.

7

Theroyseandroyesse’scaravanapproachedCardegossfromthesouthroad.Theystruggleduparisetofindthewholeoftheplainbetweenthecradlingmountainsrollingoutbelowtheirfeet.

Cazaril’snostrilsflaredashedrewinthesharpwind.Coldrainlastnighthadscouredtheairclean.Tumblingbanksofslate-bluecloudsshreddedawaytotheeast,echoingthelinesofthewrinkledblue-grayrangeshuggingthehorizon.Lightfromthewestthrustacrosstheplainslikeaswordstroke.Risinguponitsgreatrockjuttingoutabovetheanglewheretwostreamsmet,dominatingtherivers,

theplains,themountainpasses,andtheeyesofallbeholders,theZangrecaughtthelightandblazedlikemoltengoldagainstthedarkretreatingcloudbanks.Itsochrestonetowerswerecrownedandcappedwithslateroofsthecolorofthescuddingclouds,likeanarrayofironhelmetsuponavaliantbandofsoldiers.FavoredseatoftheroyasofChalionforgenerations,theZangre

appearedfromthisvantageallfortress,nopalace,asdedicatedtothebusinessofwarasanysoldier-brothersworntotheholyordersofthegods.

RoyseTeidezurgedhisblackhorseforwardnexttoCazaril’sbayandstaredeagerlyattheirgoal,hisfacelitwithakindofawedavarice.Hungerforthepromiseofalargerlife,free

ofthecarefulconstraintsofmothersandgrandmothers,Cazarilsupposed,certainly.ButTeidezwouldhavetobemuchdullerthanheappearednottobewonderingrightnowifthisluminousmiracleofstonecouldbehis,someday.Why,indeed,hadtheboybeencalledtocourt,ifOrico,despairingatlastofevergettingheirsofhisownbody,wasnotmeaningtogroomhimashissuccessor?

IsellehaltedherdappledgrayandstarednearlyaseagerlyasTeidez.“Strange.Iremembereditaslarger,somehow.”

“Waittillwegetcloser,”Cazariladviseddryly.

SerdySanda,inthevan,motionedthemforward,andthewholetrainofridersandpackmulesstarteddownthemuddyroadoncemore:the

tworoyalyouths,theirsecretary-guardians,LadyBetriz,servants,grooms,armedoutridersinthegreen-and-blackliveryofBaocia,extrahorses,Snowflake—whomightatthispointmoreaptlybenamedMudpot—andalltheirveryconsiderablebaggage.Cazaril,veteranofanumberofhair-tearinglyaggravatingnobleladies’processions,regardedtheprogressoftheconvoyasa

wonderofdispatch.IthadtakenonlyfivedaystoridefromValenda,fourandahalf,really.RoyesseIselle,ablybackedbyBetriz,haddrivenhersubhouseholdwithverveandefficiency.Notoneofthejourney’sinevitabledelayscouldbelaidtoherfemininecaprice.

InfactbothTeidezandIsellehadpushedtheirentouragetoitsbestspeedfromthe

momentthey’driddenoutofValendaandgallopedaheadtooutdistanceIsta’sheart-wrenchingwails,audibleevenoverthebattlements.Isellehadclappedherhandsoverherearsandsteeredherhorsewithherkneestillshe’descapedtheechoofhermother’sextravagantgrief.

Thenewsthatherchildrenwereorderedfromherhadthrownthedowagerroyina,if

notintomadnessoutright,intodeepdistractionanddespair.Shehadwept,andprayed,andargued,and,atlength,gonesilent,areliefofsorts.DySandahadconfidedtoCazarilhowshe’dcorneredhimandtriedtobribehimintoflyingwithTeidez,whereandhowbeingunclear.Hedescribedherasgibbering,clutching,barelyshortoffoam-flecked.

ShehadcorneredCazaril,too,inhischamberpackinghissaddlebagsthenightbeforethedeparture.Theirconversationwentratherdifferently;oratleast,whateverithadbeen,itwasn’tgibbering.

Shehadregardedhimforalong,silent,andunnervingmomentbeforesayingabruptly,“Areyouafraid,Cazaril?”

Cazarilconsideredhisreply,andfinallyansweredsimplyandtruthfully,“Yes,mylady.”

“DySandaisafool.You,atleast,arenot.”

Notknowingwhattosaytothis,Cazarilinclinedhisheadpolitely.

Sheinhaled,hereyesgonehuge,andsaid,“Protect

Iselle.Ifeveryoulovedme,oryourhonor,protectIselle.Swearit,Cazaril!”

“Iswear.”

Hereyessearchedhim,butrathertohissurpriseshedidnotdemandmoreelaborateprotestations,orreassuringrepetitions.

“FromwhatshallIprotecther?”Cazarilasked

cautiously.“Whatdoyoufear,LadyIsta?”

Shestoodsilentinthecandlelight.

CazarilrecalledPalli’seffectiveentreaty.“Lady,pleasedonotsendmeblindfoldedintobattle!”

Herlipspuffed,asfromablowtothestomach;butthensheshookherheadindespair,

whirledaway,andrushedfromtheroom.Herattendant,obviouslyworriedtothepointofexasperation,hadblownoutherbreathandfollowedher.

DespitethememoryofIsta’sinfectiousagitation,Cazarilfoundhisspiritsliftedfromtheirmireofdreadbytheyoungpeople’sexcitementastheirgoalneared.Theroadmettheriverthatflowedout

ofCardegoss,andranalongsideitastheydescendedintoawoodedarea.Atlength,Cardegoss’ssecondstreamjoinedthemain.Achilldraftcoursedthroughtheshadedvalley.Onthesideoftheriveroppositetheroad,threehundredfeetofclifffaceeruptedfromthegroundandsoaredaloft.Hereandthere,littletreesclungdesperatelytocrevices,andfernsspilleddownoverthe

rocks.

Isellepausedtostareup,andup.Cazarilreinedhishorseinbesidehers.Fromhere,onecouldnotevenseethebeginningsofthehumanmasons’punydefensiveadditionsdecoratingthetopofthisnaturalfortresswall.

“Oh,”saidIselle.

“My,”addedBetriz,joining

themcraningintheirnecks.

“TheZangre,”saidCazaril,“hasneverinitshistorybeentakenbyassault.”

“Isee,”breathedBetriz.

Afewfloatingyellowleaves,promiseofautumntocome,whirledawaydownthedarkstream.Thepartypressedtheirhorsesforward,climbingupoutofthevalley

towhereagreatstonearch,leadingtooneofthesevengatesofthecity,spannedthestream.Cardegosssharedthestream-carvedplateauwiththefortress.ThetownrampartsflaredbackalongthetopsoftheravinesliketheshapeofaboatwiththeZangreatitsprow,thenturnedinwardinalongwallformingthestern.

Intheclearlightofthiscrisp

afternoon,thecityfailedsignallytolooksinister.Markets,glimpseddownsidestreets,werebrightwithfoodandflowers,throngedwithmenandwomen.Bakersandbankers,weaversandtailorsandjewelersandsaddlers,togetherwithsuchtradesandcraftsthatwerenotrequiredbytheirneedforrunningwatertobedownbytheriversides,offeredtheirwares.Theroyalcompany

rodethroughthemisnamedTempleSquare,whichhadfivesides,oneforeachofthebigregionalmother-housesofthegods’holyorders.Divines,acolytes,anddedicatsstrodealong,lookingmoreharriedandbureaucraticthanascetic.Inthesquare’svastpavedcenter,thefamiliarcloverleaf-and-towershapeofCardegoss’sTempleoftheHolyFamilybulked,impressivelymoreextensive

thanthehomeylittleversioninValenda.

ToTeidez’sill-concealedimpatience,Iselledemandedastophere,andsentCazarilscurryingintothetemple’sechoinginnercourtyardtolayanofferingofcoinsuponthealtaroftheLadyofSpringingratitudefortheirsafejourney.AnacolytetookchargeofitwiththanksandstaredcuriouslyatCazaril;

Cazarilmumbledabriefdistractedprayerandhurriedbackouttomountagain.

ClimbingthelongshallowslopetowardtheZangre,theypassedthroughstreetswherehousesofthenobility,builtofdressedstoneandwithelaborateirongrillesprotectingwindowsandgates,loomedshouldertoshoulder,highandsquare.Thedowagerroyinahadlived

inonesuch,foratimeinherearlywidowhood.Iselleexcitedlyidentifiedthreepossiblecandidatesforherchildhoodhome,until,overcomewithconfusion,shemadeCazarilpromisetodeterminelaterwhichhadbeenhers.

AtlasttheyrodeuptothegreatgateoftheZangreitself.Anaturalcleftacrosstheplateauopenedjustbeforeit

intoasharpshadowedcrevice,moredauntingthananymoat.Onthefarside,hugebouldersformedthelowestcourseofstonesinthewalls;irregular,butfittingsotightlyaknifebladecouldnothaveslidbetweenthem.Atopthem,fineRoknariwork,itsdelicatetraceriesofgeometricdecorationseemingsugarratherthanstone.Atopthat,yetmorecrisp-cutstone,toweringhigherandhigheras

ifmencompetedwiththegodswhohadthrownupthegreatrockthewholeedificestoodupon.TheZangrewastheonlycastleCazarilhadeverbeeninwherehesufferedwhirlingvertigostandingatthebottomlookingup.

Ahornsoundedfromabove,andsoldiersintheliveryofRoyaOricosalutedastheyrodeacrossthedrawbridge

andthroughthenarrowarchwayintothecourtyard.LadyBetrizclutchedherreinsandstaredaroundwithherlipsparted.Thecourtyardwasdominatedbyahugehighrectangulartower,newestandcrispest,theadditionofthereignofRoyaIasandLorddyLutez.Cazarilhadalwayswonderedifitsgreatsizewasameasureofthemen’sstrength…ortheirfears.Alittlebeyondit,

almostashigh,aroundtowerloomedatonecornerofthemainblock.Itsslateroofwastumbledin,anditstalltopraggedandbroken.

“Deargods,”saidBetriz,staringatthehalfruin,“whathappenedthere?Whydon’ttheyrepairit?”

“Ah,”saidCazaril,thrownintotutorialmode,considerablymoreforhis

ownreassurancethanBetriz’s.“That’sthetowerofRoyaFonsatheWise.”Knownmorecommonly,afterhisdeath,asFonsatheFairly-Wise.“Theysayheusedtowalkuponitallnight,tryingtoreadthewillofthegodsandthefateofChalioninthestars.OnthenightheworkedhismiracleofdeathmagicupontheGoldenGeneral,agreatstormandgoutsoflightningthrew

downtheroof,andsetafirethatdidn’tburnoutuntilmorningdespitethetorrentsofrain.”

WhentheRoknarihadfirstinvadedfromthesea,theyhadoverrunmostofChalion,Ibra,andBrajarintheirfirstviolentburst,evenpastCardegoss,totheveryfeetofthesouthernmountainranges.Darthacaitselfhadbeenthreatenedbytheiradvance

parties.ButfromtheashesoftheweakOldKingdomsandtheharshcradleofthehillsnewmenhademerged,fightingforgenerationstoregainwhathadbeenlostinthosefirstfewyears.Warrior-thieves,theymadeaneconomyofraiding;noblefortuneswerenotmade,butstolen.Turnabout,fortheRoknariideaoftaxcollectionwasacolumnofsoldierstakingallintheirwinding

pathatsword’spoint,likelocustsinarms.Bribeandcounterbribeturnedthecolumnsback,untilChalionwasbecomeanoddinterlockingdanceofcountingarmiesandarmedaccountants.Butovertime,theRoknariwerepushedbacknorthtowardtheseaagain,leavingbehindaslegacyaresidueofcastlesandbrutality.Atlengththeinvaderswerereducedtothe

fivesquabblingprincedomshuggingthenorthcoast.

TheGoldenGeneral,theLionofRoknar,hadlookedtoreversetheebbofhishistory.Bywar,guile,andmarriagehehadintenblazingyearsunitedallfiveprincedomsforalmostthefirsttimesincetheRoknarihadlanded.Barelythirty,he’dgatheredagreattideofmenintohishands,preparingtosweepsouth

oncemore,declaringhewouldwipetheQuintarianhereticsandtheworshipoftheBastardfromthefaceofthelandwithfireandsword.Desperateanddisunited,Chalion,Ibra,andBrajarwerelosingagainsthimoneveryfront.

Moreordinaryformsofassassinationfailing,deathmagicwastrieduponthegoldengeniusadozentimes

andmore,withoutresult.FonsatheWise,fromdeepstudy,reasonedthattheGoldenGeneralmustbethechosenofoneofthegods;nosacrificelessthanthatofakingcouldbalancehisthunderingdestiny.Fonsahadlostfivesonsandheirsoneafteranotherinthewarstothenorth.Ias,hislastandyoungest,waslockedinbitterstrugglewiththeRoknariforthefinalmountainpasses

blockingtheirinvasionroutes.Onestormynight,takingonlyadivineoftheBastardwhowasinhisconfidenceandaloyalyoungpage,Fonsahadmountedhistower,lockingitsdoorbehindhim…

ThecourtiersofChalionhadpulledthreecharredbodiesfromtherubblethefollowingmorning;onlythedifferingheightsallowedthemtotell

divinefrompagefromroya.Shockedandterrified,thetremblingcourthadawaiteditsfate.ThecourierfromCardegoss,gallopingnorthwiththenewsoflossandwoe,metthecouriergallopingsouthfromIaswithnewsofvictory.FuneralandcoronationwerecelebratedsimultaneouslywithintheZangre’swalls.

Cazarilstaredaroundatthose

wallsnow.“WhenRoyse—nowRoya—Iasreturnedfromthewar,”hewentontoBetriz,“heorderedthelowerwindowsanddoorsofhisdeadfather’stowerbrickedup,andproclaimedthatnooneshouldenteritagain.”

Adark,flappingshapelauncheditselffromthetower’stop,andBetrizsqueakedandducked.

“Crowshavenestediniteversince,”Cazarilnoted,tiltinghisheadbacktowatchtheblacksilhouettewheelagainsttheintensebluesky.“Ibelieveit’sthesameflockofsacredcrowsthedivinesoftheBastardfeedinthetempleyard.Intelligentbirds.Theacolytesmakepetsofthemandteachthemtospeak.”

Iselle,whohaddrawncloserasCazarilhaddiscoursed

uponherroyalgrandfather’sfate,asked,“Whatdotheysay?”

“Notmuch,”Cazariladmitted,withaquickgrinather.“Ineversawonethathadavocabularyofmorethanthreesquawks.Althoughsomeoftheacolytesinsistedtheyweresayingmore.”

WarnedbytheoutriderdySandahadsentonahead,a

swarmofgroomsandservantsrushedouttoassistthearrivingguests.TheZangre’scastlewarder,withhisownhands,positionedamountingbenchforRoyesseIselle.Perhapsthrownintoconsciousnessofherdignitybythisgentleman’sbendinggrayhead,sheusedthestepforachange,partingfromherhorsewithladylikegrace.Teideztossedhisreinstoabowinggroomandstared

aboutwithshiningeyes.ThewardermaderapidconferencewithdySandaandCazarilofadozenpracticaldetails,fromstablingthehorsesandgroomsto—Cazarilgrinnedbriefly—stablingtheroyseandroyesse.

Thewarderescortedtheroyalchildrentotheirroomsintheleftwingofthemainblock,followedbyaparadeof

servantsluggingthebaggage.Teidezandhisentourageweregivenhalfafloor;Iselleandherladies,thefloorabovethem.Cazarilwasassignedasmallroomonthegentlemen’sfloor,butattheveryend.Hewonderedifhewasexpectedtoguardthestaircase.

“Restandrefreshyourselves,”thewardersaid.“Theroyaandroyinawill

receiveyouatacelebratorybanquetthisevening,attendedbyallthecourt.”Arushofservantsbringingwashwater,cleanlinens,bread,fruit,pastries,cheese,andwineassuredthevisitorsfromValendathattheywerenotabandonedtostarvebetweennowandthen.

“Wherearemyroyalbrotherandsister-in-law?”Iselleaskedthewarder.

Thewardermadeheralittlebow.“Theroyinaisresting.Theroyaisvisitinghismenagerie,whichisagreatconsolationtohim.”

“I’dliketoseeit,”shesaid,alittlewistfully.“Hehasoftenwrittenmeofit.”

“Tellhimso.He’llliketoshowittoyou,”thewarderassuredherwithasmile.

Theladies’partywassoondeeplyinvolvedinafranticturningoutofluggagetoselectgarmentsforthebanquet,anexercisethatquiteclearlydidnotrequireCazaril’sinexpertassistance.Hedirectedtheservanttoplacehistrunkinhisnarrowroomanddepart,droppedhissaddlebagsonhisbed,androotedthroughthemtofindthelettertoOricotheProvincarahadstrictly

chargedhimtodeliver,intotheroya’shandandnoother,athisearliestpossiblemomentuponarrival.Hepausedonlytowashtheroaddirtfromhishandsandspareaquickglanceouthiswindow.Thedeepravineonthissideofthecastleseemedtoplungestraightdownbelowhissill.Adizzyingglintofwaterfromthestreamwasjustvisiblethroughthetreetopsfarbelow.

Cazarilonlylosthiswayonceonthewaytothemenagerie,whichwasoutsidethewallsandacrossthegardens,anadjunctofthestables.Ifnothingelsehecouldidentifyitbythesharp,acridsmellofstrangemanuresneitherhumannorequine.Cazarilstaredintoanarchedaisleofthestonebuilding,hiseyesadjustingtoitscoolshade,anddiffidentlyentered.

Acoupleofformerstallswereconvertedtocagesforapairofwonderfullyglossyblackbears.Onewasasleeponapileofcleangoldenstraw;theotherstaredupathim,liftingitsmuzzleandsniffinghopefullyasCazarilpassed.OntheothersideoftheaislestallshousedsomeverystrangebeaststhatCazarilcouldnotevenputanameto,liketallleggygoats,butwithlongcurvingnecks,

mildandliquideyes,andthicksoftfur.Inaroomtooneside,adozenlarge,brilliantlycoloredbirdsonperchespreenedandmuttered,andothertiny,equallybrightonestwitteredandflittedincagesliningthewall.Acrossfromtheaviary,inanopenbay,hefoundhumanoccupantsatlast:aneatgroomintheroya’slivery,andafatmansittingcross-leggedonatable,

holdingaleopardbyitsjeweledcollar.Cazarilgaspedandfrozeasthemanduckedhisheadrightnexttothegreatcat’sopenjaws.

Themanwascurryingthebeastvigorously.AcloudofyellowandblackhairsrosefromthepairastheleopardwrithedonthetableinwhatCazarilrecognized,afterablink,asfelineecstasy.Cazaril’seyewassolocked

bytheleopard,ittookhimanothermomenttorecognizethemanasRoyaOrico.

ThedozenyearssinceCazarilhadlastglimpsedhimhadnotbeenkind.Oricohadneverbeenahandsomeman,eveninthevigorofhisyouth.Hewasalittlebelowaverageinheight,withashortnoseunfortunatelybrokeninaridingaccidentinhisteensandnowlookingratherlikea

squashedmushroominthemiddleofhisface.Hishairhadbeenauburnandcurly.Itwasnowroan,stillcurlybutmuchthinner.Hishairwastheonlythingabouthimthatwasthinner;hisbodywasgrosslybroadened.Hisfacewaspaleandpuffy,withbaggyeyelids.Hechirpedathisspottedcat,whorubbeditsheadagainsttheroya’stunic,sheddingmorehairs,thenlickedthebrocade

vigorouslywithatonguethesizeofawashcloth,evidentlypursuingalargegravystainthathadtraileddownovertheroya’simpressivepaunch.Theroya’ssleeveswererolledup,andhalfadozenscabbedscratchesscoredhisarms.Thegreatcatcaughtabarearm,andhelditinitsyellowteethbriefly,butdidnotcloseitsjaws.Cazarilunwoundhisclutchingfingersfromhisswordhilt,

andclearedhisthroat.

Astheroyaturnedhishead,Cazarilfelltooneknee.“Sire,IbearyourespectfulgreetingsfromtheDowagerProvincaraofBaocia,andthisherletter.”Heheldoutthepaper,andadded,justincasenoonehadmentionedittohimyet,“RoyseTeidezandRoyesseIsellearearrivedsafely,sire.”

“Oh,yes.”Theroyajerkedhisheadattheelderlygroom,whowenttorelieveCazariloftheletterwithagracefulbow.

“HerGracetheDowagerinstructedmetodeliveritintoyourhand,”Cazariladdeduncertainly.

“Yes,yes—justamoment—”Withsomeeffort,Oricobentoverhisbellytogivethecat

onequickhug,thenclippedasilverchaintoitscollar.Chirpingsomemore,heurgedittoleaplightlyfromthetable.Hedismountedmoreheavily,andsaid,“Here,Umegat.”

Thiswasevidentlythegroom’sname,notthecat’s,forthemansteppedforwardandtookthesilverleashinexchangefortheletter.Heledthebeasttoitscagealittle

waydowntheaisle,unceremoniouslyshovingitinwithakneetoitsrumpwhenitpausedtorubonthebars.Cazarilbreathedalittleeasierwhenthegroomlockedthecage.

Oricobroketheseal,scatteringwaxontheswepttiledfloor.Absently,hemotionedCazariltohisfeetandreadslowlydowntheProvincara’sspidery

handwriting,pausingtomovethepapercloserorfartherandsquintingnowandthen.Cazaril,fallingeasilybackintohisoldcouriermode,foldedhishandsbehindhisbackandwaitedpatientlytobequestionedordismissedatOrico’swill.

Cazarileyedthegroom—headgroom?—ashewaited.Evenwithouttheclueofthename,themanwasobviously

ofRoknaridescent.Umegathadbeentallish,butwasnowalittlestooped.Hisskin,whichmusthavebeenburnishedgoldinhisyouth,wasleathery,itscolorfadedtoivory.Finewrinkleswreathedhiseyesandmouth.Hiscurlybronzehair,goinggray,wastightlyboundtohisheadintwobraidsthatranfromhistemplesoverhiscrowntomeetinthebackinaneatqueue,anoldRoknari

style.ItmadehimlookpureRoknari,thoughhalf-breedsaboundedinChalion;RoyaOricohimselfhadacoupleofRoknariprincessesuphisfamilytreeonboththeChalioneseandBrajaransides,thesourceofthefamilyhair.ThegroomworetheserviceliveryoftheZangre,tunicandleggingsandaknee-lengthtabardwiththesymbolofChalion,aroyalleopardrampantupona

stylizedcastle,stitcheduponit.Helookedconsiderablytidierandmorefastidiousthanhismaster.

Oricofinishedtheletter,andsighed.“RoyinaIstaupset,wasshe?”hesaidtoCazaril.

“Shewasnaturallydisturbedtobepartedfromherchildren,”saidCazarilcautiously.

“Iwasafraidofthat.Can’tbehelped.AslongassheisdisturbedinValenda,andnotinCardegoss.I’llnothaveherhere,she’stoo…difficult.”Herubbedhisnoseonthebackofhishand,andsniffed.“TellHerGracetheProvincarashehasallmyesteem,andassureherthatIhaveconcernedmyselfwithhergrandchildren’sgoodfates.Theyhavetheirbrother’sprotection.”

“Iplantowritetohertonight,sire,toassureherofoursafearrival.Iwillconveyyourwords.”

Oriconoddedshortly,rubbedhisnoseagain,andsquintedatCazaril.“DoIknowyou?”

“I…shouldn’tthinkso,sire.IamlatelyappointedbytheDowagerProvincaratobesecretarytotheRoyesseIselle.Ihadservedthelate

provincarofBaociaasapage,inmyyouth,”headded,bywayofrecommendation.HedidnotmentionhisserviceindyGuarida’strain,whichmightwelltriggertheroya’smorerecentmemory,notthathehadeverbeenmorethanoneofthecrowdofdyGuarida’smen.Alittleunplanneddisguisewassurelylenthimbyhisrecentbeard,hisgray-fleckedhair,hisgeneraldebilitation—if

Oricodidn’trecognizehim,wasthereachancethatothersalsomightnot?HewonderedhowlonghecouldgohereatCardegosswithoutgivinghisownname.Toolatetochangeit,alas.

Hecouldremainanonymousalittlewhilelonger,itappeared,forOriconoddedinapparentsatisfactionandwavedhishandindismissal.“You’llbeatthebanquet,

then.TellmyfairsisterIlookforwardtoseeingherthere.”

Cazarilbowedobedientlyandwithdrew.

HechewedworriedlyuponhislowerlipashemadehiswaybacktothegateoftheZangre.Ifallthecourtwastoattendtonight’swelcomingbanquet,ChancellortheMarchdyJironal,Orico’schiefstaffandsupport,would

notbeabsent;andwherethemarchwent,hisbrotherLordDondousuallyattendeduponhim.

Maybetheywon’tremembermeeither.Ithadbeenwellovertwoyearssincethefall—shamefulsale—ofGotorget,andlongerthanthatsincetheunpleasantincidentinmadPrinceOlus’stent.Cazaril’sexistencecouldneverhavebeenmorethana

pettyirritationtothesepowerfullords.Theycouldnotknowthathehadrealizedhissaletothegalleyshadbeencalculatedbetrayalandnotmischance.Ifhedidnothingtodrawattentiontohimself,theywouldnotberemindedofwhattheyhadforgotten,andhewouldbesafe.

Afool’shope.

Cazaril’sshouldershunched,andhisstridelengthened.

BACKINHISHIGHCHAMBER,CAZARILFINGEREDHISSOBERbrownwoolrobeandblackvest-cloaklongingly.But,obedienttotheorderssentdownfromtheflooraboveviaabreathlessmaidservant,hedonnedmuchgaudiergarb,aneggshell-bluetunicwithturquoisebrocadevestmentsanddarkblue

trousersfromtheoldprovincar’sstore,stillsmellingfaintlyofthespicesthey’dbeenpackedwithasproofagainstmoths.Bootsandswordcompletedacourtier’sattire,evenifitlackedthewealthofringsandchains.

AtTeidez’surgentbehestCazarilstumpedupstairstocheckifhisladieswerereadyyet,theretodiscoverthathe

waspartofanensemble.Isellewasarrayedinherfinestfavoredblue-and-whitegownandrobes,andBetrizandthelady-in-waitingworelayersfeaturingturquoiseandnight-bluerespectively.Someoneinthepartyhadcomedownonthesideofrestraint,andIsellewasdeckedinjewelsbefittingamaiden,merediamondsparksinherears,abroochathercleavage,oneenameledbelt,

andonlytworings.Betrizdisplayedsomeoftherestoftheinventory,onloan.Cazarilstoodstraighterandregrettedhisresplendencyless,determinedtoholduphispartforIselle.

Afteronlysomesevenoreightdelaysforlast-minuteexchangesandadjustmentsofclothingordecoration,CazarilherdedthemalldownstairstojoinTeidezand

hislittleentourageofrank,consistingofdySanda,theBaociancaptainwhohadguardedtheirjourney,andhischiefsergeantatarms,thelatterpairintheirbestlivery,allwithjewel-hiltedswords.Swishingandclinking,theyfollowedtheroyalpagewhowassenttoguidethemtoOrico’sthroneroom.

Theypausedbrieflyintheantechamber,wherethey

formedupinproperorderunderthewhisperedinstructionsfromthecastlewarder.Doorsswungwide,sweethornssounded,andthewarderannouncedinstentorianbreaths,“TheRoyseTeidezdyChalion!TheRoyesseIselledyChalion!SerdySanda—”andondownthepackinstrictorderofrank,endingwith“LadyBetrizdyFerrej,CastillarLupedyCazaril,

SeraNandyVrit!”

BetrizglancedupsidewaysatCazaril,herbrowneyessuddenlymerry,andmurmuredunderherbreath,“Lupe?YourfirstnameisLupe?”

Cazarilconsideredhimselfexcusedfromattemptingtoreplybytheirsituation—justaswell,asitwoulddoubtlesshavecomeoutthoroughly

garbled.Theroomwasthrongedwithcourtiersandladies,glitteringandrustling,theairthickwithperfume,incense,andexcitement.Inthiscrowd,herealized,hisgarmentsweremodestandunobtrusive—inhisausterebrownandblack,he’dhavelookedacrowamongpeacocks.Eventhewallsweredressedinredbrocade.

Onaraiseddaisattheendof

theroom,shelteredbyaredbrocadecanopyfringedwithgoldbraid,RoyaOricoandhisroyinawereseatedongildedchairs,sidebyside.Oricowaslookingmuchbetterthisevening,washedupandincleanclothes,evenwithadashofcolorinhispuffycheeks;verynearlykinglybeneathhisgoldcircletcrown,afterastodgymiddle-agedfashion.RoyinaSarawaselegantlydressedin

matchingscarletrobesandsatveryupright,almostprim,inherseat.Nowinhermid-thirties,herearlierprettinesswasfadingandworn.Herexpressionwasalittlewooden,andCazarilwonderedhowmixedherfeelingsmustbeatthisroyalreception.Inherlonginfertility,shehadfailedherchiefdutytotheroyacyofChalion—ifthefailurewashers.EvenwhenCazarilhad

beenonthefringesofcourtyearsago,itwaswhisperedthatOricohadnevergotabastard,thoughatthetimethislackwasattributedtoanexcessiveloyaltytohismarriagebed.Teidez’selevationwasalsotheroyalcouple’spublicacknowledgmentofamostprivatedespair.

TeidezandIselleadvancedtothedaisinturn.They

exchangedfraternalkissesofwelcomeuponthehandswiththeroyaandroyina,thoughthefullformalkissesofsubmissionuponforehead,hands,andfeetwerenotrequiredofthemtonight.Eachmemberoftheirentouragewasalsograntedtheboonofkneelingandkissingtheroyalhands.Sara’swaschillaswax,beneathCazaril’srespectfullips.

CazarilstoodbehindIselleandbracedhisbacktoendure,astheroyalsiblingspreparedtoreceivealonglineofcourtiers,noneofwhomcouldbeinsultedbybeingleftoutordeniedapersonalintroductionortouch.Cazaril’sbreathstoppedinhisthroatasherecognizedthefirstandforemostpairofmentoadvance.

TheMarchdyJironalwasdressedinthefullcourtrobesofthegeneraloftheholymilitaryorderoftheSon,inlayersofbrown,orange,andyellow.DyJironalwasnotmuchchangedfromwhenCazarilhadlastseenhimthreeyearsago,whenCazarilhadacceptedthekeysofGotorgetandthetrustofitscommandfromhishandinhisfieldtent.Hewasstillspare,graying,coolofeye,

tensewithenergy,likelytoforgettosmile.ThebroadswordbeltthatcrossedhischestwasthickwithenamelandjewelsinthesymbolsoftheSon,weaponsandanimalsandwinecasks.TheheavygoldchainoftheofficeofthechancellorofChalioncircledhisneck.

Threelargeseal-ringsdecoratedhishands,thatofhisownrichhouse,of

Chalion,andoftheSon’sOrder.Noothersclutteredhisfingers—awealthofjewelscouldnotpossiblyhaveaddedmoreimpacttothatcasualdisplayofpower.

LordDondodyJironalalsoworetherobesofaholygeneral,intheblueandwhiteoftheDaughter’sOrder.Stockierthanhisbrother,withanunfortunatetendencytoprofusesweat,atfortyhe

stillradiatedthefamilydynamism.Exceptforhisnewhonorsheappearedunchanged,unaged,fromwhenCazarilhadlastseenhiminhisbrother’scamp.Cazarilrealizedhe’dbeenhopingDondowouldatleasthaveruntofatlikeOrico,givenhisinfamousindulgencesattable,inbed,andineveryotherpossiblepleasure,buthewasonlyalittlepaunchy.Theglitteron

hishands,nottomentionhisears,neck,arms,andgold-spurredbootheels,madeupforwhateverdisplayoffamilywealthhisbrotherdisdained.

DyJironal’sgazepassedoverCazarilwithoutpauseorrecognition,butDondo’sblackeyebrowsdrewdownashewaitedhisturn,andhefrownedatCazaril’sblanklyaffablefeatures.Hisfrown

deepenedabruptly.ButDondo’ssearchinglookwastornfromCazarilashisbrothermotionedaservanttobringforwardthegiftshewaspresentingtoRoyseTeidez:asilver-mountedsaddleandbridle,afinehuntingcrossbow,andanashboarspearwithawickedlygleaming,chasedsteelpoint.Teidez’sexcitedthankswereentirelygenuine.

LordDondo,afterhisformalintroductions,snappedhisfingers,andaservantholdingasmallcasketsteppedforwardandopenedit.Withagestureworthyoftheater,hedrewfromitanenormouslylongstringofpearlswhichheheldhighforalltosee.“Royesse,IwelcomeyoutoCardegossinthenameofmyholyorder,mygloriousfamily,andmynobleperson!MayIpresentyouwith

doubleyourlengthinpearls”—hebrandishedthestring,whichwasindeedaslongasthesurprisedIsellewashigh—“andgivethankstothegodsthatyouarenotatallerlady,orIshouldbebankrupted!”Achuckleranthroughthecourtiersathisjoke.Hesmiledengaginglyather,andmurmured,“MayI?”Withoutwaitingforreply,hebentforwardandlaidtheropeoverherhead;sheflincheda

littleashishandbrieflytouchedhercheek,butfingeredthegleamingspheresandsmiledbackinastonishment.Shestammeredoutprettythanks,andDondobowed—toolow,Cazarilthoughtsourly;thegestureseemedtingedwithsubtlemockery,tohiseye.

OnlythendidDondotakeamomenttomurmurinhisbrother’sear.Cazarilcould

notmakeoutthelowwords,buthethoughthesawDondo’sbeardedlipsshapethewordGotorget.DyJironal’sglanceatCazarilgrewstartledandsharp,foraninstant,butthenbothmenhadtomakewayforthenextnoblelordinline.

Adauntingnumberofrichorcleverwelcominggiftswerepressedupontheroyseandroyesse.Cazarilfound

himselftakingchargeofIselle’slot,andwithBetriz’shelpmakingdetailednotesastotheirgivers,toaddtothehouseholdinventorylater.Courtiersswarmedaroundtheyouths,Cazarilthoughtdryly,likefliesaroundspilledhoney.Teidezwaselatedtothepointofgiggling;dySandawasalittlestiff,bothgratifiedandstrained.Iselle,thoughalsoclearlyelated,conductedherselfwithfair

dignity.Shetookalarmonlyonce,whenaRoknarienvoyfromoneofthenorthernprincedoms,tallandgolden-skinnedwithhistawnyhairdressedinelaboratebraids,wasintroducedtoher.Hisfineembroideredlinenrobesflutteredlikebannerswithhissweepingbow.Shecurtseyedbackwithunsmilingbutcontrolledcourtesy,andthankedhimforabeautifulbeltofcarvedcorals,jade,

andgoldlinks.

Teidez’sgiftsweremorevaried,thoughrunningheavilytoweapons.Iselle’sweremostlyjewelry,althoughtheyincludednolessthanthreefinemusicboxes.Atlengthallthegiftsnotimmediatelywornwereplacedonatablefordisplayundertheguardofacoupleofpages—displayofthegivers’wealth,wit,orgenerosity,

afterall,beingbetterthanhalftheirpurpose—andthecrowdofCardegoss’selitefiledintothebanquetinghall.

TheroyseandroyessewereconductedtothehightableandseatedoneithersideofOricoandhisroyina.TheywereflankedinturnbytheJironalbrothers,ChancellordyJironalsmilingabittightlyatthefourteen-year-oldTeidez,Dondoevidently

tryingtomakehimselfpleasanttoIselle,thoughitcouldbeseenthathelaughedlouderathiswitthanshedid.Cazarilwasseatedatoneofthelongtablesperpendiculartotheroom’sfront,abovethesaltandnottoofarfromhischarge.Hediscoveredthemiddle-agedmanonhisrighttobeanIbranenvoy.

“TheIbranstreatedmewellduringmylastsojournin

yourcountry,”Cazarilventuredpolitelyaftertheirmutualintroductions,decidingtoavoidmentioningthedetails.“HowcameyoutoCardegoss,mylord?”

TheIbransmiledinafriendlymanner.“YouaretheRoyesseIselle’sman,eh?Well,besidestheundoubtedattractionsofthehuntinginCardegossinthefall,theroyaofIbradispatchedmeto

persuadeRoyaOriconottosupporttheHeir’snewrebellioninSouthIbra.TheHeiracceptsaidfromDarthaca;Ibelievehewillfinditagiftthatturnstobitehim,intime.”

“HisHeir’srebellionisapainfulcontretempsfortheroyaofIbra,”Cazarilsaid,truthfully,butwithstudiedneutrality.TheoldFoxofIbrahaddouble-dealtwith

Chalionenoughtimesinthelastthirtyyearstobeconsideredadubiousfriendandadangerousenemy—thoughifthisghastlystop-and-startwarwithhissonwastheretributionofthegodsforhisslyness,thegodsweresurelytobefeared.“IdonotknowRoyaOrico’smind,butitseemstomethattobackyouthagainstageistobetonasurety.Theymustmakeupagain,ortimewill

decide.Fortheoldmantodefeathissonisliketodefeatinghimself.”

“Notthistime.Ibrahasanotherson.”TheenvoyglancedaroundandleanedclosertoCazaril,loweringhisvoice.“AfactthatdidnotescapetheattentionoftheHeir.Tosecurehimself,hestrucklastfallathisyoungerbrother,afoulandsecretattack—althoughheclaims

nowitwasnotorderedbyhimbutwasthewildworkofminionswhomisunderstoodsomecarelesswords.Understoodthemalltoowell,I’dsay.TheattempttomakeawaywithyoungRoyseBergonwasthwarted,thankthegods,andBergonrescued.ButtheHeirhasfinallypushedhisfather’smercyovertheline.TherewillbenopeacebetweenthemthistimeshortofSouthIbra’sabject

surrender.”

“Asadbusiness,”Cazarilsaid.“Ihopetheymayallcometotheirsenses.”

“Aye,”agreedtheenvoy.Hesmiledindryappreciation,perhaps,ofCazaril’sneatavoidanceofdeclaringapreference,andlethispatentpersuasionrest.

TheZangre’sfoodwas

wondrous,andleftCazarilclosetocross-eyedwithrepletion.Thecourtremovedtothechamberwherethedancingwastobeheld,whereRoyaOricopromptlyfellasleepinhischair,toCazaril’senvy.Thecourtmusicianswereexcellentasever.RoyinaSaradidn’tdanceeither,buthercoldfacesoftenedinapparentenjoymentofthemusic,andherhandkepttimeonher

chairarm.Cazariltookhisburdeneddigestiontoasidewall,proppedhisshoulderscomfortably,andwatchedyoungerandmorevigorous,orless-stuffed-full,folkpromenade,turn,andswaygracefullytothedelicatestrains.NeitherIsellenorBetriznorevenNandyVritlackedforpartners.

CazarilfrownedasBetriztookherplaceinthefigure

withherthird,no,fifthyounglord.RoyinaIstahadn’tbeentheonlyconcernedparenttocornerhimbeforehe’dleftValenda;sohadSerdyFerrej.WatchoutformyBetriz,hehadpleaded.Sheoughttohavehermother,orsomeolderladywhoknowsthewayoftheworld,butalas…DyFerrejhadbeentornbetweenfearofdisasterandhopeforopportunity.Helpherbewareofunworthy

men,roisterers,landlesshangers-on,youknowthetype.Likehimself?Cazarilcouldn’thelpwondering.Ontheotherhand,shouldshemeetsomeonesolid,honorable,I’dnotbeaversetoherchoosingwithherheart…youknow,anicefellow,like,oh,say,yourfriendtheMarchdyPalliar…Thatairyexampledidnotsoundquiterandomenough,toCazaril’sear.HadBetriz

alreadyformedasecretfondness?Palli,alas,wasnotpresentheretonight,havingreturnedtohisdistrictaftertheinstallmentofLordDondoinhisholygeneralship.Cazarilcouldhavewelcomedafriendlyandfamiliarfaceinallthiscrowd.

Heglancedasideatamovement,tofindafacefamiliarandcoollysmiling,butnotonehewelcomed.

ChancellordyJironalgavehimaslightbowofgreeting;hepushedoffthewallandreturnedit.Hiswitsfoughttheirwaythroughafogoffoodandwinetofullalertness.

“DyCazaril.Itisyou.Wehadthoughtyouweredead.”

I’dwagerso.“No,mylord.Iescaped.”

“Someofyourfriendsfearedyouhaddeserted—”

Noneofmyfriendswouldfearanysuchthing.

“ButtheRoknarireportedyouhaddied.”

“Afoullie,sir.”Cazarildidn’tsaywhoselie,hisonlydaring.“Theysoldmetothegalleyswiththeunransomedmen.”

“Vile!”

“Ithoughtso.”

“It’samiracleyousurvivedtheordeal.”

“Yes.Itwas.”Cazarilblinked,andsmiledsweetly.“Didyouatleastrecoveryourransommoney,asthepriceofthatlie?Ordidsomethiefpocketit?I’dliketothinkthatsomeonepaidforthe

deception.”

“Idon’trecall.Itwouldhavebeenthequartermaster’sbusiness.”

“Well,itwasalladreadfulmischance,butithascomerightintheend.”

“Indeed.Ishallhavetohearmoreofyouradventures,sometime.”

“Whenyouwill,mylord.”

DyJironalnoddedausterely,smiling,andmovedon,evidentlyreassured.

Cazarilsmiledback,pleasedwithhisself-control—ifitwasn’tjusthissickfear.Hecould,itseemed,smile,andsmile,andnotlaunchhimselfatthelyingvillain’sthroat—I’llmakeacourtieryet,eh?

Hisworstfearsassuaged,Cazarilabandonedhisfutileattemptatinvisibility,andnervedhimselftoaskLadyBetrizforoneroundel.Heknewhimselftallandganglingandnotgraceful,butatleasthewasnotfalling-downdrunk,whichputhimaheadofhalftheyoungmenherebynow.NottomentionLordDondodyJironal,whoaftermonopolizingIselleinthedanceforatimehad

movedoffwithhisroisteringhangers-ontofindeitherrougherpleasuresoraquietcorridortovomitin.Cazarilhopedthelatter.Betriz’seyessparkledwithexhilarationassheswungwithhimintothefigures.

Atlength,Oricowokeup,themusiciansflagged,andtheeveningdrewtoaclose.Cazarilmobilizedpages,LadyBetriz,andSeradyVrit

tohelpcarryoffIselle’sbootyandstoreitsafeaway.Teidez,scorningthedancing,hadindulgedinthespectaculararrayofsweetsmorethanindrink,thoughdySandamightstillhavetodealwithaboutofviolentillnessbeforedawnasaresult.Butitwascleartheboywasmoredrunkonattentionthanonwine.

“LordDondotoldmethat

anyonewouldhavetakenmeforeighteen!”hetoldIselletriumphantly.Hisgrowthspurtthispastsummerthathadshothimupabovehisoldersisterhadbeenoccasionformuchcrowingonhispart,andsnortingonIselle’s.Hetrodofftowardhisbedchamberwithfeetbarelytouchingthefloor.

Betriz,herhandsfullofjewelry,askedCazarilasthey

placedthegaudsintoIselle’slockableboxesinherantechamber,“Sowhydon’tyouuseyourname,LordCaz?What’ssowrongwithLupe?It’sreallyquitea,astrongman’sname,withal.”

“Earlyaversion,”hesighed.“Myolderbrotherandhisfriendsusedtotormentmebyyippingandhowlinguntilthey’ddrivenmetotearsofrage,whichmadememadder

still—alas,bythetimeI’dgrowntallenoughtobeathim,he’doutgrownthegame.Ithoughtthatwasmostunfairofhim.”

Betrizlaughed.“Isee!”

Cazarilreeledofftothequietofhisownbedchamber,torealizehehadfailedtopenhisfaithfullypromisednoteofreassurancetotheProvincara.Tornbetweenbed

andduty,hesighedandpulledouthispensandpaperandwax,buthisaccountwasmuchshorterthantheentertainingreporthehadplanned,afewterselinesending,AlliswellinCardegoss.

Hesealedit,foundasleepypagetodeliverittowhatevermorningcourierrodeoutoftheZangre,andfellintobed.

8

Thefirstnight’swelcomingbanquetwasfollowedalltoosoonbythenextday’sbreakfast,dinner,andaneveningfêtethatincludedamasque.Moresumptuousmealscascadeddowntheensuingdays,tillCazaril,

insteadofthinkingRoyaOricosadlyruntofat,begantomarvelthatthemancouldstillwalk.Atleasttheinitialbombardmentofgiftsupontheroyalsiblingsslowed.Cazarilcaughtuponhisinventoryandbegantothinkaboutwhereanduponwhatoccasionssomeofthislargesseshouldeventuallyberebestowed.Aroyessewasexpectedtobeopenhanded.

HewokeonthefourthmorningfromaconfuseddreamofrunningabouttheZangrewithhishandsfullofjewelrythathecouldnotgetdeliveredtotherightpersonsattherighttimes,andwhichhadsomehowincludedalargetalkingratthatgavehimimpossibledirections.Herubbedawaythesandofsleepfromhiseyes,andconsideredswearingoffeitherOrico’sfortifiedwines,orsweetsthat

includedtoomuchalmondpaste,hewasn’tsurewhich.Hewonderedwhatmealshe’dhavetofacetoday.Andthenlaughedoutloudathimself,rememberingsiegerations.Stillgrinning,herolledoutofbed.

Heshookoutthetuniche’dwornyesterdayafternoon,andunlacedthecufftorescuethedryinghalfloafofbreadthatBetrizhadbadehimtuck

initswidesleevewhentheroyalpicnicdownbytheriverhadbeencutshortbyseasonablebutunwelcomeafternoonrainshowers.Hewonderedbemusedlyifharboringprovisionswaswhatthesecourtiers’sleeveshadbeendesignedfor,backwhenthisgarmentwasnew.Hepeeledoffhisnightshirt,pulledonhistrousersandtiedtheirstrings,andwenttowashathisbasin.

Aconfusedflappingsoundedathisopenwindow.Cazarilglancedaside,startledbythenoise,toseeoneofthecastlecrowslanduponthewidestonesillandcockitsheadathim.Itcawedtwice,thenmadesomeoddlittlemutteringnoises.Amused,hewipedhisfaceonhistowel,and,pickingupthebread,advancedslowlyuponthebirdtoseeifitwasoneofthetameonesthatmighttake

foodfromhishand.

Itseemedtospythebread,foritdidn’tlaunchitselfagainasheapproached.Heheldoutafragment.Theglossybirdregardedhimintentlyforamoment,thenpeckedthecrumbrapidlyfrombetweenhisfingers.Cazarilcontrolledhisflinchasthesharpblackbeakpoked,butdidnotpierce,hishand.Thebirdshiftedand

shookitswings,spreadingatailthatwasmissingtwofeathers.Itmutteredsomemore,thencawedagain,ashrillharshnoiseechoinginthelittlechamber.

“Youshouldn’tsaycaw,caw,”Cazariltoldit.“Youshouldsay,Caz,Caz!”Heentertainedhimselfand,apparently,thebird,forseveralminutesattemptingtoinstructitinitsnewlanguage,

evenmeetingithalfwaybytrillingCazaril!Cazaril!inwhathefanciedabirdishaccent,butdespitelavishbribesofbreaditseemedevenmoreresistantthanIselletoDarthacan.

Aknockathischamberdoorinterruptedthelesson,andhecalledabsently,“Yes?”

Thedoorpoppedopen;thecrowflappedbackwardand

fellawaythroughthewindow.Cazarilleanedoutamomenttowatchitsflight.Itplummeted,thenspreaditswingswithasnapandsoaredagain,wheelingawayuponsomemorningupdraftrisingalongtheravine’ssteepface.

“MylorddyCazaril,th—”Thevoicefrozeabruptly.Cazarilpushedupfromthewindowsillandturnedtofindashocked-lookingpage

standinginhisdoorway.Cazarilrealizedwithacoldflushofembarrassmentthathehadnotyetdonnedhisshirt.

“Yes,boy?”Withoutappearingtohurry,hereachedcasuallyforthetunic,shookitoutagain,andpullediton.“Whatisit?”Hisdrawldidnotinvitecommentorqueryupontheyear-oldmessonhisback.

Thepageswallowedandfoundhisvoiceagain.“MylorddyCazaril,theRoyesseIsellebidsyouattenduponherinthegreenchamberimmediatelyfollowingbreakfast.”

“Thankyou,”saidCazarilcoolly.Henoddedinsoberdismissal.Thepagescamperedoff.

Themorningexcursionfor

whichIselledemandedCazaril’sescortturnedouttobenothingfartherafieldthanthepromisedtourofOrico’smenagerie.Theroyahimselfwastoconducthissister;enteringthegreenchamber,Cazarilfoundhimdozinginachairinhispostbreakfastnap.Oricosnortedawakeandrubbedhisforeheadasifitached.Hebrushedstickycrumbsfromhisbroadtunic,gatheredupasquareoflinen

wrappingsomepacket,andledhissister,Betriz,andCazariloutthecastlegateandoffacrossthegardens.

Inthestableyard,theyencounteredTeidez’smorninghuntingpartyformingup.Teidezhadbeenbeggingforthistreatpracticallysincehe’darrivedattheZangre.LordDondo,itappeared,hadorganizedtheboy’swish,andnowledthe

group,whichincludedhalfadozenothercourtiers,groomsandbeaters,threebracesofdogs,andSerdySanda.Teidez,atophisblackhorse,salutedhissisterandroyalbrothercheerfully.

“LordDondosaysit’slikelytooearlytospotboar,”hetoldthem,“astheleavesarenotyetfallendown.Butwemightgetlucky.”Teidez’sgroom,followingonhisown

horse,wasloadeddownwithaveritablearsenalofweaponryjustincase,includingthenewcrossbowandboarspear.Iselle,whoevidentlyhadn’tbeeninvited,lookedonwithsomeenvy.

DySandasmiledincontentment,asmuchasheeversmiled,withthisnoblesport,asLordDondowhoopedandguidedthecavalcadeoutoftheyardata

smarttrot.Cazarilwatchedthemrideoffandtriedtofigureoutwhataboutthefineautumnpicturetheypresentedmadehimuneasy.ItcametohimthatnotoneofthemensurroundingTeidezwasunderthirty.Nonefollowedtheboyforfriendship,orevenanticipatedfriendship;allwerethereforself-interest.Ifanyofthesecourtiershadtheirwitsaboutthem,Cazarildecided,theyoughttobring

theirsonstocourtnowandturnthemlooseandletnaturetakeitscourse.Avisionnotwithoutitsownperils,but…

Oricolumberedonaroundthestableblock,theladiesandCazarilfollowing.TheyfoundtheheadgroomUmegat,evidentlyforewarned,waitingdecorouslybythemenageriedoors,openwidetothemorningsunandbreeze.He

bowedhisneatlybraidedheadtohismasterandhisguests.

“‘SUmegat,”saidOricotohissister,bywayofintroduction.“Runsthisplaceforme.Roknari,butagoodmananyway.”

Isellecontrolledavisibletwingeofalarmandinclinedherheadgraciously.InpassablecourtRoknari,albeit

improperlyinthegrammaticalmodeofmastertowarriorratherthanmastertoservant,shesaid,~BlessingsoftheHolyOnesbeuponyouthisday,Umegat.~

Umegat’seyeswidened,andhisbowdeepened.Hereturneda~BlessingsoftheHighOnesuponyoutoo,m’hendi,~inthepurestaccentoftheArchipelago,in

thepolitegrammaticalformofslavetomaster.

Cazaril’sbrowsrose.UmegatwasnoChalionesehalf-breedafterall,itseemed.Cazarilwonderedbywhatconvolutedlife’schanceshe’dendeduphere.Interestroused,heventured,~Youarealongwayfromhome,Umegat,~inthemodeofservanttolesserservant.

Alittlesmileturnedthegroom’slips.~Youhaveanear,m’hendi.Thatisrare,inChalion.~

~LorddyCazarilinstructsme,~Isellesupplied.

~Thenyouarewellserved,lady.But,~turningtoCazaril,heshiftedmodes,nowtothatofslavetoscholar,evenmoreexquisitelypolitethanthatofslavetomaster,~Chalionis

myhomenow,Wisdom.~

“Letusshowmysistermycreatures,”putinOrico,evidentlygrowingboredwiththebilingualamenities.Hehelduphislinennapkinandgrinnedconspiratorially.“Istoleahoneycombformybearsfromthebreakfasttable,anditwillsoakthroughsoonifIdon’tridmyselfofit.”

Umegatsmiledbackandconductedthemintothecoolstonebuilding.

Theplacewasevenmoreimmaculatethismorningthantheotherday,tidierbyfarthanOrico’sbanquetinghalls.Oricoexcusedhimselfanddodgedasideatonceintooneofhisbears’cages.Thebearwokeupandsatuponhishaunches;Oricoloweredhimselftohishauncheson

thegleamingstraw,andthetworegardedoneanother.Oricowasverynearlythesameshapeasthebear,withal.Heunwrappedhisnapkinandbrokeoffachunkofhoneycomb,andthebearsnuffledoverandbeganlickinghisfingerswithalongpinktongue.IselleandBetrizexclaimedatthebear’sthickandbeautifulfur,butmadenomovetojointheroyainthecage.

Umegatdirectedthemtothemoreobviouslyherbivorousgoat-creatures,andthistimetheladiesdidgointothestalls,tostrokethebeastsandcomplimentthemenviouslyontheirbigbrowneyesandsweepingeyelashes.Umegatexplainedthattheywerecalledvellas,importedfromsomewherebeyondtheArchipelago,andsuppliedcarrots,whichtheladiesfedtothevellaswithmuch

gigglingandmutualsatisfaction.Isellewipedthelastcarrotbitsmixedwithvellaslimeonherskirt,andtheyallfollowedUmegattowardtheaviary.Orico,lingeringwithhisbear,languidlywavedthemonwithouthim.

Adarkshapeswoopedfromthesunlightintothestone-archedaisleandfetchedupwithaflapandagrumbleon

Cazaril’sshoulder;henearlyjumpedoutofhisboots.Hecranedhisnecktofinditwashiscrowfromhiswindowthismorning,judgingbytheraggedslotinitstailfeathers.Itflexeditsclawedfeetinhisshoulderandcried,“Caz,Caz!”

Cazarilburstintolaughter.“Abouttime,youfoolishbird!Butitwilldoyounogoodnow—I’malloutof

bread.”Heshruggedhisshoulder,butthebirdclungstubbornly,andcried,“Caz,Caz!”again,rightinhisear,painfullyloudly.

Betrizlaughed,lipspartedinamazement.“Who’syourfriend,LordCaz?”

“Itcametomywindowthismorning,andIattemptedtoteachit,um,afewwords.Ididn’tthinkI’dsucceeded—”

“Caz,Caz!”thecrowinsisted.

“YoushouldbesoattentivetoyourDarthacan,mylady!”Cazarilfinished.“Come,SerdyBird,awaywithyou.Ihavenomorebread.Gofindyourselfastunnedfishbelowthefalls,oranicesmellydeadsheep,orsomething…shoo!”Hedippedhisshoulder,butthebirdclungstubbornly.“Theyaremost

greedybirds,thesecastlecrows.Countrycrowshavetoflyaboutandfindtheirowndinners.Theselazycreaturesexpectyoutoputitintheirmouths.”

“Indeed,”saidUmegat,withaslysmile,“thebirdsoftheZangreareveritablecourtiersamongcrows.”

Cazarilswallowedabarkoflaughterslightlytoolateand

sneakedanotherlookattheimpeccableRoknari—ex-Roknari—groom.Well,ifUmegathadworkedherelong,he’dhadplentyoftimetostudycourtiers.“Thisworshipwouldbemoreflatteringifyouwereamoresavorybird.Shoo!”Hepushedthecrowfromhisshoulder,butitonlyflappedtothetopofhisheadanddugitsclawsintohisscalp.“Ow!”

“Cazaril!”thecrowcriedshrillyfromthisnewperch.

“Youmustbeamasterteacheroftonguesindeed,mylorddyCazaril.”Umegatsmiledmorebroadly.“Ihearyou,”heassuredthecrow.“Ifyouwillduckyourhead,mylord,Iwillendeavortoremoveyourpassenger.”

Cazarildidso.MurmuringsomethinginRoknari,

Umegatpersuadedthebirdontohisarm,carriedittothedoors,andflungitintotheair.Itflappedaway,cawing,toCazaril’srelief,moreordinarycaws.

Theyproceededtotheaviary,whereIsellefoundherselfaspopularamongthebrilliantlittlebirdsfromthecagesasCazarilwaswiththeraggedcrow;theyhoppeduponhersleeve,andUmegatshowed

herhowtocoaxthemtotakegrainsfrombetweenherteeth.

Theyturnednexttotheperchbirds.Betrizadmiredalargebrightgreenonewithyellowbreastfeathersandarubythroat.Itclickeditsthickyellowbeak,wobbledfromsidetoside,andstuckoutanarrowblacktongue.

“Thisisafairlyrecent

arrival,”Umegattoldthem.“Ibelieveithashadadifficultandwanderinglife.Tameenough,butit’stakentimeandpatiencetocalmitdown.”

“Doesitspeak?”askedBetriz.

“Yes,”saidUmegat,“butonlyrudewords.InRoknari,perhapsfortunately.Ithinkitmusthaveoncebeena

sailor’sbird.MarchdyJironalbroughtitbackfromthenorththisspring,aswarbooty.”

ReportsandrumorsofthatinconclusivecampaignhadcometoValenda.CazarilwonderedifUmegathadeverbeenwarbooty—ashehadbeen—andifthatwashowhe’dfirstbeenbroughttoChalion.Hesaiddryly,“Prettybird,butitseemsa

poortradeforthreetownsandcontrolofapass.”

“IbelieveLorddyJironalgainedrathermoremovablesthanthat,”Umegatsaid.“Hisbaggagetrain,returningtoCardegoss,tookanhourtofilethroughthegates.”

“I’vehadtodealwithslowmuleslikethat,too,”murmuredCazaril,unimpressed.“Chalionlost

morethandyJironalgainedonthatill-conceivedventure.”

Iselle’seyebrowsbent.“Wasitnotavictory?”

“Bywhatdefinition?WeandtheRoknariprincedomshavebeenpushingandshovingoverthatborderareafordecades.Itusedtobegoodland—it’snowawaste.Orchardsandolivegroves

andvineyardsburned,farmsabandoned,animalsturnedloosetogowildorstarve—it’speace,notwar,thatmakeswealthforacountry.Warjusttransferspossessionoftheresiduefromtheweakertothestronger.Worse,whatisboughtwithbloodissoldforcoin,andthenstolenbackagain.”Hebrooded,andaddedbitterly,“YourgrandfatherRoyaFonsaboughtGotorgetwith

thelivesofhissons.ItwassoldbyMarchdyJironalforthreehundredthousandroyals.It’sawondroustransmutation,wherethebloodofonemanisturnedintothemoneyofanother.Leadintogoldisnothingtoit.”

“Canthereneverbepeaceinthenorth?”askedBetriz,startledbyhisunusualvehemence.

Cazarilshrugged.“Notwhilethereissomuchprofitinwar.TheRoknariprincesplaythesamegame.Itisauniversalcorruption.”

“Winningthewarwouldendit,”saidIsellethoughtfully.

“Nowthere’sadream,”sighedCazaril.“Iftheroyacouldsneakitpasthisnobleswithouttheirnoticingtheywerelosingtheirfuture

livelihoods.Butno.It’sjustnotpossible.Chalionalonecouldnotdefeatallfiveprincedoms,andevenifbysomemiracleitdid,ithasnonavalexpertisetoholdthecoaststhereafter.IfalltheQuintarianroyaciesweretocombine,andfighthardforageneration,someimmenselystronganddeterminedroyamightpushitthroughandunitethewholeland.Butthecostinmenandnerveand

moneywouldbevast.”

Isellesaidslowly,“Greaterthanthecostofthisendlesssuckingdrainofbloodandvirtuetothenorth?Doneonce—donerightonce—wouldbedoneforalltime.”

“Butthereisnonetodoit.Nomanwiththenerveandvisionandwill.TheroyaofBrajarisanagingdrunkardwhosportswithhiscourtladies,theFox

ofIbraistieddownwithcivilstrife,Chalion…”Cazarilhesitated,realizinghisstirredemotionswereluringhimintoimpoliticfrankness.

“Teidez,”Isellebegan,andtookabreath.“MaybeitwillbeTeidez’sgift,whenhecomestofullmanhood.”

NotagiftCazarilwouldwishonanyman,andyettheboydidseemtohavesome

nascenttalentsinthatdirection,ifonlyhiseducationinthenextfewyearscouldbringthemintosharpanddirectedfocus.

“Conquestisn’ttheonlywaytounitepeoples,”Betrizpointedout.“There’smarriage.”

“Yes,butnoonecanmarrythreeroyaciesandfiveprincedoms,”Isellesaid,

wrinklinghernose.“Notallatonce,anyway.”

Thegreenbird,perhapsirritatedatlosingtheattentionofitsaudience,chosethismomenttoventaremarkablylewdphraseinrudeRoknari.Sailor’sbird,indeed—agalley-man’sbird,Cazariljudged.UmegatsmileddrylyatCazaril’sinvoluntarysnortbutraisedhisbrowsslightlyasBetrizandIselleclamped

theirlipsshutandturnedasuffusedpink,caughteachother’sgazes,andnearlylosttheirgravity.Smoothly,hereachedforahoodandpoppeditoverthebird’shead.“Goodnight,mygreenfriend,”hetoldit.“Ithinkyouarenotquitereadyforpolitesociety,here.PerhapsLorddyCazarilshouldstopinandteachyoucourtRoknaritoo,eh?”

Cazaril’sthoughtthatUmegatseemedperfectlycapableofteachingcourtRoknariallbyhimselfwasinterruptedwhenasurprisinglybriskstepatthedooroftheaviaryprovedtobeOrico,wipingbearspittleonhistrousersandsmiling.Cazarildecidedthecastlewarder’scommentthatfirstdaywasright:hismenageriedidseemtobeaconsolationtotheroya.Hiseyewasclear,andcolorbrightenedhisface

again,visiblyimprovedfromthesoggyexhaustionhe’devidencedimmediatelyafterbreakfast.

“Youmustcomeseemycats,”hetoldtheladies.Theyallfollowedhimintothestoneaisle,whereheproudlyshowedoffcagescontainingapairoffinegoldencatswithtuftedearsfromthemountainsofsouthChalion,andarareblue-eyedalbino

mountaincatofthesamebreedwithstrikingblackeartufts.ThisendoftheaislealsoheldacagecontainingapairofwhatUmegatnamedArchipelagosandfoxes,lookinglikeskinny,half-sizedwolves,butwithenormoustriangularearsandcynicalexpressions.

Withaflourish,Oricoturnedfinallytohisobviousfavorite,theleopard.Letoutonits

silverchain,itrubbeditselfaroundtheroya’slegsandmadeoddlittlegrowlynoises.Cazarilheldhisbreathas,encouragedbyherbrother,Iselleknelttopetit,herfacerightnexttothosepowerfuljaws.Thoseround,pellucidambereyeslookedanythingbutfriendlytohim,buttheirlidsdidhalfcloseinevidentenjoyment,andthebroadbrick-colorednosequiveredasIsellescratchedthebeast

vigorouslyunderthechin,andranherspreadfingersthroughitsfabulousspottedcoat.WhenCazarilknelt,however,itsgrowltookwhatseemedtohisearadecidedlyhostileedge,anditsdistantamberstareencouragednosuchliberties.Cazarilprudentlykepthishandstohimself.

Theroyachoosingtolingertoconsultwithhisheadgroom,

CazarilwalkedhisladiesbacktotheZangre,astheyarguedamiablyoverwhichhadbeenthemostinterestingbeastinthemenagerie.

“Whatdidyouthinkthemostcuriouscreaturethere?”Betrizchargedhim.

Cazariltookamomentbeforereplying,butintheenddecidedonthetruth.“Umegat.”

Hermouthopenedtoobjecttothissupposedlevity,butthenclosedagainasIsellecasthimasharplook.Athoughtfulsilencedescended,whichreignedallthewaytothecastledoors.

THESHORTENINGOFTHEDAYLIGHTRUNNINGONINTOautumnwasfelttobenolossbytheinhabitantsoftheZangre,forthelengtheningnightscontinuedtobemade

brilliantbycandlelight,feasting,andfêtes.Thecourtierstookturnsoutdoingoneanotherprovidingtheentertainments,freelyspendingmoneyandwit.TeidezandIselleweredazzled,Iselle,fortunately,nottotally;withtheaidofCazaril’sundervoicedrunningcommentary,shebegantolookforhiddenmeaningsandmessages,watchforintents,calculate

expendituresandexpectations.

Teidez,asnearlyasCazarilcouldtell,swalloweditalldownwhole.Signsofindigestionshowedthemselves.TeidezanddySandabegantoclashmoreandmoreopenly,asdySandafoughtalosingbattletomaintainthedisciplineshe’dimposedontheboyintheProvincara’scareful

household.EvenIsellebegantoworryabouttheheighteningtensionsbetweenherbrotherandhistutor,asCazarilquicklydeducedwhenBetrizcorneredhimonemorning,apparentlycasually,inawindownookoverlookingtheconfluenceoftheriversandhalfthehinterlandofCardegoss.

Afterafewremarksupontheweather,whichwas

seasonable,andthehunting,whichwastoo,sheswervedabruptlytothematterthatbroughthertohim,loweringhervoiceandasking,“WhatwasthatdreadfulrowbetweenTeidezandpoordySandainyourcorridorlastnight?Wecouldheartheuproarthroughthewindowsandthroughthefloor.”

“Um…”Fivegods,howwashetohandlethisone?

Maidens.HehalfwishedIsellehadsentNandyVrit.Well,surelythatsensiblewidowwasinonwhateverdistaffdiscussionswentonoverhead.Yes,andbettertobebluntthanmisunderstood.AndfarbettertobebluntwithBetrizthanwithIselleherself.Betriz,nochild,andmostofallnotTeidez’sonlysister,coulddecidewhatwasfittopassontoIselle’searsbetterthanhecould.“Dondo

dyJironalbroughtTeidezadrabforhisbedlastnight.DySandathrewherbackout.Teidezwasinfuriated.”Infuriated,embarrassed,possiblysecretlyrelieved,and,laterintheevening,sickonwine.Ah,thegloriouscourtlylife.

“Oh,”saidBetriz.He’dshockedheralittle,butnotexcessively,hewasrelievedtosee.“Oh.”Shefellintoa

thoughtfulsilenceforafewmoments,staringoutovertherollinggoldenplainsbeyondtheriveranditswideningvalley.Theharvestwasalmostallin.Shebitherlowerlipandlookedbackathiminnarrow-eyedconcern.“It’snot…it’ssurelynot…thereissomethingveryoddinthespectacleofaforty-year-oldmanlikeLordDondohangingonafourteen-year-oldboy’ssleeve.”

“Tohangonaboy?Oddindeed.Tohangonaroyse,hisfutureroya,futuredispenserofposition,wealth,preferment,militaryopportunity—well,thereyouhaveit.Grantyou,ifDondoweretoletgohisspaceonthatsleeveitwouldinstantlybeseizedbythreeothermen.It’sthe…themannerthat’sthematter.”

Herlipstwistedindisgust.

“Indeed.Adrab,ugh.AndLordDondo…that’swhatiscalledaprocurer,isitnot?”

“Mm,andrudernames.Notthat…notthatTeidezisnotonthebrinkoffullmanhood,andeverymanmustlearnsometime—”

“Theirweddingnightisn’tgoodenough?Wemustlearnitallthen.”

“Men…usuallymarrylater,”heattempted,decidingthiswasanargumenthe’dbeststayawayfromand,besides,embarrassedbythememoryofhowlatehisownapprenticeshiphadbeen.“Yetnormally,amanwillhaveafriend,abrother,oratleastafatheroranuncle,tointroducehimto,um.Howtogoon.Withladies.ButDondodyJironalisnoneofthesethingstoTeidez.”

Betrizfrowned.“Teidezhasnoneofthose.Well,except…exceptRoyaOrico,whoisbothfatherandbrother,inaway.”

Theireyesmet,andCazarilrealizedhedidn’thavetoaddaloud,Butnotinaveryusefulway.

Sheadded,afteranevenmorethoughtfulmoment,“AndIcan’timagineSerdy

Sanda…”

Cazarilmuffledasnort.“Oh,poorTeidez.NorcanI.”Hehesitated,thenadded,“It’sanawkwardage.IfTeidezhadbeenatcourtallalong,hewouldbeusedtothisatmosphere,notbeso…impressed.Orifhe’dbeenbroughtherewhenhewasolder,hemighthaveamoresettledcharacter,afirmermind.Notthatcourtisn’t

dazzlingatanyage,especiallyifyou’resuddenlyploppeddowninthecenterofthewholewheel.Andyet,ifTeidezistobeOrico’sheir,it’stimehebegantraininguptoit.Howtohandlepleasuresaswellasdutieswithproperbalance.”

“Ishebeingsotrained?Idonotseeit.DySandatries,desperately,but…”

“He’soutnumbered,”Cazarilfinishedforherglumly.“Thatistherootofthetrouble.”Hisbrowwrinkled,ashethoughtitthrough.“IntheProvincara’shousehold,dySandahadherbacking,herauthoritytocompletehisown.HereinCardegossRoyaOricoshouldtakethatpart,buttakesnointerest.DySandahasbeenlefttostruggleonhisownagainstimpossibleodds.”

“Doesthiscourt…”Betrizfrowned,clearlytryingtoframeunfamiliarthoughts.“Doesthiscourthaveacenter?”

Cazarilventedawarysigh.“Awell-conductedcourtalwayshassomeoneinmoralauthority.Ifnottheroya,perhapshisroyina,someoneliketheProvincaratosetthetone,keepthestandards.Oricois…”hecouldnotsay

weak,darednotsayill,“notdoingso,andRoyinaSara…”RoyinaSaraseemedaghosttoCazaril,paleanddrifting,nearlyinvisible.“Doesn’teither.ThatbringsustoChancellordyJironal.Whoismuchabsorbedbytheaffairsofstate,anddoesnottakeituponhimselftocurbhisbrother.”

Betriz’seyesnarrowed.“AreyousayinghesetsDondo

on?”

Cazariltouchedhisfingerwarninglytohislips.“DoyourememberUmegat’slittlejokeabouttheZangre’scourtlycrows?Tryitinreverse.Haveyoueverwatchedamobofcrowscombinetorobanotherbird’snest?Onewilldrawofftheparentbirds,whileanotherdartsintotaketheeggsorchicks…”Hisvoicewentdry.

“Fortunately,mostofthecourtiersofCardegossdon’tworktogetherascleverlyasaflockofcrows.”

Betrizsighed.“I’mnotevensureTeidezrealizesit’snotallforhisownsake.”

“I’mafraiddySanda,forallhisveryrealconcern,hasnotlaiditalloutinbluntenoughterms.Grantyouhe’dneedtobeprettyblunttogetthrough

thefogofflatteryTeidezfloatsinrightnow.”

“ButyoudoitforIselle,allthetime,”Betrizobjected.“Yousay,watchthisman,seewhathedoesnext,seewhyhemovesso—theseventhoreighthtimeyouturnouttobedeadonthetarget,wecannothelpbutlisten—andthetenthortwelfthtime,tobegintoseeit,too.Can’tdySandadothatforRoyseTeidez?”

“It’seasiertoseethesmudgeonanother’sfacethanonone’sown.ThisflockofcourtiersisnotpressingIsellenearlysohardastheyareTeidez.Thankthegods.Theyallknowshemustbesoldoutofcourt,probablyoutofChalionaltogether,andisnotmeatforthem.Teidezwillbetheirfuturelivelihood.”

Onthatinconclusiveandunsatisfactorynote,theywere

forcedtoleaveitforatime,butCazarilwasgladtoknowBetrizandIselleweregrowingalivetothesubtlerhazardsofcourtlife.Thegaietywasdazzling,seductive,afeasttotheeyethatcouldleavethereasonasdrunkandreelingasthebody.Forsomecourtiersandladies,Cazarilsupposed,itactuallywasthecheerful,innocent—albeitexpensive—gameitseemed.Forothers,it

wasadanceofdisplay,cipheredmessage,thrustandcounterthrustasserious,ifnotsoinstantlydeadly,asaduel.Tostayafoot,onehadtodistinguishtheplayersfromtheplayed.DondodyJironalwasamajorplayerinhisownright,andyet…ifnoteverymovehemadewasdirectedbyhisolderbrother,itwassurelysafetosayhiseverymovewaspermittedbyhim.

No.Notsafetosay.Merelytruetothink.

HOWEVERDIMHISVIEWOFTHEMORALSOFCOURT,hehadtograntthatOrico’smusicianswereverygood,Cazarilreflected,openinghiseargreedilytothematthenexteveningdance.IfRoyinaSarahadaconsolationtomatchOrico’smenagerie,itwas

surelytheZangre’sminstrelsandsingers.Sheneverdanced,sherarelysmiled,butshenevermissedafêtewheremusicwasplayed,eithersittingnexttohersoddenandsleepyspouse,or,ifOricostaggeredofftobedearly,lingeringbehindacarvedscreenwithherladiesonthegalleryoppositethemusicians.Cazarilthoughtheunderstoodherhungerforthissolace,asheleaned

againstthechamberwallinwhatwasbecominghisusualspot,tappinghisfootandbenignlywatchinghisladiestwirlaboutonthepolishedwoodenfloor.

Musiciansanddancersstoppedforbreathafterabriskroundel,andCazariljoinedthesmatteringofapplauseledbytheroyinafrombehindherscreen.Acompletelyunexpectedvoice

spokenexttohisear.

“Well,Castillar.You’relookingmoreyouroldself!”

“Palli!”Cazarilcontrolledhissurgeforward,turningitintoasweepingbowinstead.Palli,formallydressedinthebluetrousersandtunicandwhitetabardoftheDaughter’smilitaryorder,bootspolishedandswordglitteringathiswaist,laughed

andreturnedanequallyceremoniousbow,thoughhefolloweditupwithafirm,ifbrief,gripofCazaril’shands.“WhatbringsyoutoCardegoss?”Cazarilaskedeagerly.

“Justice,bythegoddess!Andagoodjobofit,too,ayearinthemaking.IrodeupinsupportofthelorddedicattheprovincardyYarrin,onalittleholyquestofhis.I’lltell

youmore,but,ah”—Palliglancedaroundthecrowdedchamber,wherethedancerswereformingupagain—“maybenothere.Youseemtohavesurvivedyourtriptocourt—you’reoverthatlittleburstofnervesnow,Itrust?”

Cazaril’slipstwisted.“Sofar.I’lltellyoumore,but—nothere.”AglancearoundassuredhimneitherLord

Dondonorhiselderbrotherwerepresentatthemoment,thoughsomehalfdozenmenheknewtobetheircreatureswerejustascertaintoreportthismeetingandgreeting.Sobeit.“Letusfindacoolerspot,then.”

Theystrolledoutcasuallytogetherintothenextchamber,andCazarilledPallitoawindowembrasurethatoverlookedamoonlit

courtyard.Onthecourtyard’sfarside,acouplesatcloselytogether,butCazariljudgedthemoutofbothearshotandcaring.

“SowhatisolddyYarrinaboutthatbringshimhottocourt?”askedCazarilcuriously.TheprovincarofYarrinwasthehighest-rankinglordofChaliontohavechosenallegiancetotheholymilitaryorderofthe

Daughter.MostyoungmenwithmilitaryleaningsdedicatedthemselvestothefarmoreglamorousOrderoftheSon,withitsglorioustraditionofbattleagainsttheRoknariinvaders.EvenCazarilhadswornhimselfalaydedicattotheSon,inhisyouth—andunswornhimself,when…letitgo.ThefarsmallerholymilitaryorderoftheDaughterconcerneditselfwithmoredomestic

challenges,guardingthetemples,patrollingtheroadstothepilgrimageshrines;byextension,controllingbanditry,pursuinghorseandcattlethieves,assistinginthecaptureofmurderers.Granted,whatthegoddess’ssoldierslackedinnumberstheyfrequentlymadeupinromanticdedicationtoher.Palliwasanatural,Cazarilthoughtwithagrin,andhadsurelyfoundhiscallingat

last.

“Springcleaning.”PallismiledlikeoneofUmegat’ssandfoxesforamoment.“Asmellylittlemessinsidethetemplewallsisgoingtogetwashedoutatlast.DyYarrinhadsuspectedforsometimethat,withtheoldgeneralsickanddyingforsolong,theorder’scomptrollerhereinCardegosswasfilteringtheorder’sfundsastheyflowed

throughhisfingers.”Palliwiggledhis,inillustration.“Intohispersonalpurse.”

Cazarilgrunted.“Unfortunate.”

Pallicockedaneyebrowathim.“Thisdoesn’ttakeyoubysurprise?”

Cazarilshrugged.“Notinthemain.Suchthingshappennowandthen,whenmenare

temptedbeyondtheirstrength.I’dnotheardanythingspecificsaidagainsttheDaughter’scomptrollerthough,no,beyondtheusualslandersagainsteveryofficialinCardegoss,behehonestornot,thateveryfoolrepeats.”

Pallinodded.“DyYarrin’sbeenoverayear,quietlycollectingtheevidenceandthewitnesses.Wetookthecomptroller—andhisbooks

—bysurpriseabouttwohoursago.He’slockeddownnowintheDaughter’shouse’sowncellar,underguard.DyYarrinwillpresentthewholecasetotheorder’scounciltomorrowmorning.ThecomptrollerwillbestrippedofhispostandrankbytomorrowafternoonanddeliveredtotheChancelleryofCardegossforpunishmentbytomorrownight.Ha!”Hisfistclosedinanticipated

triumph.

“Welldone!Willyoustayon,afterthat?”

“Ihopetostayaweekortwo,forthehunting.”

“Oh,excellent!”Timetotalk,andamanofwitandcertainhonortotalkwith—doubleluxury.

“I’mlodgingintownat

YarrinPalace—Ican’tlingerlongheretonight,though.IjustcameuptotheZangrewithdyYarrinwhilehemadehisbow—andhisreport—toRoyaOricoandGeneralLordDondodyJironal.”Pallipaused.“ItakeitbyyourveryhealthyappearancethatyourworriesabouttheJironalsturnedouttobegroundless?”

Cazarilfellsilent.Thebreeze

throughtheembrasurewasgrowingchill.Eventheloversacrossthecourtyardhadgonein.Hefinallysaid,“ItakecarenottocrosseitheroftheJironals.Inanyway.”

Pallifrowned,andseemedtoholdsomespeechjostlingjustbehindhislips.

Apairofservantswheeledacartholdingacrockofhotmulledwine,redolentof

spicesandsugar,throughtheantechambertowardthedancingchamber.Agigglingyoungladyexited,closelypursuedbyalaughingyoungcourtier;theybothvanishedouttheotherside,thoughtheirblendedlaughterlingeredintheair.Strainsofmusicsoundedagain,floatingdownfromthegallerylikeflowers.

Palli’sfrownquirkedaway.

“DidLadyBetrizdyFerrejalsoaccompanyRoyesseIsellefromValenda?”

“Didn’tyouseeher,amongthedancers?”

“No—Isawyoufirst,longstickthatyouare,proppingupthewalls.WhenI’dheardtheroyessewashere,Icamelookinginthechanceyouwouldbe,too,thoughfromthewayyoutalkedwhenlast

wemetIcouldn’tbesureI’dfindyou.DoyouthinkImightseizeadancebeforedyYarrinisdoneclosetinghimselfwithOrico?”

“Ifyouthinkyouhavethestrengthtofightyourwaythroughthemobthatsurroundsher,perhaps,”saidCazarildryly,wavinghimon.“Theyusuallydefeatme.”

Pallimanagedthiswithout

apparenteffort,andsoonwashandingasurprisedandlaughingBetrizinandoutofthefigureswithcheerypanache.HetookaturnwithRoyesseIselleaswell.Bothladiesseemeddelightedtomeethimagain.Drawingbreathafterward,hewasgreetedbysomefourorfiveotherlordsheapparentlyknew,untilapageapproachedandtouchedhimontheelbow,andmurmured

somemessageinhisear.Pallimadehisbowsandleft,presumablytojoinhisfellowlorddedicatdyYarrinandescorthimbacktohismansion.

CazarilhopedtheDaughter’snewholygeneral,LordDondodyJironal,wouldbegladandgratefultohavehishousecleanedforhimtomorrow.Hehopeditfervently.

9

CazarilspentthefollowingdayinsmilinganticipationofthedelightPalli’svisittocourtwouldbringtohisroutine.BetrizandIsellealsospokeinpraiseoftheyoungmarch,whichgaveCazarilbriefpause.Palliwouldshow

tohisbestinthissplendidsetting.

Andwhatofit?Palliwasalandedman,withmoney,looks,charm,honorableresponsibilities.SupposeheandtheLadyBetrizweretohititoff.Waseitherofthemlessthanwhattheotherdeserved?Nevertheless,Cazarilfoundhismind,unwilled,revolvingplansforpleasureswithPallithat

somehowdidnotincludehisladies.

Buttohisdisappointment,Pallididnotappearatcourtthatevening—nordidtheprovincarofYarrin.CazarilsupposedtheirwearingdayofpresentingevidenceattheDaughter’shousetowhatevercommitteeofjusticehadassembledtherehadrunintocomplexities,andstretchedpastdinner.Ifthecasetook

longerthanPalli’sfirstoptimisticestimate,well,itwouldatleastextendhisvisittoCardegoss.

HedidnotseePalliagainuntilthenextmorning,whenthemarchappearedabruptlyattheopendoorofCazaril’soffice,whichwasanantechambertothesuccessionofroomsoccupiedbyRoyesseIselleandherladies.Cazarilstaredupfrom

hiswritingdeskinsurprise.Pallihaddiscardedhiscourtattire,andwasdressedfortheroadinwell-worntallboots,thicktunic,andashortcloakforriding.

“Palli!Sitdown—”Cazarilgesturedtoastool.

Pallipulleditupacrossfromhimandloweredhimselfwithatiredgrunt.“Onlyforamoment,oldfriend.Icould

notleavewithoutbiddingyoufarewell.I,dyYarrin,andourtroopsarecommandedtobequitofCardegossbeforenoontoday,underpainofexpulsionfromtheDaughter’sholyorder.”Hissmilewastightasastretchedhawser.

“What?Whathashappened?”Cazarillaiddownhisquill,andpushedasidethebookofIselle’sincreasinglycomplex

householdaccounts.

Palliranahandthroughhisdarkhairandshookhisheadasifindisbelief.“I’mnotsureIcanspeakofitwithoutbursting.ItwasallIcoulddolastnightnottopulloutmyswordandrunthesmirkingsonofabitchthroughhissoftgutsonthespot.Caz,theythrewoutdyYarrin’scase!Confiscatedallhisevidence,dismissedallhiswitnesses—

uncalled!unheard!—letthatlying,thievingwormofacomptrolleroutofthecellar—”

“Whohas?”

“Ourholygeneral,DondodyJironal,andhis,his,hiscreaturesontheDaughter’scouncil,hiscoweddogs—goddessblindmeifI’veeverbeforeseensuchasetofcringingcurs—adisgraceto

herpurecolors!”Palliclenchedhisfistuponhisknees,sputtering.“Weallknewtheorder’shouseinCardegosshasbeenindisarrayforsometime.Isupposeweshouldhavepetitionedtheroyatodismisstheoldgeneralwhenhefirstgrewtooilltokeepitallinhand,butnoonehadthehearttokickhimso—weallthoughtanew,younger,vigorousmanwouldturnit

alloutagainandstartfresh.Butthis,this,thisisworsethanneglect.It’sactivemalfeasance!Caz,theyclearedthecomptrolleranddismisseddyYarrin—theyscarcelyglancedathislettersandledgers,deargoddessthepapersfilledtwotrunks—Iswearthedecisionwasmadebeforethemeetingwascalled!”

CazarilhadnotheardPalli

stammerwithragelikethissincethedaythenewsofthesaleofGotorgethadbeendeliveredtothestarving,batteredgarrisonbytheroya’sstoutcourier,passedthroughtheRoknarilines.Hesatbackandpulledhisbeard.

“Isuspect—no,I’mcertaininmyheart—LordDondowaspaidoffforhisjudgment.Ifheisnotsimplythecomptroller’snewmaster—

andtwotrunksofevidencenowbeingusedtofeedthefiresontheLady’saltar—Caz,ournewholygeneralisrunningtheDaughter’sOrderashispersonalmilchcow.Iwastoldbyanacolyteyesterday—onthestairs,andthemanshookashewhisperedittome—he’splacedoutsixtroopsoftheDaughter’smentotheHeirofIbrainSouthIbra—asplainpaidmercenaries.That’snot

theirmandate,that’snotthegoddess’swork—it’sworsethanstealingmoney,it’sstealingblood!”

Arustle,andanindrawnbreath,drewbothmen’sglancestotheinnerdoorway.LadyBetrizstoodtherewithherhandupontheframe,andtheRoyesseIsellepeekedoverhershoulder.Bothladies’eyeswereround.

Palliopenedandshuthismouth,swallowed,thenjumpedtohisfeetandbowedtothem.“Royesse.LadyBetriz.AlasthatImusttakemyleaveofyou.IreturntoPalliarthismorning.”

“Weshallregretthelossofyourcompany,March,”saidtheroyessefaintly.

PalliwheeledtoCazaril.“Caz—”Hegaveanapologetic

littlenod.“I’msorryIdisbelievedyouabouttheJironals.Youweren’tcrazedafterall.Youwererightoneverypoint.”

Cazarilblinked,nonplussed.“Ithoughtyouhadbelievedme…”

“OlddyYarrinwasascannyasyou.Hesuspectedthistroublefromthefirst.I’daskedhimwhyhethoughtwe

neededtobringsolargeatrooptoenterCardegoss—hemurmured,‘Noboy—itistoleaveCardegoss.’Ididn’tunderstandhisjoke.Tillnow.”Palliventedabitterlaugh.

“Willyoube—willyounotbereturninghere?”askedBetrizinaratherbreathyvoice.Herhandwenttoherlips.

“Iswearbeforethegoddess—”Pallitouchedhishandtoforehead,lip,navel,andgroin,andthenspreaditflatoverhisheartinthefivefoldsacredgesture,“IwillnotreturntoCardegossexceptitbetoDondodyJironal’sfuneral.Ladies—”Hestoodatattentionandgavethemabow.“Caz—”HegraspedCazaril’shandsacrossthetableandbenttokissthem;hastily,Cazarilreturnedthe

honor.“Farewell.”Palliturnedandstrodefromtheroom.

Thespacehehadvacatedseemedtocollapsearoundhisabsence,asiffourmenhadjustleft.BetrizandIselleweredrawnintoit;Betriztiptoedtotheouterdoorandpeeredaroundit,tospythelastofhisclompingretreatdownthecorridor.

Cazarilpickeduphisquillanddrewthefeatherendnervouslythroughhisfingers.“Howmuchofthatdidyouhear?”heaskedtheladies.

BetrizglancedbackatIselle,andreplied,“Allofit,Ithink.Hisvoicewasnotpitchedlow.”Shereturnedslowlyacrosstheantechamber,herfacetroubled.

Cazarilgropedforsomeway

tocautiontheseunintendedauditors.“Itwasthebusinessofaclosedcouncilofaholymilitaryorder.PallishouldnothavespokenofitoutsidetheDaughter’shouse.”

Isellesaid,“Butisn’thealorddedicat,amemberofthatcouncil—doesn’thehaveasmuchright—duty!—tospeakasanyofthem?”

“Yes,but…intheheatofhis

temper,hehasmadeseriousaccusationsagainsthisownholygeneralthathehasnotthe…powertoprove.”

Isellegavehimasharplook.“Doyoubelievehim?”

“Mybeliefisnottheissue.”

“But—ifit’strue—it’sacrime,andworsethanacrime.Aninsultingimpiety,andaviolationofthetrustnot

onlyoftheroyaandthegoddessabove,butofallwhoaresworntoobeyintheirnamesbelow.”

Sheseestheconsequencesinbothdirections!Good!No,wait,no.“Wehaven’tseentheevidence.Maybethecouncilwasjustifiedindiscardingit.Wecannotknow.”

“Ifwecan’tseetheevidence

asMarchdyPalliarhas,canwejudgethemenandreasonbackwardtoit?”

“No,”saidCazarilfirmly.“Evenahabitualliarmaytellthetruthfromtimetotime,oranhonestmanbetemptedtoliebysomeextraordinaryneed.”

Betriz,startled,said,“Doyouthinkyourfriendwaslying?”

“Asheismyfriend,no,ofcoursenot,but…buthemightbemistaken.”

“Thisisalltoomurky,”saidIselledecisively.“Ishallpraytothegoddessforguidance.”

Cazaril,rememberingthelasttimeshe’ddonethat,saidhastily,“Youneednotreachthathighforguidance,Royesse.Youinadvertentlyoverheardaconfidence.You

haveaplaindutynottorepeatit.Inwordordeed.”

“Butifit’strue,itmatters.Itmattersgreatly,LordCaz!”

“Nevertheless,likinganddislikingdonotconstituteproofanymorethanhearsaydoes.”

Isellefrownedthoughtfully.“It’strueIdonotlikeLordDondo.Hesmellsodd,and

hishandsarealwayshotandsweaty.”

Betrizadded,withagrimaceofdistaste,“Yes,andhe’salwaystouchingonewiththem.Ugh!”

ThequillsnappedinCazaril’shand,sprayingasmallspatterofinkdropsonhissleeve.Hesetthepiecesaside.“Oh?”hesaid,inwhathetrustedwasaneutraltone.“Whenwas

this?”

“Oh,everywhere,atthedances,atdinner,inthehalls.Imean,manygentlemenhereflirt,somequiteagreeably,butLordDondo…presses.Thereareenoughfineladieshereatcourtnearerhisownage.Idon’tknowwhyhedoesn’tgotrytocharmthem.”

Cazarilalmostaskedherif

thirty-fiveseemedasancienttoherasforty,butbititshort,andsaidinstead,“HedesiresinfluenceoverRoyseTeidez,ofcourse.AndthereforedesireswhatevergoodgracehecanobtainfromTeidez’ssister,directlyorthroughherattendants.”

Betriz’sbreathpuffedoutinrelief.“Oh,doyouthinkthat’sso?Itmademequiteilltothinkhemightreallybein

lovewithme.Butifhe’sonlyflatteringmeforhisadvantage,that’sallright.”

CazarilwasstilllaboringtoworkthisthroughwhenIsellesaid,“Hehasaveryoddideaofmycharacterifhethinksseducingmyattendantswillgainmygoodgraces!AndIdonotthinkheneedsanymoreinfluenceoverTeidez,ifwhatI’veseensofarisasample.Imean—ifitwere

goodinfluence,shouldn’tweseegoodresults?WeoughttoseeTeidezgrowingfirmerinhisstudies,clearerinhealth,openinghismindtoawiderworldofsomekind.”

CazarilalsobitbacktheobservationthatTeidezwascertainlygettingthatlastfromLordDondo,inaway.

Isellewentonwithgrowingpassion,“Shouldn’tTeidezbe

apprenticingstatecraft?AtleastseeingtheChancellerywork,sittinginoncouncils,listeningtoenvoys?Orifnotstatecraft,realwarcraft?Huntingisfine,butshouldn’thebelearningmilitarydrillwithmen?Hisspiritualdietseemsallcandyandnomeat.Whatkindofroyadotheymeantotrainhimtobe?”

Possibly,onejustlikeOrico—soddenandsickly—who

willnotcompetewithChancellordyJironalforpowerinChalion.ButwhatCazarilsaidaloudwas,“Idonotknow,Royesse.”

“HowcanIknow?HowcanIknowanything?”Shesteppedbackandforthacrossthechamber,herspinetensewithfrustration,herskirtsswishing.“MamaandGrandmamawouldwishmetowatchoutforhim.Cazaril,

canyouatleastfindoutifit’strueaboutsellingtheDaughter’smentotheHeirofIbra?Thatatleastcan’tbeanykindofsubtlesecret!”

Shewasrightaboutthat.Cazarilswallowed.“I’lltry,mylady.But—thenwhat?”Hemadehisvoicestern,foremphasis.“DondodyJironalisapoweryoudarenottreatwithanythingbutstrictestcourtesy.”

Iselleswirledround,andstaredintentlyathim.“Nomatterhowcorruptthatpoweris?”

“Themorecorrupt,thelesssafe.”

Iselleraisedherchin.“So,Castillar,tellme—howsafe,inyourjudgment,isDondodyJironal?”

Hewascaughtout,hismouth

athalfcock.Sosayit—DondodyJironalisthesecond-most-dangerousmaninChalion,afterhisbrother.Instead,hepickedupanewquillfromtheclayjarandbeganshapingitstipwiththepenknife.Afteramomentortwohegotout,“Idonotlikehissweatyhandseither.”

Isellesnorted.ButCazarilwassavedfromfurthercross-examinationbyacallfrom

NandyVrit,somevitallittlematterofscarvesandstrayingseedpearls,andthetwoladieswentbackintotheirchambers.

ONCOOLAFTERNOONSWHENNOMORE-EXCITINGhuntingpartywentout,RoyesseIselleventedherrestlessenergybygatheringupherlittlehouseholdandgoingforridesintheoakwoodsnearCardegoss.Cazaril,along

withLadyBetrizandacoupleofwheezinggrooms,wascanteringinthewakeofherdappledmaredownagreenride,thecrispairspangledwithgoldenfallingleaves,whenhisearpickedupathunderofnewhoovesgaininggroundbehindthem.Heglancedoverhisshoulder,andhisstomachlurched;acavalcadeofmaskedmenwaspeltingdownthetrack.Theyellingcrewovertook

them.Hehadhisswordhalf-outbeforeherecognizedthehorsesandequipageasbelongingtosomeoftheZangre’syoungercourtiers.Themenweredressedinanamazingarrayofrags,barearmsandlegssmearedwithadirtsuspiciouslyreminiscentofbootblacking.

Cazarildrewalongbreath,andbentbrieflyoverhissaddlebow,willinghisheart

toslow,asthegrinningmob“captured”theroyesseandLadyBetriz,andtiedtheirprisoners,includingCazaril,withsilkribands.Hewishedferventlysomeonewouldwarnhim,atleast,aboutthesepranksinadvance.ThelaughingLorddyRinalhadcome,thoughheapparentlydidnotrealizeit,towithinafractionofareflexofreceivingalengthofrazorsteelacrosshisthroat.His

sturdypage,gallopinguponCazaril’sotherside,mighthavediedonthebackstroke,andCazaril’sswordsheatheditselfinathirdman’sbellybefore,hadtheybeenrealbandits,theycouldhavecombinedtotakehimdown.AndallbeforeCazaril’sbrainhadformulatedhisfirstclearthought,orhismouthopenedtoscreamwarning.Theyalllaughedheartilyatthelookofterrorthey’dsurprisedonhis

face,andteasedhimaboutdrawingsteel;hesmiledsheepishly,anddecidednottoexplainjustwhataspectofitallhaddrainedthebloodfromhisface.

Theyrodetotheir“banditcamp,”alargeclearingintheforestwhereanumberofservantsfromtheZangre,alsodressedinartisticrags,roasteddeerandlessergameonspitsoveropenfires.

Banditladies,shepherdesses,andsomeratherstatelybeggargirlshailedthekidnappers’return.IsellesqueakedinlaughingoutragewhenthebanditkingdyRinalclippedalockofhercurlinghairandhelditupforransom.Themasquewasnotyetfinished,foruponthiscueatroopof“rescuers”inblueandwhite,ledbyLordDondodyJironal,gallopedintothecamp.Vigorousmock

swordplayensued,includingsomealarmingandmessymomentsinvolvingpig’sbladdersfilledwithblood,beforeallthebanditswereslain—somestillcomplainingabouttheunfairnessofit—andthelockofhairrescuedbyDondo.AmockdivineoftheBrotherthenwentaboutmiraculouslyraisingthebanditsbacktolifewithaskinofwine,andtheentirecompanysettleddownupon

clothsspreadonthegroundforsomeseriousfeastinganddrinking.

CazarilfoundhimselfsharingaclothwithIselle,Betriz,andLordDondo.Hesatcross-leggedtowardtheedge,nibbledvenisonandbread,andwatchedandlistenedasDondoentertainedtheroyessewithwhatwas,tohisear,heavy-handedwit.DondobeggedIselletoawardhim

hershornlockashisprizeforherdaringrescue,andofferedupinreturn,withasnapofhisfingerstohishoveringpage,atooledleathercasecontainingtwobeautifuljeweledtortoiseshellcombs.

“Atreasureforatreasure,andallisquits,”Dondotoldher,andostentatiouslytuckedthecurlofhairawayinaninnerpocketofhisvest-cloak,overhisheart.

“It’sacruelgift,though,”Iselleparried,“togivemecombsbutleavemenohairtoholdwiththem.”Sheheldacombupandturnedit,glitteringandtranslucent,inthesunlight.

“Butyoumaygrownewhair,Royesse.”

“Butcanyougrownewtreasure?”

“Aseasilyasyoucangrownewhair,Iassureyou.”Heleanedonhiselbowbyherside,andgrinnedupather,hisheadnearlyinherlap.

Iselle’samusedsmilefaded.“Doyoufindyournewpostsoprofitable,then,HolyGeneral?”

“Indeed.”

“Youaremiscast,then.

Perhapsyoushouldhaveplayedthebanditkingtoday.”

Dondo’ssmilethinned.“Iftheworldwerenotso,howcouldIeverbuyenoughpearlstopleasetheprettyladies?”

SpotsofcolorflaredinIselle’scheeks,andsheloweredhereyes.Dondo’ssmilegrewsatisfied.Cazaril,histongueclampedbetween

histeeth,reachedforasilverflagonofwine,withaneyetoaccidentallyinthisemergencyspillingitdownthebackofIselle’sneck.Alas,theflagonwasempty.Buttohisintenserelief,Iselletookabiteofbreadandmeatnext,andchewedinsteadonit.Itwasnotable,though,thatshedrewherskirtsasidefromLordDondowhennextsheshiftedposition.

ThechilloftheautumneveningwasrisingwiththeshadowsfromthelowplaceswhentherepletecompanyrodeslowlybacktotheZangreafterthebandits’picnic.IsellereinedinherdappledmareandfellbackbesideCazarilforamoment.

“Castillar.DidyoueverdiscoverformethetruthoftherumoroftheDaughter’stroopsbeingsoldfor

mercenaries?”

“Oneortwoothermenhavesaidso,butitisnotwhatIwouldcallconfirmednews.”Itwas,infact,quitethoroughlyconfirmed,butCazariljudgeditimprudenttosaysotoIsellejustatthismoment.

Shefrownedsilently,thenspurredherhorseforwardtocatchupwithLadyBetriz

again.

THATNIGHTTHESPARER-THAN-USUALEVENINGBANQUETbrokeupwithoutdancing,andtiredcourtiersandladieswentofftoanearlybedorprivatepleasures.CazarilfoundDondodyJironalfallingintostepbesidehiminanantechamber.

“Walkwithmealittle,Castillar.Ithinkweneedto

talk.”

Cazarilshruggedobligingly,andfollowedDondo,feigningnottonoticethetwochoiceyoungbravos,acoupleofDondo’sriperfriends,whopaddedalongafewpacesbehindthem.Theyexitedthetowerblockatthenarrowendofthefortress,ontoanirregularlittlequadrangleofacourtyardoverlookingtheconfluenceoftherivers.Ata

handsignalfromDondo,histwofriendswaitedbythedoor,leaningagainstthestonewalllikeboredandtiredsentries.

Cazarilcalculatedtheodds.HehadreachonDondo,anddespitehissubsequentillness,hismonthspullingtheoaronthegalleyshadlefthiswiryarmsmuchstrongerthantheylooked.Dondowasdoubtlessbettertrained.Thebravos

wereyoung.Alittledrunk,butyoung.Atthree-to-one,swordplaymightnotevenberequired.Anunagilesecretary,toofullofwineaftersupper,takingawalkonthebattlements,couldslipandfallinthedark,bouncingofftherockfacethreehundredfeetdowntothewaterbelow;hisbrokenbodymightbefoundnextdaywithoutasingletelltalestabwoundinit.

Afewlanternsinwallbracketscastflickeringorangelightacrossthepavingstones.Dondogesturedinvitinglytoacarvedgranitebenchagainsttheouterwall.ThestonewasgrittyandchillagainstCazaril’slegsashesat,thenightbreezedankonhisneck.Withalittlegrunt,Dondoseatedhimself,too,automaticallyflippinghisvest-cloakasidetofreehisswordhilt.

“So,Cazaril,”Dondobegan.“IseeyouarequitecloseintheconfidenceoftheRoyesseIselle,thesedays.”

“Thepostofhersecretaryisoneofgreatresponsibility.Ofhertutor,evenmoreso.Itakeitquiteseriously.”

“Nosurprisethere—youalwaystookeverythingtooseriously.Toomuchofagoodthingcanbeafaultina

man,youknow.”

Cazarilshrugged.

Dondosatbackandcrossedhislegsattheankles,asifmakinghimselfcomfortableforachatwithsomeintimate.“Forexample”—hewavedahandtowardthetowerblocknowrisingbeforethem—“agirlofherageandstyleshouldbejuststartingtowarmtomen,andyetIfind

herstrangelychill.Amarelikethatismadeforbreeding—shehasgoodwidehips,tocradleaman.”Hegavehisownalittledoublejerk,forillustration.“Onehopesshehasescapedthatunfortunatetaintintheblood,andit’snotanearlysignofthesortof,ah,difficultiesofmindthatoversetherpoormother.”

Cazarildecidednottotouchthisone.“Mm,”hesaid.

“Onehopes.Andyet,ifthatisnotthecase,oneisalmostledtowonderifsome…overseriouspersonhastakentopoisoninghermindagainstme.”

“Thiscourtisfullofgossip.Andgossipers.”

“Indeed.And,ah…justhowdoyouspeakofmetoher,Cazaril?”

“Carefully.”

Dondosatback,andfoldedhisarms.“Good.That’sgood.”Hepausedforatime.“Andyet,withal,IthinkthatIshouldpreferwarmly.Warmlywouldbebetter.”

Cazarilmoistenedhislips.“Iselleisaverycleverandsensitivegirl.I’msureshecouldsenseifIwerelying.Bettertoleaveitasitis.”

Dondosnorted.“Ah,herewecometoit.IsuspectedyoumightstillbeholdingagrudgeagainstmeforthatevillittlegameofmadOlus’s.”

Cazarilmadealittlenegatinggesture.“No.Itisforgotten,mylord.”TheproximityofDondo,ascloseasinOlus’stent,hisslightlypeculiarscent,broughtitbackinintensedetail,blaringthrough

Cazaril’smemory,thepantingdespair,theskree,theheavyblow…“Itwasalongtimeago.”

“Huh.Idolikeamanwithamalleablememory,andyet…Istillfeelyouneedmoreheat.Isupposeyou’restillapoorman,asever.Somefellowsnevercatchthetricksofgettingonintheworld.”Dondounfoldedhisarms,and,withsomelittle

difficulty,twistedaringoffoneofhisthick,dampfingers.Itsgoldwasthin,butalargebevel-cutflatgreenstonegleamedinitssetting.HehelditouttoCazaril.“Letthiswarmyourhearttome.Andyourtongue.”

Cazarildidn’tmove.“IhaveallIneedfromtheroyesse,mylord.”

“Indeed.”Dondo’sblack

browsknotted;hisdarkeyesglitteredinthelanternlightbetweenhisnarrowedlids.“Yourpositiondoesgiveyouconsiderableopportunitytofillyourpockets,Isuppose.”

Cazarilclosedhisteeth,hidinghistrembleofoutrage.“Ifyoudeclinetobelieveinmyprobity,mylord,youmightatleastreflectuponRoyesseIselle’sfuture,andbelieveIstillpossessthewits

thegodsgaveme.Todayshehasahousehold.Anotherday,itmaybesomeroyacy,oraprincedom.”

“Indeed,thinkyouso?”Dondosatbackwithastrangegrin,thenlaughedaloud.“Ah,poorCazaril.Ifamanneglectshisbirdinthehandfortheflockheseesinthetree,he’sveryliketoendwithnobirdatall.Howcleveristhat?”Hesetthe

ringcoylydownonthestonebetweenthem.

Cazarilopenedbothhishandsandheldthemoutpalmupinfrontofhischestinagestureofrelease.Hereturnedthemfirmlytohisknees,andsaidwithundeceptivemildness,“Saveyourtreasure,mylord,tobuyyourselfamanwithalowerprice.I’msureyoucanfindone.”

DondoscoopedhisringbackupandfrownedfiercelyatCazaril.“Youhaven’tchanged.Stillthesamesanctimoniousprig.YouandthatfooldySandaaremuchalike.Nowonder,Isuppose,consideringthatoldwomaninValendawhochoseyouboth.”Heroseandstalkedindoors,shovingtheringbackonhisfinger.ThetwomenwaitingglancedacrosscuriouslyatCazariland

turnedtofollow.

Cazarilsighed,andwonderedifhismomentoffurioussatisfactionhadbeenboughtattoohighaprice.ItmighthavebeenwisertotakethebribeandleaveLordDondocalm,happyinthebeliefthathe’dboughtanotherman,onejustlikehimself,easytounderstand,certainofcontrol.Feelingverytired,hepushedhimselftohisfeetandwent

backinsidetomountthestairstohisbedchamber.

HewasjustputtinghiskeyinhislockwhendySandapassedhiminthecorridor,yawning.Theyexchangedcordial-enoughmurmursofgreeting.

“Stayamoment,dySanda.”

DySandaglancedbackoverhisshoulder.“Castillar?”

“Areyoucarefultokeepyourdoorlockedthesedays,andyourkeyaboutyourperson?”

DySanda’sbrowsrose,andheturned.“Ihaveatrunkwithagood,stoutlock,thatservesforallIhavetoguard.”

“That’snotenough.Youneedtoblockyourwholeroom.”

“Sothatnothingcanbe

stolen?Ihavelittleenoughthat—”

“No.Sothatnothingstolencanbeplacedtherein.”

DySanda’slipsparted;hestoodamoment,asthissankin,andraisedhiseyestomeetCazaril’s.“Oh,”hesaidatlast.HegaveCazarilaslownod,almostabow.“Thankyou,Castillar.Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.”

Cazarilreturnedthenod,andwentinside.

10

CazarilsatinhisbedchamberwithaprofligacyofcandlesandtheclassicBrajaranverseromanceTheLegendoftheGreenTree,andsighedincontentment.TheZangre’slibraryhadbeenfamousinthedaysofFonsatheWise

butneglectedeversince—thisvolume,judgingbythedust,hadn’tbeenpulledofftheshelvessincetheendofFonsa’sreign.Butitwastheluxuryofenoughcandlestomakereadinglateatnightapleasureandnotastrain,asmuchasBehar’sversifying,thatgavehisheartjoy.Andalittleguilt—thechargesforgoodwaxcandlesuponIselle’shouseholdaccountsweregoingtoaddupaftera

time,andlookatrifleodd.Behar’sthunderingcadencesechoinginhishead,hemoistenedhisfingerandturnedapage.

Behar’sstanzasweren’ttheonlythingsaroundherethunderingandechoing.Heglancedupward,asrapidthumpsandscrapesandthemuffledsoundsoflaughterandcallingvoicespenetratedfromtheceiling.Well,

enforcingreasonablebedtimesinIselle’shouseholdwasNandyVrit’sjob,nothis,thankthegods.Hereturnedhiseyetothepoet’stheologicallysymbolicvisions,andignoredtheclatter,tillthepigsquealedshrilly.

EventhegreatBeharcouldnotcompetewiththatmystery.Hislipsdrawingbackinagrin,Cazarilsetthe

volumedownonhiscoverletandswunghisstill-trouseredlegsoutofbed,fastenedhistunic,wriggledhisfeetintohisshoes,andpickedupthecandlewiththeglasschimneytolighthiswayupthebackstairs.

HemetDondodyJironalcomingdown.Dondowasdressedinhisusualcourtier’sattire,bluebrocadetunicandlinen-woolentrousers,though

hiswhitevest-cloakswungfromhishand,alongwithhisswordinitsscabbardandswordbelt.Hisfacewassetandflushed.Cazaril’smouthopenedtogivesomepolitegreeting,buthiswordsdiedonhislipsatDondo’smurderousglare.Dondostormedonpasthimwithoutaword.

Cazarilswungintotheupstairscorridortofindallits

wallsconceslitandaninexplicablearrayofpeoplegathered.NotonlyBetriz,Iselle,andNandyVrit,butLorddyRinal,oneofhisfriendsandanotherlady,andSerdySandawereallcrowdedaroundlaughing.TheyscatteredtothewallsasTeidezandapageblastedthroughtheirmidst,inhotpursuitofascrubbedandberibbonedyoungpigtrailingalengthofscarf.Thepage

tackledtheanimalatCazaril’sfeet,andTeidezhootedtriumph.

“Inthebag,inthebag!”dySandacalled.

HeandLadyBetrizcameupasTeidezandthepagecollaboratedoninsertingthesquealingcreatureintoalargecanvassack,whereitclearlydidn’twanttogo.Betrizbenttogivethestrugglinganimal

aquickscratchbehinditsflappingears.“Mythanks,LadyPig!Youplayedyourpartsuperbly.Butit’stimetogobacktoyourhomenow.”

Thepagehoistedtheheavysackupoverhisshoulder,salutedtheassembledcompany,andstaggeredoff,grinning.

“Whatisgoingonuphere?”demandedCazaril,torn

betweenlaughterandalarm.

“Oh,itwasthegreatestjest!”criedTeidez.“YoushouldhaveseenthelookonLordDondo’sface!”

Cazariljusthad,andithadn’tinspiredhimwithmirth.Hisstomachsank.“Whathaveyoudone?”

Iselletossedherhead.“NeithermyhintsnotLady

Betriz’splainwordshavingservedtodiscourageLordDondo’sattentions,ortoconvincehimtheywereunwelcome,weconspiredtomakehimtheassignationoflovehedesired.Teidezundertooktosecureourplayerfromthestable.So,insteadofthevirginLordDondowasconfidentlyexpectingtofindwaitingwhenhewenttiptoeinguptoBetriz’sbedinthedark,he

found—LadyPig!”

“Oh,youtraducethepoorpig,Royesse!”criedLorddyRinal.“Shemayhavebeenavirgin,too,afterall!”

“I’msureshewas,orshewouldnothavesquealedso,”thelaughingladyonhisarmputin.

“It’sonlytoobad,”saiddySandaacidly,“shewasnotto

LordDondo’staste.IconfessI’msurprised.Fromallreportsoftheman,I’dhavethoughthe’dliedownwithanything.”Hiseyesflickedsideways,tochecktheeffectofthesewordsonthegrinningTeidez.

“Andafterwe’ddousedherwithmybestDarthacanperfume,too,”sighedBetrizhugely.Themerrimentinhereyeswasunderscoredbya

glitteringrageandsharpsatisfaction.

“Youshouldhavetoldme,”Cazarilbegan.Toldhimwhat?Ofthisprank?Itwasclearenoughtheyknewhewouldhavesuppressedit.OfDondo’scontinuedpressings?Justhowvilehadtheybeen?Hisfingernailsbitintohispalm.Andwhatcouldhehavedoneaboutthem,eh?GonetoOrico,or

RoyinaSara?Futile…

LorddyRinalsaid,“ItwillbethebesttaleoftheweekinallofCardegoss—andthebesttail,too,ifacurlyone.LordDondohasn’tplayedthebuttforyears,andIdothinkitwaspasthisturn.Icanheartheoinkingalready.Themanwon’tsittoaporkdinnerformonthswithouthearingit.Royesse,LadyBetriz”—hesweptthemabow—“Ithank

youfromthebottomofmyheart.”

Thetwocourtiersandtheladytookthemselvesoff,presumablytospreadthejesttowhateveroftheirfriendswerestillawake.

Cazaril,suppressingthefirstseveralremarkstryingtoripfromhislips,finallygroundout,“Royesse,thatwasnotwise.”

Isellefrownedback,undaunted.“ThemanwearstherobesofaholygeneraloftheLadyofSpringyetundertakestorobwomenoftheirvirginity,sacredtoHer,justasherobs…well,soyousaywehavenoproofofwhatelseherobs.Wehadproofenoughofthis,bythegoddess!Atleastthismayteachhimtheunwisdomofattemptingtostealfrommyhousehold.TheZangreis

supposedtobearoyalcourt,notabarnyard!”

“Cheerup,Cazaril,”dySandaadvisedhim.“Themancannotrevengehisoutragedvanityupontheroyseandroyesse,afterall.”Heglancedaround;Teidezhadgoneoffupthecorridortocollectthetrampledribbonsthepighadshedinitsattemptedflight.Heloweredhisvoice,andadded,“Anditwaswell

worththetroubleforTeideztoseehis,ah,heroinalessflatteringlight.WhentheamorousLordDondostumbledoutofBetriz’sbedchamberwiththestringsofhistrousersinhishands,hefoundallourwitnesseslinedupwaiting.LadyPignearlyknockedhimdown,escapingbetweenhislegs.Helookedanutterfool.It’sthebestlessonI’vebeenabletobringoffallthismonthwe’ve

beenhere.Maybewecanstarttoregainsomelostgroundinthatdirection,eh?”

“Iprayyoumayberight,”saidCazarilcarefully.HedidnotsayaloudhisreflectionthattheroyseandtheroyesseweretheonlypeopleDondocouldnotrevengehimselfupon.

Nevertheless,therewasnosignofretaliationinthenext

severaldays.LordDondotooktherailleryofdyRinalandhisfriendswithathinsmile,butasmilenonetheless.Cazarilsattoeverymealintheexpectationof,attheveryleast,acertainpigserveduproastedwithribbonsrounditsnecktotheroyesse’stable,butthedishdidnotappear.Betriz,atfirstinfectedbyCazaril’snerves,wasreassured.Cazarilwasnot.Forallhishottemper,

Dondohadamplydemonstratedjusthowlonghecouldwaitforhisopportunitieswithoutforgettinghiswounds.

ToCazaril’srelief,theoinkingaboutthecastlecorridorsdieddowninlessthanafortnightasnewfêtesandpranksandgossiptookitsplace.CazarilbegantohopeLordDondowasgoingtoswallowhissopublicly

administeredmedicinewithoutspitting.Perhapshiselderbrother,withlargerhorizonsinviewthanthelittlesocietyinsidetheZangre’swalls,hadundertakentosuppressanyinappropriateresponse.Therewasnewsenoughfromtheoutsideworldtoabsorbgrownmen’sattention:sharpeningofthecivilwarinSouthIbra,banditryintheprovinces,badweather

closingdownthehighpassesunseasonablyearly.

Inlightoftheselastreports,Cazarilgaveaneyetothelogisticsoftransportingtheroyesse’shousehold,shouldthecourtdecidetoleavetheZangreearlyandremovetoitstraditionalwinterquartersbeforetheFather’sDay.HewassittinginhisofficetottinguphorsesandmuleswhenoneofOrico’spages

appearedattheantechamberdoor.

“MylorddyCazaril,theroyabidsyouattenduponhiminIas’sTower.”

Cazarilraisedhiseyebrows,setdownhisquill,andfollowedtheboy,wonderingwhatservicetheroyadesiredofhim.Orico’ssuddenfanciescouldbeatrifleeccentric.Twicehehad

orderedCazariltoaccompanyhimonexpeditionstohismenagerie,theretoperformnoofficesmorecomplexthanwhatapageorgroommightwellhavedone,holdinghisanimals’chainsorfetchingbrushesorfeed.Well,no—theroyahadalsoaskedleadingquestionsabouthissisterIselle’sdoings,inanapparentlydesultoryfashion.CazarilhadseizedtheopportunitytoconveyIselle’s

horrorofbeingbarteredtotheArchipelago,ortoanyotherRoknariprince,andhadhopedtheroya’searwasmoreopenthanhissleepydemeanorwouldindicate.

ThepageguidedhimtothelongroomonthesecondfloorofIas’sTowerthatdyJironalusedforhisChancellerywhenthecourtwasresidentintheZangre.Itwaslinedwithshelvescrammedwith

books,parchments,files,andarowoftheseal-lockedsaddlebagsusedbytheroyalcouriers.Thetwoliveriedguardsstandingatattentionfollowedthemwithinandtookuptheirpostsinsidethedoor.Cazarilfelttheireyesfollowhim.

RoyaOricowasseatedwiththechancellorbehindalargetablescatteredaboutwithpapers.Oricolookedweary.

DyJironalwasspareandintense,dressedtodayinordinarycourtgarb,butwithhischainofofficearoundhisneck.Acourtier,whomCazarilrecognizedasSerdyMaroc,masteroftheroya’sarmorandwardrobe,stoodatoneendofthetable.OneofOrico’spages,lookingveryworried,stoodattheother.

Cazaril’sescortannounced,“TheCastillardyCazaril,

sire,”andthen,afteraglanceathisfellowpage,backedawaytomakehimselfinvisiblebythefarwall.

Cazarilbowed.“Sire,mylordChancellor?”

DyJironalstrokedhissteel-streakedbeard,glancedatOrico,whoshrugged,andsaidquietly,“Castillar,youwillobligeHisMajesty,please,byremovingyour

tunic,andturningaround.”

Colduneaseknottedthewordsinhisthroat.Cazarilclosedhislips,gaveasinglenod,andundidthefrogsofhistunic.Tunicandvest-cloakheslippedofftogetherandfoldedneatlyoverhisarm.Faceset,hemadeamilitaryabout-face,andstoodstill.Behindhim,heheardtwomenstiflegasps,andayoungvoicemutter,“Itwas

so.Ididsee.”Oh.Thatpage.Yes.

Someoneclearedhisthroat;Cazarilwaitedforthehotflushtodiefromhischeeks,thenwheeledaroundagain.Hesaidsteadily,“Wasthatall,sire?”

Oricofidgeted,andsaid,“Castillar,itiswhispered…youareaccused…anaccusationhasbeenmade…

thatyouwereconvictedofthecrimeofrapeinIbra,andfloggedinthestocks.”

“Thatisalie,sire.Whohassaidit?”HeglancedatSerdyMaroc,whohadgrownatriflepalewhileCazaril’sbackwasturned.DyMarocwasnotineitheroftheJironalbrothers’directemploy,andhewasnot,sofarasCazarilknew,oneofDondo’sripercreatures…

mighthehavebeenbribed?Orwasheanhonestgull?

Aclearvoicerangfromthecorridor.“Iwilltooseemybrother,andatonce!Ihavetheright!”

Orico’sguardssurgedforward,thenhastilybackagain,asRoyesseIselle,trailedbyaverypaleLadyBetrizandSerdySanda,burstintothechamber.

Iselle’squickglancetookinthetableauofmen.Sheraisedherchin,andcried,“Whatisthis,Orico?DySandatellsmeyouhavearrestedmysecretary!Withoutevenwarningme!”

BythepeevedrippleofChancellordyJironal’smouth,thisintrusionhadnotbeeninhisplans.Oricowavedhisthickhands.“No,no,notarrested.Noonehas

arrestedanyone.Wearegatheredtoinvestigateanaccusation.”

“Whataccusation?”

“Averyseriousone,Royesse,andnotforyourears,”saiddyJironal.“Youshouldwithdraw.”

Pointedlyignoringhim,shepulledupachairandplunkeddownintoit,foldingher

arms.“Ifit’saseriousaccusationagainstthemosttrustedservantofmyhousehold,itisverymuchformyears.Cazaril,whatisthisabout?”

Cazarilgaveheraslightbow.“Aslanderhasapparentlybeencirculated,bypersonsnotyetnamed,thatthescarsonmybackwerepunishmentforacrime.”

“Lastfall,”dyMarocputinnervously.“InIbra.”

ByBetriz’swideningstareandcaughtbreath,shehadobtainedagoodcloseviewoftheropymessasshe’dfollowedIsellearoundCazaril.SerdySanda’slipstoopursedinawince.

“MayIputmytunicbackon,sire?”Cazariladdedstiffly.

“Yes,yes.”Oricowavedahastyassent.

“Thenatureofthecrime,Royesse,”dyJironalputinsmoothly,“issuchastocastveryseriousdoubtsonwhetherthemanshouldbeatrustedservantofyour,orindeed,anylady’shousehold.”

“What,rape?”saidIsellescornfully.“Cazaril?Thatis

themostabsurdlieIhaveeverheard.”

“Andyet,”saiddyJironal,“therearethefloggingscars.”

“Thegift,”saidCazarilthroughhisteeth,“ofaRoknarioar-master,inreturnforacertainill-considereddefiance.Lastfall,andoffthecoastofIbra,thatmuchistrue.”

“Plausible,andyet…odd,”saiddyJironalinajudicioustone.“Thecrueltiesofthegalleysarelegendary,butonewouldnotthinkacompetentoar-masterwoulddamageaslavepastuse.”

Cazarilhalfsmiled.“Iprovokedhim.”

“Howso,Cazaril?”askedOrico,leaningbackandsqueezingthefatofhischin

withonehand.

“Wrappedmyoar-chainaroundhisthroatanddidmybesttostranglehim.Ialmostsucceeded,too.Buttheypulledmeoffhimatrifletoosoon.”

“Deargods,”saidtheroya.“Wereyoutryingtocommitsuicide?”

“I…amnotquitesure.I’d

thoughtIwaspastfury,but…Ihadbeengivenanewbenchmate,anIbranboy,maybefifteenyearsold.Kidnapped,hesaid,andIbelievedhim.Youcouldtellhewasofgoodfamily,soft,well-spoken,notusedtoroughplaces—heblistereddreadfullyinthesun,andhishandsbledontheoars.Scared,defiant,ashamed…hesaidhisnamewasDanni,buthenevertoldmehissurname.

Theoar-mastermadetousehimafteramannerforbiddentoRoknari,andDannistruckoutathim.BeforeIcouldstophim.Itwasinsanelyfoolish,buttheboydidn’trealize….Ithought—well,Iwasn’tthinkingveryclearly,butIthoughtifIstruckharderIcoulddistracttheoar-masterfromretaliatinguponhim.”

“Byretaliatingagainstyou

instead?”saidBetrizwonderingly.

Cazarilshrugged.He’dkneedtheoar-masterhardenoughinthegroin,beforewrappingthechainaroundhisneck,toassurehewouldn’tbeamorousagainforaweek,butaweekwouldhavepassedsoonenough,andthenwhat?“Itwasafutilegesture.Wouldhavebeenfutile,butforthechanceoftheIbran

navalflotillacrossingourbowsthenextmorning,andrescuingusall.”

DySandasaidencouragingly,“Youhavewitnesses,then.Quitealargenumberofthem,itsoundslike.Theboy,thegalleyslaves,theIbransailors…whatbecameoftheboy,after?”

“Idon’tknow.IlayillintheTempleHospitalofthe

Mother’sMercyinZagosurfor,forawhile,andeveryonewasscatteredandgonebythetimeI,um,left.”

“Averyheroictale,”saiddyJironal,inadrytonewellcalculatedtoremindhislistenersthatthiswasCazaril’sversion.Hefrownedjudiciouslyandglancedaroundtheassembledcompany,hisgazelingeringforamomentupondySanda,

andtheoutragedIselle.“Still…Isupposeyoumightasktheroyessetogiveyouamonth’sleavetoridetoIbra,andlocatesomeofthese,ah,convenientlyscatteredwitnesses.Ifyoucan.”

Leavehisladiesunguardedforamonth,here?Andwouldhesurvivethetrip?Orbeslainandburiedinashallowgraveinthewoodstwohours’rideoutof

Cardegoss,leavingthecourttoconstruehisguiltfromhissupposedflight?Betrizpressedherhandtowhitenedlips,butherglarewaswhollyfordyJironal.Here,atleast,wasonewhobelievedCazaril’swordandnothisback.Hestoodalittlestraighter.

“No,”hesaidatlast.“Iamslandered.Myswornwordstandsagainsthearsay.

Unlessyouhavesomebettersupportthancastlegossip,Idefythelie.Or—wheredidyouhavethetale?Haveyoutracedittoitssource?Whoaccusesme—isityou,dyMaroc?”Hefrownedatthecourtier.

“Explainit,dyMaroc,”dyJironalinvited,withacarelesswave.

DeMaroctookabreath.“I

haditfromanIbransilkmerchantthatIdealtwithfortheroya’swardrobe—herecognizedthecastillar,hesaid,fromthefloggingblockinZagosur,andwasveryshockedtoseehimhere.Hesaiditwasanuglycase—thatthecastillarhadravishedthedaughterofamanwhotookhiminandgavehimshelter,andheremembereditverywell,therefore,becauseitwassovile.”

Cazarilscratchedhisbeard.“Areyousurehedidn’tsimplymistakemeforanotherman?”

DyMarocrepliedstiffly,“No,forhehadyourname.”

Cazaril’seyesnarrowed.Nomistakehere—itwasalieoutright,boughtandpaidfor.Butwhosetonguehadbeenbought?Thecourtier’s,orthemerchant’s?

“Whereisthismerchantnow?”dySandabrokein.

“LedhispacktrainbacktoIbra,beforethesnows.”

Cazarilsaid,inamildvoice,“Justexactlywhendidyouhavethistale?”

DyMarochesitated,apparentlycastingback,forhisfingerstwitcheddownbyhissideasifcounting.“Three

weeksgone,herodeout.Itwasjustbeforeheleftthatwetalked.”

Iknowwho’slyingnow,yes.Cazaril’slipturnedup,withouthumor.Thattherewasarealsilkmerchant,whohadreallyriddenoutofCardegossonthatdate,hehadnodoubt.ButtheIbranhaddepartedwellbeforeDondo’semeraldbribe,andDondowouldnothave

troubledtoinventthisindirectrouteforgettingridofCazariluntilafterhe’dfailedtopurchasehimdirect.Unfortunately,thiswasnotalineofreasoningCazarilcouldadduceinhisdefense.

“Thesilkmerchant,”dyMarocadded,“couldhavehadnoreasontolie.”

Butyoudo.Iwonderwhatitis?“You’veknownofthis

seriouschargeforoverthreeweeks,yetonlynowhavebroughtittoyourlord’sattention?Howveryoddofyou,dyMaroc.”

DyMarocgloweredathim.

“IftheIbran’sgone,”saidOricoquerulously,“it’simpossibletofindoutwhoistellingthetruth.”

“ThenmylorddyCazaril

shouldsurelybegiventhebenefitofthedoubt,”saiddySanda,standingsternlyupright.“Youmaynotknowhim,buttheProvincaradyBaocia,whogavehimthistrust,did;he’dservedherlatehusbandsomesixorsevenyears,inall.”

“Inhisyouth,”saiddyJironal.“Mendochange,youknow.Especiallyinthebrutalityofwar.Ifthereis

anydoubtoftheman,heshouldnotbetrustedinsuchacriticaland,dareIsayit”—heglancedpointedlyatBetriz—“temptingpost.”

Betriz’slong,incensedinhalationwas,perhapsfortunately,cutacrossbyIselle,whocried,“Oh,rubbish!Inthemidstofthebrutalityofwar,youyourselfgavethismanthekeystothefortressofGotorget,which

wastheanchorofChalion’swholebattlelineinthenorth.Youclearlytrustedhimenoughthen,March!Nordidhebetraythattrust.”

DyJironal’sjawtightened,andhesmiledthinly.“Why,howmilitantChalionisgrown,thatourverymaidensseektogiveusbetteradviceuponourstrategies.”

“Theycouldhardlygiveus

worse,”growledOricounderhisbreath.OnlyaslightsidewaysflickoftheeyesbetrayedthatdyJironalhadheardhim.

DySandasaid,inapuzzledvoice,“Yes,andwhywasn’tthecastillarransomedwiththerestofhisofficerswhenyousurrenderedGotorget,dyJironal?”

Cazarilclenchedhisteeth.

Shutup,dySanda.

“TheRoknarireportedhe’ddied,”repliedthechancellorshortly.“They’dhidhimforrevenge,I’dassumed,whenIlearnedheyetlived.Thoughifthesilkmerchantspoketruth,maybeitwasforembarrassment.Hemusthaveescapedthem,andknockedaboutIbraforatime,untilhis,um,unhappyarrest.”HeglancedatCazaril,andaway.

Youknowyoulie.Iknowyoulie.ButdyJironaldidnot,evennow,knowforcertainifCazarilknewhelied.Itdidn’tseemmuchofanadvantage.Thiswasaweakmomentforacountercharge.Thisslanderalreadyhalfcutthegroundfromunderhisfeet,regardlessoftheoutcomeofOrico’sinquiry.

“Well,Idonotunderstandhowhislosswasallowedto

passwithoutinvestigation,”saiddySanda,staringnarrowlyatdyJironal.“Hewasthefortress’scommander.”

Iselleputinthoughtfully,“Ifyouassumedrevenge,youmusthavejudgedhe’dcosttheRoknaridearlyinthefield,forthemtousehimsothereafter.”

DyJironalgrimaced,clearly

mislikingwherethislineoflogicwasleading.Hesatbackandwavedawaythedigression.“Wearecometoanimpasse,then.Aman’swordagainstaman’sword,andnothingtodecideit.Sire,Iearnestlyadviseprudence.LetmylorddyCazarilbegivensomelesserpostorsentbacktotheDowagerofBaocia.”

Isellenearlysputtered.“And

lettheslandergounchallenged?No!Iwillnotstandforit.”

Oricorubbedhishead,asifitached,andshotsideglancesathischillychiefadvisorandhisfurioushalfsister.Heventedasmallgroan.“Oh,gods,Ihatethissortofthing…”Hisexpressionchanged,andhesatuprightagain.“Ah!Butofcourse.Thereisjustthesolution…

justthejustsolution,heh,heh…”HebeckonedtothepagewhohadsummonedCazaril,andmurmuredinhisear.DyJironalwatched,frowning,butapparentlycouldnotmakeoutwhathadbeensaideither.Thepagescamperedout.

“Whatisyoursolution,sire?”askeddyJironalapprehensively.

“Notmysolution.Thegods.Wewillletthegodsdecidewhoisinnocent,andwholies.”

“You’renotthinkingofputtingthistotrialbycombat,areyou?”askeddyJironalinavoiceofrealhorror.

Cazarilcouldonlysharethathorror—andsodidSerdyMaroc,judgingbytheway

theblooddrainedfromhisface.

Oricoblinked.“Well,now,there’sanotherthought.”HeglancedatdyMarocandatCazaril.“Theyappearevenlymatched,withal.DyMarocisyounger,ofcourse,anddoesverywellonthesandofmypracticering,butexperiencecountsforsomething.”

LadyBetrizglancedatdy

Marocandfrownedinsuddenworry.SodidCazaril,fortheoppositereason,hesuspected.DyMarocwasindeedaveryprettyduellodancer.Againstthebrutalityofthebattlefield,hewouldlast,Cazarilcalculated,maybefiveminutes.DyJironalmetCazaril’seyesdirectlyforalmostthefirsttimeinthisinquiry,andCazarilknewhewasmakingtheidenticalcalculation.Cazaril’sstomach

heavedatthethoughtofbeingforcedtobutchertheboy,evenifhewasatoolandaliar.

“IdonotknowiftheIbranliedornot,”putindyMarocwarily.“IonlyknowwhatIheard.”

“Yes,yes.”Oricowavedthisaway.“Ithinkmyplanwillbebetter.”Hesniffed,rubbedhisnoseonhissleeve,and

waited.Alengthyandunnervingsilencefell.

Itwasbrokenwhenthepagereturned,announcing,“Umegat,sire.”

ThedapperRoknarigroomenteredandglancedinfaintsurpriseatthepeopleassembled,buttroddirectlytohismasterandmadehisbow.“HowmayIserveyou,mylord?”

“Umegat,”saidOrico.“Iwantyoutogooutsideandcatchthefirstsacredcrowyousee,andbringitbackinhere.You”—hegesturedatthepage—“gowithhimforwitness.Hurry,now,quickquick.”Oricoclappedhishandsinhisurgency.

Withoutevincingtheleastsurpriseorquestion,Umegatbowedagainandpaddedbackout.CazarilcaughtdyMaroc

givingthechancellorapiteousNowwhat?look;dyJironalsethisteethandignoredit.

“Now,”saidOrico,“howshallwearrangethis?Iknow—Cazaril,yougostandinoneendoftheroom.DyMaroc,yougostandintheother.”

DyJironal’seyesshiftedinuncertaincalculation.He

gavedyMarocaslightnod,towardtheendoftheroomwiththeopenwindow.Cazarilfoundhimselfrelegatedtothedimmer,closedend.

“Youall”—OricogesturedtoIselleandhercohort—“standtotheside,forwitness.Youandyouandyoutoo,”thistotheguardsandtheremainingpage.Oricoheavedtohisfeetandwentaboutthetableto

arrangehishumantableautohisclosesatisfaction.DyJironalstayedseatedwherehewas,playingwithaquillandscowling.

InmuchlesstimethanCazarilwouldhaveexpected,Umegatreturned,withacranky-lookingcrowtuckedunderhisarmandtheexcitedpagebouncingaroundhim.

“Wasthatthefirstcrowyou

saw?”Oricoaskedtheboy.

“Yes,mylord,”thepagerepliedbreathlessly.“Well,thewholeflockwascirclingaboveFonsa’sTower,soIsupposewesawsixoreightatonce.SoUmegatjuststoodinthecourtyardwithhisarmoutandhiseyesclosed,quitestill.Andthisonecamedowntohimandlandedrightonhissleeve!”

Cazaril’seyesstrained,tryingtoseeifthemutteringbirdmight,justpossibly,bemissingtwotailfeathers.

“Verygood,”saidOricohappily.“Now,Umegat,Iwantyoutostandintheexactcenteroftheroom,andwhenIgivethesignal,releasethesacredcrow.We’llseewhichmanhefliesto,andthenwe’llknow!Wait—everyoneshouldsayaprayerintheir

heartsfirsttothegodsforguidance.”

Isellecomposedherself,butBetrizlookedup.“Butsire.Whatshallweknow?Isthecrowtoflytotheliar,orthehonestman?”ShestaredhardatUmegat.

“Oh,”saidOrico.“Hm.”

“Andwhatifitjustfliesaroundincircles?”saiddy

Jironal,anexasperatededgeleakingintohisvoice.

Thenwe’llknowthegodsareasconfusedasalloftherestofus,Cazarildidnotsayoutloud.

Umegat,strokingthebirdtocalmit,gaveaslightbow.“Asthetruthissacredtothegods,letthecrowflytothehonestman,sire.”HedidnotglanceatCazaril.

“Oh,verygood.Carryon,then.”

Umegat,withwhatCazarilwasbeginningtosuspectwasafinesenseoftheater,positionedhimselfpreciselybetweenthetwoaccusedmen,andheldthebirdoutonhisarm,slowlyremovinghiscontrollinghand.Hestoodamomentwithalookofpiousquietudeonhisface.Cazarilwonderedwhatthegods

madeofthecacophonyofconflictingprayersnodoubtarisingfromthisroomatthisinstant.ThenUmegattossedthecrowintotheair,andlethisarmshangdown.Itsquawkedandspreaditswings,andfannedatailmissingtwofeathers.

DyMarocheldhisarmswidespread,hopefully,lookingasifhewonderedifhewasallowedtotacklethe

creatureoutoftheairasitswoopedbyhim.Cazaril,abouttocryCaz,Caztobesafe,wassuddenlyovercomewiththeologicalcuriosity.Healreadyknewthetruth—whatelsemightthistestreveal?Hestoodstillandstraight,lipsparted,andwatchedindisturbedfascinationasthecrowignoredtheopenwindowandflappedstraighttohisshoulder.

“Well,”hesaidquietlytoit,asitduginitsclawsandshiftedfromsidetoside.“Well.”Ittilteditsblackbeak,regardinghimwithexpressionless,beadyeyes.

IselleandBetrizjumpedupanddownandwhooped,huggingeachotherandnearlyfrighteningthebirdoffagain.DySandasmiledgrimly.DyJironalgrittedhisteeth;dyMaroclooked

faintlyappalled.

Oricodustedhisplumphands.“Good.Thatsettlesthat.Now,bythegods,Iwantmydinner.”

ISELLE,BETRIZ,ANDDYSANDASURROUNDEDCAZARILlikeanhonorguardandmarchedhimoutofIas’sTowertothecourtyard.

“Howdidyouknowtocome

tomyrescue?”Cazarilaskedthem.Surreptitiously,heglancedup;nocrowswerecircling,justnow.

“Ihaditfromapagethatyouweretobearrestedthismorning,”saiddySanda,“andIwentatoncetotheroyesse.”

CazarilwonderedifdySanda,likehimself,keptaprivatebudgettopayfor

earlynewsfromvariousobserversaroundtheZangre.Andwhyhisownarrangementshadn’tworkedatriflebetterinthiscase.“Ithankyou,forcoveringmy”—heswallowedtheword,back—“blindside.Ishouldhavebeendismissedbynow,ifyouallhadn’tcometostandupforme.”

“Nothanksneeded,”saiddySanda.“Ibelieveyou’dhave

doneasmuchforme.”

“Mybrotherneededsomeonetoprophim,”saidIselleatriflebitterly.“Elsehebowstowhateverforceblowsmostproximately.”

Cazarilwastornbetweencommendinghershrewdnessandsuppressingherfrankness.HeglancedatdySanda.“Howlong—doyouknow—hasthisstoryabout

mebeencirculatinginthecourt?”

Heshrugged.“Somefourorfivedays,Ithink.”

“Thiswasthefirstweheardofit!”saidBetrizindignantly.

DySandaopenedhishandsinapology.“Likelyitseemedtoorawathingtopourinyourmaidenears,mylady.”

Isellescowled.DySandaacceptedreiteratedthanksfromCazarilandtookhisleavetocheckonTeidez.

Betriz,whohadgrownsuddenlyquiet,saidinastifledvoice,“Thiswasallmyfault,wasn’tit?Dondostruckatyoutoavengehimselfforthepig.Oh,LordCaz,I’msorry!”

“No,mylady,”saidCazaril

firmly.“ThereissomeoldbusinessbetweenDondoandmethatgoesbacktobefore…beforeGotorget.”Herfacelightened,tohisrelief;nevertheless,heseizedthechancetoaddprudently,“Grantyou,theprankwiththepigdidn’thelp,andyoushouldnotdoanythinglikethatagain.”

Betrizsighed,butthensmiledjustalittlebit.“Well,hedid

stoppressinghimselfuponme.Soithelpedthatmuch.”

“Ican’tdenythat’sabenefit,but…Dondoremainsapowerfulman.Ibegyou—both—totakecaretowalkwidearoundhim.”

Iselle’seyesflickedtowardhim.Shesaidquietly,“We’reundersiegehere,aren’twe.Me,Teidez,allourhouseholds.”

“Itrust,”sighedCazaril,“itisnotquitesodire.Justgomorecarefullyfromnowon,eh?”

Heescortedthembacktotheirchambersinthemainblock,butdidnottakeuphiscalculationsagain.Instead,hestrodebackdownthestairsandoutpastthestablestothemenagerie.HefoundUmegatintheaviary,persuadingthesmallbirdstotakedustbathsinabasinofashesasproof

againstlice.TheneatRoknari,histabardprotectedbyanapron,lookedupathimandsmiled.

Cazarildidnotsmileback.“Umegat,”hebeganwithoutpreamble,“Ihavetoknow.Didyoupickthecrow,ordidthecrowpickyou?”

“Doesitmattertoyou,mylord?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

Cazaril’smouthopened,andshut.Hefinallybeganagain,almostpleadingly.“Itwasatrick,yes?Youtrickedthem,bybringingthecrowIfeedatmywindow.Thegodsdidn’treallyreachintothatroom,right?”

Umegat’sbrowsrose.“The

Bastardisthemostsubtleofthegods,mylord.Merelybecausesomethingisatrick,isnoguaranteeyouarenotgod-touched.”Headdedapologetically,“I’mafraidthat’sjustthewayitworks.”Hechirpedatthebrightbird,apparentlynowdonewithitsflutterintheashes,coaxeditontohishandwithaseeddrawnfromhisapronpocket,andpoppeditbackintoitsnearbycage.

Cazarilfollowed,arguing,“ItwasthecrowthatIfed.Ofcourseitflewtome.Youfeedittoo,eh?”

“IfeedallthesacredcrowsofFonsa’sTower.Sodothepagesandladies,thevisitorstotheZangre,andtheacolytesanddivinesofalltheTemplehousesintown.Themiracleofthosecrowsisthatthey’renotallgrowntoofattofly.”Withaneattwistof

hiswrist,Umegatsecuredanotherbirdandtippeditintotheashbath.

Cazarilstoodbackfromhimasashespuffed,andfrowned.“You’reRoknari.Aren’tyouoftheQuadrenefaith?”

“No,mylord,”saidUmegatserenely.“I’vebeenadevoutQuintariansincemylateyouth.”

“DidyouconvertwhenyoucametoChalion?”

“No,whenIwasstillintheArchipelago.”

“How…cameitaboutthatyouwerenothangedforheresy?”

“ImadeittotheshiptoBrajarbeforetheycaughtme.”Umegat’ssmilecrimped.

Indeed,hestillhadhisthumbs.Cazaril’sbrowsdrewdown,ashestudiedtheman’sfine-drawnfeatures.“Whatwasyourfather,intheArchipelago?”

“Narrow-minded.Verypious,though,inhisfoursquareway.”

“ThatisnotwhatImeant.”

“Iknow,mylord.Buthe’s

beendeadthesetwentyyears.Itdoesn’tmatteranymore.IamcontentwithwhatIamnow.”

Cazarilscratchedhisbeard,asUmegattradedforanotherbrightbird.“Howlonghaveyoubeenheadgroomofthismenagerie,then?”

“Fromitsbeginning.Aboutsixyears.Icamewiththeleopard,andthefirstbirds.

Wewereagift.”

“Whofrom?”

“Oh,fromthearchdivineofCardegoss,andtheOrderoftheBastard.Upontheoccasionoftheroya’sbirthday,yousee.Manyfineanimalshavebeenadded,sincethen.”

Cazarildigestedthat,foralittle.“Thisisaveryunusual

collection.”

“Yes,mylord.”

“Howunusual?”

“Veryunusual.”

“Canyoutellmemore?”

“Ibegyouwillnotaskmemore,mylord.”

“Whynot?”

“BecauseIdonotwishtolietoyou.”

“Whynot?”Everyoneelsedoes.

Umegatdrewinhisbreathandsmiledcrookedly,watchingCazaril.“Because,mylord,thecrowpickedme.”

Cazaril’sreturnsmilegrewatriflestrained.Hegave

Umegatasmallbowandwithdrew.

11

Cazarilwasjustexitinghisbedchamberonthewaytobreakfast,somethreemorningslater,whenabreathlesspageaccostedhim,grabbinghimbythesleeve.

“M’lorddyCazaril!The

castlewarderbegsyou‘tendonhimatonce,inthecourtyard!”

“Why?What’sthematter?”Obedienttothisurgency,Cazarilswungintomotionbesidetheboy.

“It’sSerdySanda.Hewassetuponlastnightbyfootpads,androbbedandstabbed!”

Cazaril’sstridelengthened.“Howbadlywasheinjured?Wheredoeshelie?”

“Notinjured,m’lord.Slain!”

Oh,gods,no.Cazarilleftthepagebehindasheclattereddownthestaircase.HehurriedintotheZangre’sfrontcourtyardintimetoseeamaninthetabardoftheconstableofCardegoss,andanothermandressedasa

farmer,lowerastiffformfromthebackofamuleandlayitoutonthecobbles.TheZangre’scastlewarder,frowning,squatteddownbythebody.Acoupleoftheroya’sguardswatchedfromafewpacesback,warily,asifknifewoundsmightprovecontagious.

“Whathashappened?”demandedCazaril.

Thefarmer,inhiscourtier’sgarbtaking,pulledoffhiswoolhatinasortofsalute.“Ifoundhimbytheriversidethismorning,sir,whenItookmycattledowntodrink.Therivercurves—Ioftenfindthingshungupupontheshoal.‘Twasawagonwheel,lastweek.Ialwayscheck.Notbodiestoooften,thanktheMotherofMercy.Notsincethatpoorladywhodrownedherself,twoyears

back—”Heandtheconstable’smanexchangednodsofreminiscence.“Thisonehasnotadrownedlook.”

DySanda’strouserswerestillsodden,buthishairwasdonedripping.Histunichadbeenremovedbyhisfinders—Cazarilsawthebrocadefoldedupoverthemule’swithers.Themouthsofhiswoundshadbeencleanedofbloodbytheriverwater,and

showednowasdarkpuckeredslitsinhispaleskin,inhisback,belly,neck.Cazarilcountedoveradozenstrikes,deepandhard.

Thecastlewarder,sittingonhisheels,pointedtoabitoffrayedcordknottedarounddySanda’sbelt.“Hispursewascutoff.Inahurry,theywere.”

“Butitwasn’tjustarobbery,”

saidCazaril.“Oneortwooftheseblowswouldhaveputhimontheground,stoppedresistance.Theydidn’tneedto…theyweremakingsureofhisdeath.”Theyorhe?Norealwaytoknow,butdySandacouldnothavebeeneithereasyorsafetobringdown.Heratherthoughtthey.“Isupposehisswordwastaken.”Hadheeverhadtimetodrawit?Orhadthefirstblowfallenonhimby

surprise,fromamanhewalkedbesideintrust?

“Takenorlostintheriver,”saidthefarmer.“Hewouldnothavefloateddowntomesosoonifithadstillbeendragginghimdown.”

“Didhehaveringsorjewelry?”askedtheconstable’sman.

Thecastlewardernodded.

“Several,andagoldearloop.”Theywereallgonenow.

“I’llwantadescriptionofthemall,mylord,”theconstable’smansaid,andthewardernoddedunderstanding.

“Youknowwherehewasfound,”saidCazariltotheconstable’sman.“Doyouknowwherehewas

attacked?”

Themanshookhishead.“Hardtosay.Somewhereinthebottoms,maybe.”ThelowerendofCardegoss,bothsociallyandtopographically,huddledonbothsidesofthewallthatranbetweenthetworivers.“Thereareonlyhalfadozenplacessomeonemightpitchabodyoverthetownwallsandbesurethestreamwouldtakeitoff.Someare

morelonelythanothers.Whendidanyonehereseehimlast?”

“Isawhimatsupper,”saidCazaril.“Hesaidnothingtomeaboutgoingintotown.”TherewereacoupleofplacesrighthereintheZangrewhereabodymightalsobepitchedintotheriversbelow….“Hashebrokenbones?”

“NotasIfelt,sir,”saidtheconstable’sman.Indeed,thepalecorpsedidnotshowgreatbruises.

InquiryofthecastleguardsdisclosedthatdySandahadlefttheZangre,aloneandonfoot,aboutthemid-watchlastnight.Cazarilgaveupabuddingplantocheckeveryfootofthecastle’sgreatlengthsofcorridorsandnichesfornewbloodstains.

Laterintheafternoontheconstable’smenfoundthreepeoplewho’dsaidthey’dseentheroyse’ssecretarydrinkinginataverninthebottoms,anddepartalone;onesworehe’dleftstaggeringdrunk.Thatwitness,CazarilwouldhavelikedtohavehadaloneforatimeinoneoftheZangre’sstony,scream-absorbingcellsofftheold,oldtunnelsgoingdowntotherivers.Some

betterkindoftruthmighthavebeenpoundedoutofhimthere.CazarilhadneverseendySandadrinktodrunkenness,ever.

ItfelltoCazariltoinventoryandpackdySanda’smeagerpileofworldlygoods,tobesentoffbycartertotheman’ssurvivingolderbrothersomewhereintheprovincesofChalion.Whilethecityconstable’smensearchedthe

bottoms,futilely,Cazarilwassure,forthesupposedfootpads,CazarilturnedouteveryscrapofpaperindySanda’sroom.Butwhateverlyingassignationhadluredhimtothebottoms,he’deitherreceivedverballyortakenwithhim.

DySandahavingnorelativesnearenoughtowaitupon,thefuneralwasheldthenextday.Theservicesweresomberly

gracedbyboththeroyseandroyesseandtheirhouseholds,soafewcourtiersanxiousfortheirfavorlikewiseattended.Theceremonyofdeparture,heldintheSon’schamberoffthemaincourtyardofthetemple,wasbrief.ItwasborneinuponCazarilwhatalonelymandySandahadbeen.Nofriendsthrongedtotheheadofhisbiertospeaklongeulogiesforeachother’scomfort.OnlyCazarilspokea

fewformalwordsofregretonbehalfoftheroyesse,managingtogetthroughthemwithouttheembarrassmentofreferringtothepaper,uponwhichhehadsohastilycomposedthemthatmorning,tuckedinhissleeve.

Cazarilstooddownfromthebiertomakewayfortheblessingoftheanimals,goingtostandwiththelittlecrowdofmournersbeforethealtar.

Acolytes,dressedeachinthecolorsoftheirchosengods,broughtintheircreaturesandstoodroundthebieratfiveevenlyspacedpoints.Incountrytemples,themostmotleyassortmentofanimalswasusedforthisrite;Cazarilhadonceseenitcarriedthrough—successfully—forthedeaddaughterofapoormanbyasingleoverworkedacolytewithabasketoffivekittenswithcoloredribbons

tiedroundtheirnecks.TheRoknarioftenusedfish,thoughinthenumberoffour,notfive;theQuadrenedivinesmarkedthemwithdyeandinterpretedthewillofthegodsbythepatternstheymadeswimmingaboutinatub.Whateverthemeansused,theomenwastheonetinymiraclethegodsgrantedeveryperson,nomatterhowhumble,attheirlastpassing.

ThetempleofCardegosshadtheresourcestocommandthemostbeautifulofsacredanimals,selectedforappropriatecolorandgender.TheDaughter’sacolyteinherbluerobeshadafinefemalecrestedbluejay,new-hatchedlastspring.TheMother’swomaningreenheldonherarmagreatgreenbird,closerelative,Cazarilthought,toUmegat’sprizeintheroya’smenagerie.Theacolyteofthe

Soninhisred-orangerobesledagloriousyoungdog-fox,whoseburnishedcoatseemedtoglowlikefireinthesombershadowsoftheechoing,vaultedchamber.TheFather’sacolyte,ingray,wasledinbyastout,elderly,andimmenselydignifiedgraywolf.CazarilexpectedtheBastard’sacolyteinherwhiterobestobearoneofFonsa’ssacredcrows,butinsteadshecradledapairofplump,

inquisitive-lookingwhiteratsinherarms.

Thedivineprostratedhimselfforthegodstomaketheirsign,thenstoodbackatdySanda’shead.Thebrightlyrobedacolyteseachinturnurgedtheircreaturesforward.Atajerkoftheacolyte’swristthebluejayflutteredup,butthenbackdowntohershoulder,asdidtheMother’sgreenbird.Thedog-fox,

releasedfromitscopperchain,sniffed,trottedtothebier,whined,hoppedup,andcurleditselfatdySanda’sside.Itresteditsmuzzleoverthedeadman’sheart,andsigheddeeply.

Thewolf,obviouslyveryexperiencedinthesematters,evincednointerest.TheBastard’sacolytereleasedherratsuponthepavingstones,buttheymerelyranbackup

hersleeve,nuzzledherears,andcaughttheirclawsinherhairandhadtobegentlydisengaged.

Nosurprisestoday.Unlesspersonshaddedicatedthemselvesespeciallytoanothergod,thechildlesssoulnormallywenttotheDaughterortheSon,deceasedparentstotheMotherortheFather.DySandawasachildlessman

andhadriddenaslaydedicatoftheSon’smilitaryorderhimselfinhisyouth.ItwasthenaturalorderofthingsthathissoulwouldbetakenupbytheSon.Althoughitwasnotunknownforthismomentofafuneraltobethefirstnoticesurvivingfamilyhadthatthemembertheyburiedhadanunexpectedchildsomewhere.TheBastardtookupallofHisownorder—andallthose

soulsdisdainedbythegreatergods.TheBastardwasthegodoflastresort,ultimate,ifambiguous,refugeforthosewhohadmadedisastersoftheirlives.

ObedienttotheclearchoiceofAutumn’selegantfox,theacolyteoftheSonsteppedforwardtoclosetheceremonies,callingdownhisgod’sspecialblessingupondySanda’ssunderedsoul.

ThemournersfiledpastthebierandplacedsmallofferingsontheSon’saltarforthedeadman’ssake.

Cazarilnearlydrovehisfingernailsthroughhispalms,watchingDondodyJironalgothroughthemotionsofpiousgrief.Teidezwasshockedandquiet,regretting,Cazarilhoped,allthehotcomplaintshe’dheapedonhisrigidbutloyalsecretary-

tutor’sheadwhilehelived;hisofferingwasanotableheapofgold.

IselleandBetriz,too,werequiet,boththenandlater.Theypassedlittlecommentuponthebuzzingcourtgossipthatsurroundedthemurder,exceptforrefusinginvitationstogointotownandfindingexcusestocheckonCazaril’scontinuedexistencefourorfivetimesofanevening.

Thecourtmurmuredoverthemystery.Newandmoredraconianpunishmentsweremootedforsuchdangerous,lowlifescumascutpursesandfootpads.Cazarilsaidnothing.TherewasnomysteryindySanda’sdeathtohim,excepthowtobringhomeitsprooftotheJironals.Heturneditoverandoverinhismind,butthewaydefeatedhim.Hedarednotstarttheprocessuntilhehad

everysteplaidcleartotheend,orhemightaswellslithisownthroatandbedonewithit.

Unless,hedecided,somelucklessfootpadorcutpursewasfalselyaccused.Thenhewould…what?Whatwashiswordworthnow,afterthemisfiredslanderabouthisfloggingscars?Mostofthecourthadbeenimpressedbythetestimonyofthecrow—

somehadnot.Easyenoughtotellwhichwaswhich,bythewaysomegentlemendrewasidetheircloaksfromCazaril,orladiesrecoiledfromhistouch.Butnosacrificialpeasantswerebroughtforthbytheconstable’soffice,andtherevivedgaietyofthecourtclosedovertheunpleasantincidentlikeascaboverawound.

Teidezwasassignedanewsecretary,hand-selectedfromtheroya’sownChancellerybytheseniordyJironalhimself.Hewasanarrow-facedfellow,altogetherthechancellor’screature,andhemadenomovetomakefriendswithCazaril.DondodyJironalpubliclyundertooktodistracttheyoungroysefromhissorrowbyprovidinghimwiththemostdelectableentertainments.Justhow

delectable,Cazarilhadalltoogoodaviewof,watchingthedrabsandripecomradespassinandoutofTeidez’schamberlateatnight.Once,TeidezstumbledintoCazaril’sroom,apparentlynotabletotellonedoorfromanother,andvomitedaboutaquartofredwineathisfeet.Cazarilguidedhim,sickandblind,backtohisservantsforcleanup.

Cazaril’smosttroubledmoment,however,wastheeveninghiseyecaughtagreenglintonthehandofTeidez’sguardcaptain,themanwhohadriddenwiththemfromBaocia.Whobeforeridingouthadsworntomotherandgrandmother,formallyandononeknee,toguardbothyoungpeoplewithhislife…Cazaril’shandsnakedouttograbthecaptain’shandinpassing,

bringinghimupshort.Hegazeddownatthefamiliarflat-cutstone.

“Nicering,”hesaidafteramoment.

Thecaptainpulledhishandback,frowning.“Ithoughtso.”

“Ihopeyoudidn’tpaytoomuchforit.Ibelievethestoneisfalse.”

“Itisatrueemerald,mylord!”

“IfIwereyou,I’dhaveittoagem-cutter,andcheck.It’sacontinuingsourceofamazementtome,theliesthatmenwilltellthesedaysfortheirprofit.”

Thecaptaincoveredonehandwiththeother.“Itisagoodring.”

“Comparedtowhatyoutradedforit,I’dsayitistrash.”

Thecaptain’slipspressedclosed.Heshruggedawayandstalkedoff.

Ifthisisasiege,thoughtCazaril,we’relosing.

THEWEATHERTURNEDCHILLANDRAINY,THERIVERSswelling,astheSon’sseason

rantowarditsclose.Atthemusicaleaftersupperonesoddenevening,Oricoleanedovertohissister,andmurmured,“Bringyourpeopletothethroneroomtomorrowatnoon,andattenddyJironal’sinvestiture.I’llhavesomehappyannouncementsafterwardtomaketothewholecourt.Andwearyourmostfestiveraiment.Oh,andyourpearls—LordDondowassaying

onlylastnight,heneverseesyouwearhispearls.”

“Idonotthinktheybecomeme,”Isellereplied.SheglancedsidewaysatCazaril,seatednearby,andthendownatherhandstighteninginherlap.

“Nonsense,howcanpearlsnotbecomeanymaiden?”Theroyasatbacktoapplaudthesprightlypiecejust

ending.

IsellekeptherlipscloseduponthissuggestionuntilCazarilhadescortedhisladiesasfarashisofficeantechamber.Hewasabouttobidthemtosleepwell,anddepart,yawning,tohisownbed,whensheburstout,“IamnotwearingthatthiefLordDondo’spearls.IwouldgivethembacktotheDaughter’sOrder,butIswear

theywouldbeaninsulttothegoddess.They’retainted.Cazaril,whatcanIdowiththem?”

“TheBastardisnotafussygod.Givethemtothedivineofhisfoundlinghospital,tosellfortheorphans,”hesuggested.

Herlipscurved.“Wouldn’tthatannoyLordDondo.Andhecouldn’tevenprotest!

Goodidea.Youshalltakethemtotheorphans,withmygoodwill.Andfortomorrow—I’llwearmyredvelvetvest-cloakovermywhitesilkgown,thatwillcertainlybefestive,andmygarnetsetMamagaveme.Nonecanchidemeforwearingmymother’sjewels.”

NandyVritsaid,“Butwhatdoyousupposeyourbrothermeantbyhappy

announcements?Youdon’tthinkhe’sdetermineduponyourbetrothalalready,doyou?”

Isellewentstill,blinking,butthensaiddecisively,“No.Itcan’tbe.Theremustbemonthsofnegotiationsfirst—ambassadors,letters,exchangesofpresents,treatiesforthedowry—andmyassentwon.Myportraittaken.AndIwillhavea

portraitoftheman,whoeverhemayturnouttobe.Atrueandhonestportrait,byanartistIsendmyself.Ifmyprinceisfat,orsquinty,orbald,orhasalipthathangsloose,sobeit,butIwillnotbeliedtoinpaint.”

Betrizmadeafaceattheimagethisconjured.“Idohopeyou’llwinahandsomelord,whenthetimedoescome.”

Isellesighed.“Itwouldbenice,butgivenmostofthegreatlordsI’veseen,notlikely.Ishouldsettleforhealthy,Ithink,andnotplaguethegodswithimpossibleprayers.Healthy,andaQuintarian.”

“Verysensible,”Cazarilputin,encouragingthispracticalframeofmindwithaneyetoeasinghislifeinthenearfuture.

Betrizsaiduneasily,“TherehavebeenagreatmanyenvoysfromtheRoknariprincedomsinandoutofcourtthisfall.”

Iselle’smouthtightened.“Mm.”

“TherearenotagreatmanyQuintarianchoices,amongstthehighestlords,”Cazarilconceded.

“TheroyaofBrajarisawidoweragain,”NandyVritputin,pursingherlipsindoubt.

Isellewavedthisaway.“Surelynot.He’sfifty-sevenyearsold,hasgout,andhealreadyhasanheirfull-grownandmarried.Where’sthepointofmyhavingasonfriendlytohisUncleOrico—orhisUncleTeidez,ifitshouldchanceso—ifhe’snot

rulinghisland?”

“There’sBrajar’sgrandson,”saidCazaril.

“Sevenyearsold!I’dhavetowaitsevenmoreyears—”

Not,Cazarilthought,altogetherabadthing.

“Nowistoosoon,butthatistoolong.Anythingcouldhappeninsevenyears.People

die,countriesgotowar…”

“It’strue,”saidNandyVrit,“yourfatherRoyaIasbetrothedyouattheageoftwotoaRoknariprince,butthepoorladtookafeveranddiedsoonafter,sothatnevercametoanything.Oryouwouldhavebeentakenofftohisprincedomthesetwoyearsago.”

Betrizsaid,alittleteasingly,

“TheFoxofIbra’sawidower,too.”

Isellechoked.“He’soverseventy!”

“Notfat,though.AndIsupposeyouwouldn’thavetoendurehimforverylong.”

“Ha.Hecouldliveanothertwentyyearsjustforspite,Ithink—he’sfullenoughofit.AndhisHeirismarried,too.I

thinkhissecondsonistheonlyroyseinthelandswho’sneartomyage,andhe’snottheheir.”

“Youwon’tbeofferedanIbranthisyear,Royesse,”saidCazaril.“TheFoxisexceedinglywrothwithOricoforhisclumsymeddlinginthewarinSouthIbra.”

“Yes,but…theysayalltheIbranhighlordsaretrainedas

navalofficers,”saidIselle,takingonanintrospectivelook.

“Well,andhowusefulisthatlikelytobetoOrico?”NandyVritsnorted.“Chalionhasnotoneyardofcoastline.”

“Toourcost,”Isellemurmured.

Cazarilsaidregretfully,“WhenwehadGotorget,and

heldthosepasses,wewerealmostinpositiontoswoopdownandtaketheportofVisping.We’velostthatleveragenow…well,anyway.Mybestguess,Royesse,isthatyouaredestinedforalordofDarthaca.Solet’sspendalittlemoretimeonthosedeclensionsthiscomingweek,eh?”

Isellemadeaface,butsighedassent.Cazarilsmiledand

bowedhimselfout.Ifshewasnottoespousearulingroya,hewouldn’taltogethermindaDarthacanborderlordforIselle,hethoughtashemadehiswaydownthestairs.Atleastalordofoneofitswarmernorthernprovinces.EitherpowerordistancewoulddotoprotectIsellefromthe…difficulties,ofthecourtofChalion.Andthesooner,thebetter.

Forher,orforyou?

Forbothofus.

FORALLTHATNANDYVRITPUTHERHANDOVERhereyesandwinced,CazarilthoughtIsellelookedverybrightandwarminhercarminerobes,withherambercurlscascadingdownherbacknearlytoherwaist.Giventhehint,heworearedbrocadetunicthathadbeentheold

provincar’sandhiswhitewoolvest-cloak.Betriz,too,woreherfavoritered;Nan,claimingeyestrain,hadchosenasoberblackandwhite.Theredsclashedatrifle,buttheycertainlydefiedtherain.

TheyallscurriedacrossthewetcobblestoIas’sgreattowerblock.ThecrowsfromFonsa’sTowerwereallgonetoroost—no,notquite.

Cazarilduckedasacertainfoolishbirdmissingtwofeathersfromitstailswoopeddownoutofthedrizzlingmistpasthim,cawing,Caz,Caz!Withaneyetodefendinghiswhitecloakfrombirdishdeposits,hefendeditoff.Itcircledbackuptotheruinedslates,screechingsadly.

Orico’sredbrocadethroneroomwasbrilliantlylitwithwallsconcesagainstthe

autumngray;twoorthreedozencourtiersandladieswarmeditthoroughly.Oricoworehisformalrobes,andhiscrown,butRoyinaSarawasnotathissidetoday.TeidezwasgivenaseatinalowerchairatOrico’srighthand.

Theroyesse’spartykissedhishandsandtooktheirplaces,IselleinasmallerchairtotheleftofSara’semptyone,the

reststanding.Orico,smiling,begantheday’slargessebyawardingTeideztherevenuesoffourmoreroyaltownsforthesupportofhishousehold,forwhichhisyoungerhalfbrotherthankedhimwithproperhand-kissesandabriefset-speech.Dondohadnotkepttheroyseuplastnight,sohewaslookingmuchlessgreenandseedythanusual.

Oricothenmotionedhis

chancellortohisroyalknee.Ashadbeenannounced,theroyaawardedthelettersandsword,andreceivedtheoath,thatmadetheseniordyJironalintotheprovincarofIldar.SeveralofIldar’sminorlordskneltandtookoathinturntodyJironal.ItwaslessexpectedwhenthetwoturnedroundatonceandtransferredthemarchshipofJironal,togetherwithitstownsandtaxrevenues,immediatelyto

Lord—nowMarch—Dondo.

Isellewassurprised,butobviouslypleased,whenherbrothernextawardedhertherevenuesofsixtownsforthesupportofherhousehold.Notbeforetime,tobesure—herallowancetillnowhadbeennotablyscantforaroyesse.Shethankedhimprettily,whileCazaril’sbrainlurchedintocalculation.MightIselleaffordherownguard

company,insteadoftheloanofmenfromBaociashe’dsharedtillnowwithTeidez?AndmightCazarilchoosethemhimself?Couldshetakeahouseofherownintown,protectedbyherownpeople?Isellereturnedtoherchaironthedaisandarrangedherskirts,acertaintensioneasingfromherfacethathadnotbeenapparenttillitsabsence.

Oricoclearedhisthroat.“I’m

pleasedtocometothehappiestofthisday’srewards,wellmerited,and,er,much-desired.Iselle,up—”Oricostood,andheldouthishandtohishalfsister;puzzledbutsmiling,sheroseandstoodwithhimbeforethedais.

“MarchdyJironal,comeforth,”Oricocontinued.LordDondo,inthefullrobesoftheDaughter’sholygeneralship

andwithapageindyJironalliveryathisheels,cameandstoodatOrico’sotherhand.TheskinonthebackofCazaril’sneckbegantocreep,ashewatchedfromthesideoftheroom.WhatisOricoabout…?

“Mymuch-belovedandloyalChancellorandProvincardyJironalhasbeggedaboonofbloodfrommyhouse,anduponmeditation,Ihave

concludeditgivesmyheartjoytocomply.”Hedidn’tlookjoyful.Helookednervous.“HehasaskedforthehandofmysisterIselleforhisbrother,thenewmarch.FreelydoIbetrothandbestowit.”HeturnedDondo’sthickhandpalmup,Iselle’sslimonepalmdown,pressedthemtogetherattheheightofhischest,andsteppedback.

Iselle’sfacedrainedofcolorandallexpression.Shestoodutterlystill,staringacrossatDondoasthoughshecouldnotbelievehersenses.ThebloodthuddedinCazaril’sears,almostroaring,andhecouldhardlydrawhisbreath.No,no,no…!

“Asabetrothalgift,mydearRoyesse,Ihaveguessedwhatyourheartmostdesiredtocompleteyourtrousseau,”

Dondotoldher,andmotionedhispageforward.

Iselle,regardinghimwiththatsamefrozenstare,said,“YouguessedIwantedacoastalcitywithanexcellentharbor?”

Dondo,momentarilytakenaback,chokedoutaheartylaugh,andturnedfromher.Thepageflippedopenthetooledleatherbox,revealing

adelicatepearl-and-silvertiara,andDondoreachedintoholditupbeforetheeyesofthecourt.Asmatteringofapplauseranthroughthecrowdfromhisfriends.Cazaril’shandclenchedonhisswordhilt.Ifhedrewandlunged…he’dbestruckdownbeforehemadeitacrossthethroneroom.

AsDondoraisedthetiarahightobringdownupon

Iselle’shead,sherecoiledlikeashyinghorse.“Orico…”

“Thisbetrothalismywillanddesire,dearsister,”saidOrico,inedgedtones.

Dondo,apparentlyunwillingtochaseherabouttheroomwiththetiara,paused,andshotameaningfulglanceattheroya.

Iselleswallowed.Itwasclear

hermindwasfranticallychurningoverresponses.She’dstifledherfirstscreamofoutrage,andhadnotthetrickoffallingdowninaconvincingdeadfaint.Shestoodtrappedandconscious.“Sire.AstheprovincarofLabransaidwhentheforcesoftheGoldenGeneralpouredoverhiswalls…thisisentirelyasurprise.”

Averyhesitanttitterran

throughthecourtiersatthiswitticism.

Hervoicelowered,andshemurmuredthroughherteeth,“Youdidn’ttellme.Youdidn’taskme.”

Oricoreturned,equallysottovoce,“We’lltalkofitafterthis.”

Afteranotherfrozenmoment,sheacceptedthiswithasmall

nod.Dondomanagedtocompletehisdivestitureofthepearltiara.Hebentandkissedherhand.Wisely,hedidnotdemandtheusualreturnkiss;fromthelookofastonishedloathingonIselle’sface,thereseemedagoodchanceshemighthavebittenhim.

Orico’scourtdivine,intheseasonalrobesoftheBrother,steppedforwardandcalled

downablessinguponthepairfromallthegods.

Oricoannounced,“Inthreedays’time,wewillallmeetagainhereandwitnessthisunionswornandcelebrated.Thankyouall.”

“Threedays!Threedays!”saidIselle,hervoicebreakingforthefirsttime.“Don’tyoumeanthreeyears,sire?”

“Threedays,”saidOrico.“Prepareyourself.”Hepreparedhimselftoduckoutofthethroneroom,motioninghisservantsabouthim.MostofthecourtiersdepartedwiththedyJironals,offeringcongratulations.Afewofthemoreboldlycuriouslingered,earsprickingfortheconversationbetweenbrotherandsister.

“What,inthreedays!Thereis

noteventimetosendacouriertoBaocia,letalonetohaveanyreplyfrommymotherorgrandmother—”

“Yourmother,asallknow,istooilltostandthestrainofatriptocourt,andyourgrandmothermuststayinValendatoattenduponher.”

“ButIdon’t—”Shefoundherselfaddressingthebroadroyalback,asOricoscurried

fromthethroneroom.

Sheplungedafterhimintothenextchamber,Betriz,Nan,andCazarilfollowinganxiously.“ButOrico,Idon’twishtomarryDondodyJironal!”

“Aladyofyourrankdoesnotmarrytopleaseherself,buttobringadvantagetoherhouse,”hetoldhersternly,whenshebroughthimtobay

onlybydintofrushingaroundinfrontofhimandplantingherselfinhispath.

“Isthatindeedso?ThenperhapsyoucanexplaintomewhatadvantageitbringstotheHouseofChaliontothrowme—towasteme—upontheyoungersonofaminorlord?Myhusbandshouldhavebroughtusaroyacyforhisdowry!”

“ThisbindsthedyJironalstome—andtoTeidez.”

“Sayrather,itbindsustothem!Theadvantageisatrifleone-sided,Ithink!”

“YousaidyoudidnotwishtomarryaRoknariprince,andIhavenotgivenyoutoone.Anditwasn’tforlackofoffers—I’verefusedtwothisseason.Thinkonthat,andbegrateful,dearsister!”

Cazarilwasn’tsureifOricowasthreateningorpleading.

Hewenton,“Youdidn’twishtoleaveChalion.Verywell,youshallnotleaveChalion.YouwantedtomarryaQuintarianlord—Ihavegivenyouone,aholygeneralatthat!Besides,”hewentonwithapetulantshrug,“ifIgaveyoutoapowertooclosetomyborders,theymightuseyouasanexcusetoclaim

someofmylands.Idowell,withthis,forthefuturepeaceofChalion.”

“LordDondoisfortyyearsold!He’sacorrupt,impiousthief!Anembezzler!Alibertine!Worse!Orico,youcannotdothistome!”Hervoicewasrising.

“I’llnothearyou,”saidOrico,andactuallyputhishandsoverhisears.“Three

days.Composeyourmindandseetoyourwardrobe.”Hefledherasifshewereaburningtower.“I’llnothearthis!”

Hemeantit.Fourtimesthatafternoonsheattemptedtoseekhiminhisquarterstofurtherherplea,andfourtimeshehadhisguardsrepulseher.Afterthat,herodeoutoftheZangrealtogether,totakeup

residenceinahuntinglodgedeepintheoakwoods,amoveofremarkablecowardice.Cazarilcouldonlyhopeitsroofleakedicyrainontheroyalhead.

Cazarilsleptbadlythatnight.Venturingupstairsinthemorning,hefoundthreefrayedwomenwhoappearedtohavenotsleptatall.

Iselle,heavy-eyed,drewhim

bythesleeveintohersittingchamber,sathimdownonthewindowseat,andloweredhervoicetoafiercewhisper.

“Cazaril.Canyougetfourhorses?Orthree?Ortwo,orevenone?I’vethoughtitthrough.Ispentallnightthinkingitthrough.Theonlyansweristofly.”

Hesighed.“Ithoughtitthrough,too.First,Iam

watched.WhenIwenttoleavetheZangrelastnight,twooftheroya’sguardsfollowedme.Toprotectme,theysaid.Imightbeabletokillorbribeone—Idoubttwo.”

“Wecouldrideoutasifwewerehunting,”arguedIselle.

“Intherain?”Cazarilgesturedtothesteadymizzlestillcomingdownoutsidethe

highwindow,foggingthevalleysothatonecouldnotevenseetheriverbelow,turningthebaretreebranchestoblackinkmarksinthegray.“Andeveniftheyletusrideout,they’dbesuretosendanarmedescort.”

“Ifwecouldgetanykindofaheadstart—”

“Andifwecould,whatthen?If—when!—theyovertookus

ontheroad,thefirstthingtheywoulddoispullmefrommyhorseandcutoffmyhead,andleavemybodyforthefoxesandcrows.Andthentheywouldtakeyouback.Andifbysomemiracletheydidn’tcatchus,wherewouldwego?”

“Aborder.Anyborder.”

“BrajarandSouthIbrawouldsendyourightback,toplease

Orico.ThefiveprincedomsortheFoxofIbrawouldtakeyouhostage.Darthaca…presupposeswecouldmakeitacrosshalfofChalionandallofSouthIbra.Ifearnot,Royesse.”

“WhatelsecanIdo?”Heryoungvoicewasedgedwithdesperation.

“Noonecanforceamarriage.Bothpartiesmustfreely

assentbeforethegods.IfyouhavethecouragetosimplystandthereandsayNo,itcannotgoforth.Canyounotfinditinyourselftodoso?”

Herlipstightened.“OfcourseIcould.Thenwhat?NowIthinkyouaretheonewhohasnotthoughtitthrough.DoyouthinkLordDondowouldjustgiveup,atthatpoint?”

Heshookhishead.“It’snot

validiftheyforceit,andeveryoneknowsit.Justholdontothatthought.”

Sheshookherheadinsomethingbetweengriefandexasperation.“Youdon’tunderstand.”

He’dhavetakenthatforthewailofyoutheverywhere,tillDondohimselfcamethatafternoontotheroyesse’schambertopersuadehis

betrothedtoamoreseemlycompliance.Thedoorswereleftopentotheroyesse’ssittingroom,butanarmedguardstoodateach,keepingbackbothCazarilononesideandNandyVritandBetrizontheother.Hedidnotcatchonewordinthreeofthefuriousundervoicedargumentthatragedbetweenthethicksetcourtierandthered-hairedmaiden.ButattheendofitDondostalkedoutwitha

lookofsavagesatisfactiononhisface,andIsellecollapsedonthewindowseatnearlyunabletobreathe,sotornwasshebetweenterrorandfury.

SheclutchedBetrizandchokedout,“Hesaid…ifIdidnotmaketheresponses,hewouldtakemeanyway.Isaid,Oricowouldneverletyourapehissister.Hesaid,whynot?Heletusrapehiswife.WhenRoyinaSara

wouldnotconceive,andcouldnotconceive,andOricowastooimpotenttogetabastardnomatterhowmanyladiesandmaidensandwhorestheybroughttohim,and,andevenmoredisgustingthings,theJironalsfinallypersuadedhimtolettheminuponher,andtry…Dondosaid,heandhisbrothertriedeverynightforayear,oneatatimeorbothtogether,tillshethreatenedto

killherself.Hesaidhewouldrogermetillhe’dplantedhisfruitinmywomb,andwhenIwasripetobursting,I’dhangonhimashusbandhardenough.”SheblinkedblurryeyesatCazaril,herlipsdrawnbackonclenchedteeth.“Hesaid,mybellywouldgrowverybigindeed,becauseIamshort.HowmuchcouragedoIneedforthatsimpleNo,Cazaril,doyouthink?Andwhathappens

whencouragemakesnodifferenceatall,atall?”

Ithoughttheonlyplacethatcouragedidn’tmatterwasonaRoknarislavegalley.Iwaswrong.Hewhisperedabjectly,“Idonotknow,Royesse.”

Trappedanddesperate,shefelltofastingandprayer;NanandBetrizhelpedtosetupaportablealtartothegodsin

herchambersandcollectedallthesymbolsoftheLadyofSpringtheycouldfindtodecorateit.Cazaril,trailedbyhistwoguards,walkeddownintoCardegossandfoundaflower-sellerwithforcedviolets,outofseason,andbroughtthembacktoputinaglassjarofwateronthealtar.Hefeltstupidandhelpless,thoughtheroyessedroppedatearonhishandwhenshethankedhim.Takingneither

foodnordrink,shelaybackdownonthefloorintheattitudeofdeepestsupplication,solikeRoyinaIstawhenCazarilhadfirstcaughtsightofherintheProvincara’sancestors’hallthathewasunnerved,andfledtheroom.Hespenthours,walkingabouttheZangre,tryingtothink,thinkingonlyofhorrors.

Latethatevening,theLady

Betrizcalledhimuptotheofficeantechamberthatwasrapidlybecomingaplaceofhecticnightmare.

“Ihavetheanswer!”shetoldhim.“Cazaril,teachmehowtokillamanwithaknife.”

“What?”

“Dondo’sguardsknowenoughnottoletyouclosetohim.ButIwillbestanding

besideIselleonherweddingmorning,tobeherwitness,andmaketheresponses.Noonewillexpectitofme.I’llhidetheknifeinmybodice.WhenDondocomesclose,andbendstokissherhand,Icanstrikeathim,two,threetimesbeforeanyonecanstopme.ButIdon’tknowjusthowandwheretocut,tobesure.Theneck,yes,butwhatpart?”Earnestly,shedrewaheavydirkoutfrombehind

herskirtsandhelditouttohim.“Showme.Wecanpractice,tillIhaveitverysmoothandfast.”

“Gods,no,LadyBetriz!Giveupthismadplan!Theywouldstrikeyoudown—they’dhangyou,afterward!”

“ProvidedonlyIwasabletokillDondofirst,I’dgogladlytothegallows.IsworetoguardIsellewithmylife.

Well,so.”Herbrowneyesburnedinherwhiteface.

“No,”hesaidfirmly,takingtheknifeandnotgivingitback.Wherehadsheobtainedit,anyway?“Thisisnoworkforawoman.”

“I’dsayit’sworkforwhoeverhasachanceatit.Mychanceisbest.Showme!”

“Look,no.Just…wait.I’ll,I’lltrysomething,findwhatIcando.”

“CanyoukillDondo?IselleisinthereprayingtotheLadytoslayeitherherorDondobeforethewedding,shedoesn’tcareanymorewhich.Well,Icarewhich.IthinkitshouldbeDondo.”

“Ientirelyagree.Look,LadyBetriz.Wait,justwait.I’llsee

whatIcando.”

Ifthegodswillnotansweryourprayers,LadyIselle,bythegodsIwilltryto.

Hespenthoursthefollowingday,thelastbeforethemarriage,tryingtostalkLordDondothroughtheZangrelikeaboarinaforestofstone.Henevergotwithinstrikingdistance.Inmidafternoon,Dondo

returnedtotheJironals’greatpalaceintown,andCazarilcouldnotgetpastitswallsorgates.ThesecondtimeDondo’sbravosthrewhimout,oneheldhimwhileanotherstruckhimenoughtimesinthechest,belly,andgrointomakehisreturntotheZangreaslowweave,supportinghimselflikeadrunkwithahandouttonearbywalls.Theroya’sguards,whomhehadscraped

offinadodgethroughCardegoss’salleys,arrivedintimetowatchboththebeatingandthecrawlhome.Theydidnotinterferewitheither.

Inaburstofinspiration,hebethoughthimselfofthesecretpassagethathadrunbetweentheZangreandtheJironals’greatpalacewhenithadbeenthepropertyofLorddyLutez.IasanddyLutez

hadbeenreputedtouseitdaily,forconference,ornightly,forassignationsoflove,dependingontheteller.Thetunnel,hediscovered,wasnowaboutassecretasCardegoss’smainstreet,andhadguardsonbothends,andlockeddoors.Hisattemptatbriberywonhimshovesandcurses,andthethreatofanotherbeating.

SomeassassinIam,he

thoughtbitterly,ashereeledintohisbedchamberasduskdescended,andfellgroaningintohisbed.Headpounding,bodyaching,helaystillforatime,thenatlastrousedhimselfenoughtolightacandle.Heoughttogoupstairs,andcheckonhisladies,buthedidn’tthinkhecouldbeartheweeping.OrthereportingofhisfailuretoBetriz,orwhatshewoulddemandofhimafterthat.If

hecouldnotkillDondo,whatrighthadhetotrytothwarthereffort?

Iwouldgladlydie,ifonlyIcouldstopthisabominationtomorrow…

Doyoumeanthat?

Hesatstiffly,wonderingifthatlastvoicewasquitehisown.Histonguehadmovedalittlebehindhislips,asusual

forwhenhewasbabblingtohimself.Yes.

Helurchedaroundtotheendofhisbed,felltohisknees,andflippedopenthelidofhistrunk.Hediveddownamongstthefoldedgarments,scentedwithclovesasproofagainstmoths,untilhecametoablackvelvetvest-cloakfoldedaroundabrownwoolrobe.Foldedaroundacipherednotebookthathehad

neverfinisheddecipheringwhenthecrookedjudgehadfledValenda,thatithadseemedtoolatetoreturntotheTemplewithoutembarrassingexplanations.Feverishly,hedrewitout,andlitmorecandles.There’snotmuchtimeleft.Aboutathirdofitwasleftuntranslated.Forgetallthefailedexperiments.Gotothelastpage,eh?

Eveninthebadcipher,thewoolmerchant’sdespaircamethrough,inakindofstrangeshiningsimplicity.Eschewingallhispreviousbizarreelaborations,hehadturnedatthelastnottomagic,buttoplainprayer.Ratandcrowonlytocarrytheplea,candlesonlytolighthisway,herbsonlytolifthisheartwiththeirscents,andcomposehismindtopurityofwill;awillthenputaside,

laidwholeheartedonthegod’saltar.Helpme.Helpme.Helpme.

Thosewerethelastwordsenteredinthenotebook.

Icandothat,thoughtCazarilinwonder.

Andifhefailed…therewouldstillbeBetrizandherknife.

Iwillnotfail.I’vefailed

practicallyeverythingelseinmylife.Iwillnotfaildeath.

Heslippedthebookunderhispillow,lockedhisdoorbehindhim,andwenttofindapage.

ThesleepyboyheselectedwaswaitinginthecorridoruponthepleasureofthelordsandladiesattheirdinnerinOrico’sbanquetinghall,whereIselle’snonappearance

wasdoubtlessthesubjectofmuchgossip,notevenkepttoawhispersincenoneoftheprincipalswerepresent.Dondoroisteredprivatelyinhispalacewithhishangers-on;Oricostillcoweredoutinthewoods.

Hefishedagoldroyalfromhispurseandhelditup,smilingthroughtheOofhisthumbandfinger.“Hey,boy.Wouldyouliketoearna

royal?”

TheZangrepageshadlearnedtobewary;aroyalwasenoughtobuysometrulyintimateservicesfromthosewhosoldsuch.Andenoughtobeacaution,tothosewhodidn’tcaretoplaythosegames.“Doingwhat,mylord?”

“Catchmearat.”

“Arat,mylord?Why?”

Ah.Why.Why,sothatIcanworkthecrimeofdeathmagicuponthesecondmostpowerfullordinChalion,ofcourse!No.

Cazarilleanedhisshouldersagainstthewall,andsmileddownconfidingly.“WhenIwasinthefortressofGotorget,duringthesiegethreeyearsago—didyou

knowIwasitscommander?untilmybravegeneralsolditoutfromunderus,thatis—welearnedtoeatrats.Tastylittlethings,ifyoucouldcatchenoughofthem.Ireallymisstheflavorofagood,candle-roastedrathaunch.Catchmeareallybig,fatone,andtherewillbeanothertomatchthis.”Cazarildroppedthecoininthepage’shand,andlickedhislips,wonderinghowcrazedhelookedright

now.Thepagewasedgingfartherfromhim.“Youknowwheremychamberis?”

“Yes,m’lord?”

“Bringitthere.Inabag.Quickasyoucan.I’mhungry.”Cazarillurchedoff,laughing.Reallylaughing,notfeigningit.Aweird,wildexhilarationfilledhisheart.

Itlasteduntilhereachedhis

bedchamberagainandsattoplantherestofhisploy,hisdarkprayer,hissuicide.Itwasnight;thecrowwouldnotflytohiswindowatnight,evenforthepieceofbreadhe’dsnatchedfromthebanquetinghallbeforereturningtothemainblock.Heturnedthebreadrolloverinhishands.ThecrowsroostedinFonsa’sTower.Iftheywouldn’tflytohim,hecouldcrawltothem,overthe

roofslates.Slidinginthedark?Andthenbacktohischamber,withasquawkingbundleunderhisarm?

No.Letthebundlebethebaggedrat.Ifhedidthedeedthere,intheshadowofthebrokenroofuponwhateverscorchedandshakingplatformstillstoodinside,he’donlyhavetomakethetriponeway.And…deathmagichadworkedthereonce

before,eh?Spectacularly,forIselle’sgrandfather.WouldFonsa’sspiritlendhisaidtohisgranddaughter’sunholysoldier?Histowerwasafraughtplace,sacredtotheBastardandhispets,especiallyatnight,midnightinthecoldrain.Cazaril’sbodyneedneverbefound,norburied.Thecrowscouldfeastuponhisremains,fairtradeforthedepredationheplannedupontheirpoor

comrade.Animalswereinnocent,eventhegrislycrows;thatinnocencesurelymadethemallalittlesacred.

ThedubiouspagearrivedmuchquickerthanCazarilhadthoughthemight,withawrigglingbag.Cazarilcheckeditscontents—thesnapping,hissingratmusthaveweighedapoundandahalf—andpaidup.Thepagepocketedhiscoinandwalked

off,staringoverhisshoulder.Cazarilfastenedthemouthofthebagtightandlockeditinhischesttopreventthecondemnedprisoner’sescape.

Heputoffhiscourtier’sgarbandputontherobeandvest-cloakthewoolmerchanthaddiedin,justforluck.Boots,shoes,barefoot?Whichwouldbemoresecure,upontheslipperystonesandslates?Barefoot,hedecided.Buthe

slippedonhisshoesforonelast,practicalexpedition.

“Betriz?”hewhisperedloudlythroughthedoorofhisofficeantechamber.“LadyBetriz?Iknowit’slate—canyoucomeouttome?”

Shewasstillfullydressedfortheday,stillpaleandexhausted.Shelethimgripherhands,andleanedherforeheadbrieflyagainsthis

chest.ThewarmscentofherhairtookhimbackforadizzyinstanttohisseconddayinValenda,standingbyherintheTemplecrowd.Theonlythingunchangedfromthathappyhourwasherloyalty.

“HowdoestheRoyesse?”Cazarilaskedher.

Shelookedup,inthedimcandlelight.“ShepraysunceasinglytotheDaughter.

Shehasnoteatenordrunksinceyesterday.Idon’tknowwherethegodsare,norwhytheyhaveabandonedus.”

“Icouldn’tkillDondotoday.Icouldn’tgetnearhim.”

“I’dguessedasmuch.Orwewouldhaveheardsomething.”

“Ihaveonemorethingtotry.Ifitdoesn’twork…I’llreturn

inthemorning,andwe’llseewhatwecandowithyourknife.ButIjustwantedyoutoknow…ifIdon’tcomebackinthemorning,I’mallright.Andnottoworryaboutme,orlookforme.”

“You’renotabandoningus?”Herhandsspasmedaroundhis.

“No,never.”

Sheblinked.“Idon’tunderstand.”

“That’sallright.TakecareofIselle.Don’ttrusttheChancellordyJironal,ever.”

“Idon’tneedyoutotellmethat.”

“There’smore.MyfriendPalli,theMarchdyPalliar,knowsthetruestoryofhowIwasbetrayedafterGotorget.

HowIcametobeenemieswithDondo…won’tmatter,butIselleshouldknow,hiselderbrotherdeliberatelystruckmefromthelistofmentoberansomed,tobetraymetothegalleysandmydeath.There’snodoubt.Isawthelist,inhisownhand,whichIknewwellfromhismilitaryorders.”

Shehissedthroughclenchedteeth.“Cannothingbedone?”

“Idoubtit.Ifitcouldbeproved,somehalfthelordsofChalionwouldlikelyrefusetorideunderhisbannerthereafter.Maybeitwouldbeenoughtotopplehim.Ornot.It’saquarrelIsellecanstoreupinherquiver;somedayshemaybeabletofireit.”Hestareddownatherface,turneduptohis,ivoryandcoralanddeep,deepebonyeyes,hugeinthedimlight.Awkwardly,hebentand

kissedher.

Herbreathstopped,thenshelaughedinstartlementandputherhandtohermouth.“I’msorry.Yourbeardscratches.”

“I…forgiveme.Palliwouldmakeyouamosthonorablehusband,ifyou’reinclinedtohim.He’sverytrue.Astrueasyou.TellhimIsaidso.”

“Cazaril,whatareyou—”

NandyVritcalledfromtheRoyesse’schambers,“Betriz?Comehere,please?”

Hemustpartwitheverythingnow,evenregret.Hekissedherhands,andfled.

THENIGHTSCRAMBLEOVERTHEROOFOFTHEZANGRE,frommainblocktoFonsa’sTower,waseverybitas

stomach-churningasCazarilhadanticipated.Itwasstillraining.Themoonshonefitfullybehindtheclouds,butitsgloomyradiancedidn’thelpmuch.Thefootingwaseithergrittyorbreath-catchinglyslipperyunderhisnakedsoles,andnumbinglycold.Theworstpartwasthefinallittlejumpacrossaboutsixfeettothetopoftheroundtower.Fortunately,theleapwasangleddownandnotup,

andhedidn’tendasimplesuicide,wasted,spatteredonthecobblesfarbelow.

Bagjerkinginhishand,breathwhistlingpasthiscoldlips,hehalfsquatted,trembling,afterthejump,leaningintoabankofroofslatesslickwithrainbeneathhishands.Hepicturedoneworkingloose,shatteringonthestonesbelow,drawingtheguards’attentionupward….

Slowly,heworkedhiswayarounduntilthedarkgapoftheopenroofyawnedbesidehim.Hesatontheedge,andfeltwithhisfeet.Hecouldtouchnosolidsurface.Hewaitedforalittlemoonlight;wasthatafloor,downthere?Orabitofrail?Acrowmuttered,inthedark.

Hespentthenexttenminutes,teetering,handsshaking,tryingtolightthe

candlestubfromhispocket,byfeel,withflintandtinderinhislap.Heburnedhimself,butwonalittleflameatlast.

Itwasarail,andabitofcrudeflooring.Someonehadbuiltupheavytimberinginsidethetowerafterthefire,toworkonsomereinforcementofthestonessotheydidn’tfalldownonpeople’sheads,presumably.Cazarilheldhisbreathand

droppedtoasolid,ifsmallandsplintery,platform.Hewedgedhiscandlestubinagapbetweentwoboardsandlitanotherfromit,gotouthisbreadandBetriz’srazor-edgeddirk,andstaredaround.Catchacrow.Right.Ithadsoundedsosimple,backinhisbedchamber.Hecouldn’tevenseethecrowsintheseflickeringshadows.

Aflapbyhishead,asacrow

landedontherailing,nearlystoppedhisheart.Shivering,heheldoutabitofbread.Itsnatchedthefragmentfromhishandandflewoffagain.Cazarilcursed,thendrewsomedeepbreathsandorganizedhimself.Bread.Knife.Candles.Wrigglingclothbag.Manonhisknees.Serenityinhisheart?Hardly.

Helpme.Helpme.Helpme.

Thecrow,oritstwinbrother,returned.“Caz,Caz!”itcried,notveryloudly.Butthesoundechoeddownthetowerandbackup,weirdlyresonant.

“Right,”huffedCazaril.“Right.”

Hewrestledtheratfromitsbag,laidtheknifeagainstitsthroat,andwhispered,“Runtoyourlordwithmyprayer.”

Sharpandquick,heletitslifebloodout;thewarmdarkliquidranoverhishand.Helaidthelittlecorpsedownathisknee.

Heheldouthisarmtohiscrow;ithoppedaboard,andbenttolaptheratbloodfromhishand.Itsblacktongue,dartingout,startledhimsomuchthatheflinched,andnearlylostthebirdagain.Hefoldeditsbodyunderhisarm,

andkisseditonthehead.“Forgiveme.Myneedisgreat.MaybetheBastardwillfeedyouthebreadofthegods,andyoucanrideonHisshoulder,whenyoureachHim.Flytoyourlordwithmyprayer.”Aquicktwistbrokethecrow’sneck.Itflutteredbriefly,quivering,thenwentstillinhishands.Helaiditdowninfrontofhisotherknee.

“LordBastard,godofjusticewhenjusticefails,ofbalance,ofallthingsoutofseason,ofmyneed.FordySanda.ForIselle.Forallwholoveher—LadyBetriz,RoyinaIsta,theoldProvincara.Forthemessonmyback.Fortruthagainstlies.Receivemyprayer.”Hehadnoideaifthoseweretherightwords,oriftherewereanyrightwords.Hisbreathwascomingshort;maybehewascrying.Surelyhewas

crying.Hefoundhimselfbendingoverthedeadanimals.Aterriblepainwasstartinginhisbelly,cramping,burninginhisgut.Oh.Hehadn’tknownthiswasgoingtohurt…

Anyway,it’sabetterdeaththanfromaflightofBrajarancrossbowboltsinmyassonthegalley,fornoreason.

Politely,herememberedto

say,“Foryourblessings,too,wethankyou,godoftheunseason,”justlikeinhisbedsideprayersasaboy.

Helpme,helpme,helpme.

Oh.

Thecandleflamesgutteredanddied.Thedarkworlddarkenedfurther,andwentout.

12

Cazaril’seyespulledopenagainstthegluethatrimmedtheirlids.Hestaredupwithoutcomprehensionataraggedgrayriftinthesky,framedinblack.Helickedcrustedlips,andswallowed.Helayonhisbackonhard

boards—thebracingframeinsideFonsa’sTower.Recollectionofthenightcamerushingbacktohim.

Ilive.

Therefore,Ihavefailed.

Hisrighthand,reachingblindlyabouthim,encounteredaninertlittlemoundofcoldfeathers,andrecoiled.Helaypantingin

rememberedterror.Acrampgnawedhisgut,adullache.Hewasshivering,damp,chilledthrough,ascoldasanycorpse.Butnotacorpse.Hebreathed.Andso,likewise,mustDondodyJironal,on…wasthishisweddingmorning?

Ashiseyesslowlyadjusted,hesawhewasnotalone.Linedupalongthecruderailthatboundedtheworkmen’s

platform,adozenormorecrowsperchedintheshadows,utterlysilent,nearlystill.Theyallseemedtobestaringdownathim.

Cazariltouchedhisface,butnowoundsbledthere—nobirdhadtriedanexperimentalpeckyet.“No,”hewhisperedshakily.“Iamnotyourbreakfast.I’msorry.”Onerustleditswingsuneasily,butnoneofthemflappedawayat

thesoundofhisvoice.Evenwhenhesatup,theyshiftedaboutbutdidnottaketotheair.

Allwasnotdrownedblacknesssincethenightbefore—fragmentsofadreamcoursedthroughhismemory.HehaddreamedthathewasDondodyJironal,roisteringwithhisfriendsandtheirwhoresinsometorchlitandcandle-gildedhall,theboard

gleamingwithsilvergoblets,histhickhandsglitteringwithrings.Hehadtoastedtheblood-sacrificeofIselle’smaidenhoodwithobscenejests,anddrunkdeeply…thenhe’dbeentakenwithacough,ascratchinginhisthroatthatneedledrapidlytopain.Histhroathadswelled,closingshut,chokinghim,cuttingoffhisair,asifhewerebeingstrangledfromtheinsideout.Theflushedfacesofhis

companionshadwhirledabouthim,theirlaughterandderisionturningtopanicasitwasforceduponthembyhispurplinglividfeaturesthathewasnotclowning.Cries,winecupsknockedover,shockedfearfulhissesofPoison!Nolastwordssqueezedthroughthatinward-strangledthroat,pastthatthickeningtongue.Justsilentconvulsions,laboringheartracing,viselikepainin

thechestandhead,blackcloudsshotwithredboilingupinhisdarkeningvision…

Itwasonlyadream.IfIlive,sodoeshe.

Cazarillaybackdownuponthehardboards,curledaroundhisbellyache,forhalftheturningofaglass,exhausted,despairing.Therowofcrowskeptwatchoverhiminunnervingsilence.It

graduallycametohimthathewouldhavetogoback.Andhehadn’tplannedareturnroute.

Hemightclimbdownthebracingframes…butthatwouldleavehimstandinginthebottomofabricked-uptoweratopayears-longaccumulationofguanoanddetritus,cryingtobeletout.Couldanyoneevenhearhimthroughthethickstone?

Wouldtheytakehismuffledvoiceforanechoofthecrows’caws,orthehowlingofaghost?

Up,then?Backthewayhe’dcomein?

Hestoodatlast,pullinghimselfupbytherail—evennow,thecrowsdidnotflyaway—andstretchedhiscrampedandachingmuscles.Hehadtophysicallyshovea

coupleofcrowsfromtherailingtoclearaplacetostand;theyflappedoffindignantly,butstillwiththatuncannysilence.Heruckedupthebrowngown,tuckedheminbelt.Whenhebalancedontherail,itwasashortreachtothetower’srim.Hegrasped,heaved.Hisarmswerestrong,andhisbodywaslean.Onehideousmomentofconsciousnessoftheairbelowhisbarekicking

legs,andhewasupoverthestonesandoutontotheslates.Thefogwassothick,hecouldbarelyseedownintothecourtyardbelow.Dawn,orjustafterdawn,heguessed;thelesserdenizensofthecastlewouldalreadybeawake,thistag-end-of-autumnmorning.Thecrowsfollowedhimsolemnly,flappinguponebyonethroughthegapintherooftofindperchesonstoneorslate.

Theirheadsturnedtotrackhisprogress.

Hehadavisionofthem,mobbinghimtospoilhisnextleapfromthetoweruptothemainblock,revengingtheircomrade.Andthenanothervision,ashisfeetscrambledandhisarmsshook,oflettinggo,lettingitallgo,andfallingtohiswelcomedeathonthestonesbelow.Awrenchingcrampcoiledin

hisgut,drivingouthisbreathinagasp.

Hewouldhaveletgothen,exceptforthesuddenterrorthathemightsurvivethefall,leg-smashedandcrippled.Onlythatdrovehimupovertheeavestotheslatesofthemainblock’sroof.Hismusclescrackedasheliftedhimself.Hishandswerescrapedrawbytheirfranticgripping.

Hewasnotsure,inthispalingfog,whichofthedozendormerwindowseruptingoutoftheslateshe’demergedfromlastnight.Supposesomeonehadcomealongandclosedandlockedit,since?Heinchedslowlyalong,tryingeachone.Thecrowsfollowed,stalkingalongthegutters,flappingupinbriefhops,theirclawedfeetslippingontheslates,too,attimes.Themist

beaded,glistening,ontheirfeathers,andinhisbeardandhair,silversequinsonhisblackvest-cloak.Thefourthcasementwindowswungopentohisscrabblingfingers.Itwastheunusedlumberroom.Heslidthrough,andslammedituponhisblack-liveriedescortjustintimetostopacoupleofthebirdsfromflyinginafterhim.Onebouncedofftheglasswithathud.

Hecreptdownthestairstohisfloorwithoutencounteringanyearlyservants,stumbledintohischamber,andclosedthedoorbehindhim.Tight-bladderedandcramping,heusedhischamberpot;hisbowelsvoidedfrighteningbloodclots.Hishandstrembledashewashedtheminhisbasin.Whenhewenttoflingthebloodiedwashwateroutintotheravine,theopening

windowdislodgedtwosilent,sentinelcrowsfromthestonesill.Heclosedittightagainandlockedthelatch.

Heweavedtohisbedlikeamandrunkonhisfeet,fellintoit,andwrappedhiscoverletaroundhimself.Ashisshiveringcontinued,hecouldhearthesoundsofthecastle’sservantscarryingwaterorlinensorpots,feetploddingupstairsanddown

corridors,anoccasionallow-voicedcallororder.

WasIsellebeingwakednow,onthefloorabove,tobewashedandattired,boundinropesofpearls,chainedinjewels,forherdreadfulappointmentwithDondo?Hadsheevenslept?Orweptallnight,prayedtogodsgonedeaf?Heshouldgoup,toofferwhatcomforthecould.HadBetrizfoundanother

knife?Icannotbeartofacethem.Hecurledtighterandshuthiseyesinagony.

Hewasstilllyinginbed,gaspinginbreathsperilouslyclosetosobs,whenbootedstepssoundedinthecorridor,andhisdoorbangedopen.ChancellordyJironal’svoicesnarled,“Iknowit’shim.Ithastobehim!”

Thestepsstalkedacrosshis

floorboards,andhiscoverletwassnatchedfromhim.HerolledoverandstaredupinsurpriseatdyJironal’ssteel-bearded,pantingfaceglaringdownathiminastonishment.

“You’realive!”crieddyJironal.Hisvoicewasindignant.

Halfadozencourtiers,acoupleofwhomCazarilrecognizedasDondo’s

bravos,crowdeddyJironal’sshouldertogapeathim.Theyhadtheirhandsupontheirswords,asifpreparedtocorrectthismistakenanimationofCazaril’satdyJironal’sword.RoyaOrico,cladinanightgown,ashabbyoldcloakclutchedabouthisneckbyhisfatfingers,stoodatthebackofthemob.Oricolooked…strange.Cazarilblinked,andrubbedhiseyes.Akindofaurasurroundedthe

roya,notoflight,butofdarkness.Cazarilcouldseehimperfectlyclearly,sohecouldnotcallitacloudorafog,foritobscurednothing.Andyetitwasthere,movingasthemanmoved,likeatrailinggarment.

DyJironalbithislip,hiseyesboringintoCazaril’sface.“Ifnotyou—who,then?Ithastobesomeone…ithastobesomeonecloseto…thatgirl!

Thefoullittlemurderess!”Hespunaroundandstormedout,curtlymotioninghismentofollowhim.

“What’safoot?”CazarildemandedofOrico,whohadturnedtowaddleafterthem.

Oricolookedbackoverhisshoulder,andspreadhishandsinawide,bewilderedshrug.“Wedding’soff.DondodyJironalwas

murderedaroundmidnightlastnight—bydeathmagic.”

Cazaril’smouthopened;nothingcameoutbutaweak,“Oh.”Hesankback,dazed,asOricoshuffledoutafterhischancellor.

Idon’tunderstand.

IfDondoisslain,andyetIlive…Icannothavebeengrantedadeathmiracle.And

yetDondoisslain.How?

HowelsebutthatsomeonehadbeatenCazariltothedeed?

Belatedly,hiswitscaughtupwithdyJironal’s.

Betriz?

No,ohno…!

Hesurgedoutofbed,fell

heavilytothefloor,scrambledtohisfeet,andstaggeredafterthecrowdofenragedandbaffledcourtiers.

HearrivedathisinvadedofficeantechambertoheardyJironalbellowing,“Thenbringherout,thatImaysee!”toadisheveledandfrightened-lookingNandyVrit,whoneverthelessblockedthedoorwaytotheinnerroomswithherbodyas

thoughreadytodefendadrawbridge.CazarilnearlyfaintedwithreliefwhenBetriz,frowningfiercely,cameupbehindNan’sshoulder.Nanwasinhernightdress,butBetriz,rumpledandweary-looking,wasstillwearingthesamegreenwoolgownshe’dhadonlastnight.Hadsheslept?Butshelives,shelives!

“Whydoyoumakethis

uncouthroaringhere,mylord?”Betrizdemandedcoldly.“Itisunseemlyanduntimely.”

DyJironal’slipspartedinhisbeard;hewasclearlytakenaback.Afteramoment,histeethsnappedclosed.“Whereistheroyesse,then?Imustseetheroyesse.”

“Sheissleepingalittle,forthefirsttimeindays.I’llnot

haveherdisturbed.She’llhavetoexchangedreamsfornightmaresoonenough.”Betriz’snostrilsflaredwithopenhostility.

DyJironal’sbackstraightened;hisbreathhissedin.“Wakeher?Canyouwakeher?”

Deargods.MightIsellehave…?ButbeforethisnewpaniccloseddownCazaril’s

throat,Iselleherselfappeared,pushedbetweenherladies,andwalkedcoollyforwardintotheantechambertofacedyJironal.

“Idonotsleep.Whatdoyouwant,mylord?”HereyespassedoverherbrotherOrico,hoveringattheedgeofthemob,anddismissedhimwithcontempt,returningtodyJironal.Herbrowstensedinwariness.Noquestionbut

thatsheunderstoodwhosepowerforcedhertoherunwelcomewedding.

DyJironalstaredfromwomantowoman,allindisputablyalivebeforehim.HewheeledaroundandstaredagainatCazaril,whowasblinkingatIselle.Auraflaredaroundher,too,justlikeOrico,butherswasmoredisturbed,achurningofdeepdarknessandluminouspale

blue,liketheaurorahe’donceseeninthefarsouthernnightsky.

“Whoever,”grateddyJironal.“Wherever.I’llfindthefilthycoward’scorpseifIhavetosearchallofChalion.”

“Andthenwhat?”inquiredOrico,rubbinghisunshavenjowls.“Hangit?”Hereturnedaraised-browlookofironyfordyJironal’sdrivenglare;

dyJironalwhirledandstampedbackout.Cazarilsteppedasidetolettheentouragepass,hisgazeflickingcovertlyfromOricotoIselle,comparingthetwo…hallucinations?Nooneelseherepulsedlikethat.MaybeI’msick.MaybeI’mmad.

“Cazaril,”saidIselleinurgentbewildermentassoonasthemenhadclearedthe

outerdoor—Nanhurriedtoshutitbehindtheinvaders—“whathashappened?”

“SomeonekilledDondodyJironallastnight.Bydeathmagic.”

Herlipsparted,andherhandsclaspedtogetherlikeachildjustpromiseditsheart’sdesire.“Oh!Oh!Oh,thisiswelcomenews!Oh,thanktheLady,oh,thanktheBastard—

Iwillsendsuchgiftstohisaltar—oh,Cazaril,who—?”

AtBetriz’slookofwildsurmiseinhisdirection,Cazarilgrimaced.“Notme.Obviously.”Thoughnotforwantoftrying.

“Didyou—”Betrizbegan,thenpressedherlipsclosed.Cazaril’sgrimacetiltedinappreciationofherdelicacyinnotinquiring,outloud

beforetwowitnesses,ifhe’dplottedacapitalcrime.Hehardlyneededtospeak;hereyesblazedwithspeculation.

Isellepacedbackandforth,almostbouncingwithrelief.“IthinkIfeltit,”shesaidinavoiceofgreatwonder.“Inanycase,Ifeltsomething…midnight,aroundmidnight,yousaid?”Noonehadsaidsohere.“Aneasingofmyheart,asifsomethinginme

knewmyprayerswereheard.ButIneverexpectedthis.I’daskedtheLadyformydeath…”Shepaused,andtouchedherhandtoherbroadwhiteforehead.“OrwhatShewilled.”Hervoiceslowed.“Cazaril…didI…couldIhavedonethis?Didthegoddessanswermeso?”

“I…Idon’tseehow,Royesse.YouprayedtotheLadyofSpring,didyounot?”

“Yes,andtoHerMotherofSummer,both.ButmostlytoSpringherself.”

“TheGreatLadiesgrantmiraclesoflife,andhealing.Notdeath.”Normally.Andallmiracleswererareandcapricious.Gods.Whoknewtheirlimits,theirpurposes?

“Itdidn’tfeellikedeath,”Iselleconfessed.“AndyetIwaseased.Itookalittlefood

anddidn’tthrowitup,andIsleptforatime.”

NandyVritnoddedconfirmation.“AndgladIwasofit,mylady.”

Cazariltookadeepbreath.“Well,dyJironalwillsolvethemysteryforus,I’msure.He’llhuntdowneverypersontodielastnightinCardegoss—inallofChalion,Ihavenodoubt—-untilhefindsouthis

brother’smurderer.”

“Blessthepoorsoulwhoputhisvileplansinsuchdisarray.”Formally,Iselletouchedforehead,lip,navel,groin,andheart,spreadingherfingerswide.“Andatsuchacost.MaytheBastard’sdemonsgranthimwhatmercyevertheycan.”

“Amen,”saidCazaril.“Let’sjusthopedyJironalfindsno

closecomradesorfamilytowreakhisvengeanceupon.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundhisbelly,whichwascrampingagain.

Betrizcamenearhimandstaredhimintheface,herhandgoingoutbutthenfallingbackhesitantly.“LordCaz,youlookdreadful.Yourskinisthecolorofcoldporridge.”

“I’m…ill.SomethingIate.”Hetookabreath.“Sowepreparetodaynotforgrievousweddingbutjoyousfuneral.Itrustyouladieswillcontainyourgleeinpublic?”

NandyVritsnorted.Isellemotionedhertosilence,andsaidfirmly,“Solemnpiety,Ipromiseyou.Andifitisthanksgivingandnotsorrowinmyheart,onlythegodsshallknow.”

Cazarilnodded,andrubbedhisachingneck.“Usually,avictimofdeathmagicisburnedbeforenightfall,todenythebody,thedivinessay,touncannythingsthatmightwanttomovein.Apparently,suchadeathinvitesthem.Itwillbeaterriblyhurriedfuneralforsuchahighlord.They’llhavetoassembleallbeforedark.”Iselle’scoruscatingaurawasmakinghimalmost

nauseated.Heswallowed,andlookedawayfromher.

“Then,Cazaril,”saidBetriz,“forpity’ssakegoliedowntillthen.We’resafe,allunexpectedly.Youneeddonomore.”Shetookhimbyhiscoldhands,claspedthembriefly,andsmiledinwryconcern.Hemanagedawanreturnsmile,andretreated.

HECRAWLEDBACKINTOHISBED.HEHADLAINTHEREperhapsanhour,bewilderedandstillshivering,whenhisdoorswungopenandBetriztiptoedintostaredownathim.Shelaidahandacrosshisclammyforehead.

“Iwasafraidyou’dtakenafever,”shesaid,“butyou’rechilled.”

“Iwas,um…chilled,yes.

Musthavethrownoffmyblanketsinthenight.”

Shetouchedhisshoulder.“Yourclothesaredampthrough.”Hereyesnarrowed.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouate?”

Hecouldnotremember.“Yesterdaymorning.Ithink.”

“Isee.”Shefrownedathimamomentlonger,thenwhirled

andwentout.

Tenminuteslater,amaidarrivedwithawarmingpanfullofhotcoalsandafeatherquilt;afewminutesafterthat,amanservantwithacanofhotwaterandfirminstructionstoseehimwashedandputbacktobedindrynightclothes.This,inacastlegonemadwiththedisruptionofeverycourtierandladyatoncetryingto

preparethemselvesforanunscheduledpublicappearanceofutmostformality.Cazarilquestionednothing.TheservanthadjustfinishedtuckinghimintothehotdryenvelopeofhissheetswhenBetrizreappearedwithacrockerybowlonatray.Sheproppedhisdooropenandseatedherselfontheedgeofhisbed.

“Eatthis.”

Itwasbreadsoakedinsteamingmilk,lacedwithhoney.Heacceptedthefirstspoonfulinbemusedsurprise,thenstruggleduponhispillows.“I’mnotthatsick.”Attemptingtoregainhisdignity,hetookthebowlfromher;shemadenoobjection,aslongashecontinuedtoeat.Hediscoveredhewasravenous.Bythetimehe’dfinished,he’dstoppedshivering.

Shesmiledinsatisfaction.“Yourcolor’smuchlessghastlynow.Good.”

“Howfarestheroyesse?”

“Vastlybetter.She’s…Iwanttosay,collapsed,butIdon’tmeanovercome.Theblessedreleasethatcomeswhenanunbearablepressureissuddenlyremoved.It’sajoytolookuponher.”

“Yes.Iunderstand.”

Betriznodded.“She’srestingnow,tilltimetodress.”Shetooktheemptybowlfromhim,setitaside,andloweredhervoice.“Cazaril,whatdidyoudolastnight?”

“Nothing.Evidently.”

Herlipsthinnedinexasperation.Butwhatusewasittolaytheburdenofhis

secretuponhernow?Confessionmightrelievehissoul,butitwouldputhersindangerinanysubsequentinvestigationthatdemandedoath-sworntestimonyfromher.

“LorddyRinalhaditthatyoupaidapagetocatchyouaratlastnight.ItwasthatnewsthatsentChancellordyJironalpeltinguptoyourbedchamber,dyRinaltold

me.Thepagesaidyou’dclaimedyouwantedittoeat.”

“Well,so.It’snocrimeforamantoeatarat.Itwasalittlememorialfeast,forthesiegeofGotorget.”

“Oh?Youjustsaidyou’deatennothingsinceyesterdaymorning.”Shehesitated,hereyesanxious.“Thechambermaidalsosaidtherewasbloodinyourpotthatshe

emptiedthismorning.”

“Bastard’sdemons!”Cazaril,whohadsliddownintohiscovers,struggledupagain.“Isnothingsacredtocastlegossip?Can’tamanevencallhischamberpothisownhere?”

Sheheldoutahand.“LordCaz,don’tjoke.Howsickareyou?”

“Ihadabellyache.It’seasedoffnow.Apassingthing.Sotospeak.”Hegrimaced,anddecidednottomentionthehallucinations.“Obviously,thebloodinthepotwasfrombutcheringtherat.AndthebellyachejustwhatIdeserved,foreatingsuchadisgustingcreature.Eh?”

Shesaidslowly,“It’sagoodstory.Itallhangstogether.”

“So,there.”

“ButCaz—peoplewillthinkyou’restrange.”

“IcanaddthemtothecollectionalongwiththeoneswhothinkIrapegirls.IsupposeIneedathirdperversion,tobalancemeproperly.”Well,therewasbeingsuspectedofattemptingdeathmagic.Thatcouldbalancehimoveragallows.

Shesatback,frowningdeeply.“Allright.Iwon’tpressyou.ButIwaswondering…”Shewrappedherarmsaroundherself,andregardedhimintently.“Iftwo—theoretical—personsweretoattemptdeathmagiconthesamevictimatthesametime,mighttheyeachendup…half-dead?”

Cazarilstaredback—no,shedidn’tlooksick—andshook

hishead.“Idon’tthinkso.Givenallthevariousvainattemptsthatpeoplehavemadetocompelthegodswithdeathmagic,ifitcouldhappenthatway,itsurelywouldhavebeforenow.TheBastard’sdeathdemonisalwaysportrayedintheTemplecarvingswithayokeoverhisshouldersandtwoidenticalbuckets,oneforeachsoul.Idon’tthinkthedemoncanchoose

differently.”Umegat’swordscamebacktohim,I’mafraidthat’sjustthewayitworks.“I’mnotevensurethegodcanchoosedifferently.”

Hereyesnarrowedfurther.“Yousaid,ifyouweren’tbackthismorning,nottoworryforyou,orlookforyou.Yousaidyou’dbeallright.Youalsosaid,ifthebodiesarenotburnedproperly,terribleuncanny

thingshappentothem.”

Heshifteduncomfortably.“Imadeprovision.”Ofsorts.

“Whatprovision?Yousneakedaway,leavingnonewhocaredforyoutoknowwheretolookorevenwhethertopray!”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Fonsa’scrows.IclimbedovertherooftoFonsa’s

Towerto,ah,saymyprayerslastnight.If,ifthingshad,ah,comeoutdifferently,Ifiguredthey’dclearupthemess,justastheirbrethrencleanupabattlefield,orastraysheeplostoveracliff.”

“Cazaril!”shecriedinindignation,thenhastilyloweredhervoicetoanearwhisper.“Caz,that’s,that’s…youmeantotellmeyoucrawledoffallalone,to

dieindespair,expectingtoleaveyourbodytobeeatenby…that’shorrid!”

Hewasstartledtoseetearswellinginhereyes.“Hey,now!It’snotsobad.Rightsoldierly,Ithought.”Hishandbegantoreachforthedropsonhercheeks,thenhesitatedandfellbacktohiscoverlet.

Herfistsclenchedinherlap.

“Ifyoueverdoanythinglikethatagainwithouttellingme—tellinganyone—I’ll,I’ll…slapyousilly!”Sheknuckledhereyes,rubbedherface,andsatup,herspinestern.Hervoicereturnedabruptlytoaconversationaltone.“Thefuneralhasbeensetforanhourbeforesunset,atthetemple.Doyoumeantogo,orwillyoustayinbed?”

“IfIcanwalkatall,I’m

going.Imeantoseeitthrough.EveryenemyofDondo’swillbethere,ifonlytoprovetheydidn’tdoit.It’sgoingtobearemarkableeventtobehold.”

THEFUNERALRITESATTHETEMPLEOFCARDEGOSSwerefarmoreheavilyattendedforDondodyJironalthantheyhadbeenforpoorlonelydySanda.RoyaOricohimself,soberlygarbed,ledthe

mournersfromtheZangrewalkinginlooseprocessiondownthehill.RoyinaSarawascarriedinasedanchair.Herfacewasasblankasthoughcarvedfromaniceblock,butherraimentwasashoutofcolor,festivalgearfromthreeholidaysjumbledtogether,drapedandspangledwithwhatlookedlikehalfthejewelsfromherjewelcase.Everyonepretendednottonotice.

Cazarileyedhercovertly,butnotforthesakeofherbizarrelychosenclothing.Itwastheothergarment,theshadow-cloak,visible-invisibletwintoOrico’s,thattuggedandtwistedathismind’seye.Teidezworeanothersuchdarkaura,blurringalongwithhisstepsdownthecobbledstreets.Whatevertheblackmiragewas,itseemedtoruninthefamily.Cazarilwondered

whathewouldseeifhecouldlookuponDowagerRoyinaIstarightnow.

ThearchdivineofCardegosshimself,inhisfive-coloredrobes,conductedtheceremony,socrowdeditwasheldinthetemple’smaincourtyard.TheprocessionfromtheJironals’palaceplacedthebierwithDondo’sbodydownafewpacesinfrontofthegods’hearth,a

roundstoneplatformwithapiercedcoppertentraisedoveritonfiveslimpillarstoprotecttheholyfirefromtheelements.Ashadowlessgraylightfilledthecourtasthecoldwetdaysanktowardfoggyevening.Theairwashazyvioletwithaclashingmélangeoftheincensesburnedintheprayersandritesofcleansing.

Dondo’sstiffbody,laidout

onthebierandbankedaroundwithflowersandherbsofgoodfortuneandsymbolicprotection—toolate,Cazarilthought—hadbeendressedintheblue-and-whiterobesofhisholygeneralshipoftheDaughter’smilitaryorder.Theswordofhisranklayunsheatheduponhischest,hishandsclaspedoverthehilt.Hisbodydidnotseemparticularlyswollenormisshapen—dyRinal

whisperedthegruesomerumorthatithadbeentightlywrappedwithlinenbandsbeforebeingdressed.Thecorpse’sfacewashardlymorepuffythanfromoneofDondo’smorninghangovers.Buthewouldhavetobeburnedwithhisringsstillon.They’dneverprythemfromthosesausagefingerswithouttheaidofabutcher’sknife.

Cazarilhadmanagedthe

walkdownfromtheZangrewithoutstumbling,buthisstomachwascrampingagainnow,unpleasantlydistendedagainsthisbelt.HetookwhathehopedwasanunobtrusiveplacestandingbehindBetrizandNaninthecrowdfromthecastle.IsellewaspulledawaytostandbetweenthechancellorandRoyaOricointhepositionofachiefmournerthatherbriefbetrothalbequeathedher.She

wasstillshimmeringlikeanaurorainCazaril’sachingeyes.Herfacewassternandpale.ThesightofDondo’sbodyhadapparentlydrainedherofanyimpulsetoanunseemlydisplayofjoy.

TwocourtierssteppedforthtodeliverseeminglyheartfelteulogiesuponDondothatCazarilentirelyfailedtorelatetotheerraticreallifeofthemancutdownhere.

ChancellordyJironalwastooovercometospeakverylong,thoughwhetherwithgrieforrageorbothitwashardtotellbeneaththatsteelysurface.Hedidannounceapurseofathousandroyalsrewardforinformationleadingtotheidentificationofhisbrother’smurderer,theonlyovertreferencemadethisdaytotheabruptmannerofDondo’sdeath.

Itwasclearthatalargepursehadbeenlaiddownonthetemplealtar.Whatseemedallthededicats,acolytes,anddivinesofCardegossweremassedinrobedblockstochanttheprayersandresponsesinbothunisonandharmony,asthoughextraholinessweretobeobtainedbyvolume.Oneofthesingers,inthegreen-robedsquadofaltos,caughtCazaril’sinnereye.Shewas

middle-agedanddumpy,andsheglowedlikeacandleseenthroughgreenglass.ShelookeduponcedirectlyatCazaril,thenaway,backtotheharrieddivinewhodirectedtheirorisons.

CazarilnudgedNanandwhispered,“WhoisthatwomanacolyteontheendofthesecondrowoftheMother’ssingers,doyouknow?”

Sheglancedover.“OneoftheMother’smidwives.Ibelieveshe’ssaidtobeverygood.”

“Oh.”

Whenthesacredanimalswereledforth,thecrowdgrewattentive.ItwasbynomeansclearwhichgodwouldtakeupthesoulofDondodyJironal.HispredecessorintheDaughter’sgeneralship,thoughafatherand

grandfather,hadbeenclaimedatoncebytheLadyofSpringinwhoselongservicehehaddied.DondohimselfhadservedintheSon’smilitaryorderasanofficerinhisyouth.Andhewasknowntohavesiredascatteringofbastards,aswellastwoscorneddaughtersbyhislatefirstwife,lefttoberaisedbycountrykin.And—unspokenthought—ashissoulhadbeencarriedoffby

theBastard’sdeathdemon,ithadsurelypassedthroughtheBastard’shands.Mightthosehandshavecloseduponit?

Theacolyte-groomcarryingtheDaughter’sjaysteppedforthatArchdivineMendenal’sgesture,andraisedherwrist.Thebirdbobbed,butclungstubbornlytohersleeve.Sheglancedupatthearchdivine,whofrownedandgaveheralittle

nodtowardthebier.Hernostrilsflaredinfaintprotest,butsheobedientlysteppedforward,wrappedbothhandsaroundthejay,andsetitfirmlydownuponthecorpse’schest.

Sheliftedherhands.Thejaylifteditstail,droppedablobofguano,andshotskyward,trailingitsembroideredsilkjesses,screechingpiercingly.Atleastthreemenin

Cazaril’shearingchokedandhissedbut,atthesightofthechancellor’ssetteeth,didnotlaughaloud.Iselle’seyesblazedlikeceruleanfires,andshecastherglancedemurelydownward;herauraroiled.Theacolytesteppedback,headtippedup,followingthebird’sflightanxiously.Thejaycametoroostontheornamentsatthetopofoneoftheringofporphyrypillarscirclingthecourt,and

screechedagain.Theacolyteglaredatthearchdivine;hewavedherhastilyaway,andshebowedandretreatedtogotrytocoaxthebirdbacktoherhand.

TheMother’sgreenbirdalsorefusedtoleaveitshandler’sarm.ArchdivineMendenaldidnotrepeatthepreviousdisastrousexperiment,butmerelynoddedherbacktoherplaceinthecircleof

creatures.

TheSon’sacolytedraggedthefoxbyitschaintotheedgeofthebier.Theanimalwhinedandsnapped,itsblackclawsscrabblingnoisilyonthetilesasitstruggledtogetaway.Thearchdivinewavedhimback.

Thestoutgraywolf,sittingonitshauncheswithitsgreatredtonguelollingoutofits

unmuzzledjaws,growleddeeplyasitsgray-robedhandlersuggestivelylifteditssilverchain.Thevibratoresonatedaroundthestonecourtyard.Thewolflowereditselftoitsbellyonthetiles,andstretchedoutitspaws.Gingerly,theacolyteloweredhishandsandstooddown;hisglanceatthearchdivineshoutedsilently,I’mnottouchingthis.Mendenaldidn’targue.

AlleyesturnedexpectantlytotheBastard’swhite-robedacolytewithherwhiterats.ChancellordyJironal’slipswerepressedflatandpalewithhisimpotentfury,buttherewasnothinghecoulddoorsay.Thewhiteladytookabreath,steppedforwardtothebier,andloweredhersacredcreaturestoDondo’schesttosignthegod’sacceptanceoftheunacceptable,disdained,discardedsoul.

Themomentherhandsreleasedthesilkywhitebodies,bothratssprangawaytoeithersideofthebierasthoughshotfromcatapults.Theacolytedodgedrightandleftasthoughunabletodecidewhichsacredchargetochaseafterfirst,andflungupherhands.Oneratscurriedforthesafetyofthepillars.Theotherscamperedintothecrowdofmourners,whichstirredarounditstrack;a

coupleofladiesyippednervously.Amurmurofastonishment,disbelief,anddismayranthroughthearrayofcourtiersandladies,andastreamofshockedwhispers.

Betriz’swasamongthem.“Cazaril,”shesaidanxiously,crowdingbackunderhisarmtohissinhisear,“whatdoesitmean?TheBastardalwaystakestheleftovers.Always.ItisHis,His…it’sHisjob.He

can’tnottakeaseveredsoul—IthoughtHealreadyhad.”

Cazarilwasstunned,too.“IfnogodhastakenupLordDondo’ssoul…thenit’sstillintheworld.Imean,ifit’snotthere,thenithastobehere.Somewhere…”Anunquietghost,arevenantspirit.Sunderedanddamned.

Theceremoniesstoppeddeadasthearchdivineand

ChancellordyJironalretreatedaroundthehearthforalow-voicedconversation,orpossiblyargument,fromtheriseandchopofswallowedwordsthatdriftedbacktothecuriouscrowdwaiting.ThearchdivinepoppedaroundthehearthtocallanacolyteoftheBastardtohim;afterawhisperedconference,thewhite-garbedyoungmandepartedatarun.Thegray

skyoverheadwasdarkening.Asubdivine,inaburstofinitiative,struckupanunscheduledhymnfromtherobedsingerstocoverthegap.Bythetimethey’dfinished,dyJironalandMendenalhadreturned.

Stilltheywaited.Thesingersembarkedonanotherhymn.Cazarilfoundhimselfwishinghe’dusedOrdol’sFivefoldPathwayfor

somethingotherthanaproptocoverhisnaps;alas,thebookwasstillbackinValenda.IfDondo’sspirithadnotbeentakenbytheservant-demonbacktoitsmaster,wherewasit?Andifthedemoncouldnotreturnexceptwithbothitssoul-bucketsfilled,wherewasthesunderedsoulofDondo’sunknownmurderernow?Forthatmatter,wherewasthedemon?Cazarilhadnever

readmuchtheology.Forsomereasonnowobscuretohim,he’dthoughtitanimpracticalstudy,suitedonlytounworldlydreamers.Tillhe’dwakedtothisnightmare.

Ascritchingnoisefromhisbootmadehimlookdown.Thesacredwhiteratwasstretchingitselfuphisleg,itspinknosequivering.ItrubbeditslittlepointedfacerapidlyagainstCazaril’sshin.He

bentandpickeditup,meaningtoreturnittoitshandler.Itwrithedecstaticallyinhiscuppedhands,andlickedhisthumb.

ToCazaril’ssurprise,thewheezingacolytereturnedtothetemplecourtyardleadingthegroomUmegat,dressedasusualinthetabardoftheZangre.ButitwasUmegatwhostunnedhim.

TheRoknarishonewithawhiteauralikeamanstandinginfrontofaclearglasswindowataseadawn.Cazarilshuthiseyes,thoughheknewhedidn’tseethiswithhiseyes.Thewhiteblazestillmovedbehindhislids.Overthere,adarknessthatwasn’tdarkness,andtwomore,andanunrestfulaurora,andofftotheside,afaintgreenspark.Hiseyessprangopen.Umegatstaredstraight

athimforthefractionofasecond,andCazarilfeltflensed.Theroya’sgroommovedon,topresenthimselfwithadiffidentbowtothearchdivine,andstepasideforsomewhisperedconference.

ThearchdivinecalledtheBastard’sacolytetohim,whohadrecapturedoneofhercharges;shegaveuptherattoUmegat,whocradleditinonearmandglancedtoward

Cazaril.TheRoknarigroomtrodovertohim,humblyexcusinghimselfthroughthecrowdofcourtiers,whobarelyglancedathim.Cazarilcouldnotunderstandwhytheydidnotopenbeforethatbowwaveofhiswhiteauraliketheseabeforeaspinnaker-drivenship.Umegatheldouthisopenhand.Cazarilblinkeddownstupidlyatit.

“Thesacredrat,mylord?”promptedUmegatgently.

“Oh.”Thecreaturewasstillsuckingonhisfingers,ticklingthem.UmegatpulledthereluctantanimaloffCazaril’ssleeveasthoughremovingaburrandjustpreventeditsmatefromspringingacrosstotakeitsplace.Jugglingrats,hewalkedquietlybacktothebier,wherethearchdivine

waited.WasCazarillosinghismind—don’tanswerthat—ordidMendenalbarelykeephimselffrombowingtothegroom?TheZangre’scourtiersseemedtoseenothingunreasonableinthearchdivinecallingintheroya’smostexpertanimal-handlerinthisawkwardcrisis.Alleyeswerelockedontherats,notontheRoknari.TheunreasonwasallCazaril’s.

Umegatheldthecreaturesinhisarmsandwhisperedtothem,andapproachedDondo’sbody.Alongmoment,whiletherats,thoughquiescent,madenomovetoclaimDondofortheirgod.AtlastUmegatbackedaway,andshookhisheadapologeticallytothearchdivine,andgaveuptheratstotheiranxiousyoungwoman.

Mendenalprostratedhimselfbetweenthehearthandthebierforamomentofabjectprayer,butroseagainsoon.Dedicatswerebringingouttaperstolightthewalllanternsaroundthedarkeningcourtyard.ThearchdivinecalledforththepallbearerstotakeupthebiertoDondo’swaitingpyre,andthesingersfiledoutinprocession.

IsellereturnedtoBetrizand

Cazaril.Sherubbedthebackofherhandacrosseyesrimmedwithdarkcircles.“Idon’tthinkIcanbearanymoreofthis.DyJironalcanseetohisbrother’sroasting.Takemehome,LordCaz.”

Theroyesse’slittlepartysplitofffromthemainbodyofmourners,nottheonlyweariedpersonstodoso,andexitedthroughthefrontporticointothedampduskof

theautumnday.

ThegroomUmegat,waitingwithhisshouldersproppedagainstapillar,shovedhimselfupright,cametowardthem,andbowed.“MylorddyCazaril.MightIhaveabriefword?”

ItalmostsurprisedCazarilthattheauradidnotreflectoffthewetpavementathisfeet.HegaveIsellean

apologeticsaluteandwentasidewiththeRoknari.Thethreewomenwaitedattheedgeoftheportico,IselleleaningonBetriz’sarm.

“Mylord,atyourearliestconvenience,IbegthatImighthavesomeprivateaudiencewithyou.”

“I’llcometoyouatthemenagerieassoonasIhaveIsellesettled.”Cazaril

hesitated.“Doyouknowthatyouarelitlikeaburningtorch?”

Thegroominclinedhishead.“SoIhavebeentold,mylord,bythefewwitheyestosee.Onecanneverseeoneself,alas.Nomundanemirrorreflectsthis.Onlytheeyesofasoul.”

“Therewasawomaninsidewhoglowedlikeagreen

candle.”

“MotherClara?Yes,shejustspoketomeofyou.Sheisamostexcellentmidwife.”

“Whatisthat,thatanti-light,then?”Cazarilglancedtowardwherethewomenlingered.

Umegattouchedhislips.“Nothere,ifyouplease,mylord.”

Cazaril’smouthformedasilentOh.Henodded.

TheRoknariswepthimalowerbow.Asheturnedtopadquietlyintothegatheringgloom,headdedoverhisshoulder,“Youarelitlikeaburningcity.”

13

TheroyessewassodrainedbytheordealofLordDondo’soddfuneralthatshewasstumblingbythetimetheyhadclimbedtothecastleagain.CazarilleftNanandBetrizmakingsensibleplanstoputIsellestraighttobed

andhavetheservantsbringaplaindinnertotheirchambers.HemadehiswaybackoutofthemainblocktotheZangre’sgates.Pausing,heglancedoutoverthecitytoseeifacolumnofsmokewasstillrisingfromthetemple.Hefanciedhesawafaintorangereflectionontheloweringclouds,butitwastoodarkbynowtomakeoutanythingmore.

Hisheartleaptinshockatthesuddenflappingaroundhimashecrossedthestableyard,butitwasonlyFonsa’scrows,mobbinghimagain.Hefendedofftwothatattemptedtolandonhisshoulder,andtriedtowavethemaway,hissingandstamping.Theyhoppedbackoutofreach,butwouldnotleave,followinghim,conspicuously,allthewaytothemenagerie.

OneofUmegat’sundergroomswaswaitingbythewalllanternsbracketingtheaisledoor.Hewasalittle,elderly,thumblessman,whogaveCazarilawidesmilethatshowedatruncatedtongue,accountingforawelcomethatwasakindofmouthedhum,themeaningmadeclearbyhisfriendlygestures.HeslidthebroaddoorbackjustenoughtoadmitCazarilbeforehim,andshooedaway

thecrowswhotriedtofollow,scoopingthemostpersistentonebackoutthegapwithaflipofhisfootbeforeclosingit.

Thegroom’scandlestick,shieldedbyablown-glasstulip,hadathickhandlemadeforhimtowraphisfingersaround.BythislightheguidedCazarildownthemenagerie’saisle.Theanimalsintheirstallssnuffled

andthumpedasCazarilpassed,pressingtothebarstostareathimfromtheshadows.Theleopard’seyesshonelikegreensparks;itsratchetinggrowlechoedoffthewalls,notlowandhostile,butpulsinginaweirdlyinquiringsingsong.

Themenagerie’sgroomshadtheirsleepingquartersonhalfthebuilding’supperfloor,theotherhalfbeingdevotedto

thestorageoffodderandstraw.Adoorstoodopen,candlelightspillingfromitintothedarkcorridor.Theundergroomknockedontheframe;Umegat’svoiceresponded,“Good.Thankyou.”

Theundergroomgavewaywithabow.Cazarilduckedthroughthedoortoseeanarrowbutprivatechamberwithawindowlookingout

overthedarkstableyard.Umegatpulledthecurtainacrossthewindowandbustledaroundarudepinetablethatheldabrightlypatternedcloth,awinejugandclaycups,andaplatewithbreadandcheese.“Thankyouforcoming,LordCazaril.Enter,please,seatyourself.Thankyou,Daris,thatwillbeall.”Umegatclosedthedoor.Cazarilpausedonthewaytothe

chairUmegat’sgesturehadindicatedtostareatatallshelfcrammedwithbooks,includingtitlesinIbran,Darthacan,andRoknari.Abitofgoldletteringonafamiliar-lookingspineonthetopshelfcaughthiseye,TheFivefoldPathwayoftheSoul.Ordol.Theleatherbindingwaswornwithuse,thevolume,andmostofitscompany,freeofdust.Theology,mostly.WhyamI

notsurprised?

Cazarilloweredhimselfontotheplainwoodenchair.Umegatturnedupacupandpouredaheavyredwineintoit,smiledbriefly,andhelditouttohisguest.Cazarilclosedhisshakinghandsarounditwithvastgratitude.“Thankyou.Ineedthat.”

“Ishouldimagineso,mylord.”Umegatpouredacup

forhimselfandsatacrossthetablefromCazaril.Thetablemightbeplainandpoor,butthegenerousbracesofwaxcandlesuponitgavearich,clearlight.Areadingman’slight.

Cazarilraisedthecuptohislipsandgulped.Whenhesetitdown,Umegatimmediatelytoppeditupagain.Cazarilclosedhiseyesandopenedthem.Openorshut,Umegat

stillglowed.

“Youareanacolyte—no.You’readivine.Aren’tyou,”saidCazaril.

Umegatclearedhisthroatapologetically.“Yes.OftheBastard’sOrder.AlthoughthatisnotwhyIamhere.”

“Whyareyouhere?”

“We’llcometothat.”Umegat

bentforward,pickedupthewaitingknife,andbegantosawoffhunksofbreadandcheese.

“Ithought—Ihoped—Iwondered—ifyoumighthavebeensentbythegods.Toguideandguardme.”

Umegat’slipquirkedup.“Indeed?AndhereIwaswonderingifyouhadbeensentbythegodstoguideand

guardme.”

“Oh.That’s…notsogood,then.”Cazarilshrankalittleinhisseat,andtookanothergulpofwine.“Sincewhen?”

“SincethedayinthemenageriethatFonsa’scrowpracticallyjumpedupanddownonyourheadcryingThisone!Thisone!Mychosengodis,dareIsayit,fiendishlyambiguousat

times,butthatwasalittlehardtomiss.”

“WasIglowing,then?”

“No.”

“WhendidIstart,um,doingthat?”

“SometimebetweenthelasttimeIsawyou,whichwaslateyesterdayafternoonwhenyoucamebacktotheZangre

limpingasthoughyou’dbeenthrownfromahorse,andtodayatthetemple.IbelieveyoumayhaveabetterguessthanIdoastotheexacttime.Willyounottakealittlefood,mylord?Youdon’tlookwell.”

CazarilhadeatennothingsinceBetrizhadbroughthimthemilksopsatnoon.Umegatwaiteduntilhisguest’smouthwasfullof

cheeseandchewycrustbeforeremarking,“Oneofmyvariedtasksasayoungdivine,beforeIcametoCardegoss,wasasanassistantInquirerfortheTempleinvestigatingallegedchargesofdeathmagic.”Cazarilchoked;Umegatwentonserenely,“Ordeathmiracle,toputitwithmoretheologicalaccuracy.Weuncoveredquiteanumberofingeniousfakes—usually

poison,thoughthe,ah,dimmermurdererssometimestriedcrudermethods.IhadtoexplaintothemthattheBastarddoesnoteverexecuteunrepentantsinnerswithadirk,noralargehammer.Thetruemiraclesweremuchmorerarethantheirnotorietywouldsuggest.ButIneverencounteredanauthenticcasewherethevictimwasaninnocent.Toputitmorefinelystill,whattheBastard

grantedwasmiraclesofjustice.”Hisvoicehadgrowncrisper,moredecisive,theservilityevaporatingoutofitalongwithmostofhissoftRoknariaccent.

“Ah,”Cazarilmumbled,andtookanothergulpofwine.Thisisthemostwit-fullmanIhavemetinCardegoss,andI’vespentthelastthreemonthslookingpasthimbecausehewearsaservant’s

garb.Granted,Umegatapparentlydidnotwishtodrawattentiontohimself.“Thattabardisasgoodasacloakofinvisibility,youknow.”

Umegatsmiled,andtookasipofhiswine.“Yes.”

“So…areyouanInquirernow?”Wasitallover?Wouldhebecharged,convicted,executedforhis

murderous,ifvain,attemptonDondo?

“No.Notanymore.”

“Whatareyou,then?”

ToCazaril’sbewilderment,Umegat’seyescrinkledwithlaughter.“I’masaint.”

Cazarilstaredathimforalong,longmoment,thendrainedhiscup.Amiably,

Umegatrefilledit.Cazarilwascertainofverylittletonight,butsomehow,hedidn’tthinkUmegatwasmad.Orlying.

“Asaint.OftheBastard.”

Umegatnodded.

“That’s…anunusuallineofwork,foraRoknari.Howdiditcomeabout?”Thiswasinane,butwithtwocupsof

wineonanemptystomach,hewasgrowinglight-headed.

Umegat’ssmilegrewsadlyintrospective.“Foryou—thetruth.Isupposethenamesnolongermatter.Thiswasalifetimeago.WhenIwasayounglordintheArchipelago,Ifellinlove.”

“Younglordsandyoungloutsdothateverywhere.”

“Myloverwasaboutthirtythen.Amanofkeenmindandkindheart.”

“Oh.NotintheArchipelago,youdon’t.”

“Indeed.Ihadnointerestinreligionwhatsoever.Forobviousreasons,hewasasecretQuintarian.Wemadeplanstofleetogether.IreachedtheshiptoBrajar.Hedidnot.Ispentthevoyage

seasickanddesperate,learning—Ithought—topray.Hopinghe’dmadeittoanothervessel,andwe’dmeetintheportcitywe’dchosenforourdestination.ItwasoverayearbeforeIfoundouthowhe’dmethisend,fromaRoknarimerchanttradingtherewhomwehadoncebothknown.”

Cazariltookadrink.“Theusual?”

“Oh,yes.Genitals,thumbs—thathemightnotsignthefifthgod—”Umegattouchedforehead,navel,groin,andheart,foldinghisthumbbeneathhispalmintheQuadrenefashion,denyingthefifthfingerthatwastheBastard’s—“theysavedhistongueforlast,thathemightbetrayothers.Heneverdid.Hediedamartyr,hanged.”

Cazariltouchedforehead,lip,

navel,groin,andheart,fingersspreadwide.“I’msorry.”

Umegatnodded.“Ithoughtaboutitforatime.Atleast,thosetimeswhenIwasn’tdrunkorvomitingorbeingstupid,eh?Youth,eh.Itdidn’tcomeeasily.Finally,oneday,Iwalkedtothetempleandturnedmyselfin.”Hetookabreath.“AndtheBastard’sOrdertookmein.

Gaveahometothehomeless,friendstothefriendless,honortothedespised.Andtheygavemework.Iwas…charmed.”

ATempledivine.Umegatwasleavingoutafewdetails,Cazarilfelt.Fortyyearsorsoofthem.Buttherewasnothinginexplicableaboutanintelligent,energetic,dedicatedmanrisingthroughtheTemplehierarchytosuch

arank.Itwasthepartaboutshininglikeafullmoonoverasnowfallthatwasmakinghisheadreel.“Good.Wonderful.Greatworks.Foundlinghospitalsand,um,inquiries.Nowexplainwhyyouglowinthedark.”Hehadeitherdrunktoomuch,ornotnearlyenough,hedecidedglumly.

Umegatrubbedhisneckandpulledgentlyonhisqueue.

“Doyouunderstandwhatitmeanstobeasaint?”

Cazarilclearedhisthroatuncomfortably.“Youmustbeveryvirtuous,Isuppose.”

“No,infact.Oneneednotbegood.Orevennice.”Umegatlookedwryofasudden.“Grantyou,onceoneexperiences…whatoneexperiences,one’stasteschange.Materialambition

seemsimmaterial.Greed,pride,vanity,wrath,justgrowtoodulltobotherwith.”

“Lust?”

Umegatbrightened.“Lust,I’mhappytosay,seemslargelyunaffected.OrperhapsImightgrant,love.Forthecrueltyandselfishnessthatmakelustvilebecometedious.Butpersonally,Ithinkitisnotso

muchthegrowthofvirtue,assimplythereplacementofpriorviceswithanaddictiontoone’sgod.”Umegatemptiedhiscup.“Thegodslovetheirgreat-souledmenandwomenasanartistlovesfinemarble,buttheissueisn’tvirtue.Itiswill.Whichischiselandhammer.HasanyoneeverquotedyouOrdol’sclassicsermonofthecups?”

“Thatthingwherethedivinepourswaterallovereverything?IfirsthearditwhenIwasten.Ithoughtitwasprettyentertainingwhenhegothisshoeswet,butthen,Iwasten.I’mafraidourTempledivineatCazariltendedtodroneon.”

“Attendnow,andyoushallnotbebored.”Umegatinvertedhisclaycupuponthecloth.“Men’swillisfree.The

godsmaynotinvadeit,anymorethanImaypourwineintothiscupthroughitsbottom.”

“No,don’twastethewine!”Cazarilprotested,asUmegatreachedforthejug.“I’veseenitdemonstratedbefore.”

Umegatgrinned,anddesisted.“Buthaveyoureallyunderstoodhowpowerlessthegodsare,whenthelowest

slavemayexcludethemfromhisheart?Andiffromhisheart,thenfromtheworldaswell,forthegodsmaynotreachinexceptthroughlivingsouls.Ifthegodscouldseizepassagefromanyonetheywished,thenmenwouldbemerepuppets.Onlyiftheyborroworaregivenwillfromawillingcreature,dotheyhavealittlechannelthroughwhichtoact.Theycanseepinthroughthemindsof

animals,sometimes,witheffort.Plants…requiremuchforesight.Or”—Umegatturnedhiscupuprightagain,andliftedthejug—“sometimes,amanmayopenhimselftothem,andletthempourthroughhimintotheworld.”Hefilledhiscup.“Asaintisnotavirtuoussoul,butanemptyone.He—orshe—freelygivesthegiftoftheirwilltotheirgod.Andinrenouncingaction,makes

actionpossible.”Heliftedhiscuptohislips,stareddisquietinglyatCazarilovertherim,anddrank.Headded,“Yourdivineshouldnothaveusedwater.Itjustdoesn’tholdtheattentionproperly.Wine.Orblood,inapinch.Someliquidthatmatters.”

“Um,”managedCazaril.

Umegatsatbackandstudiedhimforatime.Cazarildidn’t

thinktheRoknariwaslookingathisflesh.So,tellme,what’sarenegadeRoknariTempledivinescholar-saintoftheBastarddoingdisguisedasagroomintheZangre’smenagerie?Outloud,hemanagedtoparethisdowntoaplaintive,“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Umegatshrugged.“Whatthegodwills.”HetookpityonCazaril’sexasperatedlook,

andadded,“WhatHewills,itseems,istokeepRoyaOricoalive.”

Cazarilsatup,fightingtheslurrythatthewineseemedtobemakingofhisbrains.“Orico,sick?”

“Yes.Astatesecret,mindyou,althoughonethat’sgrownobviousenoughtoanyonewithwitsandeyes.Nevertheless—”Umegatlaid

hisfingertohislipsinacommandofdiscretion.

“Yes,but—IthoughthealingwastheprovinceoftheMotherandtheDaughter.”

“Weretheroya’sillnessofnaturalcauses,yes.”

“Unnaturalcauses?”Cazarilsquinted.“Thedarkcloak—canyouseeit,too?”

“Yes.”

“ButTeidezhastheshadow,too,andIselle—andRoyinaSaraistaintedaswell.Whatevilthingisit,thatyouwouldnotletmespeakofitinthestreet?”

Umegatputhiscupdown,tuggedonhisbronze-grayqueue,andsighed.“ItallgoesbacktoFonsatheFairly-WiseandtheGoldenGeneral.

Whichis,Isuppose,historyandtaletoyou.Ilivedthroughthosedesperatetimes.”Headdedconversationally,“Isawthegeneralonce,youknow.Iwasaspyinhisprincedomatthetime.Ihatedeverythinghestoodfor,andyet…hadhegivenmeaword,amereword,IthinkImighthavecrawledafterhimonmyknees.Hewasmorethanjustgod-touched.Hewasavatar

incarnate,stridingtowardthefulcrumoftheworldintheperfectedinstantoftime.Almost.HewasreachingforhismomentwhenFonsaandtheBastardcuthimdown.”Umegat’sculturedvoice,lightlyreminiscent,haddroppedtorememberedawe.Hestaredintothemiddledistanceofhismemory.

HisgazejumpedoutofthelostpastandbacktoCazaril.

Rememberingtosmile,heheldouthishand,thumbup,andwaggleditgentlyfromsidetoside.“TheBastard,thoughtheweakestofHisfamily,isthegodofbalance.Theoppositionthatgivesthehanditsclevergrip.Itissaidthatifeveronegodsubsumesalltheothers,truthwillbecomesingle,andsimple,andperfect,andtheworldwillendinaburstoflight.Sometidy-mindedmen

actuallyfindthisideaattractive.Personally,Ifinditahorror,butthenIalwaysdidhavelowtastes.Inthemeantime,theBastard,unfixedinanyseason,circlestopreserveusall.”Umegat’sfingerstappedonebyone,Daughter-Mother-Son-Father,againsttheballofhisthumb.

Hewenton,“TheGoldenGeneralwasatidalwaveofdestiny,gatheringtocrash

upontheworld.Fonsa’ssoulcouldmatchhissoul,butcouldnotbalancehisvastfate.Whenthedeathdemoncarriedtheirsoulsfromtheworld,thatfateoverflowedtosettleuponFonsa’sheirs,amiasmaofillluckandsubtlebitterness.TheblackshadowyouseeistheGoldenGeneral’sunfulfilleddestiny,curdlingaroundhisenemies’lives.Hisdeathcurse,ifyouwill.”

CazarilwonderedifthisexplainedwhyallofIas’sandOrico’smilitarycampaignsthathe’deverbeeninhadfaredsoill.“How…howmaythecursebelifted?”

Umegatsighed.“Insixyears,noanswerhasbeengivenme.PerhapsitwillrunoutinthedeathsofallwhoflowedfromFonsa’sloins.”

Butthat’s…theroya,Teidez

—Iselle!

“Orperhaps,”Umegatcontinued,“eventhen,itwillcontinuetotrickledownthroughtimelikeastreamofpoison.ItshouldhavekilledOricoyearsago.Contactwiththesacredcreaturescleansestheroyafromthecorrosionofthecurse,butonlyforalittletime.Themenageriedelayshisdestruction,butthegodhasnevertoldmewhy.”

Umegat’svoicewentglum.“Thegodsdon’twritelettersofinstruction,youknow.Noteventotheirsaints.I’vesuggestedit,inmyprayers.Satbythehourwiththeinkdryingonmyquill,entirelyatHisservice.AndwhatdoesHesendinstead?Anoverexcitedcrowwithaone-wordvocabulary.”

Cazarilwincedinguilt,thinkingofthatpoorcrow.In

truth,hefeltfarworseaboutthecrow’sdeaththanDondo’s.

“Sothat’swhatI’mdoinghere,”saidUmegat.HeglancedupkeenlyatCazaril.“Andso.Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Cazarilspreadhishandshelplessly.“Umegat,Idon’tknow.”Headdedplaintively,“Can’tyoutell?Yousaid…I

waslitup.DoIlooklikeyou?OrlikeIselle?OrOrico,even?”

“YoulooklikenothingI’veseensinceIwaslenttheinnereye.IfIselleisacandle,youareaconflagration.Youare…actuallyquitedisturbingtocontemplate.”

“Idon’tfeellikeaconflagration.”

“Whatdoyoufeellike?”

“Rightnow?Likeapileofdung.Sick.Drunk.”Heswirledtheredwineinthebottomofhiscup.“Ihavethisbellycrampthatcomesandgoes.”Itwasquiescentatthemoment,buthisstomachwasstillswollen.“Andtired.Ihaven’tfeltthistiredsinceIwassickintheMother’shouseinZagosur.”

“Ithink,”Umegatspokecarefully,“thatitisvery,veryimportantthatyoutellmethetruth.”

Hislipsstillsmiled,buthisgrayeyesseemedtoburn.ItoccurredtoCazarilthenthatagoodTempleInquirerwouldlikelybecharming,andadeptatwormingconfidencesfrompeopleinhisinvestigations.Smoothatgettingthemdrunk.

Youlaiddownyourlife.It’snotfairtowhineforitbacknow.

“IattempteddeathmagicuponDondodyJironallastnight.”

Umegatlookedneithershockednorsurprised,merelymoreintent.“Yes.Where?”

“InFonsa’sTower.Icrawledovertheroofslates.Ibrought

myownrat,butthecrow…itcametome.Itwasn’tafraid.I’dfedit,yousee.”

“Goon…”breathedUmegat.

“Islewtherat,andbrokethepoorcrow,andIprayedonmyknees.AndthenIhurt.Iwasn’texpectingthat.AndIcouldn’tbreathe.Thecandleswentout.AndIsaid,Thankyou,becauseIfelt…”Hecouldnotspeakofwhathe’d

felt,thatstrangepeace,asifhe’dlaindowninaplaceofsafetytorestforever.“AndthenIpassedout.IthoughtIwasdying.”

“Andthen?”

“Then…nothing.Iwokeupinthedawnfog,sickandcoldandfeelinganutterfool.No,wait—I’dhadanightmareaboutDondochokingtodeath.ButIknewI’dfailed.

SoIcrawledbacktobed.AndthendyJironalcameburstingin…”

Umegatdrummedhisfingersonthetableamoment,staringathimthroughslittedeyes.Andthenhestaredwithhiseyesclosed.Openagain.“Mylord,mayItouchyou?”

“Allright…”Briefly,astheRoknaribentoverhim,Cazarilfearedsome

unwelcomeattemptatintimacy,butUmegat’stouchwasasprofessionalasanyphysician’s;forehead,face,neck,spine,heart,belly…Cazariltensed,butUmegat’shanddescendednofarther.Whenhefinished,Umegat’sfacewasset.TheRoknariwenttofetchanotherjugofwinefromabasketbythedoorbeforereturningtohischair.

Cazarilattemptedtofendthejugfromhiscup.“I’vehadenough.I’llbestumblingifItakeanymore.”

“Mygroomscanwalkyoubacktoyourchambersinalittlewhile.No?”Umegatfilledhisowncupinstead,andsatagain.Heranhisfingeroverthetabletopinalittlepattern,repeatedthreetimes—Cazarilwasn’tsureifitwasacharmorjustnerves

—andfinallysaid,“Bythetestimonyofthesacredanimals,nogodacceptedthesoulofDondodyJironal.Normally,thatisasignthatanunquietspiritisabroadintheworld,andrelativesandfriends—andenemies—rushtobuyritesandprayersfromtheTemple.Someforthesakeofthedead—somefortheirownprotection.”

“Iamsure,”saidCazarila

littlebitterly,“Dondowillhavealltheprayersthatmoneycanbuy.”

“Ihopeso.”

“Why?What…?”Whatdoyousee?Whatdoyouknow?

Umegatglancedup,andinhaled.“Dondo’sspiritwastakenbythedeathdemon,butnotpassedtothegods.Thisweknow.Itismyconjecture

thatthedeathdemoncouldnotreturntoitsmasterbecauseitwaspreventedfromtakingthesecondandbalancingsoul.”

Cazarillickedhislips,andhuskedfearfully,“How,prevented?”

“Attheinstantofattemptingtodoso,Ibelievethedemonwascaptured—constrained—bound,ifyouwill—bya

secondandsimultaneousmiracle.Judgingbythedistinctivecolorsboilingoffyou,itwasfromtheholyandgracioushandoftheLadyofSpring.IfIamright,theacolytesoftheTemplecanallgobacktobed,forDondo’sspiritisnotabroad.Itisboundtothedeathdemon,whoisboundinturntothelocusofthesecondsoul.Whichispresentlyboundtoitsstill-livingbody.”

Umegat’sfingerrosetopointdirectlyatCazaril.“There.”

Cazaril’sjawfellopen.Hestareddownathisaching,swollenbelly,andbackupatthefascinated…saint.Briefly,hewasputinmindofFonsa’sentrancedcrows.Violentdenialboiledtohislips,andcaughtthere,stoppedbyhisinnersightofUmegat’sclearaura.“Ididn’tpraytotheDaughterlastnight!”

“Apparently,someonedid.”

Iselle.“Theroyessesaidsheprayed.DidyouseeherasIsawhertoday—”Cazarilmadeinarticulatemotionswithhishands,notknowingwhatwordstousetodescribethatroilingperturbation.“Isthatwhatyouseeinme?DoesIselleseemeasIdoher?”

“Didshesayanythingabout

it?”askedUmegat.

“No.ButneitherdidI.”

Umegatgavehimthatsidewisestareagain.“Didyoueversee,whenyouwereintheArchipelago,thenightswhentheseawasMother-touched?Thewaythewakeglowedgreeninthebreakingwavesofaship’spassage?”

“Yes…”

“WhatyousawaroundIsellewassuchawake.ThepassageoftheDaughter,likealingeringperfumeintheair.WhatIseeinyouisnotapassagebutaPresence.Ablessing.Farmoreintense.Yourcoronaisslowlydyingdown—thesacredanimalsshouldbelessenthralledbyyouinadayortwo—butatthecentertheresitsatightbluecoreofsapphire,intowhichIcannotsee.Ithinkit

isanencapsulation.”Hebroughthiscuppedhandstogetherlikeamanenclosingalivelizard.

Cazarilswallowed,andpanted,“Areyousayingthegoddesshasturnedmybellyintoaperfectlittleannexofhell?Onedemon,onelostsoul,sealedtogetherliketwosnakesinabottle?”Hisclawedhandswenttohisstomach,asifreadytoriphis

gutsapartonthespot.“Andyoucallitablessing?”

Umegat’seyesremainedserious,buthisbrowscrimpedinsympathy.“Well,whatisablessingbutacursefromanotherpointofview?Ifit’sanyconsolationtoyou,IimagineDondodyJironalisevenlesshappyaboutthisdevelopmentthanyouare.”Headdedafterathoughtfulmoment,“Ican’timaginethe

demonistoopleasedwithit,either.”

Cazarilnearlyconvulsedoutofhischair.“Fivegods!HowdoIridmyselfofthis—this—this—horror?”

Umegathelduparestraininghand.“I…suggest…thatyounotbeinagreatrushaboutthat.Theconsequencescouldbetangled.”

“How,tangled?Howcouldanythingbemoretangledthanthismonstrosity?”

“Well”—Umegatleanedbackandtentedhishandstogether—“themostobviouswaytobreakthe,ah,blessing,wouldbebyyourdeath.Withyoursoulfreedfromitsmateriallocus,thedemoncouldflyawaywithyouboth.”

AchillstoleoverCazaril,as

herememberedhowhisbellycramphadalmostbetrayedhimtoafallwhenjumpingtheroofgapatdawn.HetookrefugefromhisdrunkenterrorinadrynesstomatchUmegat’s.“Oh,wonderful.Haveyouanyothercurestosuggest,physician?”

Umegat’slipstwitched,andheacknowledgedthejibewithabriefwaveofhisfingers.“Likewise,shouldthe

miracleceasethatyoupresentlyhost—shouldtheLady’shandlift,”Umegatmimedsomeoneopeningtheirhandsasiftoreleaseabird,“Ithinkthedemonwouldimmediatelyattempttocompleteitsdestiny.Notthatithasachoice—theBastard’sdemonshavenofreewill.Youcan’targuewithorpersuadethem.Infact,there’snousetalkingtooneatall.”

“Soyou’resayingthatIcoulddieatanymoment!”

“Yes.Andthisisdifferentfromyourlifeyesterdayinwhatway?”Umegatcockedhisheadindryinquiry.

Cazarilsnorted.Itwascoldcomfort…butcomfortstill,inabackhandedsortofway.Umegatwasasensiblesaint,itseemed.WhichwasnotwhatCazarilwouldhave

expected…hadheevermetasaintbefore?HowwouldIknow?Iwalkedrightpastthisone.

Umegat’svoicetookonatingeofscholarlycuriosity.“Actually,thiscouldansweraquestionI’velonghad.DoestheBastardcommandatroopofdeathdemons,orjustone?Ifalldeathmiraclesintheworldceasewhilethedemonisboundinyou,itwouldbe

compellingevidenceforthesingularityofthatholypower.”

AghastlylaughpealedfromCazaril’slips.“MyservicetoQuintariantheology!Gods—Umegat—whatamItodo?Therehasneverbeenanyofthis,thisgod-touchedmadnessinmyfamily.I’mnotfitforthisbusiness.Iamnotasaint!”

Umegatopenedhislips,butthenclosedthemagain.Hefinallysaid,“Onegrowsmoreaccustomedwithuse.ThefirsttimeIhostedamiracleIwasn’ttoohappyeither,andI’minthetrade,sotospeak.Mypersonalrecommendationtoyou,tonight,istogetpie-eyeddrunkandgotosleep.”

“SoIcanwakeinthemorningbothdemon-riddenandwithahangover?”

Granted,hecouldn’timaginegettingtosleepunderanyothercircumstances,apartfromablowtothehead.

“Well,itworkedforme,once.Thehangoverisafairtradeforbeingsoimmobilizedonecannotdoanythingstupidforalittlewhile.”Umegatlookedawayforamoment.“Thegodsdonotgrantmiraclesforourpurposes,butfortheirs.If

youarebecometheirtool,itisforagreaterreason,anurgentreason.Butyouarethetool.Youarenotthework.Expecttobevaluedaccordingly.”

WhileCazarilwasstilltrying,unsuccessfully,tounravelthat,UmegatleanedforwardandpouredfreshwineintoCazaril’scup.Cazarilwasbeyondresistance.

Ittooktwoundergrooms,anhourorsolater,toguidehisslitheringstepsacrossthewetcobblesofthestableyard,pastthegates,andupthestairs,wheretheypouredhislimpformintohisbed.Cazarilwasn’tsurejustwhenhepartedfromhisbeleagueredconsciousness,butneverhadhebeenmoregladtodoso.

14

CazarilhadtoallowUmegat’swinethismuchmerit—itdidmeanhespentthefirstfewhoursofthenextmorningwishingfordeathratherthandreadingit.Heknewhishangoverwaspassingoffwhenfearbegan

toregaintheupperhand.

Hefoundoddlylittleregretinhisheartforhisownlostlife.He’dseenmoreoftheworldthanmostmeneverdid,andhe’dhadhischances,thoughthegodsknewhe’dmadelittleenoughofthem.Marshalinghisthoughts,asheshelteredunderhiscovers,herealizedwithsomewonderthathisgreatestdismaywasfortheworkhe’dbeforcedto

leaveundone.

Fearshe’dhadnotimeforduringthedayhe’dstalkedDondonowcrowdedintohismind.Whowouldguardhisladies,ifheweretodienow?Howmuchtimewasgoingtobegrantedtohimtotrytofindsomebetterbastionforthem?Onwhomcouldtheybesafelybestowed?Betrizmightfindprotectionasthewife,say,ofastoutcountry

lordlikeMarchdyPalliar.ButIselle?Hergrandmotherandmotherweretooweakanddistant,Teideztooyoung,Orico,apparently,entirelythecreatureofhischancellor.TherecouldbenosecurityforIselleuntilshewasoutofthiscursedcourtaltogether.

Anothercramprivetedhisattentionagainonthelethallittlehellinhisbelly,andhe

peeredworriedlydownunderthetentofhissheetathisknottedstomach.Howmuchwasthisdyinggoingtohurt?Hehadnotpassedsomuchbloodthismorning.Heblinkedaroundhischamberintheearly-afternoonlight.Theoddhallucinations,paleblurredblobsatthecornersofhisvisionthathehadearlierblamedonlastnight’swine,werestillpresent.Maybetheywereanothersymptom?

Abriskknocksoundedathischamberdoor.Cazarilcrawledfromhiswarmrefugeand,walkingonlyalittlebentover,wenttounlockit.Umegat,bearingastopperedewer,badehimgoodafternoon,steppedwithin,andclosedthedoorbehindhim.Hewasstillfaintlyradiant:alas,yesterdayhadn’tbeenabizarrebaddreamafterall.

“Myword,”thegroomadded,staringaboutinastonishment.Hewavedhishand.“Shoo!Shoo!”

Thepaleblurredblobsswirledaboutthechamberandfledintothewalls.

“Whatarethosethings?”Cazarilasked,easingbackintohisbed.“Doyouseethem,too?”

“Ghosts.Here,drinkthis.”UmegatpouredfromtheewerintotheglazedcupfromCazaril’swashbasinset,andhandeditacross.“Itwillsettleyourstomachandclearyourhead.”

Abouttorejectitwithloathing,Cazarildiscoveredittobenotwinebutsomesortofcoldherbedtea.Hetasteditcautiously.Pleasantlybitter,itsastringencymadea

mostwelcomesluicinginhisstickymouth.Umegatpulledastoolovertohisbedsideandsettledcheerfully.Cazarilsqueezedhiseyesshut,andopenagain.“Ghosts?”

“I’veneverseensomanyoftheZangre’sghostscollectedinoneplace.Theymustbeattractedtoyoujustlikethesacredanimals.”

“Cananyoneelseseethem?”

“Anyonewiththeinnereye.That’sthreeinCardegoss,tomyknowledge.”

Andtwoofthemarehere.“Havetheybeenaroundallthistime?”

“Iglimpsethemnowandthen.They’reusuallymoreelusive.Youneedn’tbeafraidofthem.Theyarepowerlessandcannothurtyou.Oldlostsouls.”Inresponseto

Cazaril’sratherstunnedstare,Umegatadded,“When,ashappensfromtimetotime,nogodtakesupasunderedsoul,itislefttowandertheworld,slowlylosingitsmindfulnessofitselfandfadingintoair.Newghostsfirsttaketheformtheyhadinlife,butintheirdespairandlonelinesstheycannotmaintainit.”

Cazarilwrappedhisarmsaroundhisbelly.“Oh.”His

mindtriedtogallopinthreedirectionsatonce.Sowhatwasthefateofthosesoulsthegodsdidaccept?Andjustwhatexactlywashappeningtotheenragedspiritsomiraculouslyandhideouslylodgedinhim?And…theDowagerRoyinaIsta’swordscamebacktohim.TheZangreishaunted,youknow.Notmetaphorormadnessafterall,itappeared,butsimpleobservation.How

muchelse,then,oftheeeriethingsshe’dsaidmightbenotderangement,butplaintruth—seenwithalteredeyes?

HeglanceduptofindUmegatregardinghimthoughtfully.TheRoknariinquiredpolitely,“Andhowareyoufeelingtoday?”

“Betterthisafternoonthanthismorning.”Headdedalittlereluctantly,“Betterthan

yesterday.”

“Haveyoueaten?”

“Notyet.Later,perhaps.”Herubbedahandoverhisbeard.“What’shappeningoutthere?”

Umegatsatbackandshrugged.“ChancellordyJironal,findingnocandidatesinthecity,hasriddenoutofCardegossinsearchofthe

corpseofhisbrother’smurdererandanyconfederatesleftalive.”

“Itrusthewillnotseizesomeinnocentinerror.”

“AnexperiencedInquirerfromtheTemplerideswithhim,whichshouldsufficetopreventsuchmistakes.”

Cazarildigestedthis.Afteramoment,Umegatadded,

“Also,afactioninthemilitaryorderoftheDaughter’shousehassentcouriersridingouttoallitslorddedicats,callingthemtoageneralcouncil.TheymeannottoallowRoyaOricotofoistanothercommanderlikeLordDondoontothem.”

“Howshouldtheydefyhim?Revolt?”

Umegathastilywavedaway

thistreasonablesuggestion.“Certainlynot.Petition.Request.”

“Mm.ButIthoughttheyprotestedlasttime,tonoavail.DyJironalwillnotbewantingtoletcontrolofthatorderslipfromhishands.”

“Themilitaryorderisbackedbythewholeofitshouse,thistime.”

“And,ah…whathaveyoubeendoingtoday?”

“Prayingforguidance.”

“Anddidyougetananswer?”

Umegatsmiledambiguouslyathim.“Perhaps.”

Cazarilconsideredforamomenthowbesttophrasehisnextremark.“Interestinggossipyou’reprivyto.Itake

it,then,thatitwouldnowberedundantformetogodowntothetempleandconfesstoArchdivineMendenalforDondo’smurder?”

Umegat’sbrowswentup.“Isuppose,”hesaidafteramoment,“thatitshouldnotsurprisemethattheLadyofSpringhaschosenasharp-edgedtool.”

“Youareadivine,atrained

Inquirer.Ididn’timagineyoucould,orwould,evadeyouroathsanddisciplines.Youimmobilizedmetogiveyourselftimetoreport,andconfer.”Cazarilhesitated.“ThatIamnotpresentlyunderarrestshouldtellme…somethingaboutthatconference,butI’mnotatallsurewhat.”

Umegatstudiedhishands,spreadonhisknees.“Asa

divine,Idefertomysuperiors.Asasaint,Ianswertomygod.Alone.IfHetrustsmyjudgment,soperforcemustI.Andsomustmysuperiors.”Helookedup,andnowhisgazewasunsettlinglydirect.“Thatthegoddesshassetyourfeetonsomejourneyonherbehalf—courier—isabundantlyplainfromHerhour-by-hourpreservationofyourlife.TheTempleisat…notyourservice,butHers.I

thinkIcanpromiseyou,noneshallinterferewithyou.”

Cazarilwasstungintoawail.“ButwhatamIsupposedtobedoing?”

Umegat’svoicegrewalmostapologetic.“Speakingjustfrommyownexperience,Iwouldsurmise—yourdailydutiesastheycometoyou.”

“That’snotveryhelpful.”

“Yes.Iknow.”Umegat’slipstwitchedinadryhumor.“Sothegodshumblethewould-bewise,Ithink.”Headdedafteramoment,“Speakingofdailyduties,Imustreturnnowtomine.Oricoisunwelltoday.Feelfreetovisitthemenagerieanytimeyouaresomoved,mylorddyCazaril.”

“Wait—”CazarilheldoutahandasUmegatrose.“Canyoutellme—doesOrico

knowofthemiracleofthemenagerie?Doesheunderstand—doesheevenknowheisaccursed?I’llswearIselleknowsnaughtofit,norTeidez.”RoyinaIsta,ontheotherhand…“Ordoestheroyajustknowhefeelsbetterforcontactwithhisanimals?”

Umegatgavealittlenod.“Oricoknows.HisfatherIastoldhim,onhisdeathbed.

TheTemplehasmademanysecrettrialstobreakthiscurse.Themenagerieistheonlyonethathasseemedtodoanygood.”

“AndwhatoftheDowagerRoyinaIsta?IssheshadowedlikeSara?”

Umegattuggedhisqueueandfrownedthoughtfully.“IcouldbetterguessifI’devermetherface-to-face.Thedy

BaociafamilyremovedherfromCardegossshortlybeforeIwasbroughthere.”

“DoesChancellordyJironalknow?”

Thefrowndeepened.“Ifhedoes,itwasnotfrommylips.IhaveoftencautionedOriconottodiscusshismiracle,but…”

“IfOricohaskeptsomething

fromdyJironal,itwouldbeafirst.”

Umegatshruggedacknowledgment,butadded,“Giventheearlydisastersinhisreign,OricobelievesthatanyactionhedarestakewillredoundtothedetrimentofChalion.Thechancelloristhetongsbywhichtheroyaattemptstohandleallmattersofstatewithoutspillinghisbanethereupon.”

“SomemightwonderifdyJironalistheanswertothecurse,orpartofit.”

“Theproxyseemedtoworkatfirst.”

“Andlately?”

“Lately—we’veredoubledourpetitionstothegodsforaid.”

“Andhowhavethegods

answered?”

“Itwouldseem—bysendingyou.”

Cazarilsatupinrenewedterror,clutchinghisbedclothes.“Noonesentme!Icamebychance.”

“I’dlikeanaccountingofthosechances,somedaysoon.Whenyouwill,mylord.”Umegat,withadeeply

hopefulgazethatfrightenedCazarilquiteasmuchasanyofhissaintlyremarks,bowedhimselfout.

AFTERAFEWMOREHOURSSPENTCOWERINGUNDERhisquilts,Cazarildecidedthatunlessamancouldditherhimselftodeath,hewasn’tgoingtodiethisafternoon.Orifhewas,therewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit.Andhisstomachwas

growlinginadecidedlyunsupernaturalfashion.Asthechillautumnlightfadedhecreptoutofbed,stretchedhisachingmuscles,dressedhimself,andwentdowntodinner.

TheZangrewasextremelysubdued.Withthecourtplungedintodeepmourning,nofêtesormusicwereofferedtonight.Cazarilfoundthebanquetinghallthinof

company;neitherIselle’shouseholdnorTeidez’swerepresent,RoyinaSaraabsentedherself,andRoyaOrico,hisdarkshadowclingingabouthim,atehastilyanddepartedimmediatelythereafter.

ThereasonforTeidez’sabsence,Cazarilsoonlearned,wasthatChancellordyJironalhadtakentheroysewithhimwhenherodeoutonhismissionofinvestigation.

Cazarilblinkedandfellsilentatthisnews.SurelydyJironalcouldnotbeattemptingtocontinuetheseductionbycorruptionhisbrotherhadtakensowellinhand?DownrightausterebycomparisontoDondo,hehadnotthetasteorstyleforsuchpuerilepleasures.Itwasimpossibletoimaginehimroisteringwithajuvenile.Wasittoomuchtohopehemightbereversinghis

strategyforascendancyoverTeidez’smind,takingtheboyupafteratruefatherlymanner,apprenticinghimtostatecraft?Theyoungroysewashalf-sickwithidlenessaswellasdissolution;almostanyexposuretomen’sworkmustbemedicineforhim.Moreprobably,Cazarilthoughtwearily,thechancellorsimplydarednotlethisfuturehandleuponChalionoutofhisgripforan

instant.

LorddyRinal,seatedacrossfromCazaril,twistedhislipsatthehalf-emptyhallandremarked,“Everyone’sdeserting.Offtotheircountryestates,iftheyhave’em,beforethesnowflies.It’sgoingtobeagloomyFather’sDaycelebration,Iwarrant.Onlythetailorsandseamstressesarebusy,furbishingupmourning

garb.”

Cazarilreachedthroughtheghost-smudgethatwashoveringnexttohisplateandwasheddownthelastbiteofhisrepastwithagulpofwell-wateredwine.Fourorfiveoftherevenantshadtrailedafterhimtothehallandnowclusteredabouthimlikecoldchildrencrowdingahearth.Hehadchosensomberclothinghimselftonight,

automatically;hewonderedifheshouldtroublehimselftoobtainthefullcorrectlavendersandblackssuchasdyRinal,alwaysfashionable,nowsported.Wouldtheabominationlockedinhisbellytakeitashypocrisy,orasagestureofrespect?Woulditevenknow?New-rivenfromitsbody,howmuchofitsrepulsivenaturedidDondo’ssoulnowretain?Theseweatheredoldspirits

seemedtowatchhimfromtheoutside;wasDondowatchinghimfromtheinside?Hegrinnedbriefly,asanalternativetostartlingpoordyRinalwithafitofscreaming.Hemanagedapolitelyinquiring,“Doyoustayorgo?”

“Igo,Ithink.I’llridedownwithMarchessdyHeronasfarasHeronitself,andthencutoverthelowerpassesto

home.Theoldladymightbegladenoughofanotherswordinherpartythatshe’deveninvitemetostay.”Hetookaswallowofwineandloweredhisvoice.“IfnoteventheBastardwouldtakeLordDondooffourhands,yourealizehemuststillbeaboutsomewhere.Onetrustshe’lljusthauntJironal’spalacewherehedied,butreally,hecouldbeanywhereinCardegoss.Andhewas

viciousenoughbeforehewasmurdered;he’sboundtobevengefulnow.Slainthenightbeforehiswedding,gods!”

Cazarilmadeaneutralnoise.

“Thechancellorseemssetoncallingitdeathmagic,butIshouldn’twonderifitwaspoisonafterall.Nowayoftelling,nowthebody’sburned,Isuppose.Convenientforsomebody,

that.”

“Buthewassurroundedbyhisfriends.Surelynoonecouldhaveadministered—wereyouthere?”

DyRinalgrimaced.“AfterLadyPig?No.Thanksbetoallhersqueals,Iwasnotpresentatthatbutchering.”DyRinalglancedaround,asifafraidaghostwithagrudgemightbesneakinguponhim

evennow.Thattherewerehalfadozenwithinhisarm’sreachwasevidentlynotapparenttohim.Cazarilbrushedoneawayfromhisface,tryingnottolethiseyesfocusonwhat,tohiscompanion,mustseememptyair.

SerdyMaroc,theroya’swardrobe-master,strolleduptotheirtablesaying,“DyRinal!Haveyouheardthe

newsfromIbra?”Belatedly,heobservedCazarilleaningwithelbowsontheboardoppositeandhesitated,flushingslightly.

Cazarilsmiledsourly.“Onetrustsyou’regettingyourgossipfromIbrafrommorereliablesourcesthesedays,Maroc?”

DyMarocstiffened.“IftheChancellery’sowncourierbe

one,yes.Hecameinpell-mellwhilemyheadtailorwasrefittingOrico’smourninggarb,thathehadtoletoutbyfourfingerbreadths—anyway,it’sofficial.TheHeirofIbradiedlastweek,allsuddenly,ofthecoughingfeverinSouthIbra.Hisfactionhascollapsed,andrushestomaketreatywiththeoldFox,orsavetheirlivesbysacrificingeachother.ThewarinSouthIbraisended.”

“Well!”DyRinalsatupandstrokedhisbeard.“Dowecallthatgoodnews,orbad?GoodforpoorIbra,thegodsknow.ButourOricohaschosenthelosingsideagain.”

DyMarocnodded.“TheFoxisrumoredtobemostwrothwithChalion,forstirringthepotandkeepingitboiling,notthattheHeirneededhelpputtingwoodonthatfire.”

“Perhapstheoldroya’stasteforstrifeshallbeburiedwithhisfirstborn,”saidCazaril,nottoohopefully.

“SotheFoxhasanewHeir,thatchildofhisage—whatwastheboy’sname?”saiddyRinal.

“RoyseBergon,”Cazarilsupplied.

“Aye,”saiddyMaroc.“A

youngoneindeed.AndtheFoxcoulddropatanymoment,leavinganuntriedboyonthethrone.”

“Notsountriedasallthat,”saidCazaril.“He’sseentheprosecutionofonesiegeandthebreakingofanother,ridinginhislatemother’strain,andsurvivedacivilwar.AndonewouldthinkasonoftheFoxcouldnotbestupid.”

“Thefirstonewas,”saiddyRinal,unassailably.“Toleavehissupportersinsuchnakeddisarray.”

“Onecannotblamedeathofthecoughingfeveronalackofwit,”saidCazaril.

“Assumingitreallywasthecoughingfever,”saiddyRinal,pursinghislipsinnewsuspicion.

“What,d’youthinktheFoxwouldpoisonhisownson?”saiddyMaroc.

“Hisagents,man.”

“Well,then,hemighthavedoneitsooner,andsavedIbraaworldofwoe—”

Cazarilsmiledthinly,andpushedupfromthetable,leavingdyRinalanddyMaroctotheirtale-spinning.

Hiswine-sicknesswaspast,andhefeltbetterforhisdinner,buttheshakyexhaustionthatremainedwasnotanythinghewasaccustomedtocallingwell.Intheabsenceofanysummonsfromtheroyesse,hemadehiswaybacktohisbed.

Weariedbeyondfear,hefellasleepsoonenough.Butaroundmidnight,hewasbroughtawakewithagasp.A

man’sscreamsechoeddistantlyinhishead.Screams,andbrokenweeping,andchokedhowlsofrage—heboltedupright,heartpounding,turninghisheadtolocatethesound.Faintandstrange—mightitbecomingfromacrosstheravinefromtheZangre,ordownbytheriverbelowhiswindow?Noonefromthecastleseemedtorespond,nofootsteps,orcriesofinquiry

fromtheguards…Inanotherfewmoments,Cazarilrealizedhewasnothearingthetormentedhowlswithhisears,anymorethanhesawthepalesmudgesfloatingaroundhisbedwithhiseyes.Andherecognizedthevoice.

Helaybackdown,pantingandcurledaroundhimself,andenduredtheuproarforanothertenminutes.WasthedamnedsoulofDondo

preparingtobreakfreeoftheLady’smiracleandhaulhimofftohell?Hewasabouttoleavehisbedandruntothemenagerie,allinhisnightdress,poundonthedoorsandwakeupUmegatandbegthesaintforhelp—couldUmegatdoanythingaboutthis?—whenthecriesfadedagain.

ItwasaboutthehourofDondo’sdeath,herealized.

Perhapsthespirittookupsomespecialpowersatthistime?Hecouldn’ttellifithadorhadnotdonesolastnight,he’dbeensosoddendrunk.Oneuneasynightmarehadblendedinmadfragmentswithalltheothers.

Itmighthavebeenworse,hetoldhimselfashisheartgraduallyslowedagain.Dondomighthavebeengivenanarticulatevoice.The

thoughtofDondo’sghostmadenightlyfreetospeaktohim,whetherinrageorabuseorvilesuggestion,brokehiscourageastheplainhowlshadnot,andheweptforalittleinthesheerterroroftheimagining.

TrusttheLady.TrusttheLady.Hewhisperedsomeincoherentprayers,andslowlyregainedcontrolofhimself.IfShehadbrought

himthisfarforsomepurpose,surelyShewouldnotabandonhimnow.

Anewhorriblethoughtoccurredtohim,ashetoldUmegat’ssermonoverinhismind.IfthegoddessonlyenteredtheworldbyCazarilrenouncinghiswillonHerbehalf,couldwantingdesperatelytolive,anactofwillifevertherewasone,beenoughtoexcludeHer,and

Hermiracle?Herprotectiveencapsulationmightpoplikeasoapbubble,releasingaparadoxofdeathanddamnation…Followingthislogiclooparoundandaroundwasenoughtokeephimawakeforhours,asthenightslowlyworeitselfout.Thesquareofhischamber’swindowwasgrowingfaintlygraybeforehedroppedagainintoblessedunconsciousness.

SOITWASTHAT,FLANKEDBYHISGHOSTLYOUTRIDERS,heclimbedthestairslatethefollowingmorningtohisofficeantechamber.Hefeltstupidanderodedfromlackofsleep,andhelookedforwardwithoutenthusiasmtoaweek’sworthofneglectedcorrespondenceandbookkeeping,droppedindisorderedpilesonhisdeskfromthehourofIselle’sdisastrousbetrothal.

Hefoundhisladiesupbetimes.Inthesittingroomjustpastthefrontierofhisoffice,allhisgoodnewschoolroommapswerespreadoutonatable.Iselleleanedonherhands,staringdownatthem.Betriz,herarmsfoldedunderherbreasts,stoodwatchingoverhershoulderandfrowning.Bothyoungwomen,andNandyVrit,whosatsewing,woretheblacksandlavendersof

strictformalcourtmourning,aprudentdissimulationofwhichCazarilapproved.

Asheentered,hesawnexttoIselle’shandascatteringofpaperscrapswithscribbledlists,someitemsscratchedthrough,somecircledortickedwithchecks.Isellescowledandpointedtoaspotonthemapmarkedwithasturdyhatpin,andsaidoverhershouldertoher

handmaiden,“Butthat’snobetterthan—”ShebrokeoffwhenshesawCazaril.Thedark,invisiblecloakstillclungabouther;onlyanoccasionalfaintthreadofbluelightstillglintedinitssluggishfolds.Theghost-blobsveeredviolentlyawayfromitand,onlypartlytoCazaril’srelief,vanishedfromhissecondsight.

“Areyouallright,Lord

Caz?”Iselleinquired,lookingathimwithherbrowsdrawingdown.“Youdon’tlookwell.”

Cazarilbowedgreeting.“Myapologiesforabsentingmyselfyesterday,Royesse.Iwastakenwitha…acolic.Ithasmostlypassedoffnow.”

NandyVrit,fromherseatinthecorner,lookedupfromhersewingwithanunfriendly

staretoremark,“Thechamberwomanhaditthatyouweretakenwithabadheadfromdrinkingandcarousingwiththestablegrooms.ShesaidshesawyoucomeinsodrunkafterLordDondo’sfuneralyoucouldbarelystagger.”

ConsciousofBetriz’sunhappyscrutiny,hesaidapologetically,“Drinkingyes;carousing,no.Itwon’t

happenagain,milady.”Headdedalittledryly,“Itdidn’tansweranyway.”

“It’sascandaltotheroyesse,thathersecretarybeseensoinebriatedthathe—”

“Hush,Nan,”Iselleinterruptedthislectureimpatiently.“Leavebe.”

“What’sthis,Royesse?”Cazarilgesturedatthepin-

studdedmap.

Iselledrewalongbreath.“I’vethoughtitthrough.I’vebeenthinkingfordays.AslongasIremainunwed,plotswillswirlaboutme.Idon’tdoubtdyJironalwillproducesomeothercandidatetotrytobindmeandTeideztohisclan.Andotherfactions—nowit’srevealedthatOricowouldwillinglybestowmeonalesserlord,everylesser

lordinChalionwillbeginbadgeringhimformyhand.Myonlydefense,myonlycertainrefuge,isifIammarriedalready.Andnottoalesserlord.”

Cazaril’sbrowsrose.“Iconfess,Royesse,myownthoughtshavebeenrunningsomethingalongthoselines.”

“Andswiftly,swiftly,Cazaril.Beforetheycan

comeupwithsomeoneevenmoredisgustingthanDondo.”Hervoicewasedgedwithstress.

“Evenourdearchancellormustfindthatadauntingchallenge,”hemurmureddiffidently,andhadthesatisfactionofdrawingabriefbarkoflaughterfromher.Hepursedhislips.“Theneedisgreat,Igrantyou,butthedangerisnotsoinstantly

pressingasallthat.DyJironalhimselfwillblockthelesserlordsforyou,Iamsure.YourfirstlineofdefensemustbetoblockdyJironal’snextcandidate.Although,thinkingoverhisfamily,it’snotcleartomewhohecanofferup.Hissonsarebothmarried,orhemighthaveputforthoneoftheminplaceofDondo.Orofferedhimself,werehenotwed.”

“Wivesdie,”saidBetrizdarkly.“Sometimes,theyevendieconveniently.”

Cazarilshookhishead.“DyJironalhasplannedhisfamilyallianceswithcare.Hisdaughters-in-law—hiswife,too—arehislinkstosomeofthegreatestfamiliesinChalion,thedaughtersandsistersofpowerfulprovincars.Idon’tsayhewouldn’tseizeavacancy,but

hedarenotbeseenorevensuspectedofcreatingone.Andhisgrandsonsaretoddlers.No,dyJironalmustplayawaitinggame.”

“Whatabouthisnephews?”saidBetriz.

Cazaril,afterapauseforthought,shookhisheadagain.“Toolooseaconnection,notcontrolledenough.Hedesiresa

subordinate,notarival.”

“Idecline,”saidIsellethroughherteeth,“towaitadecadetobewedtoaboyfifteenyearsyoungerthanIam.”

CazarilglancedinvoluntarilyatLadyBetriz.Hehimselfwasfifteenyearsolderthan—hethrustthediscouragingthoughtfromhismind.Theevilbarrierbetweenthem

nowwaslesssurmountablethanmerelythatofyouthversusage.Lifedoesnotweddeath.

“We’veplacedapininthemapforeveryunwedrulerorheirwecanthinkofbetweenhereandDarthaca,”saidBetriz.

Cazariladvancedandlookedoverthemap.“What,eventheRoknariprincedoms?”

“Iwantedtobecomplete,”saidIselle.“Withoutthem,well…thereweren’tverymanychoices.Iadmit,Idon’tmuchliketheideaofaRoknariprince.Leavingasidetheirhorridsquared-offreligion,theircustomofchoosingasheiranysonatall,whetheroftruewifeorconcubine,makesitnearlyimpossibletotellifoneisweddingafuturerulerorafuturedrone.”

“Orafuturecorpse,”saidCazaril.“HalfthevictoriesChalionevergainedovertheRoknariweretheresultofsomeembitteredfailedcandidatestabbinghisprincelyhalfbrotherintheback.”

“ButthatleavesonlyfourtrueQuintariansofrank,”putinBetriz.“TheroyaofBrajar,BergonofIbra,andthetwinsonsofthehighmarchof

YissjustacrosstheDarthacanborder.Whoaretwelveyearsold.”

“Notimpossible,”saidIsellejudiciously,“butMarchdyYisswouldhavenonaturalreasontoallywithTeidez,later,againsttheRoknari.Hesharesnoborderswiththeprincedomsanddoesnotsufferfromtheirdepredations.AndhepaysfealtytoDarthaca,whohas

nointerestinseeingastrong,unitedallianceofIbranstatesarisetoputanendtotheperpetualwarinthenorth.”

Cazarilwaspleasedtohearhisownanalysiscomingbacktohimintheroyesse’smouth;she’dpaidmoreattentionduringhergeographylessonsthanhe’dthought.Hesmiledencouragingly.

“Andbesides,”Iselleaddedcrossly,“Yisshasnocoastlineeither.”Herhanddriftedunhappilyacrossthemaptotheeast.“MycousintheroyaofBrajarisquiteold,andtheysayisgrowntoosoddenwithdrinktoridetowar.Andhisgrandsonistooyoung.”

“Brajardoeshavegoodports,”saidBetriz.Sheaddedmoredubiously,althoughin

thetoneofonepointingoutanadvantage,“Isupposehewouldn’tliveverylong.”

“Yes,butwhathelpcouldIbetoTeidezasameredowagerroyina?It’snotasthoughImighttella,astepgrandsonhowtodeployhistroops!”Iselle’shandtrailedbacktotheoppositecoast.“AndtheFoxofIbra’seldestsonismarried,andhisyoungernottheheir,andthe

countryisconvulsedwithcivilstrife.”

“Notanymore,”saidCazarilabruptly.“DidnoonetellyouthenewsthatcameyesterdayfromIbra?TheHeirisdead.StruckdowninSouthIbra—thecoughingfever.NoonedoubtsthatyoungRoyseBergonwilltakehisplace.He’sbeenloyaltohisfatherthroughoutthewholemess.”

Iselleturnedherheadandstaredathim,hereyeswidening.“Really…!HowoldisBergon,again?Fifteen,washenot?”

“Hemustberisingsixteennow,Royesse.”

“Betterthanfifty-seven!”HerfingerswalkedlightlyupthecoastofIbraalongthestringofmaritimecitiestothegreatportofZagosur,wherethey

stopped,restinguponacertainpinwithacarvedmother-of-pearlhead.“WhatdoyouknowofRoyseBergon,Cazaril?Ishewell-favored?DidyoueverseehimwhenyouwereinIbra?”

“Notwithmyowneyes.Theysayhe’sahandsomeboy.”

Iselleshruggedimpatiently.“Allroysesarealwaysdescribedashandsome,

unlessthey’reabsolutelygrotesque.Thenit’ssaidtheyhavecharacter.”

“IbelieveBergontobereasonablyathletic,whicharguesforatleastapleasantlyhealthyappearance.Theysayhehasbeentrainedatseamanship.”Cazarilsawtheglowofyouthfulenthusiasmstartinginhereyes,andfeltconstrainedtoadd,“ButyourbrotherOricohasbeenatthis

halfwarwiththeroyaofIbraforthepastsevenyears.TheFoxhasnoloveforChalion.”

Isellepressedherhandstogether.“Butwhatbetterwaytoendawarthanwithamarriagetreaty?”

“ChancellordyJironalisboundtoopposeit.Quiteasidefromwantingyouforhisownfamilyconnection,hewantsTeideztohavenoally,

noworinthefuture,strongerthanhimself.”

“Bythatreasoning,hemustopposeanygoodmatchIcansuggest.”Iselleleanedoverthemapagain,herhandsweepinginalongarcencompassingChalionandIbraboth—two-thirdsofthelandsbetweentheseas.“ButifIcouldbringTeidezandBergontogether…”Herpalmpressedflatandslowlyslid

alongthenorthcoastacrossthefiveRoknariprincedoms;pinspoppedfromthepaperandscattered.“Yes,”shebreathed.Hereyesnarrowed,andherjawtightened.WhensheagainlookedupatCazaril,hereyeswereblazing.“IshallputittomybrotherOricoatonce,beforedyJironalreturns.IfIcangethiswordonit,publiclydeclared,surelyevendyJironalcannotmakehimtake

itback?”

“Thinkitthroughfirst,Royesse.Thinkofalltheissues.Onedrawbackissurelytheghastlyfather-in-law.”Cazaril’sbrowwrinkled.“ThoughIsupposetimewillremovehim.Andifanyoneiscapableofovercominghisemotionsinfavorofpolicy,it’stheoldFox.”

Sheturnedfromthetabletopacehastilybackandforthacrossthechamber,heavyskirtsswishing.Herdarkauraclungabouther.

RoyinaSarasharedthevilestdregsofOrico’scurse;shemustpresumablyhaveenteredintoituponhermarriagetotheroya.IfIsellemarriedoutofChalion,wouldsheshedhercursereciprocally,leavingit

behind?Wasthisawayforhertoescapethegeas?Hisrisingexcitementwascutbycaution.OrwouldtheGoldenGeneral’solddarkdestinyfollowheracrosstheborderstohernewcountry?HemustconsultwithUmegat,andsoon.

IsellestoppedandstaredoutthewindowembrasurewhereshehadsattoendureDondo’shideouswooing.Hereyes

narrowed.Atlastshesaiddecisively,“Imusttry.Icannot,willnot,leavemyfatetodriftdownstreamtoanotherdisastrousfallsandmakenopushtosteerit.Iwillpetitionmyroyalbrother,andatonce.”

Shewheeledforthedoorandbeckonedsharply,likeageneralurgingonhistroops.“Betriz,Cazaril,attenduponme!”

15

AftersometimecastingabouttheZangretheyranOricotoearth,toCazaril’ssurprise,inRoyinaSara’schambersonthetopfloorofIas’sTower.Theroyaandroyinawereseatedatasmalltablebyawindow,playingatblocks-

and-dodgestogether.Thesimplegame,withitscarvedboardandcoloredmarbles,seemedapastimeforchildrenorconvalescents,notforthegreatestlordandladyintheland…notthatOricocouldbemistakenforawellmanbyanyexperiencedeye.Theroyalcouple’seerieshadowsseemedmerelyaredundantunderscoretotheirwearysadness.Theyplayednotforidleness,Cazarilrealized,but

fordistraction,diversionfromthefearandwoethathedgedthemallaround.

CazarilwastakenabackbySara’sgarb.Insteadoftheblack-and-lavendercourtmourningthatOricowore,shewasdressedallinwhite,thefestivalgarboftheBastard’sDay,thatintercalaryholidayinsertedeverytwoyearsafterMother’sMidsummerto

preventthecalendar’sprecessingfromitsproperseasons.Thebleachedlinenswerefartoolightforthisweather,andshehuddledintoalargepuffywhitewoolshawltocombatthechill.Shelookeddarkandthinandsallowinthepalewrappings.Withal,itwasanevenmoreedgedinsultthanthecolorfulgownsandrobesshe’dhastilydonnedforDondo’sfuneral.Cazarilwonderedifshe

meanttoweartheBastard’swhitesforthewholeperiodofmourning.AndifdyJironalwoulddareprotest.

Isellecurtseyedtoherroyalbrotherandsister-in-law,andstoodbeforeOricowitheyesbright,handsclaspedbeforeherinanattitudeofdemurefemininitybeliedbythesteelinherspine.CazarilandLadyBetriz,flankingher,alsomadetheircourtesies.Orico,

turningfromthegametable,acknowledgedhissister’sgreeting.Headjustedhispaunchinhislapandeyedheruneasily.Oncloserview,Cazarilcouldseewherehistailorhadaddedamatchedpaneloflavenderbrocadebeneaththearmstoenlargehistunic’sgirth,andtheslightdiscolorationwherethesleeveseamshadbeenpickedoutandresewn.RoyinaSaragatheredhershawland

withdrewalittleintothewindowseat.

Withthebarestpreamble,IsellelaunchedintoherpleafortheroyatoopenformalnegotiationswithIbraforthehandoftheRoyseBergon.Sheemphasizedtheopportunitytomakeabidforpeace,thusrepairingthebreachcreatedbyOrico’sill-fatedsupportofthelateHeir,forsurelyneitherChalionnor

exhaustedIbrawerepreparedtocontinuetheconflictnow.ShepointedouthowappropriateamatchinageandrankBergonwasforherownyearsandstation,andtheadvantagetoOrico—shediplomaticallydidnotaddandthenTeidez—infutureyearstohavearelativeandallyinIbra’scourt.Shepaintedavividword-pictureoftheharassmentfromlesserlordsofChalionvyingforher

handthatOricomightneatlysidestepbythisploy,abitofeloquencethatcausedtheroyatoventawistfulsigh.

Nonetheless,Oricobeganhisexpectedequivocationbyseizingonthislastpoint.“ButIselle,yourmourningprotectsyouforatime.NotevenMartou—Imean,Martouwon’tinsultthememoryofhisbrotherbymarryingoffDondo’s

bereavedfiancéeoverhishotashes.”

Isellesnortedatthebereaved.“Dondo’sasheswillchillsoonenough,andwhatthen?Orico,youwillneveragainforcemetoahusbandwithoutmyassent—mypriorassent,obtainedbeforehand.Iwon’tletyou.”

“No,no,”Oricoagreedhastily,wavinghishands.

“That…thatwasamistake,Iseeitnow.I’msorry.”

Now,there’sanunderstatement…

“Ididnotmeantoinsultyou,dearsister,or,orthegods.”Oricoglancedaroundalittlevaguely,asthoughafraidanoffendedgodmightpounceuponhimoutofsomeastralambuscadeatanymoment.“Imeantwell,foryouandfor

Chalion.”

Belatedly,itdawneduponCazarilthatwhilenooneatcourtbuthimselfandUmegatknewjustwhoseprayershadhurriedDondo…well,notoutoftheworld,butoutofhislife—allknewthattheroyessehadbeenprayingforrescue.None,Cazarilthought,suspectedoraccusedherofworkingdeathmagic—ofcourse,neitherdidthey

suspectoraccusehim—nevertheless,Isellewashere,andDondowasgone.EverythinkingcourtiermustbeunnervedbyDondo’smysteriousdeath,andsomemorethanalittle.

“Nomarriageshallbeofferedtoyouinfuturewithoutyourprioraccordance,”saidOrico,withuncharacteristicfirmness.“That,Ipromiseyouuponmyownheadand

crown.”

Itwasasolemnoath;Cazaril’sbrowsrose.Oricomeantit,apparently.Isellepursedherlips,thenacceptedthiswithaslight,warynod.

Afaintdrybreath,puffedthroughfemininenostrils—Cazaril’seyeswenttoRoyinaSara.Herfacewasshadowedbythewindowembrasure,buthermouthtwistedbriefly

insomesmallironyatherhusband’swords.CazarilconsideredwhatsolemnpromisesOricohadbrokentoher,andlookedaway,discomfited.

“Bythesametoken,”Oricoskippedtohisnextevasionlikeamancrossingstepping-stonesonasteam,“ourmourningmakesittoosoontoofferyoutoIbra.TheFoxmayconstrueaninsultinthis

haste.”

Isellemadeagestureofimpatience.“Butifwewait,Bergonislikelytobesnatchedup!TheroyseisnowtheHeir,he’sofmarriageableage,andhisfatherwantssafetyonhisborders.TheFoxisboundtobarterhimforanally—adaughterofthehighmarchofYiss,perhaps,orarichDarthacannoblewoman,and

Chalionwillhavelostitschance!”

“It’stoosoon.Toosoon.Idon’tdisagreethatyourargumentsaregood,andmayhavetheirday.Indeed,theFoxmadediplomaticinquiriesforyourhandsomeyearsago,Iforgetforwhichson,butallwasbrokenoffwhenthetroublesinSouthIbraerupted.Nothingisfixed.Why,mypoorBrajaran

motherwasbetrothedfivedifferenttimesbeforeshewasfinallywedtoRoyaIas.Takepatience,calmyourself,andawaitamoreseemlytime.”

“Ithinknowisanexcellenttime.Iwanttoseeyoumakeadecision,announceit,andstandbyit—beforeChancellordyJironalreturns.”

“Ah,um,yes.Andthat’s

anotherthing.Icannotpossiblytakeastepofthisgravenaturewithoutconsultationwithmychiefnobleandtheotherlordsincouncil.”Oriconoddedtohimself.

“Youdidn’tconsulttheotherlordsthelasttime.Ithinkyou’remoststrangelyafraidtodoanythingdyJironaldoesn’tapprove.WhoisroyainCardegoss,anyway,Orico

dyChalionorMartoudyJironal?”

“I—I—Iwillthinkonyourwords,dearsister.”Oricomadecravenlittlewaving-awaymotionswithhisfathands.

Iselle,afteramomentspentstaringathimwithaburningintensitythatmadehimwrithe,acceptedthiswithasmall,provisionalnod.“Yes,

dothinkonmypetition,mylord.I’llaskyouagaintomorrow.”

Withthispromise—orthreat—shemadecourtesyagaintoOricoandSaraandwithdrew,BetrizandCazariltrailing.

“Tomorrowandeverydaythereafter?”Cazarilinquiredinanundervoiceasshesaileddownthecorridorinasavagerustlingofskirts.

“EverydaytillOricoyields,”sherepliedthroughsetteeth.“Planonit,Cazaril.”

WINTRYYELLOWLIGHTSLANTEDTHROUGHGRAYcloudslaterthatafternoonasCazarilmadehiswayoutoftheZangretothestableblock.Hepulledhisfineembroideredwoolcoataroundhimanddrewinhisnecklikeaturtleagainstthedamp,coldwind.Whenhe

openedhismouthandexhaled,hecouldmakehisbreathmistinalittlecloudbeforehim.Heblewafewpuffsattheghoststhat,palealmosttoinvisibilityinthesunlight,bobbedperpetuallyafterhim.Adampfrostrimedthecobblesbeneathhisfeet.Hepushedthemenagerie’sheavydoorasidejustenoughtonipwithinandpulleditshutagainimmediatelythereafter.Hestooda

moment,lettinghiseyesadjusttothedarkerinterior,andsneezedfromthesweetdustofthehay.

Thethumblessgroomsetdownapail,hurrieduptohim,bowed,andmadewelcomingnoises.

“IhavecometoseeUmegat,”Cazariltoldhim.Thelittleoldmanbowedagainandbeckonedhimonward.Heled

Cazarildowntheaisle.Thebeautifulanimalsalllurchedtothefrontoftheirstallstosnortathim,andthesandfoxesjumpedupandyippedexcitedlyashepassed.

Astone-walledchamberatthefarendprovedtobeatackroomconvertedtoaworkandleisureroomforthemenagerie’sservants.Asmallfireburnedcheerfullyinafieldstonefireplace,taking

thechilloff.Thefaint,pleasantscentofwoodsmokecombinedwiththatofleather,metalpolish,andsoaps.Thewool-stuffedcushionsonthechairstowhichthegroomgesturedhimwerefadedandworn,andtheoldworktablewasstainedandscarred.Buttheroomwasswept,andtheglazedwindows,oneoneithersideofthefireplace,hadthelittleroundpanessetintheirleadspolishedclean.

Thegroommadenoisesandshuffledoutagain.

Inafewminutes,Umegatentered,wipinghishandsdryonaclothandstraighteninghistabard.“Welcome,mylord,”hesaidsoftly.Cazarilfeltsuddenlyuncertainofhisetiquette,whethertostandasforasuperiororsitasforaservant.TherewasnocourtRoknarigrammaticalmodeforsecretarytosaint.Hesat

upandhalfbowedfromthewaist,awkwardly,bywayofcompromise.“Umegat.”

Umegatclosedthedoor,assuringprivacy.Cazarilleanedforward,claspinghishandsuponthetabletop,andspokewiththeurgencyofpatienttophysician.“YouseetheghostsoftheZangre.Doyoueverhearthem?”

“Notnormally.Haveyou?”

UmegatpulledoutachairandseatedhimselfatrightanglestoCazaril.

“Notthese—”Hebattedawaythemostpersistentone,whichhadfollowedhiminside.Umegatpursedhislipsandflippedhisclothatit,anditflittedoff.“Dondo’s.”Cazarildescribedlastnight’sinternaluproar.“Ithoughthewastryingtobreakout.Canhesucceed?Ifthegoddess’s

gripfails?”

“Iamcertainnoghostcanoverpoweragod,”saidUmegat.

“That’s…notquiteananswer.”Cazarilbrooded.PerhapsDondoandthedemonmeanttokillhimfromsheerexhaustion.“Canyouatleastsuggestawaytoshuthimup?Puttingmyheadunderthepillowwasnohelp

atall.”

“Thereisakindofsymmetrytoit,”observedUmegatslowly.“Outerghoststhatyoumayseebutnothear,innerghoststhatyoumayhearbutnotsee…iftheBastardhasahandinit,itmayhavesomethingtodowithmaintainingbalance.Inanycase,Iamsureyourpreservationwasnoaccidentandwouldnotbeaccidentally

withdrawn.”

Cazarilabsorbedthisforamoment.Dailyduties,eh.Today’shadbroughtsomecuriousturns.Hespokenowascomradetocomrade.“Umegat,listen,I’vehadanidea.WeknowthecursehasfollowedtheHouseofChalion’smaleline,FonsatoIastoOrico.YetRoyinaSarawearsnearlyasdarkashadowasOricodoes,and

sheisnospawnofFonsa’sloins.Shemusthavemarriedintothecurse,yes?”

ThefinelinesofUmegat’sfacedeepenedwithhisfrown.“SaraalreadyboretheshadowwhenIfirstcame,yearsago,butIsuppose…yes,itmusthavebeenso.”

“Istalikewise,presumably?”

“Presumably.”

“So—couldIsellemarryoutofthecurse?Sheditwithhermarriagevows,whensheleavesherfamilyofbirthbehindandentersintothefamilyofherhusband?Orwouldthecursefollowhertotaintthemboth?”

Umegat’sbrowswentup.“Idon’tknow.”

“Butyoudon’tknowthatit’simpossible?Iwasthinking

thatitmightbeawaytosalvage…something.”

Umegatsatback.“Possibly.Idon’tknow.Itwasneveraploytoconsider,forOrico.”

“Ineedtoknow,Umegat.RoyesseIselleispushingOricotoopennegotiationsforhermarriageoutofChalion.”

“ChancellordyJironalwillsurelynotallowthat.”

“Iwouldnotunderestimateherpowersofpersuasion.SheisnotanotherSara.”

“NeitherwasSara,once.Butyouareright.Oh,mypoorOrico,tobepressedbetweentwosuchgrindingstones.”

Cazarilbithislip,andpausedalongtimebeforeventuringhisnextquery.“Umegat…you’vebeenobservingthiscourtformanyyears.Wasdy

Jironalalwayssopoisonousapeculator,orhasthecurseslowlybeencorruptinghim,too?Didthecursedrawsuchamantohispositionofpower,orwouldanymantryingtoservetheHouseofChalionbecomesocorroded,intime?”

“Youaskveryinterestingquestions,LordCazaril.”Umegat’sgrayingbrowsdrewdowninthought.“I

wishIhadbetteranswers.MartoudyJironalwasalwaysforcible,intelligent,able.Weshallleaveasideconsiderationofhisyoungerbrother,whomadehisreputationasastrongarminthefield,notastrongheadinthecourt.WhenhefirsttookupthepostofchancellorIwouldhavejudgedtheelderdyJironalnomoresusceptibletothetemptationsofprideandgreedthanany

otherhighlordofChalionwithaclantoprovidefor.”

Faintenoughpraise,that.Andyet…

“YetIthink…”UmegatseemedtocontinueCazaril’sverythought,hiseyesrisingtomeethisguest’s,“thecursehasdonehimnogoodeither.”

“So…gettingridofdyJironalisnotthesolutiontoOrico’s

woes?Anothersuchman,perhapsworse,wouldsimplyriseinhisplace?”

Umegatopenedhishands.“Thecursetakesahundredforms,twistingeachgoodthingthatshouldbeOrico’saccordingtotheweaknessesofitsnature.Awifegrownbarreninsteadoffertile.Achiefadvisorcorruptinsteadofloyal.Friendsfickleinsteadoftrue,foodthat

sickensinsteadofstrengthening,andonandon.”

Asecretary-tutorgrowncowardlyandfoolishinsteadofbraveandwise?Ormaybejustfeyandmad…Ifanymanwhocamewithinthecurse’sambitwasvulnerable,washedestinedtobecomeIselle’splague,asdyJironalwasOrico’s?“AndTeidez,andIselle—mustallherchoices

falloutasillasOrico’s,ordoeshebearaspecialburden,beingtheroya?”

“IthinkthecursehasgrownworseforOricoovertime.”TheRoknari’sgrayeyesnarrowed.“Youhaveaskedmeadozenquestions,LordCazaril.Allowmetoaskyouone.HowcameyouintotheserviceofRoyesseIselle?”

Cazarilopenedhismouthand

satback,hismindjumpingfirsttothedaytheProvincarahadambushedhimwithherofferofemployment.Butno,beforethatcame…andbeforethatcame…HefoundhimselfinsteadtellingUmegatofthedayasoldieroftheDaughterastrideanervyhorsehaddroppedagoldcoininthemud,andhowhehadarrivedinValenda.Umegatbrewedteaatthelittlefireandpushedasteamingmugin

frontofCazaril,whopausedonlytolubricatehisdryingthroat.CazarildescribedhowIsellehaddiscomfitedthecrookedjudgeontheDaughter’sDay,and,atlength,howtheyhadallcometoCardegoss.

Umegatpulledonhisqueue.“Doyouthinkyourstepswerefatedfromthatfarback?Disturbing.Butthegodsareparsimonious,andtaketheir

chanceswheretheycanfindthem.”

“Ifthegodsaremakingthispathforme,thenwhereismyfreewill?No,itcannotbe!”

“Ah.”Umegatbrightenedatthisthornytheologicalpoint.“Ihavehadanotherthoughtonsuchfates,thatdeniesneithergodsnormen.Perhaps,insteadofcontrollingeverystep,the

godshavestartedahundredorathousandCazarilsandUmegatsdownthisroad.Andonlythosearrivewhochooseto.”

“ButamIthefirsttoarrive,orthelast?”

“Well,”saidUmegatdryly,“Icanpromiseyouyou’renotthefirst.”

Cazarilgrunted

understanding.Afteralittletimespentdigestingthis,hesaidsuddenly,“ButifthegodshavegivenyoutoOrico,andmetoIselle—thoughIthinkSomeonehasmadeaholymistake—whoisgivenfortheprotectionofTeidez?Shouldn’ttherebethreeofus?AmanoftheBrother,surely,thoughwhethertoolorsaintorfoolIknownot—orhavealltheboy’shundreddestinedprotectorsfallenby

theroadside,onebyone?Maybethemanisjustnothereyet.”AnewthoughtrobbedCazarilofbreath.“MaybeitwassupposedtohavebeendySanda.”Heleanedforward,buryinghisfaceinhishands.“IfIstayheretalkingtheologywithyoumuchlonger,IswearI’llendupdrinkingmyselfblindagain,justtomakemybrainstopspinningroundandroundinsidemyskull.”

“Addictiontodrinkisactuallyafairlycommonhazard,amongdivines,”saidUmegat.

“Ibegintoseewhy.”Cazariltiltedbackhisheadtocatchthelasttrickleoftea,growncoldinhiscup,andsetitdown.“Umegat…ifImustaskofeveryactionnotonlyifitiswiseorgood,butalsoifit’stheoneI’msupposedtochoose,Ishallgomad.

Madder.I’llendupcurledinacornernotdoinganythingatall,exceptmaybemumblingandweeping.”

Umegatchuckled—cruelly,Cazarilthought—butthenshookhishead.“Youcannotoutguessthegods.Holdtovirtue—ifyoucanidentifyit—andtrustthatthedutysetbeforeyouisthedutydesiredofyou.Andthatthetalentsgiventoyouarethetalents

youshouldplaceinthegods’service.Believethatthegodsaskfornothingbackthattheyhavenotfirstlenttoyou.Notevenyourlife.”

Cazarilrubbedhisface,andinhaled.“ThenIshallbendallmyeffortstopromotingthismarriageofIselle’s,tobreaktheholdofthecurseuponher.Imusttrustmyreason,orwhyelsedidthegoddesschooseareasonable

manforIselle’sguardian?”Thoughheaddedunderhisbreath,“Atleast,Iusedtobeareasonableman…”Henodded,farmorefirmlythanhefelt,andpushedbackhischair.“Prayforme,Umegat.”

“Everyhour,mylord.”

ITWASGROWINGDARKWHENLADYBETRIZBROUGHTataperintoCazaril’sofficeanddriftedaboutforamoment

lightinghisreadingcandlesintheirglassvases.Hesmiledandnoddedthanks.Shesmiledbackandblewouthertaper,butthenpaused,notyetreturningtothewomen’schambers.Shestood,Cazarilobserved,inthesamespotwheretheyhadpartedthenightofDondo’sdeath.

“Thingsseemtobesettlingdownalittlenow,thankthegods,”sheremarked.

“Yes.Alittle.”Cazarillaiddownhisquill.

“Ibegintobelieveallwillbewell.”

“Yes.”Hisstomachcramped.No.

Alongpause.Hepickeduphisquillagain,anddippedit,althoughhehadnothingmoretowrite.

“Cazaril,mustyoubelieveyouareabouttodieinordertobringyourselftokissalady?”shedemandedabruptly.

Heduckedhishead,flushing,andclearedhisthroat.“Mydeepestapologies,LadyBetriz.Itwon’thappenagain.”

Hedarednotlookup,lestshetryanewtobreakthroughhis

fragilebarriers.Lestshesucceed.Oh,Betriz,donotsacrificeyourdignitytomyfutility!

Hervoicegrewstiff.“I’mverysorrytohearthat,Castillar.”

Hekepthiseyesonhisledgerasherfootstepsretreated.

SEVERALDAYSPASSED,ASISELLECONTINUEDHERcampaignuponOrico.Severalnightspassed,madeghastlyforCazarilbythehowlsofDondo’ssoulinitsprivatetorment.Thisintestinalvisitationdidindeedprovetobenightly,aquarterofanhourreprisingtheterrorofthatdeath.Cazarilcouldnotfalltosleepbeforethemidnightinterlude,insickapprehension,norforlong

afterit,inshakenresonance,andhisfacegrewgraywithfatigue.Theblurryoldphantasmsbegantoseempleasantpetsbycomparison.Therewasnowayhecoulddrinkenoughwine,nightly,tosleepthroughit,sohesethimselftoendure.

Oricoenduredhissister’svisitationswithlessfortitude.Hetooktoavoidingherinincreasinglybizarreways,but

shebrokeinuponhimanyway,inchamber,kitchen,andonce,toNandyVrit’sscandal,hissteambath.Thedayherodeouttohishuntinglodgeintheoakwoodsatdawn,Isellefollowedpromptlyafterbreakfast.CazarilwasrelievedtonotethathisownspectralretinuefellbehindastheyrodeoutoftheZangre,asthoughboundtotheirplaceofdeath.

ItwasclearthatthefastgallopwasaninexpressiblejoytoIselle,assheshookouttheknotsandstrainsofhertrammeledexistenceinthecastle.Adayinthesaddleinthecrispearly-winterair,goingandreturningfromanotherwisefutileinterview,brightenedhereyeandputcolorinhercheeks.LadyBetrizwasnolessinvigorated.ThefourBaocianguardstoldofftoridewith

themkeptup,butonlyjust,laboringalongwiththeirhorses;Cazarilconcealedagony.Hepassedbloodagainthatevening,whichhe’dnotdoneforsomedays,andDondo’snightlyserenadeprovedespeciallyshatteringbecause,forthefirsttime,Cazaril’sinwardearcouldmakeoutwordsinthecries.Theyweren’twordsthatmadeanysense,buttheyweredistinguishable.Would

morefollow?

Dreadinganothersuchride,CazarilwearilyclimbedthestairstoIselle’schamberslatethenextmorning.Hehadjusteasedhimselfstifflyintohischairathisdeskandtakenuphisaccountbook,whenRoyinaSaraappeared,accompaniedbytwoofherladies.ShewaftedpastCazarilinacloudofwhitewool.Hescrambledtohis

feetinsurpriseandboweddeeply;sheacknowledgedhisexistencewithafaint,farawaynod.

Aflurryoffemininevoicesintheforbiddenchambersbeyondannouncedhervisittohersister-in-law.Boththeroyina’sladies-in-waitingandNandyVritwereexiledtothesittingroom,wheretheysatsewingandquietlygossiping.Afterabouthalfan

hour,RoyinaSaracameoutagainandcrossedthroughCazaril’sofficeantechamberwiththesameunsmilingabstraction.

Betrizfollowedshortly.“Theroyessebidsyouattenduponherinhersittingchamber,”shetoldCazaril.Herblackeyebrowswerecrimpedtightwithworry.Cazarilroseatonceandfollowedherinside.

Isellesatinacarvedchair,herhandsclencheduponitsarms,paleandbreathingheavily.“Infamous!Mybrotherisinfamous,Cazaril!”shetoldhimashemadehisbowandpulledastooluptoherknee.

“Mylady?”heinquired,andlethimselfdownascarefullyashecould.Lastnight’sbellycrampstilllingered,andstabbedhimifhemovedtoo

quickly.

“Nomarriagewithoutmyconsent,aye,hespokethattrulyenough—butnonewithoutdyJironal’sconsent,either!Sarahaswhisperedittome.Afterhisbrother’sdeath,butbeforeherodeoutofCardegosstoseekthemurderer,thechancellorclosetedhimselfwithmybrotherandpersuadedhimtomakeacodiciltohiswill.In

theeventofOrico’sdeath,thechancellorismaderegentformybrotherTeidez—”

“Ibelievethatarrangementhasbeenknownforquitesometime,Royesse.Thereisaregencycouncilsetuptoadvisehim,aswell.TheprovincarsofChalionwouldnotletthatmuchpowerpasstooneoftheirnumberwithoutacheck.”

“Yes,yes,Iknewthat,but—”

“Thecodicildoesnotattempttoabolishthecouncil,doesit?”askedCazarilinalarm.“Thatwouldsetthelordsinanuproar.”

“No,thatpartisleftallasitwas.Butformerly,IwastobethewardofmygrandmotherandmyuncletheprovincarofBaocia.Now,Iamtobetransferredto

dyJironal’sownwardship.Thereisnocounciltocheckthat!Andlisten,Cazaril!ThetermofhisguardianshipissettobeuntilImarry,andpermissionformymarriageisleftentirelyinhishands!HecankeepmeunwedtillIdieofoldage,ifhechooses!”

Cazarilconcealedhisuneaseandheldupasoothinghand.“Surelynot.Hemustdieofoldagelongbeforeyou.And

wellbeforethat,whenTeidezcomestohisman’sestateandthefullpowersoftheroyacy,hecanfreeyouwitharoyaldecree.”

“Teidez’smajorityissetattwenty-fiveyears,Cazaril!”

Adecadeago,Cazarilwouldhavesharedheroutrageatthislengthyterm.Nowitsoundedmorelikeagoodidea.Butnot,granted,with

dyJironalinthesaddleinstead.

“Iwouldbealmosttwenty-eightyearsold!”

Twelvemoreyearsforthecursetoworkuponher,andwithinher…no,itwasnotgoodbyanymeasure.

“Hecoulddismissyoufrommyhouseholdinstantly!”

YouhaveanotherPatroness,whohasnotchosentodismissmeyet.“Igrantyouhavecauseforconcern,Royesse,butdon’tborrowtroublebeforeitstime.NoneofthismatterswhileOricolives.”

“Heisnotwell,Sarasays.”

“Heisnotveryfit,”Cazarilagreedcautiously.“Buthe’snotbyanymeansanoldman.He’sbarelymorethanforty.”

BytheexpressiononIselle’sface,shefoundthatquiteagedenough.“Heismore…not-wellthanheappears.Sarasays.”

Cazarilhesitated.“Isshethatintimatewithhim,toknowthis?Ihadthoughtthemestranged.”

“Idon’tunderstandthem.”Iselleknuckledhereyes.“Oh,Cazaril,itwastruewhat

Dondotoldme!Ithought,later,thatitmighthavebeenjustahorridlietofrightenme.Sarawassodesperateforachild,sheagreedtoletdyJironaltry,whenOrico…couldnot,anymore.Martouwasnotsobad,shesaid.Hewasatleastcourteous.Itwasonlywhenhecouldnotgetherwithchildeitherthathisbrothercajoledhimtolethimintotheventure.Dondowasdreadful,andtookpleasurein

herhumiliation.ButCazaril,Oricoknew.HehelpedpersuadeSaratothisoutrage.Idon’tunderstand,becauseOricosurelydoesnothateTeidezsomuchhe’dwishtosetdyJironal’sbastardinhisplace.”

“No.”Andyes.AsonofdyJironalandSarawouldnotbeadescendantofFonsatheFairly-wise.Oricomusthavereasonedthatsuchachild

mightgrowuptofreetheroyacyofChalionfromtheGoldenGeneral’sdeathcurse.Adesperatemeasure,butpossiblyaneffectiveone.

“RoyinaSara,”Iselleadded,hermouthcrooking,“saysifdyJironalfindsDondo’smurderer,sheplanstopayforhisfuneral,pensionhisfamily,andhaveperpetualprayerssungforhiminthetempleofCardegoss.”

“That’sgoodtoknow,”saidCazarilfaintly.Althoughhehadnofamilytopension.Hehunchedoveralittleandsmiledtohideagrimaceofpain.So,notevenSara,whohadfilledIselle’smaidenearswithdetailsofshockingintimacy,hadtoldherofthecurse.AndhewascertainnowthatSara,too,knewofit.Orico,Sara,dyJironal,Umegat,probablyIsta,possiblyeventheProvincara,

andnotonehadchosentoburdenthesechildrenwithknowledgeofthedarkcloudthathungoverthem.Whowashetobetraythatimplicitconspiracyofsilence?

Noonetoldme,either.DoIthankthemnowfortheirconsideration?When,then,didTeidez’sandIselle’sprotectorsplantoletthemknowofthegeasthatwrappedthemround?Did

Oricoexpecttotellthemonhisdeathbed,ashe’dbeentoldbyhisfatherIas?

HadCazariltherighttotellIsellesecretsthathernaturalguardianschosetoconceal?

Washepreparedtoexplaintoherjusthowhehadfounditallout?

HeglancedatLadyBetriz,seatednowonanotherstool

andanxiouslywatchingherdistressedroyalmistress.EvenBetriz,whoknewquitewellthathehadattempteddeathmagic,didnotknowthathehadsucceeded.

“Idon’tknowwhattotrynext,”moanedIselle.“Oricoisuseless.”

CouldIselleescapethiscursewithouteverhavingtoknowofit?Hetookadeepbreath,

forwhathewasabouttosayskirtedtreason.“Youcouldtakestepstoarrangeyourmarriageyourself.”

Betrizstirredandsatup,hereyeswideningathim.

“What,insecret?”saidIselle.“Frommyroyalbrother?”

“Certainlyinsecretfromhischancellor.”

“Isthatlegal?”

Cazarilblewouthisbreath.“Amarriage,contractedandconsummated,cannotreadilybesetasideevenbyaroya.IfasufficientlylargecampofChalionesewerepersuadedtosupportyouinit—andaconsiderablefactionofoppositiontodyJironalexistsready-made—settingitasidewouldberenderedstillharder.”Andifsheweregot

outofChalionandplacedundertheprotectionof,say,asshrewdafather-in-lawastheFoxofIbra,shemightleavecurseandfactionbothbehindaltogether.Arrangingthemattersothatshedidn’tsimplytradebeingapowerlesshostageinonecourtforbeingapowerlesshostageinanotherwasthehardpart.Butatleastanuncursedhostage,eh?

“Ah!”Iselle’seyeslitwithapproval.“Cazaril,canitbedone?”

“Therearepracticaldifficulties,”headmitted.“Allofwhichhavepracticalsolutions.Themostcriticalistodiscoveramanyoucantrusttobeyourambassador.HemusthavethewittogainyouthestrongestpossiblepositioninnegotiationwithIbra,thesupplenesstoavoid

offendingChalion,nervetopassindisguiseacrossuneasyborders,strengthfortravel,loyaltytoyouandyoualone,andcourageinyourcausethatmustnotbreak.Amistakeinthisselectionwouldbefatal.”Possiblyliterally.

Shepressedherhandstogether,andfrowned.“Canyoufindmesuchaman?”

“Iwillbendmythoughtstoit,andlookaboutme.”

“Doso,LordCazaril,”shebreathed.“Doso.”

LadyBetrizsaid,inanoddlydryvoice,“Surelyyouneednotlookfar.”

“Itcannotbeme.”Withaswallow,heconvertedIcouldfalldeadatyourfeetatanymomentto,“Idarenotleave

youherewithoutprotection.”

“Weshallallthinkonit,”saidIsellefirmly.

THEFATHER’SDAYFESTIVITIESPASSEDQUIETLY.CHILLraindampenedthecelebrationsinCardegoss,andkeptmanyfromtheZangrefromattendingthemunicipalprocession,thoughORICOwentasaroyaldutyandasa

resultcontractedaheadcold.Heturnedthistoaccountbytakingtohisbedandavoidingeveryonethereby.TheZangre’sdenizens,stillinblackandlavenderforLordDondo,keptasoberFather’sFeast,withsacredmusicbutnodancing.

Theicyraincontinuedthroughtheweek.Cazaril,onesoddenafternoon,wascombiningpractical

applicationwithtutorialbyteachingBetrizandIsellehowtokeepaccounts,whenacrispraponthechamberdooroverrodeapage’sdiffidentvoiceannouncing,“TheMarchdyPalliarbegstoseemylorddyCazaril.”

“Palli!”Cazarilturnedinhischair,andleveredhimselftohisfeetwithahandonthetable.Brightdelightfloodedbothhisladies’faceswith

suddenenergy,drivingouttheennui.“iwasn’texpectingyouinCardegosssosoon!”

“NorwasI.”PallibowedtothewomenandfavoredCazarilwithatwistedgrin.Hedroppedacoininthepage’shandandjerkedhishead;theboybentdouble,inagradationthatindicateddeepapprovaloftheamountofthelargesse,andscamperedoff.

Pallicontinued,“Itookonlytwoofficersandrodehard;mytroopfromPalliarfollowsatapacethatwillnotdestroyhorses.”Heglancedaroundthechamberandshruggedhisbroadshoulders.“Goddessforfend!Ididn’tthinkIwasspeakingprophecy,lasttimeIwashere.Givesmeaworsechillthanthismiserablerain.”Hecastoffawater-spottedwoolencloak,revealingtheblue-and-whitegarbofan

officerofthedaughter’sorder,andranaruefulhandthroughthebrightdropsbeadinginhisdarkhair.HeclaspedhandswithCazaril,andadded,“Bastard’sdemons,Caz,youlookterrible!”

Cazarilcouldnot,alas,respondtothiswithaverywellput.Heinsteadturnedofftheremarkwithamumbleof,“It’stheweather,I

suppose.Itmakeseveryonedullanddrab.”

Pallistoodbackandstaredhimupanddown.“Weather?WhenlastIsawyou,yourskinwasnotthecolorofmoldydough,youdidn’thaveblackringsaroundyoureyeslikeastripedrock-rat,and,and,youlookedprettyfit,not—pale,pinched,andpotbellied.”Cazarilstraightenedup,indignantly

suckinginhisachinggut,asPallijerkedathumbathimandadded,“Royesse,youshouldgetyoursecretarytoaphysician.”

IsellestaredatCazarilinsuddendoubt,herhandgoingtohermouth,asifreallylookinghimforthefirsttimeinweeks.Which,hesupposed,shewas;herattentionshadbeenthoroughlyabsorbedbyher

owntroublesthroughtheselatedisasters.Betrizlookedfromoneofthemtotheother,andsetherteethonherlowerlip.

“Idon’tneedtoseeaphysician,”saidCazarilfirmly,loudly,andquickly.Oranyothersuchinterrogator,deargods.

“Soallmensay,interrorofthelancetandthepurgative.”

Palliwavedawaythisstungprotest.“Thelastoneofmysergeantswhodevelopedsaddleboils,Ihadtomarchintotheoldleech-handleratsword’spoint.Don’tlistentohim,Royesse.Cazaril”—hisfacesobered,andhemadeanapologetichalfbowtoIselle—“MayIspeaktoyouprivatelyforamoment?IpromiseIshallnotkeephimfromyoulong,Royesse.Icannotlinger.”

Gravely,Isellegrantedherroyalpermission.Cazaril,quicktocatchtheundertoneinPalli’svoice,ledhimnottohisofficeantechamberbutallthewaydownthestairstohisownchamber.Thecorridorwasempty,happily.Heclosedhisheavydoorfirmlybehindthem,tothwarthumaneavesdroppers.Thesenilespiritsmudgeskepttheirconfidences.

Cazariltookthechair,thebettertoconcealhislackofgraceinmovement.Pallisatontheedgeofthebed,foldedhiscloakbesidehim,andclaspedhishandslooselybetweenhisknees.

“Thedaughter’scouriertoPalliarmusthavemadeexcellenttimedespitethewintermuds,”saidCazaril,countingdaysinhishead.

Palli’sdarkbrowsrose.“Youknowofthatalready?I’dthoughtita,ah,quiteprivatecalltoconclave.Thoughitwillbecomeobvioussoonenough,astheotherlorddedicatsarriveinCardegoss.”

Cazarilshrugged.“Ihavemysources.”

“Idon’tdoubtit.AndsohaveImine.”Pallishookhisfingerathim.“Youaretheonly

intelligencerinthezangrethatIwouldtrust,atpresent.What,undertheGods’eyes,hasbeenhappeninghereatcourt?ThemostluridandgarbledtalesarecirculatingregardingourlateHolyGeneral’ssuddendemise.Anddelightfulasthepictureis,somehowIdon’treallythinkhewascarriedoffbodilybyaflightofdemonswithblazingwingscalleddownbytheRoyesseIselle’s

prayers.”

“Ah…notexactly.Hejustchokedtodeathinthemiddleofadrinkingfest,thenightbeforehiswedding.”

“Onhispoisonous,lyingtongue,onewouldwish.”

“Verynearly.”

Pallisniffed.“ThelorddedicatswhomLordDondo

putinafury—whoarenotonlyalltheoneshefailedtobuyoutright,butalsothosewho’vegrownashamedoftheirpurchasesince—havetakenhistaking-offasasignthewheelhasturned.AssoonasourquorumarrivesinCardegoss,wemeantostealamarchonthechancellorandpresentourowncandidateforHolyGeneraltoOrico.Orperhapsaslateofthreeacceptablemen,fromwhich

theroyamightchoose.”

“Thatwouldlikelygodownbetter.It’sadelicatebalancebetween…”Cazarilcutoff,loyaltyandtreason.“Too,dyjironalhashisownpowersinthetemple,aswellasintheZangre.Youdon’twantthisinfightingtoturntoougly.”

“EvendyJironalwouldnotdaredisruptthetemplebysettingsoldiersoftheson

uponsoldiersofthedaughter,”saidPalliconfidently.

“Mm,”saidCazaril.

“Atthesametime,someofthelorddedicats—namingnonamesrightnow—wanttogofarther.maybeassembleandpresentevidenceofenoughofboththeJironals’bribes,threats,peculations,andmalfeasancestoOricothatit

wouldforcehimtodismissdyJironalaschancellor.maketheRoyatakeastand.”

Cazarilrubbedhisnose,andsaidwarningly,“ForcingOricotostandwouldbeliketryingtobuildatoweroutofcustard.Idon’trecommendit.NorwillhereadilybepartedfromdyJironal.TheRoyareliesonhim…moredeeplythanIcanexplain.Yourevidencewouldneedto

beutterlyoverwhelming.”

“Yes,whichispartofwhatbringsmetoyou.”Pallileanedforwardintently.“Wouldyoubewillingtorepeat,underoathbeforethedaughter’sconclave,thetaleyoutoldmeinValendaabouthowtheJironalssoldyoutothegalleys?”

Cazarilhesitated.“Ihaveonlymywordtoofferas

proof,Palli.tooweaktotoppledyJironal,Iassureyou.”

“Notalone,no.Butitmightbejustthecointotipthescale,thestrawtolightthefire.”

Justthestrawtostandoutfromalltheothers?Didhewanttobeknownasthepivotofthisplot?Cazaril’slipsscrewedupindismay.

“Andyou’reamanofreputation,”Palliwentonpersuasively.

Cazariljerked.“Nogoodone,surely…!”

“What,everyoneknowsofRoyesseIselle’scleversecretary,themanwhokeepshisowncounsel—andhers—theBastionofGotorget—utterlyindifferenttowealth—”

“No,I’mnot,”Cazarilassuredhimearnestly.“Ijustdressbadly.Iquitelikewealth.”

“AndpossessingtheRoyesse’stotalconfidence.Anddon’tpretendacourtier’sgreedtome—withmyowneyesIsawyouturndownthreerichroknaribribestobetraygotorget,thelastwhileyouwerestarvingneartodeath,andIcan

producelivingwitnessestobackme.”

“well,ofcourseIdidn’t—”

“yourvoicewouldbelistenedtoincouncil,Caz!”

Cazarilsighed.“I…I’llthinkaboutit.Ihavenearerduties.SaythatI’llspeakinthesealedsessionifandonlyifyouthinkmytestimonywouldbetrulyneeded.

Templeinternalpoliticsarenobusinessofmine.”Atwingeinhisgutmadehimregretthatwordchoice.IfearIamafflictedwiththegoddess’sowninternalpolitics,justnow.

Palli’shappynodclaimedthisasafirmerassentthanCazarilquitewished.Herose,thankedCazaril,andtookhisleave.

16

Twoafternoonslater,CazarilwassittingunguardedlyathisworktablemendinghispenswhenapageoftheZangreenteredhisantechamberandannounced,“HereisDedicatRojeras,inobediencetotheorderoftheRoyesseIselle,

m’lord.”

Rojeraswasamanofaboutforty,withsandyredhairrecedingalittlefromhisforehead,freckles,andkeenblueeyes.Theman’stradewasrecognizablebythegreenrobesofalaydedicatofCardegoss’sTempleHospitaloftheMother’sMercythatswungathisbriskstep,andhisrankbythemaster’sbraidsewnoverhis

shoulder.Cazarilknewatoncethatnoneofhisladiescouldbethequarry,ortheMother’sOrderwouldhavesentawomanphysician.Hestiffenedinalarm,butnoddedpolitely.HeroseandturnedtoconveythemessagetotheinnerchambersonlytofindLadyBetrizandtheroyessealreadyatthedoor,smilingunsurprisedgreetingstotheman.

Betrizdroppedahalfcurtseyinexchangeforthededicat’sdeepbow,andsaid,“ThisisthemanItoldyouabout,Royesse.TheMother’sseniordivinesayshehasmadeaspecialstudyofwastingdiseases,andhasapprenticeswho’vetraveledfromalloverChaliontobetaughtbyhim!”

So,LadyBetriz’sexcursiontothetempleyesterdayhadincludedmorethanprayers

andcharityofferings.IsellehadlesstolearnaboutcourtconspiraciesthanCazarilhadthought.She’dcertainlysmuggledthispasthimsmoothlyenough.Hewasambushed,andbyhisownladies.Hesmiledtightly,swallowinghisfear.Themanhadnoneoftheluminoussignsofsecondsightabouthim;whatcouldhetellfromCazaril’smerebody?

Isellelookedthephysicianoverandnoddedsatisfaction.“DedicatRojeras,pleaseexaminemysecretaryandreportbacktome.”

“Royesse,Idon’tneedtoseeaphysician!”AndImostespeciallydon’tneedaphysiciantoseeme.

“Thenallweshallwasteisatrifleoftime,”Isellecountered,“whichthegods

giveuseachdayallthesame.Uponpainofmydispleasure,Iorderyoutogowithhim,Cazaril.”Therewasnomistakingthedeterminationinhervoice.

DamnPalli,fornotonlyputtingthisintoherhead,butteachingherhowtoblockhisescape.Isellewastooquickastudy.Still…thephysicianwouldeitherdiagnoseamiracle,orhewouldnot.If

hedid,CazarilcouldcallforUmegat,andletthesaint,withhisundoubtedhighconnectionstotheTemple,dealwithit.Andifnot,whatharmwasinit?

Cazarilbowedobedient,ifstifflyoffended,assent,andledhisunwelcomevisitordownstairstohisbedchamber.LadyBetrizfollowed,toseethatherroyalmistress’sorderswerecarried

out.Sheofferedhimaquickapologeticsmile,buthereyeswereapprehensiveasCazarilclosedhisdooruponher.

ShutinwithCazaril,thephysicianmadehimsitbythewindowwhilehefelthispulseandpeeredintohiseyes,ears,andthroat.HebadeCazarilmakewater,whichhesniffedandstudiedinaglasstubehelduptothelight.Heinquiredafter

Cazaril’sbowels,andCazarilreluctantlyadmittedtotheblood.ThenCazarilwasrequiredtoundressandliedown,andsuffertohavehisheartandbreathinglistenedtobytheman’searpressedtohischest,andbepokedandproddedalloverhisbodybythecool,quickfingers.Cazarilhadtoexplainhowhecamebyhisfloggingscars;Rojeras’scommentsuponthemwerelimitedtosome

hair-raisingsuggestionsofhowhemightridCazarilofhisremainingadhesions,shouldCazarildesireitandgatherthenerve.Withal,Cazarilthoughthewouldprefertowaitandfalloffanotherhorse,andsaidso,whichonlymadeRojeraschuckle.

Rojeras’ssmilefadedashereturnedtoamorecareful,anddeeper,probingof

Cazaril’sbelly,feelingandleaningthiswayandthat.“Painhere?”

Cazaril,determinedtopassthisoff,saidfirmly,“No.”

“HowaboutwhenIdothis?”

Cazarilyelped.

“Ah.Somepain,then.”Morepoking.Morewincing.Rojeraspausedforatime,his

fingertipsjustrestingonCazaril’sbelly,hisgazeabstracted.Thenheseemedtoshakehimselfawake.HeremindedCazarilofUmegat.

RojerasstillsmiledasCazarildressedhimselfagain,buthiseyeswereshadowedwiththought.

Cazarilofferedencouragingly,“Speak,Dedicat.Iamamanof

reason,andwillnotfalltopieces.”

“Isitso?Good.”Rojerastookabreathandsaidplainly,“Mylord,youhaveamostpalpabletumor.”

“Is…thatit,”saidCazaril,gingerlyseatinghimselfagaininhischair.

Rojeraslookedupswiftly.“Thisdoesnotsurpriseyou?”

Notasmuchasmylastdiagnosisdid.Cazarilthoughtlonginglyofwhatareliefitwouldbetolearnthathisrecurringbellycrampwassuchanatural,normallethality.Alas,hewasquitecertainthatmostpeople’stumorsdidn’tscreamobscenitiesattheminthemiddleofthenight.“Ihavehadreasonstothinksomethingwasnotright.Butwhatdoesthismean?What

doyouthinkwillhappen?”Hekepthisvoiceasneutralaspossible.

“Well…”RojerassatontheedgeofCazaril’svacatedbedandlacedhisfingerstogether.“Therearesomanykindsofthesegrowths.Somearediffuse,someknottedorencapsulated,somekillswiftly,somesitthereforyearsandhardlyseemtogivetroubleatall.Yoursseemsto

beencapsulated,whichishopeful.Thereisonecommonsort,akindofcystthatfillswithliquid,thatonewomanIcaredforheldforovertwelveyears.”

“Oh,”saidCazaril,andproducedaheartenedsmile.

“Itgrewtooverahundredpoundsbythetimeshedied,”thephysicianwenton.Cazarilrecoiled,butRojeras

continuedblithely,“Andthereisanother,amostinterestingonethatIhaveonlyseentwiceinmyyearsofstudy—aroundmassthat,whenopened,provedtocontainknotsoffleshwithhairandteethandbones.Onewasinawoman’sbelly,whichalmostmadesense,butanotherwasinaman’sleg.Itheorizethattheywereengenderedbyanescapeddemon,tryingtogrowto

humanform.Ifthedemonhadsucceeded,Ipositthatitmighthavecheweditswayoutandenteredtheworldinfleshlyform,whichwouldsurelyhavebeenanabomination.Ihaveforlongwishedtofindsuchanotheroneinapatientwhowasstillalive,thatImightstudyitandseeifmytheoryisso.”HeeyedCazarilinspeculation.

Withthegreatesteffort,

Cazarilkepthimselffromjoltingupandscreaming.Heglanceddownathisswollenbellyinterror,andcarefullyaway.Hehadthoughthisafflictionspiritual,notphysical.Ithadnotoccurredtohimthatitcouldbebothatonce.Thiswasanintrusionofthesupernaturalintothesolidthatseemedalltooplausible,givenhiscase.Hechokedout,“Dotheygrowtoahundredpounds,too?”

“ThetwoIexcisedweremuchsmaller,”Rojerasassuredhim.

Cazarillookedupinsuddenhope.“Youcancutthemout,then?”

“Oh—onlyfromdeadpersons,”saidthephysicianapologetically.

“But,but…mightitbedone?”Ifamanwerebraveenough

toliedownandofferhimselfincoldbloodtorazor-edgedsteel…iftheabominationcouldbecarvedoutwiththebrutalspeedofanamputation…Wasitpossibletophysicallyexciseamiracle,ifthatmiraclewereinfactmadeflesh?

Rojerasshookhishead.“Onanarmoraleg,maybe.Butthis…Youwereasoldier—you’vesurelyseenwhat

happenswithdirtybellywounds.Evenifyouchancedtosurvivetheshockandpainofthecutting,thefeverwouldkillyouwithinafewdays.”Hisvoicegrewmoreearnest.“Ihavetrieditthreetimes,andonlybecausemypatientsthreatenedtokillthemselvesifIwouldnottry.Theyalldied.Idon’tcaretokillanymoregoodpeoplethatway.Donotteaseandtormentyourselfwithsuch

desperateimpossibilities.Takewhatyoucanoflifemeantime,andpray.”

Itwasprayingthatgotmeintothis—orthisintome…“Donottelltheroyesse!”

“Mylord,”saidthephysiciangravely,“Imust.”

“ButImustnot—notnow—shemustnotdismissmetomybed!Icannotleaveher

side!”Cazaril’svoiceroseinpanic.

Rojeras’sbrowsrose.“Yourloyaltycommendsyou,LordCazaril.Calmyourself!Thereisnoneedforyoutotaketoyourbedbeforeyoufeeltheneed.Indeed,suchlightdutiesasmaycomeyourwayinherservicemayoccupyyourmindandhelpyoutocomposeyoursoul.”

Cazarilbreatheddeeply,anddecidednottodisabuseRojerasofhispleasantillusionsaboutservicetotheHouseofChalion.“AslongasyoumakeitclearthatIamnottobeexiledfrommypost.”

“Aslongasyougraspthatthisisnotalicensetoexertyourselfunduly,”Rojerasreturnedsternly.“Youareplainlyinneedofmorerest

thanyouhaveallowedyourself.”

Cazarilnoddedhastyagreement,tryingtolookatoncebiddableandenergetic.

“Thereisoneotherimportantthing,”Rojerasadded,stirringasiftotakehisleavebutnotyetrising.“Ionlyaskthisbecause,asyousay,youareamanofreason,andIthinkyoumightunderstand.”

“Yes?”saidCazarilwarily.

“Uponyourdeath—longdelayed,wemustpray—mayIhaveyournoteofhandsayingImightcutoutyourtumorformycollection?”

“Youcollectsuchhorrors?”Cazarilgrimaced.“Mostmencontentthemselveswithpaintings,oroldswords,orivorycarvings.”Offensestruggledwithcuriosity,and

lost.“Um…howdoyoukeepthem?”

“Injarsofwinespirits.”Rojerassmiled,afaintembarrassedflushcoloringhisfairskin.“Iknowitsoundsgruesome,butIkeephoping…ifonlyIlearnenough,somedayIwillunderstand,somedayIwillbeabletofindsomewaytokeepthesethingsfromkillingpeople.”

“Surelytheyarethegods’darkgifts,andwecannotinpietyresistthem?”

“Weresistgangrene,byamputation,sometimes.Weresisttheinfectionofthejaw,bydrawingoutthebadtooth.Weresistfevers,byapplicationsofheatandcold,andgoodcare.Foreverycure,theremusthavebeenafirsttime.”Rojerasfellsilent.Afteramomenthesaid,“Itis

clearthattheRoyesseIselleholdsyouinmuchaffectionandesteem.”

Cazaril,notknowingquitehowtorespondtothis,replied,“Ihaveservedhersincelastspring,inValenda.Ihadformerlyservedinhergrandmother’shousehold.”

“Sheisnotgiventohysterics,isshe?Highbornwomenaresometimes…”Rojerasgavea

littleshrug,inplaceofsayingsomethingrude.

“No,”Cazarilhadtoadmit.“Noneofherhouseholdare.Quitethereverse.”Headded,“Butsurelyyoudon’thavetotelltheladies,anddistressthem,so…sosoon?”

“OfcourseIdo,”saidthephysician,althoughinagentledtone.Herosetohisfeet.“Howcantheroyesse

choosegoodactionswithoutgoodknowledge?”

Analltoocogentpoint.Cazarilchewedonitinembarrassmentashefollowedthededicatbackupstairs.

Betrizleanedoutontothecorridoratthesoundoftheirapproachingsteps.“Ishegoingtobeallright?”shedemandedofRojeras.

Rojerasheldupahand.“Amoment,mylady.”

Theymadetheirwayintotheroyesse’ssittingchamber,whereIsellewaitedboltuprightonthecarvedchair,herhandstightinherlap.SheacceptedRojeras’sbowwithanod.Cazarildidn’twanttowatch,buthedidwanttoknowwhatwassaid,andsosankintothechairBetrizanxiouslydraggedupforhim,

andtowhichIsellepointed.Rojerasremainedstandinginthepresenceoftheroyesse.

“Mylady,”RojerassaidtoIselle,bowingagainasifinapologyforhisbluntness,“yoursecretaryisafflictedwithatumorinhisgut.”

Isellestaredathiminshock.Betriz’sfacedrainedofallexpression.Iselleswallowed,andsaid,“He’snot…not

dying,surely?”SheglancedfearfullyatCazaril.

Rojeras,losinghisgriponhisstatedprinciplesofforthrightnessinthefaceofthis,retreatedbrieflyintocourtlydissimulation.“Deathcomestoallmen,variously.ItisbeyondmyskillstosayhowlongLordCazarilmayyetlive.”HisglanceasidecaughtCazaril’shard,pleadingstare,andheadded

faithfully,“Thereisnoreasonhemaynotcontinueinhissecretarialdutiesaslongashefeelswellenough.Youshouldnotpermithimtoovertaxhimself,however.Byyourleave,Ishouldliketoreturneachweektoreexaminehim.”

“Ofcourse,”saidIsellefaintly.

Afterafewmorewordson

thesubjectofCazaril’sdietandduties,Rojerasmadeacourteousdeparture.

Betriz,tearsblurringhervelvetybrowneyes,choked,“Ididn’tthinkitwasgoingtobe—hadyouguessedthiswhen—Cazaril,Idon’twantyoutodie!”

Cazarilrepliedruefully,“Well,Idon’twantmetodieeither,sothatmakestwoof

us.”

“Three,”saidIselle.“Cazaril—whatcanwedoforyou?”

Cazaril,abouttoreply,nothing,seizedthisopportunityinsteadtorapoutfirmly,“Thisaboveall—kindlydonotdiscussthiswitheverycastlegossiper.Itismyearnestdesirethatthisstayprivateinformationfor—foraslongasmaybe.”For

onething,thenewsthatCazarilwasdyingmightgivedyJironalsomefreshideasabouthisbrother’sdeath.ThechancellorhadtoreturntoCardegosssoon,possiblyfrustratedenoughtostartrethinkinghismissingcorpseproblem.

Iselleacceptedthiswithaslownod,andCazarilwaspermittedtoreturntohisantechamber,wherehefailed

toconcentrateuponhisaccountbooks.AfterthethirdtimeLadyBetriztiptoedouttoinquireifhewantedanything,onceattheroyesse’sinstigationandtwiceonherown,Cazarilcounterattackedbydeclaringitwastimeforsomelong-neglectedgrammarlessons.Iftheyweren’tgoingtoleavehimalone,hemightaswellmakeuseoftheircompany.Histwopupilswerevery

subdued,ladylike,andsubmissivethisafternoon.Eventhoughthismeekstudiousvirtuewassomethinghe’dlongwishedfor,hefoundhimselfhopingitwouldn’tlast.

Still,theybrushedthroughthelessonsprettywell,eventhelongdrilloncourtRoknarigrammaticalmodes.Hispricklydemeanordidnotinviteconsolation.Theladies,

blesstheirsteadfastwits,didnotattempttoinflictanyonhim.Bytheendthetwoyoungwomenweretreatinghimalmostnormallyagain,asheplainlydesired,thougharoundBetriz’sgravemouthnodimplessolacedhim.

Isellerosetoshakeoutherknotsbypacingaboutthechamber;shestoppedtostareoutthewindowatthechillwintermistthatfilledthe

ravinebelowtheZangre’swalls.Sherubbedabsentlyathersleeve,andremarkedquerulously,“Lavenderisnotmycolor.It’slikewearingabruise.ThereistoomuchdeathinCardegoss.Iwishwe’dnevercomehere.”

Consideringitimpolitictoagree,Cazarilmerelybowed,andwithdrewtomakehimselfreadytogodowntodinner.

THEFIRSTFLAKESOFWINTERSNOWPOWDEREDTHEstreetsandwallsofCardegossthatweek,butmeltedoffintheafternoons.PallikeptCazarilinformedofthearrivalofhisfellowlorddedicats,filteringintothecapitalonebyone,andinturndecantedZangregossipfromhisfriend.Mutualaidandtrust,Cazarilreflected,butalsoadual

breachofthewallsthateachofthem,intheory,helpedtoman.YetifitevercamedowntochoosingsidesbetweentheTempleandtheZangre,Chalionwouldalreadyhavelost.

DyJironal,RoyseTeidezintow,returnedasifblowninbythecoldsoutheastwindthatalsodumpedanunwelcomegiftofsleetonthetowninpassing.To

Cazaril’srelief,thechancellorwasempty-handed,balkedofquarryinhisquestforjusticeandrevenge.NotellingfromdyJironal’ssetfaceifhehaddespairedofhishunt,orhadjustbeendrawnbackbyspies,ridinghardandfast,totellhimoftheforcesgatheringinCardegossthatwerenotofhisownsummoning.

Teidezdraggedbacktohis

quartersinthecastlelookingtired,sullen,andunhappy.Cazarilwasnotsurprised.ChasingdowneverydeathforthreeprovincesaroundthathadoccurredduringthenightofDondo’staking-offhadsurelybeengruesomeenoughevenwithoutthevileweather.

DuringhisbedazzlementbyDondo’spracticedsycophancy,Teidezhadneglectedhiseldersister’s

company.WhenhecametovisitIselle’schambersthatafternoon,hebothacceptedandreturnedasisterlyembrace,seemingmoreeagertotalktoherthanhehadforalongtime.Cazarilwithdrewdiscreetlytohisantechamberandsatwithhisaccountbooksopen,fiddlingwithhisdryingquill.SinceOricohadforabetrothalgiftassignedtherentsofsixtownstothesupportofhissister’s

household,andnottakenthembackwhenfuneralhadreplacedwedding,Cazaril’saccountsandcorrespondencehadgrownmorecomplex.

Helistenedmeditativelythroughtheopendoortotheriseandfalloftheyoungvoices.Teidezdetailedhistriptohissister’seagerears:themuddyroadsandflounderinghorses,thetenseandcrankymen,indifferent

foodandchillyquarters.Iselle,inavoicethatbetrayedmoreenvythansympathy,pointedouthowgoodapracticeitwasforhisfuturewintercampaigns.Thecauseofthejourneywasscarcelytoucheduponbetweenthem,Teidezstillbaffledandoffendedbyhissister’srejectionofhislatehero,andIselleapparentlyunwillingtoburdenhimwithknowledgeofthemoregrotesquecauses

ofherantipathy.

BesidesbeingshockedbythesuddenanddreadfulnatureofLordDondo’smurder,Teidezmustbeoneofthefewwho’dknownthemanwhogenuinelymournedhim.Andwhynot?DondohadflatteredandcajoledandmademuchofTeidez.He’dshoweredtheboywithgiftsandtreats,sometoxicallyinappropriateforhisage,andhowwas

Teideztograspthatgrownmen’sviceswerenotthesameasgrownmen’shonors?

TheelderdyJironalmustseemacoldandunresponsivecompanionbycomparison.TheexpeditionhadapparentlyleftatrailofdisruptionbehindasitsinquiriesgrewroughandreadyindyJironal’sfrustration.Worse,dyJironal,whoneededTeidez

desperately,wasinsufficientlyadeptatconcealinghowlittlehelikedhim,andhadlefthimtohishandlers—secretary-tutor,guards,andservants—treatinghimastailpieceratherthanlieutenant.Butif,ashissurlywordshinted,Teidezhadbeguntoreciprocatehischiefguardian’sdislike,itwassurelyforallthewrongreasons.Andifhisnew

secretarywastakingupanyoftheabandonedloadofhisnobleeducation,nothinginTeidez’stalegavehintofit.

Atlength,NandyVritbadetheyoungpeoplepreparefordinner,anddrewthevisittoaclose.TeidezwalkedslowlyoutthroughCazaril’santechamber,frowningathisboots.TheboywasgrownalmostastallashishalfbrotherOrico,hisroundface

hintingthatinfuturehemightgrowasbroadaswell,thoughfornowhekeptyouth’smuscularfitness.Cazarilturnedaleafinhisaccountbookatrandom,dippedhispenagain,andglancedupwithatentativesmile.“Howdoyoufare,mylord?”

Teidezshrugged,butthen,halfwayacrosstheroom,wheeledback,andcametoCazaril’stable.His

expressionwasnotmiffed—ornotmerelymiffed—buttiredandtroubledaswell.Hedrummedhisfingerbrieflyonthewood,andstareddownoverthepileofbooksandpapers.Cazarilfoldedhishandsandcasthimanencouraginglookofinquiry.

Teidezsaidabruptly,“There’ssomethingwronginCardegoss.Isn’tthere.”

ThereweresomanythingswronginCardegoss,CazarilscarcelyknewhowtotakeTeidez’swords.Hesaidcautiously,“Whatmakesyouthinkthat?”

Teidezmadealittlegesture,pulledshort.“Oricoissickly,anddoesnotruleasheshould.Hesleepssomuch,likeanoldman,buthe’snotthatold.Andeveryonesayshe’slosthis”—Teidez

coloredslightly,andhisgesturegrewvaguer—“youknow…cannotactasamanissupposedto,withawoman.Hasitneverstruckyouthatthereissomethinguncannyabouthisstrangeillness?”

Afteraslighthesitation,Cazariltemporized,“Yourobservationsareshrewd,Royse.”

“LordDondo’sdeathwas

uncanny,too.Ithinkit’sallofapiece!”

Theboywasthinking;good!“Youshouldtakeyourthoughtsto…”notdyJironal,“yourbrotherOrico.Heisthemostproperauthoritytoaddressthem.”CazariltriedtoimagineTeidezgettingastraightansweroutofOrico,andsighed.IfIsellecouldnotdrawsensefromtheman,withallherpassionate

persuasion,whathopehadthemuchlessarticulateTeidez?Oricowouldevadeanswerunlessstiffenedtoitinadvance.

ShouldCazariltakethistutelageintohisownhands?Notonlyhadhenotbeengivenauthoritytodisclosethestatesecret,hewasn’tevensupposedtoknowithimself.And…theknowledgeoftheGoldenGeneral’scurse

neededtocomestraighttoTeidezfromtheroya,notaroundhimordespitehim,lestittakeupasuspicioustingeofconspiracy.

He’dbeensilenttoolong.Teidezleanedforwardacrossthetable,eyesnarrowing,andhissed,“LordCazaril,whatdoyouknow?”

Iknowwedarenotleaveyouinignorancemuchlonger.

NorIselleeither.“Royse,Ishalltalktoyouofthislater.Icannotansweryoutonight.”

Teidez’slipstightened.Heswipedahandthroughhisdarkambercurlsinagestureofimpatience.Hiseyeswereuncertain,untrusting,and,Cazarilthought,strangelylonely.“Isee,”hesaidinableaktone,andturnedonhisheeltomarchout.Hislow-voicedmuttercarriedback

fromthecorridor,“Imustdoitmyself…”

Ifhemeant,talktoOrico,good.CazarilwouldgotoOricofirst,though,yes,andifthatprovedinsufficient,returnwithUmegattobackhimup.Hesethispensintheirjar,closedhisbooks,tookabreathtosteelhimselfagainstthetwingesthatstabbedhimwithsuddenmovement,andpushedtohis

feet.

ANINTERVIEWWITHORICOWASEASIERRESOLVEDuponthanaccomplished.TakinghimasstillanambassadorforIselle’sIbranproposal,theroyaduckedawayfromCazarilonsight,andsetthemasterofhischambertoofferupadozenexcusesforhisindisposition.Thematterwasmademoredifficultbytheneedforthisconversationto

takeplaceinprivate,justbetweenthetwoofthem,anduninterrupted.Cazarilwaswalkingdownthecorridorfromthebanquetinghallaftersupper,headdownandconsideringhowbesttocornerhisroyalquarry,whenathumponhisshoulderhalfspunhimaround.

Helookedup,andanapologyforhisclumsyabstractiondiedonhislips.Theman

he’drunintowasSerdyJoal,oneofDondo’snow-unemployedbravos—andwhatwereallthoseripesoulsdoingforpocketmoneythesedays?HadtheybeeninheritedbyDondo’sbrother?—flankedbyoneofhiscomrades,half-grinning,andSerdyMaroc,whofrowneduneasily.Themanwho’drunintohim,Cazarilcorrectedhimself.Thecandlelightfromthemirroredwallsconces

madebrightsparksintheyoungerman’salerteyes.

“Clumsyoaf!”roareddyJoal,soundingjustatriflerehearsed.“Howdareyoucrowdmefromthedoor?”

“Ibegyourpardon,SerdyJoal,”saidCazaril.“Mymindwaselsewhere.”Hemadeahalfbow,andbegantogoaround.

DyJoaldodgedsideways,blockinghim,andswungbackhisvest-cloaktorevealthehiltofhissword.“Isayyoucrowdedme.Doyougivemethelie,aswell?”

Thisisanambush.Ah.Cazarilstopped,hismouthtightening.Wearily,hesaid,“Whatdoyouwant,dyJoal?”

“Bearwitness!”DyJoalmotionedtohiscomradeand

dyMaroc.“Hecrowdedme.”

Hiscomradeobedientlyreplied,“Aye,Isaw,”thoughdyMaroclookedmuchlesscertain.

“Iseekatouchwithyouforthis,LordCazaril!”saiddyJoal.

“Iseethatyoudo,”saidCazarildryly.Butwasthisdrunkenstupidity,orthe

world’ssimplestformofassassination?Adueltofirstblood,approvedpracticeandoutletforhighspiritsamongyoungcourtlyhotheads,followedbyTheswordslipped,uponmyhonor!Heranuponit!andwhatevernumberofpaidwitnessesonecouldaffordtoconfirmit.

“IsayIwillhavethreedropsofyourblood,toclearthisslight.”Itwasthecustomary

challenge.

“Isayyoushouldgodipyourheadinabucketofwateruntilyousoberup,boy.Idonotduel.Eh?”Cazarilliftedhisarmsbriefly,handsout,flippinghisownvest-cloakopentoshowhe’dbornenoswordintodinner.“Letmepass.”

“Urrac,lendthecowardyoursword!Wehaveourtwo

witnesses.We’llhavethisoutside,now.”DyJoaljerkedhisheadtowardthedoorsatthecorridor’sendthatledoutintothemaincourtyard.

Thecomradeunbuckledhissword,grinned,andtossedittoCazaril.Cazarilliftedaneyebrow,butnothishand,andletthesheathedweaponclatter,uncaught,tohisfeet.Hekickeditbacktoitsowner.“Idonotduel.”

“ShallIcallyoucowarddirect?”demandedJoal.Hislipswereparted,andhisbreathalreadyrushinginhiselation,anticipatingbattle.Cazarilsawoutofthecornerofhiseyeacoupleofothermen,attractedbytheraisedvoices,advancecuriouslydownthecorridortowardthisknotofaltercation.

“Callmeanythingyouplease,dependingonhowmuchofa

foolyouwanttosound.Yourmouthingsarenaughttome,”sighedCazaril.Hedidhisbesttoprojectlanguidboredom,buthisbloodwaspulsingfasterinhisears.Fear?No.Fury…

“Youhavealord’sname.Haveyounolord’shonor?”

OnecornerofCazaril’smouthturnedup,notatallhumorously.“Theconfusion

ofmindyoudubhonorisadisease,forwhichtheRoknarigalley-mastershavethecure.”

“Somuchforyourhonor,then.Youshallnotrefusemethreedropsformine!”

“That’sright.”Cazaril’svoicewentoddlycalm;hisheart,whichhadsped,slowed.Hislipsdrewbackinastrangegrin.“That’sright,”he

breathedagain.

Cazarilhelduphislefthand,palmout,andwithhisrightjerkedouthisbeltknife,lastusedforcuttingbreadatsupper.DyJoal’shandspasmedonhisswordhilt,andhehalfdrew.

“Notwithintheroya’shall!”crieddyMarocanxiously.“Youknowyoumusttakeitoutside,dyJoal!Bythe

Brother,hehasnosword,youcannot!”

DyJoalhesitated;Cazaril,insteadofadvancingtowardhim,shookbackhisleftsleeve—anddrewhisknifebladeshallowlyacrosshisownwrist.Cazarilfeltnopain,none.Bloodwelled,gleamingdarkcarmineinthecandlelight,thoughnotspurtingdangerously.Akindofhazecloudedhisvision,

blockingouteveryonebuthimselfandthenowuncertainlygrinningyoungfoolwho’dhustledhimforatouch.I’llgiveyoutouch.Hespunhisknifebackintoitsbeltsheath.DyJoal,notyetwaryenough,lethisswordslidebackandliftedhishandfromit.Smiling,Cazarilhelduphishands,onearmbleeding,theotherbare.Thenhelunged.

HecaughtuptheshockeddyJoalandborehimbackwardtothewall,wherehelandedwithathumpthatreverberateddownthecorridor,onearmtrappedbehindhim.Cazaril’srighthandpressedunderdyJoal’schin,liftinghimfromhisfeetandpinninghimtothewallbyhisneck.Cazaril’srightkneegroundintodyJoal’sgroin.Hekeptupthepressure,todenydyJoalhis

trappedarm;theotherclawedathim,andhepinnedit,too,tothewall.DyJoal’swristtwistedintheslipperybloodofhisgrip,butcouldnotbreakfree.Thepurplingyoungmandidnot,ofcourse,cryout,thoughhiseyesrolledwhitely,andagruntinggarglebrokefromhislips.Hisheelshammeredthewall.ThebravosknewCazaril’scrookedhandshadheldapen;they’dforgottenhe’d

heldanoar.DyJoalwasn’tgoinganywherenow.

Cazarilsnarledinhisear,low-voicedbutaudibletoall,“Idon’tduel,boy.Ikillasasoldierkills,whichisasabutcherkills,asquickly,efficiently,andwithasleastrisktomyselfasIcanarrange.IfIdecideyoudie,youwilldiewhenIchoose,whereIchoose,bywhatmeansIchoose,andyouwill

neverseetheblowcoming.”HereleaseddyJoal’snow-enfeebledarmandbroughthisleftwristup,andpressedthebloodycuttohisterrifiedvictim’shalf-open,tremblingmouth.“Youwantthreedropsofmyblood,foryourhonor?Youshalldrinkthem.”BloodandspittlespurtedarounddyJoal’schatteringteeth,butthebravodidn’tevendaretrytobite,now.“Drink,damnyou!”

Cazarilpressedharder,smearingbloodalloverdyJoal’sface,fascinatedwiththevividnessofit,redstreaksonlividskin,thecatchofroughbeardstubbleagainsthiswrist,thebrightblurofthecandlelightreflectedinthewellingtearsspillingfromthestaringeyes.Hestaredintothem,watchingthemcloud.

“Cazaril,forthegods’sake

lethimbreathe.”DyMaroc’sdistressedcrybrokethroughCazaril’sredfog.

Cazarilreducedthepressureofhisgrip,anddyJoalinhaled,shuddering.Keepinghiskneeinplace,Cazarildrewbackhisbloodiedlefthandinafist,andplaced,veryprecisely,ahardblowtothebravo’sstomachthatshooktheairagain;dyJoal’skneesjerkedupwithit.Only

thendidCazarilstepbackandreleasetheman.

DyJoalfelltothefloorandbentoverhimself,gaspingandchoking,weeping,noteventryingtogetup.Afteramoment,hevomited.

CazarilsteppedacrossthemessoffoodandwineandbiletowardUrrac,wholurchedbackwarduntilstoppedbythefarwall.

Cazarilleanedintohisfaceandrepeatedsoftly,“Idon’tduel.Butifyouseektodielikeabludgeonedsteer,crossmeagain.”

Heturnedonhisheel;dyMaroc’sface,drainedwhite,waveredpasthisvision,hissing,“Cazaril,haveyougonemad?”

“Tryme.”Cazarilgrinnedfiercelyathim.DyMarocfell

back.Cazarilstrodedownthecorridorpastablurofmen,blooddropsstillspatteringoffhisfingersasheswunghisarms,andoutintothechillshockofthenight.Theclosingdoorcutoffarisingbabbleofvoices.

Healmostranacrosstheicycobblesofthecourtyardtowardthemainblockandrefuge,bothhisstepsandhisbreathgrowingfasterandless

evenassomething—sanity,delayedterror?—-seepedbackintohismind.Hisbellycrampedviolentlyashemountedthestonestairs.Hisfingersshooksobadlyashefumbledouthiskeytolethimselfintohisbedchamberthathedroppedittwiceandhadtousebothhands,bracedagainstthedoor,tofinallyguideitintothelock.Helockedthedooragainbehindhim,andfell,wheezingand

groaning,acrosshisbed.Hisattendantghostshadfledintohidingduringtheconfrontation,theirdesertionunnoticedbyhimatthetime.Herolledontohisside,andcurledaroundhisachingstomach.Now,atlast,hiscutwristbegantothrob.Sodidhishead.

He’dseenmengoberserkafewtimes,inthemadnessofbattle.He’djustnever

imaginedwhatitmustfeellikefromtheinside,before.Noonehadmentionedthefloatingexhilaration,intoxicatingaswineorsex.Anunusual,butnatural,resultofnerves,mortality,andfright,jammedtogetherintoosmallaspace,tooshortatime.Notunnatural.Not…thethinginhisbellyreachingouttotwistandtauntandtrickhimintodeath,anditsownrelease….

Oh.

YouknowwhatyoudidtoDondo.NowyouknowwhatDondoisdoingtoyou.

17

Itwasbychance,latethefollowingmorning,thatCazarilspiedOricoamblingouttheZangregatestowardthemenageriewithonlyapageathisheels.Cazariltuckedthelettershe’dbeencarryingtotheChancellery

officeintotheinnerpocketofhisvest-cloak,turnedfromthedoorofIas’sTower,andfollowed.Theroya’smasterofthechamberhadearlierrefusedtodisturbhislord’safter-breakfastnap;clearly,Oricohadfinallyrousedhimselfandnowsoughtcomfortandsolaceamonghisanimals.Cazarilwonderediftheroyahadawokenwithasbadaheadacheashehad.

Ashestrodeacrossthecobbles,Cazarilmarshaledhisarguments.Iftheroyafearedaction,Cazarilwouldpointoutthatinactionwasequallylikelytobebenttoillbythecurse’smaligninfluence.Iftheroyainsistedthatthechildrenweretooyoung,hewouldnotethattheyshouldnotthenhavebeenorderedtoCardegossinthefirstplace.Butnowthattheywerehere,ifOricocould

notprotectthemthenhehadanobligationtobothChalionandthechildrentotellthemoftheirdanger.CazarilwouldcallonUmegattoconfirmthattheroyacouldnot,didnot,infact,holdthecursealltohimself.Donotsendthemblindfoldedintobattlehewouldplead,andhopePalli’scrywouldstrikeOricoasmuchtotheheartasithadhim.Andifitdidn’t…

Ifhetookthisintohisownhands,shouldhefirsttellTeidez,asHeirofChalion,andappealforhisaidinprotectinghissister?OrIselle,andenlistherhelpinmanagingthemoredifficultTeidez?Thesecondchoicewouldbetterallowhimtohidehiscomplicitybehindtheroyesse’sskirts,butonlyifthesecretofhisguiltsurvivedhershrewdcross-examination.

Ascrapingofhoovesbrokeintohisself-absorption.Helookedupjustintimetododgefromthepathofthecavalcadestartingoutfromthestables.RoyseTeidez,mountedonhisfineblackhorse,ledapartyofhisBaocianguards,theircaptainandtwomen.Theroyse’sblack-and-lavendermourninggarbmadehisroundfaceappeardrawnandpaleinthewintersunlight.Dondo’s

greenstoneglintedontheguardcaptain’shand,raisedtoreturnCazaril’spolitesalute.

“Whereaway,Royse?”Cazarilcalled.“Doyouhunt?”Thepartywasarmedforit,withspearsandcrossbows,swordsandcudgels.

Teidezdrewuphisfrettinghorseandstaredbrieflydown

atCazaril.“No,justagallopalongtheriver.TheZangreis…stuffy,thismorning.”

Indeed.Andiftheyjusthappenedtoflushadeerortwo,well,theywerepreparedtoacceptthegods’largesse.Butnotreallyhuntingwhileinmourning,no.“Iunderstand,”saidCazaril,andsuppressedasmile.“Itwillbegoodforthehorses.”Teidezliftedhisreinsagain.Cazaril

steppedback,butthenaddedsuddenly,“Iwouldspeaktoyoulater,Royse,onthematterthatconcernedyouyesterday.”

Teidezgavehimavaguewave,andafrown—notexactlyassent,butitwoulddo.Cazarilbowedfarewellastheyclatteredoutofthestableyard.

Andremainedbentover,as

theworstcrampyetkickedhiminthebellywiththepowerofahorse’shindhooves.Hisbreathingstopped.Wavesofpainseemedtosurgethroughhiswholebodyfromthiscentralsource,eventoburningspasmsinthepalmsofhishandsandthesolesofhisfeet.AhideousvisionshookhimofRojeras’spostulateddemon-monsterpreparingtobloodilyclawitswayoutof

himintothelight.Onecreature,ortwo?Withnobodiestokeeptheirspiritsapart,bottledunderthepressureoftheLady’smiracle,mightDondoandthedemonhavebeguntoblendtogetherintoonedreadfulbeing?Itwastruethathe’ddistinguishedonlyonevoice,notaduet,bayingathimfromhisbellyinthenight.Hiskneessankhelplesslytothecoldcobbles.Hedrewin

ashudderingbreath.Theworldseemedtochurnaroundhisheadinshort,dizzyjerks.

Afterafewminutes,ashadowtrailingapowerfularomaofhorsesloomedathisshoulder.Agruffvoicemutteredinhisear,“M’lord?Youallright?”

Cazarilblinkeduptoseeoneofthestablegrooms,a

middle-agedfellowwithbadteeth,bendingoverhim.“Not…really,”hemanagedtoreply.

“Oughtyougoindoors,sir?”

“Yes…Isuppose…”

Thegroomhelpedhimtohisfeetwithahandunderhiselbow,andsteadiedhimbackthroughthegatestothemainblock.Atthebottomofthe

stairsCazarilgasped,“Wait.Notyet,”andsatheavilyuponthesteps.

Afteranawkwardminutethegroomasked,“ShouldIgetsomeoneforyou,m’lord?Ishouldreturntomyduties.”

“It’s…justaspasm.Itwillpassoffinafewminutes.I’mallrightnow.Goon.”Thepainwasdwindling,leavinghimfeelingflushedand

strange.

Thegroomfrowneduncertainly,staringdownatCazaril,butthenduckedhisheadanddeparted.

Slowly,ashesatquietlyonthestair,hebegantoregainhisbreathandbalance,andwasabletostraightenhisbackagain.Theworldstoppedpulsing.Eventhecoupleofghost-blotchesthat

hadcreptoutofthewallstoclusterathisfeetgrewquiescent.Cazarileyedthemintheshadowsofthestairwell,consideringwhatacoldandlonelydamnationwastheirslowerosion,lossofallthathadmadethemindividualmenandwomen.Whatmustitbelike,tofeelone’sveryspiritslowlyrotawayaroundone,asfleshrottedfromdeadlimbs?Didtheghostssensetheirown

diminishment,ordidthatself-perception,too,mercifully,wearawayintime?TheBastard’slegendaryhell,withallitssupposedtorments,seemedasortofheavenbycomparison.

“Ah!Cazaril!”Asurprisedvoicemadehimlookup.Pallistoodwithonebootedfootonthefirststep,flankedbytwoyoungmenalsowearingtheblueandwhiteofthe

Daughter’sOrderbeneathgraywoolridingcloaks.“Iwasjustcomingtofindyou.”Palli’sdarkbrowsdrewdown.“Whatareyoudoingsittingonthestairs?”

“Justrestingamoment.”Cazarilproducedaquick,concealingsmile,andleveredhimselfup,thoughhekeptahandonthewall,asifcasually,forbalance.“What’safoot?”

“Ihopedyouwouldhavetimetotakeastrolldowntothetemplewithme.Andtalktosomemenaboutthat”—Pallimadeacirclinggesturewithhisfinger—“littlematterofGotorget.”

“Already?”

“DyYarrincameinlastnight.Wearenowasufficientassemblytomakebindingdecisions.Andwith

dyJironalalsoarrivedbackintown,it’saswellwechartourcoursewithoutfurtherdelay.”

Indeed.CazarilwouldsearchoutOricoimmediatelyuponhisreturn,then.HeglancedatthetwocompanionsandbackatPalli,asifseekingintroduction,butwiththehiddenquestioninhisglance,Arethesesafeears?

“Ah,”saidPallicheerfully.

“Permitmetomakeknowntoyoumycousins,FerdaandFoixdyGura.TheyrodewithmefromPalliar.Ferdaislieutenanttomymasterofhorse,andhisyoungerbrotherFoix—well,wekeephimfortheheavylifting.Makeyourbowtothecastillar,boys.”

Theshorter,stouterofthetwogrinnedsheepishly,andtheybothmanaged

reasonablygracefulcourtesies.TheyboreafaintfamilyresemblancetoPalliinthestronglinesofjawandthebrightbrowneyes.Ferdawasofmiddleheightandwiry,anobviousrider,hislegsalreadyalittlebowed,whilehisbrotherwasbroadandmuscular.Theyseemedapleasantenoughpairofcountrylordlings,healthy,cheerful,andunscarred.Andappallinglyyoung.ButPalli’s

faintemphasisonthewordcousinsansweredCazaril’ssilentquestion.

ThetwobrothersfellinbehindasCazarilandPalliwalkedoutthegatesanddownintoCardegoss.Youngtheymightbe,buttheireyeswerealert,lookingallaround,andtheycasuallykepttheirswordhiltsfreeofentanglementwithcloakandvest-cloak.Cazarilwasglad

toknowPallididnotgoaboutthestreetsofCardegossunattendedeveninthisbrightgraywinternoon.Cazariltensedastheypassedunderthedressed-stonewallsofJironalPalace,butnoarmedbravosissuedfromitsironbounddoorstomolestthem.TheyarrivedintheTempleSquarehavingencounterednoonemoredauntingthanatrioofmaidservants.Theysmiledat

themeninthecolorsoftheDaughter’sOrderandgiggledamongthemselvesafterpassing,whichslightlyalarmedthedyGurabrothers,oratleastmadethemstrideoutmorestiffly.

ThegreatcompoundoftheDaughter’shousemadeawallalongonewholesideofthetemple’sfive-sidedsquare.Themaingatewasdevotedtothewomenand

girlswhowerethehouse’smoreusualdedicats,acolytes,anddivines.Themenofitsholymilitaryorderhadtheirownseparateentrance,building,andstableforcouriers’horses.Thehallwaysofthemilitaryheadquarterswerechillydespiteasufficiencyoflitsconcesandtheabundanceofbeautifultapestriesandhangings,wovenandembroideredbypiousladies

alloverChalion,blanketingitswalls.Cazarilstartedtowardthemainhall,butPallidrewhimdownanothercorridorandupastaircase.

“YoudonotmeetintheHalloftheLordDedicats?”Cazarilinquired,lookingoverhisshoulder.

Pallishookhishead.“Toocold,toolarge,andtooempty.Wefeltexcessively

exposedthere.Forthesesealeddebatesanddepositions,we’vetakenachamberwherewecanfeelamajority,andnotfreezeourfeet.”

PallileftthedyGurabrothersinthecorridortocontemplateabrightlycoloredquiltedrenderingofthelegendofthevirginandthewaterjar,featuringanespeciallyvoluptuousvirginand

goddess.HeusheredCazarilpastapairofDaughter’sguardsmen,wholookedcloselyattheirfacesandreturnedPalli’ssalute,andthroughasetofdoubledoorscarvedwithinterlacedvines.Thechamberbeyondheldalongtrestletableandtwodozenmen,crowdedbutwarm—andaboveall,Cazarilnoted,private.Inadditiontothegoodwaxcandles,awindowofcoloredglass

depictingtheLady’sfavoritespringflowersfoughtthewintergloom.

Palli’sfellowlorddedicatssatatattention,youngmenandgraybeards,inblue-and-whitegarbbrightandexpensiveorfadedandshabby,butallalikeinthegrimseriousnessoftheirfaces.TheprovincarofYarrin,rankinglordofChalionpresent,helddown

theheadofthetablebeneaththewindow.Cazarilwonderedhowmanyherewerespies,oratleastcarelessmouths.Thegroupseemedalreadytoolargeanddiverseforsuccessfulconspiracy,despitetheiroutwardprecautionstosealtheirconclave.Lady,guidethemtowisdom.

Pallibowed,andsaid,“Mylords,hereistheCastillardy

Cazaril,whowasmycommanderatthesiegeofGotorget,totestifybeforeyou.”

PallitookanemptyseathalfwayaroundthetableandleftCazarilstandingatitsfoot.Anotherlorddedicathadhimswearanoathoftruthinthegoddess’sname.Cazarilhadnotroublerepeatingwithsincerityandfervorthepartabout,MayHerhandshold

me,andnotreleaseme.

DyYarrinledthequestioning.HewasshrewdandclearlywellprimedbyPalli,forhehadthewholetaleoftheaftermathofGotorgetoutofCazarilinaveryfewminutes.Cazariladdednocoloringdetails.Forsomehere,hedidn’tneedto;hecouldmarkbythetighteningoftheirlipshowmuchofwhatwasunspoken

theyunderstood.Inevitably,someonewantedtoknowhowhehadfirstcometosuchenmitywithLordDondo,andhewasreluctantlycompelledtorepeatthestoryofhisnearbeheadinginPrinceOlus’stent.Itwasnormallyconsideredbadmannerstodenigratethedead,onthetheorythattheycouldnotdefendthemselves.InDondo’scase,Cazarilwasn’tsosure.Buthekeptthat

account,too,asbriefandbaldaspossible.Despitehissuccinctness,bythetimehewasdonehewasleaningonhishandsonthetable,feelingdangerouslylight-headed.

Abriefdebatefollowedontheproblemofobtainingcorroboratingevidence,whichCazarilhadthoughtinsurmountable;dyYarrin,itseemed,didnotfinditso.Butthen,Cazarilhadnever

thoughttotrytoobtaintestimonyfromsurvivingRoknari,orviasisterchaptersoftheDaughter’sOrderacrossthebordersintheprincedoms.

“Butmylords,”Cazarilsaiddiffidentlyintooneofthefewbriefpausesintheflowofsuggestionandobjection,“evenifmywordswereprovedadozentimesover,mineisnogreatmatterby

whichtobringdownagreatman.NotlikethetreasonofLorddyLutez.”

“Thatwasneverwellproved,evenatthetime,”murmureddyYarrininadrytone.

Palliputin,“Whatisagreatmatter?Ithinkthegodsdonotcalculategreatnessasmendo.Iforonefindacasualdestructionofaman’slifeevenmorerepugnantthan

adeterminedone.”

Cazarilleanedmoreheavilyonthetable,intheinterestsofnotcollapsinginanillustrativewayatthisdramaticmoment.Pallihadinsistedhisvoicewouldbelistenedtoincouncil;verywell,letitbeavoiceofcaution.“Choosingyourownholygeneralissurelywithinyourmandate,lords.Oricomaywellevenaccedetoyour

selection,ifyoumakeiteasyforhim.ChallengingthechancellorofChalionandholygeneralofyourbrotherorderisreachingbeyond,anditismyconsideredopinionthatOricowillneverbepersuadedtosupportit.Irecommendagainstit.”

“Itisallornothing,”brokeinoneman,and“NeveragainwillweendureanotherDondo,”begananother.

DyYarrinhelduphishand,stemmingthetideofhotcomment.“Ithankyou,LordCazaril,forbothyourtestimonyandyouropinion.”Hischoiceofwordsinvitedhisfellowstonotewhichwaswhich.“Wemustcontinuethisdebateinprivateconclave.”

Itwasadismissal.Pallipushedbackhischairandrosetohisfeet.They

collectedthedyGurasfromthecorridor;CazarilwasalittlesurprisedwhenPalli’sescortdidnotstopatthehouse’sgates.“Shouldyounotreturntoyourcouncil?”heasked,astheyturnedintothestreet.

“DyYarrinwilltellmeofit,whenIgetback.ImeantoseeyousafetotheZangre’sgates.I’venotforgottenyourtaleofpoorSerdySanda.”

Cazarilglancedoverhisshoulderatthetwoyoungofficerspacingbehindastheycrossedovertothetempleplaza.Oh.Thearmedescortwasforhim.Hedecidednottocomplain,askingPalliinstead,“Wholookslikeyourprimecandidateforholygeneral,then,topresenttoOrico?DyYarrin?”

“Hewouldbemychoice,”saidPalli.

“Hedoesseemaforceinyourcouncil.Hashealittleself-interest,there?”

“Perhaps.ButhemeanstohandtheprovincarshipofYarrindowntohiseldestson,anddevotehiswholeattentiontotheorder,ifheischosen.”

“Ah.WouldthatMartoudyJironalhaddonelikewisefortheSon’sOrder.”

“Aye.Somanyposts,howisheservinganyofthemrightly?”

Theyclimbeduphill,threadingtheirwaythroughthestone-pavedtown,steppingcarefullyacrosscentralgutterswellrinsedbytherecentcoldrains.Narrowstreetsofshopsgavewaytowidersquaresoffinehouses.CazarilconsidereddyJironal,ashispalaceloomedonce

moreontheirroute.Ifthecurseworkedbydistortingandbetrayingvirtues,whatgoodthinghaditcorruptedinMartoudyJironal?Loveoffamily,perhaps,turningitintomistrustofallthatwasnotfamily?HisexcessiverelianceonhisbrotherDondowassurelyturningtoweaknessanddownfall.Maybe.“Well…Ihopethatlevelheadsprevail.”

Palligrimaced.“Courtlifeisturningyouintoadiplomat,Caz.”

Cazarilreturnedableaksmile.“Ican’tevenbegintotellyouwhatcourtlifeisturningme—ah!”HeduckedasoneofFonsa’scrowspoppedoveranearbyhousetopandcamehurtlingdownathishead,screaminghoarsely.Thebirdalmosttumbledoutoftheairathis

feet,andhoppedacrossthepavement,cawingandflapping.Itwasfollowedbytwomore.OnelandedonCazaril’soutflungarmandclungthere,shriekingandwhistling,itsclawsdiggingin.Afewblackfeathersspiraledwildlyintheair.“Blastthesebirds!”He’dthoughttheyhadlostinterestinhim,andheretheywereback,inalltheirembarrassingenthusiasm.

Palli,whohadjumpedbacklaughing,glancedupovertherooftilesandsaid,“Fivegods,somethinghasstirredthemup!ThewholeflockisintheairabovetheZangre.Lookatthemcircleabout!”

FerdadyGurashieldedhiseyesandstaredwherePallipointedatthedistantwhirlofdarkshapes,likeblackleavesinacyclone,dippingandswooping.HisbrotherFoix

pressedhishandstohisearsasthecrowscontinuedtoshriekaroundtheirfeet,andshoutedoverthedin,“Noisy,too!”

Thesebirdswerenotentranced,Cazarilrealized;theywerehysterical.Hisheartturnedcoldinhischest.“There’ssomethingverywrong.Comeon!”

Hewasnotinthebestshape

forrunninguphill.HehadhishandpressedhardtotheviolentstitchinhissideastheyapproachedthestableblockattheZangre’soutskirts.Hiscourierbirdsflappedabovehisheadinescort.Bythattime,men’sshoutscouldbeheardbeneaththecrows’continuedscreaming,andPalliandhiscousinsneedednourgingtokeeppacewithhim.

Agroomintheroyaltabardofthemenageriewasstaggeringincirclesbeforeitsopendoors,screamingandcrying,bloodrunningdownhisface.TwoofTeidez’sgreen-and-black-cladBaocianguardsstoodbeforethedoorswithswordsdrawn,holdingoffthreeZangreguardswhohoveredapprehensivelybeforethem,alsowithbladesout,seemingnottodaretostrike.Thecrowslackedno

suchcourage.TheystoopedawkwardlyattheBaocians,tryingtoclawwiththeirtalonsandstabwiththeirbeaks.TheBaocianscursedandbeatthemoff.Twobundlesofblackfeatherslayonthecobblesalready,onestill,onetwitching.

Cazarilstrodeuptothemenageriedoors,roaring,“WhatintheBastard’snameisgoingonhere?Howdare

youslaythesacredcrows?”

OneoftheBaocianspointedhisswordtowardhim.“Stayback,LordCazaril!Youmaynotpass!Wehavestrictordersfromtheroyse!”

Lipsdrawnbackinfury,Cazarilknockedtheswordasidewithhiscloakedarm,lungedforward,andwrencheditfromtheguardsman’sgrasp.“Giveme

that,youfool!”HeflungittothestonesinthegeneraldirectionoftheZangreguards,andPalli,whohaddrawninapanicwhentheunarmedCazarilhadwadedintothefray.Theswordclangedandspunacrossthecobbles,tillFoixstoppeditwithabootedfootstampeddownuponit,andhelditwithachallengingweightandstare.

CazarilturnedonthesecondBaocian,whosebladedroopedabruptly.RecoilingfromCazaril’sstep,theguardsmancriedhastily,“Castillar,wedothistopreservethelifeofRoyaOrico!”

“Dowhat?IsOricointhere?Whatareyouabout?”

Afelinesnarl,risingtoayowl,frominsidewhirled

Cazarilaround,andheleftthedauntedBaociantotheZangreguards,nowencouragedtoadvance.Hestrodeintotheshadowedaisleofthemenagerie.

Theoldtonguelessgroomwasonhiskneesonthetiles,bentover,makingchokedweepingsounds.Histhumblesshandswerepressedtohisface,andalittlebloodranbetweenhisfingers;he

lookedupatthesoundofCazaril’sstep,hisquaveringwetmouthravagedwithwoe.Asheranpastthebears’stalls,Cazarilglimpsedtwoinertblackheapsstuddedwithcrossbowbolts,furwetandmattedwithblood.Thevellas’stalldoorwasopen,andtheylayontheirsidesinthebrightstraw,eyesopenandfixed,throatsslashed.

Atthefarendoftheaisle,

RoyseTeidezwasrisingtohisfeetfromthelimpbodyofthespottedcat.Hepushedhimselfupwithhisbloodiedsword,andleaneduponit,panting,hisfacewildandexultant.Hisshadowroiledaroundhimlikethundercloudsatmidnight.HelookedupatCazarilandgrinnedfiercely.“Ha!”hecried.

TheBaocianguardcaptain,a

twistedlittlebirdstillinhishand,plungedoutoftheaviaryintoCazaril’spath.Bundlesofcoloredfeathers,deadanddyingbirdsofallsizes,litteredtheaviaryfloor,somestillflutteringhelplessly.“Hold,Castillar—”hebegan.HiswordswerewhippedawayasCazarilgraspedhimbythetunicandspunhimaround,throwinghimtothefloorintothepathofPalli,whowasfollowing

onhisheelsmutteringinastonisheddismay,“Bastardweeps.Bastardweeps…”ThathadbeenPalli’sbattle-mumbleatGotorget,whenhisswordhadrisenandfallenendlesslyonmencomingupovertheladders,andhe’dhadnobreathforcries.

“Holdhim,”Cazarilsnarledoverhisshoulder,andstrodeontowardTeidez.

TeidezthrewbackhisheadandmetCazaril’seyessquare-on.“Youcan’tstopme—I’vedoneit!Ihavesavedtheroya!”

“What—what—what—”Cazarilwassofrightenedandfurious,hislipsandmindcouldscarcelyformcoherentwords.“Foolboy!Whatdestructivemadnessisthis,this…?”Hishandsopened,shaking,andjerkedabout.

Teidezleanedtowardhim,histeethglintinginhisdrawn-backlips.“I’vebrokenthecurse,theblackmagicthathasbeenmakingOricosick.Itwascomingfromtheseevilanimals.TheywereasecretgiftfromtheRoknari,meanttoslowlypoisonhim.Andwe’veslaintheRoknarispy—Ithink…”Teidezglancedsomewhatdoubtfullyoverhisshoulder.

OnlythendidCazarilnoticethelastbodyontheflooratthefarendoftheaisle.Umegatlayonhissideinaheap,asunmovingasthebirdsorthevellas.Thecarcassesofthesandfoxeslaytumblednearby.Cazarilhadnotseenhimatfirst,becausehisclearwhiteglowwasextinguished.Dead?Cazarilmoaned,lurchedtowardhim,andfelltohisknees.Theleftsideof

Umegat’sheadwaslacerated,thegray-bronzebraiddisheveledandsoakedwithgore.Hisskinwasasgrayasanoldrag.Buthisscalpwasstillsluggishlybleeding,therefore…

“Doeshestillbreathe?”askedTeidez,advancingtopeeroverCazaril’sshoulder.“Thecaptainhithimwithhisswordpommel,whenhewouldnotgiveway…”

“Fool,fool,foolboy!”

“NofoolI!Hewasbehinditall.”TeideznoddedtowardUmegat.“ARoknariwizard,senttodrainandkillOrico.”

Cazarilgroundhisteeth.“UmegatisaTempledivine.SentbytheBastard’sOrdertocareforthesacredanimals,whoweregivenbythegodtopreserveOrico.Andifyouhavenotslainhim,itisthe

onlygoodluckhere.”Umegat’sbreathcameshallowandodd,hishandswerecoldasacorpse’s,buthedidbreathe.

“No…”Teidezshookhishead.“No,you’rewrong,thatcan’tbe…”Forthefirsttime,theheroicelationwobbledinhisface.

Cazariluncoiledandrosetohisfeet,andTeidezstepped

backatrifle.CazarilturnedtofindPalli,blessedly,athisback,andFerdaatPalli’sshoulder,staringaroundatitallinhorrifiedamazement.Palli,atleast,Cazarilcouldtrusttoknowfieldaid.

“Palli,”heraspedout,“takeoverhere.Seetothewoundedgrooms,thisoneespecially.Hisskullmaybebroken.”HepointeddowntoUmegat’sdarkenedbody.

“Ferda.”

“Mylord?”

Ferda’sbadgeandcolorswouldgainhimadmittanceanywhereinthesacredprecincts.“Runtothetemple.FindArchdivineMendenal.Letnooneandnothingkeepyoufromcominginstantlytohim.Tellhimwhathastranspiredhere,andhavehimsendTemplephysicians—tell

him,UmegatneedstheMother’smidwife,thespecialone.He’llknowwhatyoumean.Hurry!”

Palli,alreadykneelingbesideUmegat,added,“Givemeyourcloak.Andrun,boy!”

Ferdatossedhiscloakathiscommander,whirled,andwasgonebeforePallidrewasecondbreath.Pallibegantowrapthegraywoolaround

theunconsciousRoknari.

CazarilturnedbacktoTeidez,whoseeyesweredartingthiswayandthatingrowinguncertainty.Theroyseretreatedtothelife-emptiedhuskoftheleopard,sixfeetfromnosetotailtiplyinglimplyonthetiles.Itsbeautifulspottedfurhidthemouthsofitswounds,markedbymattedbloodonitssides.CazarilthoughtofdySanda’s

piercedcorpse.

“Islewitwithmysword,becauseitwasaroyalsymbolofmyHouseevenifitwasensorcelled,”Teidezoffered.“Andtotestmycourage.Itclawedmyleg.”Hebentandrubbedawkwardlyathisrightshin,wherehisblacktrouserswereindeedrippedandhanginginblood-wetribbons.

TeidezwastheHeirof

Chalion,andIselle’sbrother.Cazarilcouldnotwishthebeasthadbittenouthisthroat.Shouldnot,anyway.“Fivegods,howdidyoucomebythisblacknonsense?”

“Itisnotnonsense!YouknewOrico’sillnesswasuncanny!Isawitinyourface—Bastard’sdemons,anyonecouldseeit.LordDondotoldmethesecret,beforehedied.Wasmurdered—murderedto

keepthesecret,Ithink,butitwastoolate.”

“Didyoucomeupwiththis…planofattack,onyourown?”

Teidez’sheadcameup,proudly.“No,butwhenIwastheonlyoneleft,Icarrieditthroughallbymyself!Wehadbeengoingtodoittogether,afterDondomarriedIselle—destroythecurse,andfreetheHouseofChalion

fromitsevilinfluence.Butthenitwaslefttome.SoImademyselfhisbanner-carrier,hisarmtoreachfrombeyondthegraveandstrikeonelastblowforChalion!”

“Ah!Ah!”Cazarilwassoovercome,hestampedinacircle.ButhadDondobelievedhisownrubbish,orhadthisbeenacleverplantouseTeidez,obliquelyandunprovably,todisableor

assassinateOrico?Malice,orstupidity?WithDondo,whocouldtell?“No!”

“LordCazaril,whatshouldwedowiththeseBaocians?”Foix’svoiceinquireddiffidently.

CazarillookeduptofindthedisarmedBaocianguardcaptainheldbetweenFoixandoneoftheZangreguards.“Andyou!”snarledCazarilat

him.“Youtool,youfool,youlentyourselftothis,thisstupidsacrilege,andtoldnoone?OrareyouDondo’screaturestill?Ah!Takehimandhismenandlocktheminacell,until…”Cazarilhesitated.Dondowasbehindthis,ohyes,reachingouttowreakchaosanddisaster,itborehisstamp—butforonce,Cazarilsuspected,MartouwasnotbehindDondo.Quitetheopposite,unlesshemissed

hisguess.“Untilthechancellorisnotified,”Cazarilcontinued.“Youthere—”AdownwardsweepofhisarmcommandedanotherZangreguard’sattention.“RuntotheChancellery,orJironalPalaceorwhereverhemaybefound,andtellhimwhathashappenedhere.BeghimtowaituponmebeforehegoestoOrico.”

“LordCazaril,youcannot

ordermyguardsarrested!”criedTeidez.

Cazarilwastheonlyoneherewiththeair,ifnotthefact,ofauthorityneededtocarryoutthisnextstep.“Youaregoingstraighttoyourchamber,untilyourbrotherordersotherwise.Iwillescortyouthere.”

“Takeyourhandoffme!”Teidezyelped,asCazaril’s

irongripclosedaroundhisupperarm.ButhedidnotquitedaretostruggleagainstwhateverhewasseeinginCazaril’sface.

Cazarilsaidthroughhisteeth,inavoicedrippingfalsecordiality,“No,indeed.Youarewounded,younglord,andIhaveadutytohelpyoutoaphysician.”Headdedunderhisbreath,toTeidez’searalone,“AndIwillknockyou

flatanddragyou,ifIhaveto.”

Teidez,recoveringwhatdignityhecould,grumbledtohisguardcaptain,“Goquietlywiththem,then.I’llsendforyoulater,whenIhaveprovedLordCazaril’serror.”Sincehistwocaptorshadalreadyspunthecaptainaroundandweremarchinghimout,thisendedupaddressedtotheBaocian’sback,andfella

littleflat.TheinjuredgroomshadcreptuptoPalli’sside,andweretryingtohelphimwithUmegat.PalliglancedoverhisshoulderandgaveCazarilaquick,reassuringwave.

Cazarilnoddedback,and,undertheguiseoflendingsupport,strong-armedtheroyseoutofthenightmarishabattoirhehadmadeoftheroya’smenagerie.Toolate,

toolate,toolate…beatinhisbrainwitheverystride.Outside,thecrowswerenolongerwhirlingandscreamingintheair.Theyhoppedaboutinagitationuponthecobbles,seemingasbewilderedanddirectionlessasCazaril’sownthoughts.

StillkeepingagriponTeidez,CazarilmarchedhimthroughtheZangre’sgates,where,now,moreguardshad

appeared.Teidezclosedhislipsonfurtherprotest,thoughhissullen,angry,andinsultedexpressionbodednogoodforCazarillateron.Theroysescornedtofavorhiswoundedleg,thoughitleftatrailofbloodiedfootprintsacrossthecobblesofthemaincourtyard.

Cazaril’sattentionwasjerkedleftwardwhenoneofSara’swaitingwomenandapage

appearedinthedoorwaytoIas’sTower.“Hurry,hurry!”thewomanurgedtheboy,whodashedtowardthegates,white-faced.HenearlycaromedoffCazarilinhishaste.

“Whereaway,boy?”Cazarilcalledafterhim.

Heturnedanddancedbackwardforamoment.“Temple,lord.Darenotstay

—RoyinaSara—theroyahascollapsed!”Heturnedandsprintedinearnestthroughthegates;theguardsstaredathim,and,uneasily,backtowardIas’sTower.

Teidez’sarm,beneathCazaril’shand,lostitsstiffresistance.Beneathhisscowl,ascaredlookcreptintohiseyes,andheglancedasidewarilyathisself-appointeddetainer.

Afteramoment’sindecision,Cazaril,notlettinggoofTeidez,wheeledaroundandstartedforIas’sTowerinstead.Hehurriedtocatchupwiththewaitingwoman,whohadduckedbackinside,andcalledafterher,butsheseemednottohearhimasshescurrieduptheendstairs.Hewaswheezingashereachedthethirdfloor,whereOricokepthischambers.Hestaredinapprehensiondownits

centralcorridor.

RoyinaSara,herwhiteshawlbundledaboutherandawomanatherheels,washurryingupthehall.Cazarilbowedanxiouslyasshecametothestaircase.

“Mylady,whathashappened?CanIhelp?”

Shetouchedherhandtoherfrightenedface.“Iscarcely

knowyet,Castillar.Orico—hewasreadingaloudtomeinmychamberswhileIstitched,ashesometimesdoes,formysolace,whensuddenlyhestopped,andblinkedandrubbedhiseyes,andsaidhecouldnotseethewordsanymore,andthattheroomwasalldark.Butitwasn’t!Thenhefellfromhischair.Icriedformyladies,andweputhiminhisbed,andhavesentforaTemplephysician.”

“Wesawtheroya’spage,”Cazarilassuredher.“Hewasrunningasfastashecould.”

“Oh,good…”

“Wasitanapoplexy,doyouthink?”

“Idon’tthink…Idon’tknow.Hespeaksalittle,andhisbreathisnotverylabored…Whatwasallthatshouting,downbythestables,earlier?”

Distractedly,notwaitingforananswer,shepassedhimandmountedthestairs.

Teidez,hisfacegoneleaden,lickedhislipsbutsaidnomoreasCazarilturnedhimaroundandledhimdowntothecourtyard.

Theroysedidnotfindhisvoiceagaintilltheyweremountingthestairsinthemainblock,wherehe

repeatedbreathlessly,“Itcannotbe.Dondotoldmethemenageriewasblacksorcery,aRoknaricursetokeepOricosickandweak.AndIcouldseethatitwasso.”

“ARoknaricurse,theretrulyis,butthemenagerieisawhitemiraclethatkeepsOricoalivedespiteit.Was.Tillnow,”Cazariladdedbitterly.

“No…no…it’sallwrong.Dondotoldme—”

“Dondowasmistaken.”Cazarilhesitatedbriefly.“OrelseDondowishedtohurrythereplacementofaroyawhofavoredhiselderbrotherwithonewhofavoredhimself.”

Teidez’slipspartedinprotest,butnosoundcamefromthem.Cazarildidn’t

thinktheroysecouldbefeigningtheshockedlookinhiseyes.Theonlymercyinthisday,ifmercyitwas—DondomighthavemisledTeidez,butheseemednottohavecorruptedhim,nottothatextent.Teidezwastool,notco-conspirator,notawillingfratricide.Unfortunately,hewasatoolthathadkeptonfunctioningaftertheworkman’shandhadfallenaway.Andwhosefault

wasitthattheboyswalloweddownlies,whennoonewouldfeedhimthetruth?

Thesallowfellowwhowastheroyse’ssecretary-tutorlookedupinsurprisefromhiswritingdeskasCazarilswungtheboyintohischambers.

“Looktoyourmaster,”Cazariltoldhimshortly.“He’sinjured.Heisnottoquitthisbuildinguntil

ChancellordyJironalisinformedwhathasoccurred,andgiveshimleave.”Headded,withalittlesoursatisfaction,“Ifyouknewofthisoutrage,anddidnothingtopreventit,thechancellorwillbefuriouswithyou.”

Themanpaledinconfusion;Cazarilturnedhisbackonhim.NowtogoseewhatwashappeningwithUmegat…

“ButLordCazaril,”Teidez’svoicequavered.“WhatshouldIdo?”

Cazarilspatoverhisshoulder,ashestrodeoutagain,“Pray.”

18

Asheturnedontotheendstairs,Cazarilheardawoman’sslippersscuffingrapidlyonthesteps.HelookeduptofindLadyBetriz,herlavenderskirtstrailing,hurryingdowntowardhim.

“LordCazaril!What’sgoingon?Weheardshouting—oneofthemaidscriedRoyseTeidezhasrunmad,andtriedtoslaytheroya’sanimals!”

“Notmad—misled.Ithink.Andnottried—succeeded.”Inafewbrief,bitterwords,Cazarildescribedthehorrorinthestableblock.

“Butwhy?”Hervoicewashuskywithshock.

Cazarilshookhishead.“AlieofLordDondo’s,nearlyasIcantell.HeconvincedtheroysethatUmegatwasaRoknariwizardusingtheanimalstosomehowpoisontheroya.Whichturnedthetruthexactlybackwards;theanimalssustainedOrico,andnowhehascollapsed.Fivegods,Icannotexplainitallhereuponthestairs.TellRoyesseIselleIwillattenduponhersoon,butfirstImust

seetotheinjuredgrooms.Stayaway—keepIselleawayfromthemenagerie.”Andifhedidn’tgiveIselleaction,she’dsurelytakeitforherself…“WaituponSara,bothofyou;she’shalf-distracted.”

Cazarilcontinuedondownthestairs,pasttheplacewherehehadbeen—deliberately?—decoyedawaybyhisownpain,earlier.

Dondo’sdemonicghostmadenomovetogriphimnow.

Backatthemenagerie,CazarilfoundthattheexcellentPalliandhismenhadalreadycarriedoffUmegatandthemoreseriouslyinjuredoftheundergroomstotheMother’shospital.Theremaininggroomwasstumblingaroundtryingtocatchahystericallittleblue-and-yellowbird

thathadsomehowescapedtheBaocianguardcaptainandtakenrefugeintheuppercornices.Someservantsfromthestablehadcomeoverandweremakingawkwardattemptstohelp;onehadtakenoffhistabardandwassweepingitup,tryingtoknockthebirdoutoftheair.

“Stop!”Cazarilchokedbackpanic.Forallheknew,thelittlefeatheredcreaturewas

thelastthreadbywhichOricoclungtolife.Hedirectedthewould-behelpersinsteadtothetaskofcollectingthebodiesoftheslainanimals,layingthemoutinthestablecourtyard,andcleaningupthebloodymessonthetilesinside.Hescoopedupahandfulofgrainsfromthevellas’stall,remainsoftheirlastinterrupteddinner,andcoaxedthelittlebirddowntohisownhand,chirpingas

he’dseenUmegatdo.Rathertohissurprise,thebirdcametohimandsuffereditselftobeputbackintoitscage.

“Guarditwithyourlife,”hetoldthegroom.Thenadded,scowlingforeffect,“Ifitdies,youdie.”Anemptythreat,thoughitmustdofornow;thegrooms,atleast,lookedimpressed.Ifitdies,Oricodies?Thatsuddenlyseemedfrighteninglyplausible.He

turnedtolendahandindraggingouttheheavybodiesofthebears.

“Shouldweskinthem,lord?”oneofthestablehandsinquired,staringattheresultsofTeidez’shellishhuntpiledupoutsideonthepavingstones.

“No!”saidCazaril.EventhefewofFonsa’scrowsstilllingeringaboutthestable

yard,thoughtheyregardedthebloodycarcasseswithwaryinterest,madenomovetowardthem.“Treatthem…asyouwouldtheroya’ssoldierswhohaddiedinbattle.Burnedorburied.Notskinned.Noreaten,forthegods’sakes.”Swallowing,Cazarilbentandaddedthebodiesofthetwodeadcrowstotherow.“Therehasbeensacrilegeenoughthisday.”AndthegodsforfendTeidez

hadnotslainaholysaintaswellasthesacredanimals.

AclatterofhoovesheraldedthearrivalofMartoudyJironal,fetched,presumably,fromJironalPalace;hewasfollowedupthehillbyfourretainersonfoot,gaspingforbreath.Thechancellorswungdownfromhissnorting,sidlinghorse,handeditofftoabowinggroom,andadvancedtostareattherow

ofdeadanimals.Thebears’darkfurriffledinthecoldwind,theonlymovement.DyJironal’slipsspasmedonunvoicedcurses.“Whatisthismadness?”HelookedupatCazaril,andhiseyesnarrowedinbewilderedsuspicion.“DidyousetTeidezontothis?”DyJironalwasnot,Cazariljudged,dissimulating;hewasasoff-balanceasCazarilhimself.

“I?No!IdonotcontrolTeidez.”Cazariladdedsourly,“Andneither,itappears,doyou.Hewasinyourconstantcompanyforthepasttwoweeks;hadyounohintofthis?”

DyJironalshookhishead.

“Inhisdefense,Teidezseemstohavehadsomegarblednotionthatthisactwouldsomehowhelptheroya.That

he’dnobettersenseisafaultofhisage;thathehadnobetterknowledge…well,youandOricobetweenyouhaveservedhimill.Ifhe’dbeenmorefilledwithtruth,he’dhavehadlessroomforlies.I’vehadhisBaocianguardlockedup,andtakenhimtohischambers,toawait…”theroya’sorderswouldnotbeforthcomingnow.Cazarilfinished,“yourorders.”

DyJironal’shandmadeaconstrictedgesture.“Wait.Theroyesse—hewasclosetedwithhissisteryesterday.Couldshehavesethimon?”

“Fivewitnesseswillsayno.IncludingTeidezhimself.Hegavenosignyesterdaythatthiswasinhismind.”Almostnosign.Shouldhave,shouldhave,shouldhave…

“YoucontroltheRoyesse

Isellecloselyenough,”snappeddyJironalbitterly.“DoyouthinkIdon’tknowwhoencouragedherinherdefiance?Ifailtoseethesecretofherperniciousattachmenttoyou,butImeantocutthatconnection.”

“Yes.”Cazarilbaredhisteeth.“DyJoaltriedtowieldyourknifelastnight.He’llknowtochargeyoumoreforhisservicesnexttime.Hazard

pay.”DyJironal’seyesglitteredwithunderstanding;Cazariltookabreath,forself-control.Thiswasbringingtheirhostilitiesmuchtooclosetothesurface.ThelastthinghedesiredwasdyJironal’sfullattention.“Inanycase,thereisnomystery.TeidezsaysyouramiablebrotherDondoplottedthiswithhim,beforehedied.”

DyJironalsteppedbacka

pace,eyeswidening,buthisteethclenchedonanyotherreaction.

Cazarilcontinued,“Now,whatIshoulddearlyliketoknowis—andyouareinabetterpositiontoguesstheanswerthanIam—didDondoknowwhatthismenageriereallydidforOrico?”

DyJironal’sgazeflewtohis

face.“Doyou?”

“AlltheZangreknowsbynow:Oricowasstrickenblind,andfellfromhischair,duringtheverymomentshiscreaturesweredying.Saraandherladiesbroughthimtohisbed,andhavesentfortheTemplephysicians.”ThisanswerbothevadedthequestionandabruptlyredirecteddyJironal’sattention;thechancellor

paled,whirledaway,andmadefortheZangregates.Hedidnot,Cazarilnoted,staytoinquireafterUmegat.Clearly,dyJironalknewwhatthemenageriedid;didheunderstandhow?

Doyou?

Cazarilshookhisheadandturnedtheotherway,foryetanotherwearymarchdownintotown.

Cardegoss’sTempleHospitaloftheMother’sMercywasaramblingoldconvertedmansion,bequeathedtotheorderbyapiouswidow,onthestreetbeyondtheMother’shousefromtheTempleSquare.CazariltrackedPalliandUmegatthroughitsmazetoasecond-floorgalleryaboveaninnercourtyard.HespottedthechamberreadilybythereuniteddyGurabrothers

standingguardoutsideitscloseddoor.Theysalutedandpassedhimthrough.

HeenteredtofindUmegatlaidoutunconsciousuponabed.Awhite-hairedwomaninaTemplephysician’sgreenrobesbentoverhimstitchingupthelaceratedflapofhisscalp.Shewasassistedbyafamiliar,dumpymiddle-agedwomanwhoseviridescenttingeowednothingtoher

greendress.Cazarilcouldstillseeherfainteffulgencewithhiseyesclosed.ThearchdivineofCardegosshimself,inhisfive-coloredvestment,hoveredanxiously.Pallileanedagainstawallwithhisarmscrossed;hisfacelightened,andhepushedtohisfeetwhenhesawCazaril.

“Howgoesit?”CazarilaskedPalliinalowvoice.

“Poorfellow’sstilloutcold,”Pallimurmuredback.“Ithinkhemusthavetakenamightywhack.Andyou?”

CazarilrepeatedthetaleofOrico’ssuddencollapse.ArchdivineMendenalsteppedclosertolisten,andthephysicianglancedoverhershoulder.“Hadtheytoldyouofthisturn,Archdivine?”Cazariladded.

“Oh,aye.IwillfollowOrico’sphysicianstotheZangreassoonasImay.”

Ifthewhite-hairedphysicianwonderedwhyaninjuredgroomshouldclaimmoreofthearchdivine’sattentionthanthestrickenroya,shegavenomoresignthanaslightliftingofhereyebrows.Shefinishedherlastneatstitchanddippedaclothinabasintowashthecrusting

gorefromtheshavedscalparoundthewound.Shedriedherhands,checkedtherolled-backeyesunderUmegat’slids,andstraightened.TheMother’smidwifegatheredupUmegat’scut-awayleftbraidandtherestofthemedicalmess,andmadealltidy.

ArchdivineMendenalclutchedhisfingerstogether,andaskedthephysician,

“Well?”

“Well,hisskullisnotbroken,thatIcanfeel.Ishallleavethewounduncoveredtobettermarkbleedingorswelling.Icantellnothingmoreuntilhewakes.There’snaughttodonowbutkeephimwarmandwatchhimtillhestirs.”

“Whenwillthatbe?”

Thephysicianstareddowndubiouslyatherpatient.Cazarildid,too.ThefastidiousUmegatwouldhavehatedhispresentcrumpled,half-shorn,desperatelylimpappearance.Umegat’sfleshwasstillthatdeathlygray,makinghisgoldenRoknariskinlooklikeadirtyrag.Hisbreathrasped.Notgood.Cazarilhadseenmenwholookedlikethatgoontorecover;he’dalsoseen

themsinkanddie.

“Icannotsay,”thephysicianrepliedatlast,echoingCazaril’sownmentaldiagnosis.

“Leaveus,then.Theacolytewillwatchhimfornow.”

“Yes,YourReverence.”Thephysicianbowed,andinstructedthemidwife,“Sendformeatonceifheeither

wakes,ortakesafever,orstartstoconvulse.”Shegatheredupherinstruments.

“LorddyPalliar,Ithankyouforyouraid,”thearchdivinesaid.Headded,“LordCazaril,pleasestay.”

Pallisaidmerely,“You’reentirelywelcome,YourReverence,”thenafteraheartbeat,asthehintpenetrated,“Oh.Ah.Ifyou’re

allright,Caz…?”

“Fornow.”

“ThenIshouldperhapsreturntotheDaughter’shouse.Ifyouneedanything,atanytime,sendformethere,oratYarrinPalace,andI’ll‘tenduponyouatonce.Youshouldnotgoaboutalone.”HegaveCazarilasternlook,tobesurethiswasunderstoodascommandandnotparting

pleasantry.He,too,thenbowed,and,openingthedoorforthephysician,followedinherwake.

Asthedoorclosed,MendenalturnedtoCazaril,hishandsoutstretchedinpleading.“LordCazaril,whatshouldwedo?”

Cazarilrecoiled.“Fivegods,you’reaskingme?”

Theman’slipstwistedruefully.“LordCazaril,I’veonlybeenthearchdivineofCardegossfortwoyears.IwaschosenbecauseIwasagoodadministrator,Ifancy,andtopleasemyfamily,becausemybrotherandmyfatherbeforehimwerepowerfulprovincars.IwasdedicatedtotheBastard’sOrderatagefourteen,withagooddowerfrommyfathertoassuremycareand

advancement.Ihaveservedthegodsfaithfullyallmylife,but…theydonotspeaktome.”HestaredatCazaril,andglancedasidetotheMother’smidwife,withanoddhopelessenvyinhiseyes,devoidofhostility.“Whenapiousordinarymanfindshimselfinaroomwiththreeworkingsaints—ifhehasanywitsleft—heseeksinstruction,hedoesnotfeigntoinstruct.”

“Iamnot…”Cazarilbitbackthedenial.Hehadmoreurgentconcernsthanarguingoverthetheologicaldefinitionofhiscurrentcondition,thoughifthiswassainthood,thegodsmustexceedthemselvesfordamnation.“HonorableAcolyte—I’msorry,Ihaveforgottenyourname?”

“IamClara,LordCazaril.”

Cazarilgaveheralittlebow.“AcolyteClara.Doyousee—doyounotsee—Umegat’sglow?I’veneverseenhimwhen—isitsupposedtogooutwhenamanisasleeporunconscious?”

Sheshookherhead.“Thegodsarewithuswakingandsleeping,LordCazaril.I’msureIdon’thavethestrengthofsightyoudo,butindeed,theBastardhaswithdrawnhis

presencefromLearnedUmegat.”

“Oh,no,”breathedMendenal.

“Areyousure?”saidCazaril.“Itcouldnotbeadefectinmy—inyoursecondsight?”

Sheglancedathim,wincingalittle.“No.ForIcanseeyouplainlyenough.Icouldseeyoubeforeyoucameinthedoor.Itisalmostpainfultobe

inthesameroomwithyou.”

“Doesthismeanthemiracleofthemenagerieisbroken?”askedMendenalanxiously,gesturingattheunconsciousgroom.“Wehavenodikenowagainstthetideofthisblackcurse?”

Shehesitated.“Umegatnolongerhoststhemiracle.IdonotknowiftheBastardhastransferredittoanother’s

will.”

MendenalwheeledtostarehopefullyatCazaril.“His,perhaps?”

ShefrownedatCazaril,absentlyholdingherhandtoherbrowasiftoshadehereyes.“IfIamasaint,asLearnedUmegathasnamedme,Iamonlyasmalldomesticone.IfUmegat’stutelagehadnotsharpened

myperceptionsovertheyears,Ishouldmerelyhavethoughtmyselfunusuallyluckyinmyprofession.”

Luck,Cazarilcouldn’thelpreflecting,hadnotbeenhismostsalientexperiencesincehe’dstumbledintothegods’maze.

“AndyettheMotheronlyreachesthroughmefromtimetotime,thenpasseson.Lord

Cazaril…blazes.FromthedayIfirstsawhimatLordDondo’sfuneral.ThewhitelightoftheBastardandtheblueclarityoftheLadyofSpring,bothatonce,theconstantlivingpresenceoftwogods,allmixedwithsomeotherdarkthingIcannotmakeout.Umegatcouldseemoreclearly.IftheBastardhasaddedmoretotheroilalreadythere,Icannottell.”

Thearchdivinetouchedbrow,lips,navel,groin,andheart,fingersspreadwide,andstaredhungrilyatCazaril.“Twogods,twogodsatonce,andinthisroom!”

Cazarilbentforward,handsclenching,hideouslyremindedbythepressureofhisbeltoftheterrifyingdistentionbeneathit.“DidUmegatnotmakeknowntoyouwhatIdidtoLord

Dondo?DidyounottalktoRojeras?”

“Yes,yes,andIspoketoRojerastoo,goodman,butofcoursehecouldnotunderstand—”

“Heunderstoodbetterthanyouseemto.Ibeardeathandmurderinmygut.Anabomination,forallIknowtakingphysicalandnotjustpsychicform,engenderedby

ademonandDondodyJironal’saccursedghost.Whichscreamsatmenightly,bytheway,inDondo’svoice,withallhisvilestvocabulary,andDondohadamouthliketheCardegossmainsewer.Withnowayoutbuttotearmeopen.Itisnotholy,itisdisgusting!”

Mendenalsteppedback,blinking.

Cazarilclutchedhishead.“Ihaveterribledreams.Andpainsinmybelly.Andrages.AndI’mafraidDondoisleaking.”

“Oh,dear,”saidMendenalfaintly.“Ihadnoidea,LordCazaril.Umegatsaidonlythatyouwereskittish,anditwasbesttoleaveyouinhishands.”

“Skittish,”Cazarilrepeated

hollowly.“Andoh,didImentiontheghosts?”Itwassurelyameasureof…something,thattheyseemedtheleastofhisworries.

“Ghosts?”

“AlltheghostsoftheZangrefollowmeaboutthecastleandclusteraroundmybedatnight.”

“Oh,”saidMendenal,looking

suddenlyworried.“Ah.”

“Ah?”

“DidUmegatwarnyouabouttheghosts?”

“No…hesaidtheycoulddomenoharm.”

“Well,yesandno.Theycandoyounoharmwhileyoulive.ButasUmegatexplainedittome,theLady’smiracle

hasdelayedtheworkingoutoftheBastard’smiracle,notreversedit.Itfollowsthat,hm,shouldHerhandopen,andthedemonflyawaywithyoursoul—andDondo’s,ofcourse—itwillleaveyourhuskwithacertain,um,dangeroustheologicalemptinesswhichisnotquitelikenaturaldeath.Andtheghostsoftheexcludeddamnedwillattemptto,er,movein.”

Afterashort,fraughtsilence,Cazarilinquired,“Dotheyeversucceed?”

“Sometimes.Isawacaseonce,whenIwasayoungdivine.Thedegradedspiritsareshamblingstupidthings,butit’ssoveryawkwardtogetthemoutagainoncetheytakepossession.Theymustbeburned…well,aliveisnotquitetherightterm.Veryuglyscene,especiallyifthe

relativesdon’tunderstand,because,ofcourse,beingyourbody,itscreamsinyourvoice….Itwouldnot,intheevent,beyourproblem,ofcourse,youwouldbe,um,elsewherebythen,butitmightsave,hm,otherssomepainfultroubles,ifyoumakesureyoualwayshavesomeonebyyouwhowouldunderstandthenecessityofburningyourbodybeforesunset…”Mendenaltrailed

offapologetically.

“Thankyou,YourReverence,”saidCazaril,withawfulpoliteness.“IshalladdthattoRojeras’stheoryofthedemongrowingitselfanewbodyinmytumorandgnawingitswayout,shouldIeveragainbeindangerofgettinganight’ssleep.AlthoughIsupposethere’snoreasonbothcouldnotoccur.Sequentially.”

Mendenalclearedhisthroat.“Sorry,mylord.Ithoughtyoushouldknow.”

Cazarilsighed.“Yes…IsupposeIshould.”Helookedup,rememberinglastnight’sscenewithdyJoal.“Isitpossible…supposetheLady’sgriploosenedjustalittle.IsitpossibleforDondo’ssoultoleakintomine?”

Mendenal’sbrowsrose.“I

don’t…Umegatwouldknow.Oh,howIwishhewouldwakeup!IsupposeitwouldbeafasterwayforDondo’sghosttogetabodythantogrowoneinatumor.Youwouldthinkitwouldbetoosmall.”Hemadeanuncertainmeasuringgesturewithhishands.

“NotaccordingtoRojeras,”saidCazarildryly.

Mendenalrubbedhisforehead.“Ah,poorRojeras.HethoughtIhadtakenasuddeninterestinhisspecialtywhenIaskedaboutyou,andofcourse,Ididnotcorrecthismisapprehension.Ithoughthewasgoingtotalkforhalfthenight.Ifinallyhadtopromisehimapurseforhisward,toescapethetourofhiscollection.”

“I’dpaymoneytoescape

that,too,”Cazarilallowed.Afteramomentheaskedcuriously,“YourReverence…whywasInotarrestedforDondo’smurder?HowdidUmegatfinessethat?”

“Murder?Therewasnomurder.”

“Excuseme,themanisdead,andbymyhand,bydeathmagic,whichisacapital

crime.”

“Oh.Yes,Isee.Theignorantarefulloferrorsaboutdeathmagic,well,eventhenameiswrong.It’sanicetheologicalpoint,d’yousee.Attemptingdeathmagicisacrimeofintent,ofconspiracy.Successfuldeathmagicisnotdeathmagicatall,butamiracleofjustice,andcannotbeacrime,becauseitisthehandofthegodthatcarries

offthevictim—victims—Imean,it’snotasiftheroyacansendhisofficerstoarresttheBastard,eh?”

“DoyouthinkthepresentchancellorofChalionwillappreciatethedistinction?”

“Ah…no.WhichiswhyUmegatadvisedthattheTemplepreferadiscreetapproachtothis…thisverycomplicatedissue.”Mendenal

scratchedhischeekinnewworry.“Notthatthesupplicantofsuchjusticehaseverlivedthroughit,before…thedistinctionwasclearerwhenitwasalltheoretical.Twomiracles.Ineverthoughtoftwomiracles.Unprecedented.TheLadyofSpringmustloveyoudearly.”

“Asateamsterloveshismulethatcarrieshisbaggage,”said

Cazarilbitterly,“whippingitoverthehighpasses.”

Thearchdivinelookedalittledistraught;onlyAcolyteClara’slipstwistedinappreciation.Umegatwouldhavesnorted,Cazarilthought.HebegantounderstandwhytheRoknarisainthadbeensofondoftalkingshopwithhim.Onlythesaintswouldjokesoaboutthegods,becauseitwaseitherjokeor

scream,andtheyaloneknewitwasallthesametothegods.

“Yes,but,”saidMendenal.“Umegatconcurred—soextraordinaryapreservationmustsurelybeforanextraordinarypurpose.Haveyou…haveyounoguessatall?”

“Archdivine,Iknownaught.”Cazaril’svoiceshook.“AndI

am…”hebrokeoff.

“Yes?”encouragedMendenal.

IfIsayitaloud,Iwillfalltopiecesrighthere.Helickedhislips,andswallowed.Whenheforcedthewordsfromhistongueatlast,theycameoutahoarsewhisper.“Iamveryfrightened.”

“Oh,”saidthearchdivine

afteralongmoment.“Ah.Yes,I…Iseethatitwouldbe…Oh,ifonlyUmegatwouldwakeup!”

TheMother’smidwifeclearedherthroat,diffidently.“MylorddyCazaril?”

“Yes,AcolyteClara?”

“IthinkIhaveamessageforyou.”

“What?”

“TheMotherspoketomeinadreamlastnight.Iwasnotaltogethersure,formysleepingbrainspinsfanciesoutofwhateveriscommoninmythoughts,andIthinkoftenofHer.SoIhadmeanttotakeittoUmegattoday,andbeguidedbyhisgoodadvice.ButShesaidtome,Shesaid”—Claratookabreath,andsteadiedher

voice,herexpressiongrowingcalmer—”‘TellmyDaughter’sfaithfulcouriertobewaredespairaboveall.’”

“Yes?”saidCazarilafteramoment.“And…?”Blastit,ifthegodsweregoingtotroubletosendhimmessagesinotherpeople’sdreams,he’dprefersomethinglesscryptic.Andmorepractical.

“Thatwasall.”

“Areyousure?”askedMendenal.

“Well…Shemighthavesaid,herDaughter’sfaithfulcourtier.Orcastle-warder.Orcaptain.Orallfourofthem—thatpart’sblurredinmymemory.”

“Ifitisso,whoaretheotherthreemen?”askedMendenal,puzzled.

TheunknowingechooftheProvincara’swordstohiminValendachilledCazariltothepitofhisachingbelly.“I…Iam,Archdivine.Iam.”Hebowedtotheacolyte,andsaidthroughstifflips,“Thankyou,Clara.PraytoyourLadyforme.”

Shegavehimasilent,understandingsmile,andalittlenod.

LeavingtheMother’sacolytetokeepclosewatchoverUmegat,thearchdivineexcusedhimselftogoattenduponRoyaOrico,andwithashydiffidenceinvitedCazariltoaccompanyhimtotheZangregates.Cazarilfoundhimselfgratefulfortheofferandfollowedhimout.Hisearliertoweringrageandterrorhadlongsincepassed,leavinghimlimpandweak.Hiskneesbuckledonthe

gallerystairs;butforcatchingtherailinghewouldhavetumbleddownhalfaflight.Tohisembarrassment,thesolicitousMendenalinsistedCazarilbecarriedupthehillinhisownsedanchair,hoistedbyfourstoutdedicats,withMendenalwalkingbeside.Cazarilfeltafool,andconspicuous.But,hehadtoadmit,vastlyobliged.

THEINTERVIEWCAZARILHAD

BEENDREADINGDIDnottakeplaceuntilaftersupper.Summonedbyapage,heclimbedreluctantlytotheroyesse’ssittingroom.Iselle,lookingstrained,awaitedhimattendedbyBetriz;theroyessewavedhimtoastool.Candlesburningbrightlyinallthemirroredwallsconcesdidnotdriveawaytheshadowthatclungabouther.

“HowdoesOricogoon?”he

askedtheladiesanxiously.Theyhadneitherofthemcometosupperinthebanquetinghall,insteadremainingwiththeroyinaandthestrickenroyaabovestairs.

Betrizanswered,“Heseemedcalmerthisevening,whenhefoundhewasnotcompletelyblind—hecanseeacandleflamewithhisrighteye.Butheisnotpassingwaterproperly,andhisphysician

thinksheisindangerofgrowingdropsical.Hedoeslookterriblyswollen.”Shebitherlipinworry.

Cazarilduckedhisheadattheroyesse.“AndwereyouabletoseeTeidez?”

Isellesighed.“Yes,rightafterChancellordyJironaldressedhimdown.Hewastoodistraughttobesensible.Ifhewereyounger,Iwouldname

itoneofhistantrums.I’msorryheisgrowntoobigtoslap.Hetakesnofood,andthrowsthingsathisservants,andnowhe’sfreedfromhischambers,isrefusingtocomeout.There’snothingtodowhenhegetslikethisbuttoleavehimalone.He’llbebettertomorrow.”HereyesnarrowedatCazaril,andherlipscompressed.“Andso,mylord.Justhowlonghaveyouknownofthisblackcursethat

hangsoverOrico?”

“Sarafinallytalkedtoyou…didshe?”

“Yes.”

“Whatexactlydidshesay?”

IsellegaveatolerablyaccuratesummationofthestoryofFonsaandtheGoldenGeneral,andthedescentofthelegacyofillfortune

throughIastoOrico.ShedidnotmentionherselforTeidez.

Cazarilchewedonaknuckle.“Youhaveabouthalfthefacts,then.”

“Idonotlikethishalfportion,Cazaril.TheworlddemandsImakegoodchoicesonnoinformation,andthenblamesmymaidenhoodformymistakes,asifmymaidenhoodwereresponsible

formyignorance.Ignoranceisnotstupidity,butitmightaswellbe.AndIdonotlikefeelingstupid.”Steelrangintheselastwords,unmistakably.

Hebowedhisheadinapology.Hewantedtoweepforwhathewasabouttolose.Itwasnottoshieldhermaideninnocence,norBetriz’s,thathehadkeptsilentfortoolong,noreven

dreadofarrest.Hehadfearedtolosetheparadiseoftheirregard,beensickenedwiththehorrorofbecominghideousintheireyes.Coward.Speak,andbedone.

“IfirstlearnedofthecursethenightafterDondo’sdeath,fromthegroomUmegat—whoisnogroom,bytheway,butadivineoftheBastard,andthesaintwhohostedthemiracleofthemenageriefor

Orico.”

Betriz’seyeswidened.“Oh.I…Ilikedhim.Howdoeshegoon?”

Cazarilmadealittlebalancinggesturewithonehand.“Badly.Stillunconscious.Andworse,he’s”—heswallowed,Herewego—“stoppedglowing.”

“Stoppedglowing?”said

Iselle.“Ididn’tknowhe’dstarted.”

“Yes.Iknow.Youcannotseeit.There’s…somethingIhaven’ttoldyouaboutDondo’smurder.”Hetookabreath.“Itwasmewhosacrificedcrowandrat,andprayedtotheBastardforDondo’sdeath.”

“Ah!I’dsuspectedasmuch,”saidBetriz,sittingstraighter.

“Yes,but—whatyoudon’tknowis,Iwasgrantedit.Ishouldhavediedthatnight,inFonsa’stower.Butanother’sprayersintervened.Iselle’s,Ithink.”Henoddedtotheroyesse.

Herlipsparted,andherhandwenttoherbreast.“IprayedthattheDaughtersparemefromDondo!”

“Youprayed—andthe

Daughtersparedme.”Headdedruefully,“Butnot,asitturnedout,fromDondo.Yousawhowathisfuneralallthegodsrefusedtosignthathissoulwastakenup?”

“Yes,andsohewasexcluded,damned,trappedinthisworld,”saidIselle.“HalfthecourtfearedhewaslooseinCardegoss,andfestoonedthemselveswithcharmsagainsthim.”

“InCardegoss,yes.Loose…no.Mostlostghostsareboundtotheplacewheretheydied.Dondo’sisboundtothepersonwhokilledhim.”Heshuthiseyes,unabletobearlookingattheirdrainingfaces.“Youknowmytumor?It’snotatumor.Ornotonlyatumor.Dondo’ssoulistrappedinsideofme.Alongwiththedeathdemon,apparently,butthedemon,atleast,isblessedlyquietabout

itall.It’sDondowhowon’tshutup.Hescreamsatme,atnight.Anyway.”Heopenedhiseyesagain,thoughhestilldidnotdarelookup.“Allthis…divineactivityhasgivenmeasortofsecondsight.Umegathasit—thereisalittlesaintoftheMotherintownwhohasit—andIhaveit.Umegathas—had—awhiteglow.TheMotherClarashinesafaintgreen.TheyhavebothtoldmeIam

mostlyblueandwhite,allroilingandblazing.”Atlast,heforcedhimselftolookupandmeetIselle’seyes.“AndIcanseeOrico’scurseasadarkshadow.Iselle,listen,thisisimportant.Idon’tthinkSaraknowsthis.It’snotjustashadowonOrico.It’sonyouandTeidez,too.AllthedescendantsofFonsaseemtobesmearedbythisblackthing.”

Afteralittlesilence,sittingstiffandstill,Isellesaidonly,“Thatmakesasortofsense.”

Betrizwaseyeinghimsideways.Bythetestimonyofhisbelt,histumorwasnotgrownmoregrossthanbefore,buthergazemadehimfeelmonstrous.Hebentalittleoverhisbellyandmanagedaweak,unfeltgrininherdirection.

“Buthowdoyougetridofthis…haunting?”Betrizaskedslowly.

“Um…asIunderstandit,ifIamkilled,mysoulwillloseitsanchorinmybody,andthedeathdemonwillbereleasedtofinishitsjob.Ithink.I’malittleafraidthedemonwilltrytotrickorbetraymetomydeath,ifitcan;itseemsatriflesingle-minded.Itwantstogohome.

Or,iftheLady’shandopens,thedemonwillbereleased,andwrenchmysoulfrommybody,andoffweallgotogetheragainthesame.”HedecidednottoburdenherwithRojeras’sothertheory.

“No,LordCaz,youdon’tunderstand.Iwanttoknowhowyoucangetridofitwithoutdying.”

“I’dliketoknowthat,too,”

Cazarilsighed.Withaneffort,hestraightenedhisspineandmanagedabettersmile.“Itdoesn’tmatter.ItradedmylifeforDondo’sdeathofmyownfreewill,andI’vereceivedmydue.Paymentofmydebtismerelydelayed,notrescinded.TheLadyapparentlykeepsmealiveforsomeserviceIhaveyettoperform.OrelseIwouldslaymyselfindisgustandendit.”

Iselle,eyesnarrowingatthis,satupandsaidsharply,“Well,Idonotreleaseyoufrommyservice!Doyouhearme,Cazaril?”

Hissmilegrewmoregenuine,foraninstant.“Ah.”

“Yes,”saidBetriz,“andyoucan’texpectustogetallsqueamishjustbecauseyou’re…inhabited.Imean…we’reexpectedtoshareour

bodiessomeday.Doesn’tmakeushorrible,doesit?”Shehesitatedatwherethismetaphorwastakingher.

Cazaril,whosemindhadbeenshyingfromjustthatparallelforsometime,saidmildly,“Yes,butwithDondo?YoubothdrewthelineatDondo.”Intruth,everymanhe’deverkilledhadtraveledbackuptheshockofhisswordarmintohismemory,androde

withhimstill,inasense.Andsowebearoursins.

Iselleputherhandtoherlipsinsuddenalarm.“Cazaril—hecan’tgetout,canhe?”

“IpraytotheLadyhemaynot.Theideaofhimseepingintomymindis…istheworstofall.Worseeventhan…nevermind.Oh.Thatremindsme,Ishouldwarnyouabouttheghosts.”Briefly,he

repeatedwhatthearchdivinehadtoldhimaboutmakingsurehisbodywasburned,andwhy.Itaffordedhimanoddrelief,tohavethatout.Theyweredismayed,butattentive;hethoughthemighttrustthemtohavethecourageforthetask.Andthenwasashamedtohavenottrustedtheircourageearlier.

“Butlisten,Royesse,”hewenton.“TheGolden

General’scursehasfollowedFonsa’sget,butSaraisshadowed,too.UmegatandIboththinkshemarriedintoit.”

“Herlifehascertainlybeenmademiserableenoughbyit,”agreedIselle.

“Itthereforefollowslogically,thatyoumightmarryoutofit.Itisahope,anyway,agreathope.Ithink

weshouldturnourmindstothematter—IwouldhaveyououtofCardegoss,outofthecurse,outofChalionaltogether,assoonasmaybearranged.”

“Withthecourtinthisuproar,marriagearrangementsareoutof—”Isellepausedabruptly.“But…whataboutTeidez?AndOrico?AndChalionitself?AmItoabandonthem,likeageneral

runningawayfromalosingbattle?”

“Thehighestcommandershavewiderresponsibilitiesthanasinglebattle.Ifabattlemaynotbewon—ifthegeneralcannotsavethatday,atleastsucharetreatsavesthegoodofanotherday.”

Shefrowneddoubtfully,takingthisin.Herbrowslowered.“Cazaril…doyou

thinkmymotherandgrandmotherknewofthisdarkthingthathangsoverus?”

“Yourgrandmother,Idon’tknow.Yourmother…”IfIstahadseentheghostsoftheZangreforherself,shemusthavebeenlentthesecondsightforatime.Whatdidthisimply?Cazaril’simaginationfoundered.“Yourmotherknewsomething,butIdon’t

knowhowmuch.EnoughtobeterrifiedwhenyouwerecalledtoCardegoss,anyway.”

“I’dthoughtheroverfussy.”Iselle’svoicelowered.“I’dthoughthermad,astheservantswhispered.”Herfrowndeepened.“Ihavealottothinkabout.”

Ashersilencelengthened,Cazarilrose,andbadeboth

ladiesapolitegoodnight.Theroyesseacknowledgedhimwithanabsentnod.Betrizclaspedherhandstogether,staringathiminagonizedsearching,anddippedahalfcurtsey.

“Wait!”Isellecalledsuddenlyashereachedthedoor.Hewheeledaround;shesprangfromherchair,strodeuptohim,andgrippedbothhishands.“Youaretootall.

Bendyourhead,”shecommanded.

Obligingly,heduckedhishead;shestoodontiptoe.Heblinkedinsurpriseasheryounglipsplantedafirmandformalkissuponhisbrow,andthenuponthebackofeachhand,liftedtohermouth.Andthenshesanktothefloorinarustleofperfumedsilk,andashismouthopenedininarticulate

protest,shekissedeachbootedfootwiththesameunhesitatingfirmness.

“There,”saidIselle,rising.Herchincameup.“Nowyoumaybedismissed.”

TearswererunningdownBetriz’sface.Tooshakenforwords,Cazarilboweddeeplyandfledtohisunquietbed.

19

CazarilfoundtheZangreeerilyquietthefollowingday.AfterDondo’sdeaththecourthadbeenalarmed,yes,butexcitedandgivenovertogossipandwhispering.Noweventhewhisperingwasstilled.Allwhohadnodirect

dutiesstayedaway,andthosewhohadinescapabletaskswentabouttheminahurried,apprehensivesilence.

IselleandBetrizspentthedayinIas’stower,waitinguponSaraandOrico.Atdawn,Cazarilandthegrimcastlewarderoversawthecremationandburialoftheremainsoftheanimals.Fortherestoftheday,Cazarilalternatedfeebleattemptstoattendto

themessonhisdeskwithtrudgesdowntothetemplehospital.Umegatlayunchanged,grayandrasping.Afterhissecondvisit,Cazarilstoppedinatthetempleitselfandprayed,prostrateandwhispering,beforeallfivealtarsinturn.Ifhewasintruthinfectedwiththissaint-disease,dammit,shouldn’titbegoodforsomething?

Thegodsdonotgrant

miraclesforourpurposes,butfortheirs,Umegathadsaid.Yes?ItseemedtoCazarilthatthisbargainoughttoruntwoways.Ifpeoplestoppedlendingthegodstheirwillsbywhichtodomiracles,eh,whatwouldthegodsdoaboutitthen?Well,thefirstthingtohappenwouldbethatI’ddropdead.Therewasthat.CazarillayalongtimebeforethealtaroftheLadyofSpring,buthere

foundhimselfmute,notevenhislipsmoving.Abashed,ashamed,despairing?Butwordyorwordless,thegodsreturnedhimonlythesameblanksilence,fivetimesover.

HewasremindedofPalli’sinsistencethathenotgoaboutalonewhen,sloggingbackupthehill,hepasseddyJoalandanotherofdyJironal’sretainersenteringJironalPalace.DyJoal’shand

curledonhisswordhilt,buthedidnotdraw;withpolite,warynods,theywalkedwideabouteachother.

Backinhisoffice,CazarilrubbedhisachingbrowandturnedhisthoughtstoIselle’smarriage.RoyseBergonofIbra,eh.Theboywoulddoaswellasanyandbetterthanmost,Cazarilsupposed.ButthisturmoilinthecourtofChalionmadeopen

negotiationsimpossibletocarryout;itwouldhavetobeasecretenvoy,andsoon.RunningdownthelistinhismindofcourtierscapableofsuchadiplomaticmissionturnedupnoneCazarilwouldtrust.Runningdownthemuchshorterlistofmenhecouldtrustturnedupnoexperienceddiplomats.Umegatwaslaidlow.Thearchdivinecouldnotleaveinsecret.Palli?MarchdyPalliar

hadtherank,atleast,todemandIbra’srespect.HetriedtoimaginehonestPallinegotiatingthesubtletiesofIselle’smarriagecontractwiththeFoxofIbra,andgroaned.Maybe…maybeifPalliweresentwithanextremelydetailedandexplicitlistofinstructions…?

Needsmustdrive.HewouldbroachittoPallitomorrow.

CAZARILPRAYEDONHISKNEESBEFOREBEDTOBEsparedfromthenightmarethathadrecurredthreenightsrunning,whereDondogrewbacktolifesizewithinhisswellingstomachandthen,somehowdressedinhisfuneralrobesandarmedwithhissword,carvedhiswayout.PerhapstheLadyheardhisplea;atanyrate,hewokeatdawn,hisheadandheartpounding,fromanewnightmare.Inthis

one,DondosomehowsuckedCazaril’ssoulintohisownbellyinhisplace,andescapedtotakeoverCazaril’sbody.Andthenembarkedonacareerofrapineinthewomen’squarterswhileCazaril,helplesstostophim,watched.Tohisdismay,ashepantedinthegraylightandregainedhisgriponreality,Cazarilrealizedhisbodywaspainfullyaroused.

So,wasDondoplungedintoalightlessprison,sealedfromsound,deprivedofsensation?Ordidheridealongastheultimatespyandvoyeur?CazarilhadnotimaginedmakinglovetoBe—toanyladysincethisdamnedafflictionhadbeenvisiteduponhim;heimagineditnow,acrowdedquartetbetweenthesheets,andshuddered.

Briefly,Cazarilenvisionedescapingbythewindow.Hemightsqueezehisshouldersthrough,anddive;thedropwouldbestupendous,thecrunchattheend…quick.Orwithhisknife,takentowristsorthroatorbellyorallthree…Hesatup,blinking,tofindahalfadozenphantasmsgatheredavidlyaroundhim,crowdingeachotherlikevulturesaroundadeadhorse.Hehissed,lurched,and

swipedhisarmthroughtheairtoscatterthem.Couldabodywithitsheadsmashedinbeanimatedbyoneofthem?Thearchdivine’swordsimpliedso.Escapethroughsuicidewasblockedbythisghastlypatrol,itseemed.Dreadingsleep,hestumbledfrombedandwenttowashanddress.

Comingbackfromaperfunctorybreakfastinthe

banquetinghall,CazarilencounteredabreathlessNandyVrituponthestairs.

“Myladybegsyou‘tenduponheratonce,”Nantoldhim,andCazarilnoddedandpushedupthesteps.“Notinherchambers,”Nanadded,ashestartedpastthethirdfloor.“InRoyseTeidez’s.”

“Oh.”Cazaril’sbrowsrose,andheturnedinsteadtopass

hisownchamberandgodownthehalltoTeidez’s,Nanathisheels.

Asheenteredtheofficeantechamber,twintoIselle’sabove,heheardvoicesfromtheroomsopeningbeyond;Iselle’smurmur,andTeidez’s,raised:“Idon’twantanythingtoeat.Idon’twanttoseeanyone!Goaway!”

Thesittingroomwasclutteredwithweapons,clothes,andgifts,strewnabouthaphazardly.Cazarilpickedhiswayacrosstothebedchamber.

Teidezlaybackonhispillows,stillinhisnightgown.Theclose,moistairoftheroomsmelledofboysweat,andanothertang.Teidez’ssecretary-tutorhoveredanxiouslyonone

sideofthebed;Isellestoodwithherhandsonherhipsontheother.Teidezsaid,“Iwanttogobacktosleep.Getout.”HeglancedupatCazaril,cringed,andpointed.“Iespeciallydon’twanthiminhere!”

NandyVritsaid,inaverydomesticvoice,“Now,noneofthat,younglord.YouknowbetterthantotalktooldNanthatway.”

Teidez,cowedbysomeancienthabit,wentfromsurlytowhiney.“Ihaveaheadache.”

Isellesaidfirmly,“Nan,bringalight.Cazaril,IwantyoutolookatTeidez’sleg.Itlooksveryoddtome.”

Nanheldabraceofcandleshigh,supplementingthewangraydaylightfromthewindow.Teidezatfirst

clutchedhisblanketstohischest,butdidn’tquitedarefighthisoldersister’sglare;shetwitchedthemoutofhishandsandfoldedthemaside.

Threescabbed,parallelgroovesraninaspiralpartwayaroundtheboy’srightleg.Inthemselves,theydidnotappeardeepordangerous,buttheflesharoundthemwassoswollenthattheskinwasshinyand

silvery.Translucentpinkdrainageandyellowpusoozedfromtheiredges.Cazarilforcedhimselftokeephisexpressionevenashestudiedthehotredstreaksclimbingpasttheboy’skneeandwindinguptheinsideofhisthigh.Teidez’seyeswereglazed.HejerkedbackhisheadasCazarilreachedforhim.“Don’ttouchme!”

“Bestill!”Cazaril

commandedinalowvoice.Teidez’sforehead,beneathCazaril’swrist,wasscorching.

Heglancedupatthesallow-facedsecretary,watchingwithafrown.“Howlonghashebeenfeverish?”

“Justthismorning,Ibelieve.”

“Whendidhisphysicianlastseethis?”

“Hewouldnothaveaphysician,LordCazaril.HethrewachairatmewhenItriedtohelphim,andbandagedithimself.”

“Andyoulethim?”Cazaril’svoicemadethesecretaryjump.

Themanshruggeduneasily.“Hewouldhaveitso.”

Teidezgrumbled,“Some

peopleobeyme.I’llrememberwho,too,later.”HegloweredupatCazarilthroughhalf-loweredlashes,andstuckouthislowerlipathissister.

“He’stakenaninfection.I’llseethataTemplephysicianissentintohimatonce.”

Teidez,disgruntled,wriggledbackdownunderhiscovers.“CanIgobacktosleepnow?

Ifyoudon’tmind.Anddrawthecurtain,thelighthurtsmyeyes.”

“Yes,stayabed,”Cazariltoldhim,andwithdrew.

Isellefollowedhimintotheantechamber,loweringhervoice.“It’snotright,isit?”

“No.It’snot.Goodobservation,Royesse.Yourjudgmentwascorrect.”

Shegavehimasatisfiednod,andhebowedhimselfoutandmadefortheendstairs.ByNandyVrit’sshadowedface,sheatleastunderstoodjusthownot-rightitwas.AllCazarilcouldthinkof,ashehasteneddownthestairsandbackacrossthestonesofthecourtyardtowardIas’sTower,washowveryseldomhe’dseenanyman,nomatterhowyoungorstrong,surviveanamputationthathighupon

thethigh.Hisstridelengthened.

Bygoodluck,CazarilfounddyJironalatonce,intheChancellery.Hewasjustsealingasaddlebaganddispatchingacourierwithit.

“Howaretheroads?”dyJironalaskedthefellow,whowastypicallyleanandwiryandworetheChancellery’stabardoveranoddassortment

ofwinterwoolens.

“Muddy,m’lord.Itwillbedangeroustorideafterdark.”

“Well,doyourbest,”dyJironalsighed,andclappedhimontheshoulder.ThemansalutedandmadehiswayoutpastCazaril.

DyJironalscowledathisnewvisitor.“Cazaril.”

“Mylord.”Cazarilofferedafractionalbowandentered.

DyJironalseatedhimselfontheedgeofhisdesk,andfoldedhisarms.“YourattempttohidebehindtheDaughter’sOrderinitsplottounseatmeisdoomedtofail,youknow,”hesaidconversationally.“Iintendtoseethatitsfailurewillbemiserable.”

Impatiently,Cazarilwavedthisaside.He’dhavebeenmoresurprisedhaddyJironalnothadanearintheorder’scouncils.“YouhavemuchworsetroublesthismorningthananythingIcanofferyou,mylord.”

DyJironal’seyeswidenedinsurprise;hisheadtiltedinanattitudeofsuddenattention.“Oh?”

“WhatdidTeidez’swoundlooklikewhenyousawit?”

“Whatwound?Heshowedmenowound.”

“Onhisrightleg—hewasscratchedbyOrico’sleopard,apparently,whilehewaskillingthepoorbeast.Intruth,themarksdidn’tlookdeep,butthey’vetakenaninfection.Hisskinburns.Andyouknowhowapoisoned

woundsometimesthrowsoutfeverishmarksupontheskin?”

“Aye,”saiddyJironaluneasily.

“Teidez’srunfromankletogroin.Theylooklikeabloodyconflagration.”

DyJironalswore.

“Iadviseyoupullthattroop

ofuselessphysiciansoffofOricoforamomentandsendthemacrosstoTeidez’schambers.Oryoucouldlosetworoyalpuppetsinoneweek.”

DyJironal’sglaremetCazaril’slikeflintonsteel,butafteronefierceinhalationhenoddedandshiftedtohisfeet.Cazarilfollowedhimout.CorruptedwithgreedandfamilialpridedyJironal

mightbe,buthewasn’tincompetent.CazarilcouldseewhyOricomighthavechosentoenduremuch,inexchangeforthat.

AfterassuringhimselfthatdyJironalwasclimbingthestairstoOrico’schamberswithduehaste,Cazarilturnedbackdownthem.He’dhadnowordfromthetemplehospitalsincelastnight;hewantedtocheckagainon

Umegat.HemadehiswayouttheZangregatespasttheill-fatedstableblock.Alittletohissurprise,hespottedUmegat’stonguelessundergroomclimbingthehilltowardhim.ThemanwavedhisthumblesshandwhenhesawCazaril,andhurriedhisstep.

Hearrivedbreathlessandsmiling.Hisfacewasmarkedwithlividbruises,red-purple

aroundoneeye,fromthefutilefightinthemenagerie,andhisbrokennosewasstillswollen,itslaceratededgedarkandscabbed.Buthiseyeswereshiningintheirwreckedmatrix;healmostdanceduptoCazaril.

Cazaril’sbrowsrose.“Youlookhappy—what,man,isUmegatawake?”

Henoddedvigorously.

Cazarilgrinnedbackathim,faintwithrelief.

Hespokeamumbledsortofgargle,ofwhichCazarilmadeoutperhapsonewordinfour,butenoughtogatherhewasonsomeurgenterrand.HemotionedCazariltowaitoutsidethesilent,darkmenagerie,andreturnedinafewminuteswithasacktiedtohisbeltandclutchingabook,whichhebrandished

happily.BywhichCazarilunderstoodUmegatwasnotonlyawake,butwellenoughtowanthisfavoritebook—Ordol,Cazarilnotedwithbemusement.Gladofthestoutlittleman’scompany,Cazarilwalkedbesidehimdownintotown.

Cazarilreflectedonthefellow’sstigmataofmartyrdom,displayedwithsuchseemingindifference.It

wassilenttestimonyofhorrendoustorment,enduredinthenameofhisgod.Hadhisterrorlastedanhour,aday,months?Itwasnotquitepossibletobesurewhetherthesoftenedroundnessofhisappearancewastheresultofcastrationorjustoldage.Cazarilcouldn’tverywellaskhimhisstory.Justattemptingtolistentohisbadlymouthedordinaryexchangeswasapainfulstrainupontheears

andattention.Hedidn’tevenknowifthefellowwasChalioneseorIbran,BrajaranorRoknari,orhowhehadcometoCardegoss,orhowlonghehadservedwithUmegat.Doinghisdailydutiesastheycametohim.Hestumpedalongnowwiththebookunderhisarm,eyesbright.So,thiswaswhatafaithfulservantofthegods,heroicandbeloved,endeduplookinglike.

TheyarrivedatUmegat’schambertofindhimsittingupinbedagainstsomepillows.Hewaspaleandwashed-out,hispricklyscalppuckeredalongitsstitches,remaininghairatumbledrat’snest,lipscrusted,hisfaceunshaved.Thetonguelessgroomrummagedinhissack,pulledoutsomeshavinggear,andwavedittriumphantlyintheair;Umegatsmiledwanly.He

staredatCazaril,notliftinghisheadfromthepillow.Herubbedhiseyes,andsquinteduncertainly.

Cazarilswallowed.“Howdoyoufeel?”

“Headache,”Umegatmanaged.Hesnortedsoftly.Finally,hesaid,“Areallmybeautifulcreaturesdead?”Histonguewasthick,hisvoicelowandalittleslurred,buthe

seemedcoherentenough.

“Nearlyall.Therewasonelittleblue-and-yellowbirdgotaway.It’sbacksafelyinitscagenow.Iletnoonemaketrophiesofthem.Isawthemcrematedlikefallensoldiersyesterday.ArchdivineMendenalhasundertakentofindtheirashesaplaceofhonor.”

Umegatnodded,thenwinced.

Hiscrustedlipstightened.

Cazarilglancedattheundergroom—yes,thismanhadtobeoneofthosewhoknewthetruth—andbacktoUmegat,andsaidhesitantly,“Doyouknowyou’vestoppedglowing?”

Umegatblinkedrapidlyathim.“I…suspectedit.Atleastyouaremuchlessdisturbingtolookupon,this

way.”

“Yoursecondsightistakenfromyou?”

“Mm.Secondsightisredundanttoreasonanyway.Youlive,thereforeIknowperfectlywelltheLady’shandstillgripsyou.”Headdedafteramoment,“Ialwaysknewitwasonlylenttomeforatime.Well,itwasquitearidewhileitlasted.”

Hisvoicefelltoawhisper.“Quitearide.”Heturnedhisfaceaway.“Icouldhaveborneitbeingtakenback.Tohaveitknockedfrommyhands…Ishouldhaveseenitcoming.”

Thegodsshouldhavewarnedyou…

Thelittleelderlyundergroom,whosefacehaddroopedatthepaininUmegat’svoice,

pickedupthebookandhelditoutconsolingly.

Umegatsmiledweaklyandtookittenderlyfromhim.“AtleastIhavemyoldprofessiontofallbackon,eh?”Hishandssmoothedthepagesopentosomefamiliarspot,andheglanceddown.Hissmilefaded.Hisvoicesharpened.“Isthisajoke?”

“Iswhatajoke,Umegat?Itis

yourbook,Isawhimbringitfromthemenagerie.”

Umegatstruggledawkwardlytositupright.“Whatlanguageisthis?”

Cazariladvancedandglancedoverhisshoulder.“Ibran,ofcourse.”

Umegatpagedthroughthebook,fingersshaking,hiseyestwitchingoverthepages,

hisbreathcomingfasterthroughlipsopeninsomethingliketerror.“Itis…itisgibberish.It’sjust,just…littleblotchesofink.Cazaril!”

“ItisIbran,Umegat.It’sjustIbran.”

“Itismyeyes.Itissomethinginme…”Heclutchedhisface,rubbedhiseyes,andcriedsuddenly,“Oh,gods!”

andburstintotears.Thetearsbecamewrackingsobsonthethirdbreath.“Iampunished!”

“Getthephysician,fetchthephysician,”Cazarilcriedtothefrightened-lookingundergroom,andthemannoddedandspedaway.Umegat’sclutchingfingersweretearingthepagesinhisblindgrip.Awkwardly,Cazariltriedtohelphim,pattinghisshoulder,

straighteningthebookandthentakingitawayaltogether.Thecoollyresistedbreakdown,havingbreachedUmegat’swallsinthisunguardedspot,pouredthrough,andthemanwept—notlikeachild.Nochild’ssobswereeverthisterrifying.

Afteragonizingminutes,thewhite-hairedphysicianarrivedandsoothedthedistraughtdivine;heseized

uponherinhope,andwouldscarcelyletherhandsgofreetocarryoutherbusiness.Herexplanationthatmanymenandwomentakenwithapalsy-strokeimprovedinafewdays,peoplecarriedinbyanxiousrelativesevenwalkingoutontheirownafewdayslater,didthemosttohelphimregainhisshatteredself-control.Ittookallhisstrengthofmind,forherfurthertests,conductedafter

sendingapassingdedicatrunningtotheorder’slibrary,revealedhecouldnotreadRoknarinorDarthacaneither,andfurthermore,hishandshadlosttheabilitytowieldapentomakeanykindofletters.

Thequillfellfromhisawkwardgrip,trailinginkacrossthelinens,andheburiedhisfaceinhishands,groaningagain,“Iam

punished.Myjoyandmyrefuge,takenfromme…”

“Sometimes,peoplecanrelearnthingstheyhaveforgotten,”thephysiciansaidtentatively.“Andyourunderstandingofthewordsinyourearshasnotbeentaken,noryourrecognitionofthepeopleyouknow.Ihaveseenthathappen,withsomeafflictedpeople.Someonecouldstillreadbooksaloudto

you…”

Umegat’seyesmetthoseofthetonguelessgroom,whowasstandingtoonesidestillholdingtheOrdol.Theoldmanscrubbedhisfistacrosshismouthandmadeanoddnoisedowninhisthroat,awhimperofpuredespair.Tearswererunningfromthecornersofhiseyesdownhisseamedface.

Umegat’sbreathpuffedfromhislips,andheshookhishead;drawnfromhistroublebyitsreflectioninthatagedface,hereachedacrosstogriptheundergroom’shand.“Sh.Sh.Aren’tweapair,now.”Hesighed,andsankbackonhispillows.“NeversaytheBastardhasnosenseofhumor.”Afteramomenthiseyesclosed.Exhausted,orshuttingitallout,Cazarilwasnotsurewhich.

Hechokeddownhisownterrifieddemandof,Umegat,whatshouldwedonow?Umegatwasinnoconditiontodoanything,evengivedirection.Evenpray?CazarilhardlydaredaskhimtoprayforTeidez,underthecircumstances.

Umegat’sbreaththickened,andhedroppedintoanuneasydoze.Softly,carefultomakenosound,the

undergroomlaidouthisshavinggearonasidetableandsatpatientlytoawaithiswakeningagain.Thephysicianmadenotesandleftquietly.Cazarilfollowedherouttothegalleryoverlookingthecourtyard.Itscentralfountainwasnotplayinginthischill,andthewaterinitwasdarkandscummyinthegraywinterlight.

“Ishepunished?”heasked

her.

Sherubbedthebackofherneckinawearygesture.“HowdoIknow?Headinjuriesarethestrangestofall.Ioncesawawomanwhoseeyesappearedwhollyundamagedgoblindfromablowtothebackofherhead.I’veseenpeoplelosespeech,losecontrolofhalftheirbodybutnottheotherhalf.Aretheypunished?Ifso,thegods

areevil,andthatIdonotbelieve.Ithinkitischance.”

Ithinkthegodsloadthedice.HewantedtourgehertotakegoodcareofUmegat,butclearlyshealreadywasdoingso,andhedidn’twanttosoundfrantic,orasthoughhedoubtedherskillordedication.Hebadeherapolitegoodmorninginstead,andtookhimselfofftotrackdownthearchdivineand

apprisehimoftheuglyturnofTeidez’swound.

HefoundArchdivineMendenalinthetempleattheMother’saltar,celebratingaceremonyofblessinguponarichleathermerchant’swifeandnewborndaughter.Cazarilperforcewaiteduntilthefamilyhadlaidtheirthanksgivingofferingsandfiledoutagainbeforeapproachinghimand

murmuringhisnews.Mendenalturnedpale,andhurriedofftotheZangreatonce.

Cazarilhaddevelopedunsettlingnewviewsoftheefficacyandsafetyofprayer,butlaidhimselfdownonthecoldpavementbeforetheMother’saltaranyway,thinkingofIsta.IftherewaslittlehopeofmercyforTeidez’sownsake,luredinto

violentsacrilegeandlefttherebyDondo,surelytheMothermightsparesomepityforhismotherIsta?Thegoddess’smessagetohimviaHeracolyte’sdreamtheotherdayhadsoundedmerciful.Inaway.Thoughitmightprovetobemerelybrutallypractical.Proneonthepolishedpatternedslates,hecouldfeelthelethallumpinhisbelly,anuncomfortablemassseemingthesizeofhis

doubledfists.

HeroseatlengthandsoughtoutPalliatProvincardyYarrin’snarrowoldstonepalace.Cazarilwasconductedbyaservanttoaguestchamberatthebackofthehouse.Palliwasseatedatasmalltable,writinginaledger,butlaidhisquillasidewhenCazarilenteredandmotionedhisvisitortoachairacrossfromhim.

AssoonastheservanthadshutthedoorbehindhimCazarilleanedforwardandsaid,“Palli,couldyou,atneed,ridecouriertoIbrainsecretfortheRoyesseIselle?”

Palli’sbrowsclimbed.“When?”

“Soon.”

Heshookhishead.“Ifby

soonyoumeannow,Ithinknot.Iammuchtakenupwithmydutiesasalorddedicat—IhavepromiseddyYarrinmyvoiceandmyvoteintheCouncil.”

“YoucouldleaveaproxywithdyYarrin,orsomeothertrustedcomrade.”

Pallirubbedhisshavenchin,andventedadubious,“Hm.”

CazarilconsideredclaimingtobeasaintoftheDaughter,andpullingrankonPalli,dyYarrin,andtheirentiremilitaryorder.Itwouldrequirecomplicatedexplanations.ItwouldrequiredivulgingthesecretofFonsa’scurse.Itwouldentailnotmerelyadmitting,butasserting,his…peculiardisorder.God-touched.God-ravished.AndsoundingasmadormadderthanIstaever

had.Hecompromised.“IthinkthismaybetheDaughter’sbusiness.”

Palli’slipsscrewedup.“Howcanyoutell?”

“Ijustcan.”

“Well,Ican’t.”

“Wait,Iknow.Beforeyougotosleeptonight,prayforguidance.”

“Me?Whydon’tyou?”

“Mynightsare…full.”

“Andsincewhendidyoubelieveinpropheticdreams?Ithoughtyoualwaysclaimeditwasnonsense,peoplefoolingthemselves,orpretendingtoanimportancetheycouldotherwiseneverclaim.”

“It’sa…recentconversion.

Look,Palli.Justdoitfor,fortheexperiment.Topleaseme,ifyouwill.”

Pallimadeasurrenderinggesture.“Foryou,yes.Fortherestofit…”Hisblackbrowslowered.“Ibra…?JustwhowouldIberidinginsecretfrom?”

“DyJironal.Mostly.”

“Oh?DyYarrinmightbe

interestedinthat.Somethinginitforhim?”

“Notinanydirectway,Idon’tthink.”Cazariladdedreluctantly,“AndlikewisesecretfromOrico.”

Pallisatback,hisheadtilting.Hisvoicelowered.“Coy,Caz.Justwhatkindofnooseareyouofferingtoputroundmyneck,here?Isthistreason?”

“Worse,”Cazarilsighed.“Theology.”

“Eh?”

“Oh,thatremindsme.”Cazarilpinchedthebridgeofhisnose,tryingtodecideifhisheadachewasgettingworse.“TelldyYarrinhiscouncilsarebeingreportedbysomespytodyJironal.Thoughhemaybecannyenoughtorealizeitalready,I

don’tknow.”

“Worseandworse.Areyougettingenoughsleep,Caz?”

AbarkofbitterlaughterbrokefromCazaril’slips.“No.”

“Youalwaysdidgostrangelyfeywhenyouwereovertired,y’know.Well,I’mnotridinganywhereonthebasisofabunchofdarkhints.”

“Intheevent,you’dbegivenfullknowledge.”

“WhenIamgivenfullknowledge,thenI’lldecide.”

“Fairenough,”Cazarilsighed.“Iwilldiscussitwiththeroyesse.ButIdidn’twanttoproposetoheramanwhowouldfailher.”

“Hey!”saidPalliindignantly.“WhenhaveIfailed?”

“Never,Palli.That’swhyIthoughtofyou.”Cazarilgrinnedand,withalittlegruntofpain,pushedtohisfeet.“ImustreturntotheZangre.”Briefly,hedescribedtheunpleasantprogressionofTeidez’sclawmark.

Palli’sfacegrewverysoberindeed.“Justhowbadisit?”

“Idon’t…”Cautiontempered

Cazaril’sfrankness.“Teidezisyoung,strong,wellfed.Iseenoreasonwhyhecannotthrowoffthisinfection.”

“Fivegods,Caz,he’sthehopeofhisHouse.WhatwillChaliondoifhedoesn’t?AndOricolaidlowaswell!”

Cazarilhesitated.“Orico…hasn’tbeenwellforsometime,butI’msuredyJironalneverimaginedthemboth

becomingsosickatonce.YoumightnotetodyYarrinthatourdearchancellorisgoingtobefairlydistractedforthenextfewdays.IfthelorddedicatswanttogetpasthimtoOrico’sbedandgetanythingsigned,nowmightbetheirbestchance.”

HeextractedhimselffromPalli’scascadeofsecondthoughts,althoughnotfromPalli’sinsistencethathetake

thedyGurabrothersforescort.Climbingthehilloncemore,hiscirclingcalculationsofhowtoeffectIselle’sescapefromthewreckofhercursedHousespiraledinwardonamuchsimplergrimdeterminationnottofalldowninfrontoftheseearnestyoungmen,tobehauledhomestumblingwithhisarmsacrosstheirshoulders.

CAZARILFOUNDTHETHIRD-

FLOORCORRIDOROFTHEmainblockpromisinglycrowdeduponhisreturn.Green-robedphysiciansandtheiracolyteassistantsscurriedinandout.Servantshurriedwithwater,linens,blankets,strangedrinksinsilverewers.AsCazarillingered,wonderingwhatassistancehemightoffer,thearchdivineemergedfromtheantechamberandstarteddownthecorridor,hisfacesetandintrospective.

“YourReverence?”Cazariltouchedhisfive-coloredsleeveinpassing.“Howgoestheboy?”

“Ah,LordCazaril.”Mendenalturnedasidebriefly.“Thechancellorandtheroyessehavegivenmepursesforprayersonhisbehalf.Igotosettheminmotion.”

“Doyouthink…prayerswill

doanygood?”Doyouthinkanyprayerswilldogood?

“Prayerisalwaysgood.”

No,it’snot,Cazarilwantedtoreply,butheldhistongue.

Mendenaladdedsuggestively,loweringhisvoice,“Yoursmightbeespeciallyefficacious.Atthistime.”

NotsofarasCazarilhadnoticed.“YourReverence,Idonothateanymaninthisworldenoughtoinflicttheresultsofmyprayersuponhim.”

“Ah,”saidMendenaluneasily.Hemanagedasmile,andtookpoliteleave.

RoyesseIsellesteppedintothecorridorandglancedupanddownit.Shespied

Cazarilandmotionedhimtoher.

Hebowed.“Royesse?”

She,too,loweredhervoice;everyonehereseemedtospeakinhushedtones.“Thereistalkofanamputation.Canyou—wouldyoubewilling—tohelpholdhimdown,ifitchancesso?Ithinkyouarefamiliarwiththeprocedure?”

“Indeed,Royesse.”Cazarilswallowed.Nightmarememoriesofbadmomentsinfieldhospitalsflittedthroughhismind.Hehadneverbeenabletodecideifthemenwhotriedtotakeitbravelyorthemenwhosemindsbrokeinterrorwerethehardestfortheirhelperstoendure.Betterbyfarthemenwhowereunconscioustostartwith.“TellthephysiciansIamattheirservice,andLord

Teidez’s.”

CazarilcouldhearfromtheantechamberwhereheleanedagainstthewalltowaitjustwhentheproposalwasfloatedtoTeidez.Theboywasgoingtobeofthesecondcategory,itseemed.Hecried,andbellowedthathewouldnotbemadeacripplebytraitorsandidiots,andthrewthings.Hisrisinghysteriawasonlycalmedwhenasecond

physicianopinedthattheinfectionwasnotgangreneafterall—Cazaril’snoseagreed—butrather,bloodpoisoning,andthatamputationwoulddomoreharmthangoodnow.Treatmentwasreducedtoamerelancing,althoughfromTeidez’syellsandstrugglesitmightaswellhavebeenanamputation.Despitethedrainingofthewound,Teidez’sfeversoared;

servantsbroughtbucketsofcoldwatertomakehimabathinacoppertubinthesittingroom,thenthephysicianshadtowrestlehimintoit.

Betweenphysicians,acolytes,andservants,theyseemedtohaveenoughhandsforthesepracticaltasks,andCazarilwithdrewforatimetohisownofficeonthefloorabove.Therehedivertedhis

mindbywritingtartletterstothosetowncouncilslatewiththeirroyallymandatedpaymentstotheroyesse’shousehold,whichwasallofthem.Theyhadsentlettersofexcuseclaimingpoorcrops,banditry,plague,evilweather,andcheatingtaxgatherers.Sixtowns’worthoftroubles;CazarilwonderedifOricohadpulledafastonewithhisbetrothalgiftanddumpedthesixworsttowns

onhisrentrollsontohissisterandDondo,orwhetherallofChalionwasinsuchdisarray.

IselleandBetrizcamein,lookingwearyandstrained.

“MybrotherismoreillthanIhaveeverseenhim,”IselleconfidedtoCazaril.“Wearegoingtosetupmyprivatealtarandpraybeforedinner.I’mwonderingifweshouldperhapsfastaswell.”

“Ithinkwhatmaybeneededherearenotothers’prayers,butTeidez’shimself;andnotforhealth,butforforgiveness.”

Iselleshookherhead.“Herefusestoprayatall.Hesaysit’snothisfault,butDondo’s,whichiscertainlytrueuptoapoint….HecriesheneverintendedtohurtOrico,andtheyareslandererswhosayso.”

“Isanyonesayingso?”

Betrizputin,“Noonesaysittotheroyesse’sface.Buttherearestrangerumorsamongtheservants,Nansays.”

Iselle’sfrowndeepened.“Cazaril…coulditbe?”

Cazarilleanedhiselbowsonhistableandrubbedtheachebetweenhisbrows.“Ithink…

notonTeidez’spart.IbelievehimwhenhesaysitwasDondo’sidea.Dondo,now,ofhimIwouldbelieveanything.Thinkitthroughfromhispointofview.HemarriesTeidez’ssister,thenarrangesforTeideztoascendthethronewhilestillaminor.HeknewfromwatchinghisbrotherMartoujusthowmuchpoweramanmaywieldsittinginaroya’spocket.Grantyou,Idon’tknowhow

heintendedtoridhimselfofMartou,butIamcertainDondomeanttobethenextchancellor,perhapsregent,ofChalion.MaybeevenroyaofChalion,dependingonwhatevilchanceshecouldarrangeforTeidez.”

Isellecaughtherlowerlipinherteeth.“AndhereIthoughtyouhadonlysavedme.”ShetouchedCazarilbrieflyontheshoulderandpassedoninto

herchambers.

CazarilaccompaniedIselleandBetrizontheirpredinnervisittoOrico.Orico,thoughnobetter,wasnoworse.Theyfoundhimarrayedinfreshlinens,sittingupinbed,andbeingreadtobySara.Theroyaspokehopefullyofanimprovementinhisrighteye,forhethoughthecouldnowseeshapesmoving.Cazarilthoughtthephysician’s

diagnosisofdropsyalltoolikely,forOrico’sgrossfleshwasswollenevenmoregrossly;theroya’sthumbprint,placeduponthetightfatofhisface,stayedpaleandvisibleforalongtime.IselledownplayedthealarmingreportsofTeidez’sinfectiontoOrico,butintheantechamberonthewayoutspokefranklytoSara.Sara’slipstightened;shemadelittlecommenttoTeidez’ssister,

butCazarilthoughtthathereatleastwasonewhodidnotprayforthebewilderedbrutalboy.

Aftersupper,Teidez’sfeverroseevenhigher.Hestoppedfightingandcomplaining,andfellintolassitude.Acoupleofhoursbeforemidnight,heseemedtofalltosleep.IselleandBetrizatlastlefttheroyse’santechamberandclimbedtotheirownrooms

forsomerest.

Closetomidnight,unabletosleepforsakeofhisusualanticipations,CazarilagainwentdownthecorridortoTeidez’schambers.Thechiefphysician,goingtowaketheboytoadministersomefever-reducingsyrup,fresh-concoctedanddeliveredbyapantingacolyte,foundthatTeidezcouldnotberoused.

CazariltrudgedupthestairstoreportthistoasleepyNandyVrit.

“Well,there’snaughtIsellecandoaboutit,”opinedNan.“She’sjustdroppedoff,poorgirl.Canwenotlethersleep?”

Cazarilhesitated,thensaid,“No.”

Sothetwotired,worried

youngwomendressedthemselvesagainandtroopedbackdowntoTeidez’scrowdedsittingroom.ChancellordyJironalarrived,fetchedfromJironalPalace.

DyJironalfrownedatCazaril,andbowedtoIselle.“Royesse.Thissickroomisnoplaceforyou.”HissourglancebacktoCazarilsilentlyadded,Oryou.

Iselle’seyesnarrowed,butsherepliedinaquiet,dignifiedvoice,“Noneherehasabetterright.Oragreaterduty.”Afterabriefpause,sheadded,“AndImustbearwitnessonmymother’sbehalf.”

DyJironalinhaled,thenapparentlythoughtbetterofwhateverhe’dbeenabouttosay.Hemightprofitablysavetheclashofwillsforsome

othertimeandplace,Cazarilthought.Therewouldbeopportunitiesenough.

ColdcompressesfailedtolowerTeidez’sfever,andneedlepricksfailedtorousehim.Hisanxiousattendantswerethrownintoaflurrywhenhehadabriefseizure.HisbreathingbecameevenmoreraspingandlaboredthantheunconsciousUmegat’shadbeen.Outin

thecorridor,aquintetofcantors,onevoicefromeachofthefiveorders,sangprayers;theirvoicesblendedandechoed,aheartbreakinglybeautifulbackgroundofsoundtothesedreadfuldoings.

Theharmoniespaused.Inthatmoment,Cazarilrealizedthelaboredbreathingfromthebedchamberbeyondhadstopped.Everyonefellsilent

inthefaceofthatsilence.Oneoftheseveralattendantphysicians,hisfacedrainedandwetwithtears,cametotheantechamberandcalledindyJironalandIselleforwitnesses.Voicesroseandfell,verysoftandlow,fromTeidez’sbedchamberforamomentortwo.

Bothwerepalewhentheycameoutagain.DyJironalwaspaleandshocked;even

tothelast,Cazarilrealized,themanhadbeenexpectingTeideztopullthroughandrecover.Isellewaspaleandnearlyexpressionless.Theblackshadowboiledthicklyabouther.

Everyfaceintheantechamberturnedtowardher,likecompassneedlesswinging.TheroyacyofChalionhadanewHeiress.

20

Iselle’seyes,thoughreddenedwithfatigueandgrief,weredry.Betriz,goingtosupporther,dashedtearsfromthecornersofhers.Itwasalittlehardtotellwhichyoungwomanleanedupontheother.

ChancellordyJironalclearedhisthroat.“IwilltakewordofthisbereavementtoOrico.”Belatedly,headded,“Allowmetoserveyouinthis,Royesse.”

“Yes…”Isellelookedaroundthechamberalittleblindly.“Letallthesegoodpeoplegoabouttheirtasks.”

DyJironal’sbrowsdrewdown,asthoughahundred

thoughtsflittedbehindhiseyes,andhescarcelyknewwhichtograspfirst.HeglancedatBetriz,andatCazaril.“Yourhousehold…yourhouseholdmustbeincreasedtomatchyournewdignity.Ishallseetoit.”

“Icannotthinkaboutallthesethingsnow.Tomorrowwillbesoonenough.Fortonight,mylordChancellor,pleaseleavemetomysorrow.”

“Ofcourse,Royesse.”DyJironalbowed,andmadetodepart.

“Oh,”Iselleadded,“praydonotdispatchanycouriertomymotheruntilIcanwritealettertoinclude.”

Inthedoorway,dyJironalpausedandgaveanotherhalfbowinacknowledgment.“Certainly.”

AsBetrizescortedIselleout,theroyessemurmuredtoCazarilinpassing,“Cazaril,‘tendonmeinhalfanhour.Imustthink.”

Cazarilbenthishead.

Thecrowdofcourtiersintheantechamberandsittingroomdispersed,butforTeidez’ssecretary,whostoodlookingbereftanduseless.Onlytheacolytesandservantswhose

taskitnowwastowashandpreparetheroyse’sbodyremained.Thestunnedanddistraughtchorusofcantorssangonelastprayer,thistimeathrenodyforthepassageofthedead,theirvoiceschokedandwavering,andthenthey,too,turnedtomaketheirwayout.

Cazarilwasnotsureifhisheadorhisbellyachedmore.Hefledintohisownchamber

attheendofthehallway,shutthedoorbehindhim,andbracedhimselfforDondo’snightlyonslaught,not,hisknottingstomachtoldhim,tobeanyfurtherdelayed.

Hisfamiliarcrampsdoubledhimoverasusual,buttohissurprise,Dondowassilenttonight.Washe,too,dauntedbyTeidez’sdeath?IfDondohadintendedtheboy’sdestructiontofollowfrom

Orico’s,hehaditnow—toolatetoserveanypurposehe’dpursuedinlife.

Cazarildidnotfindthesilencearespite.HisheightenedsensitivitytothatmalevolentpresenceassuredhimDondowasstilltrappedwithinhim.Hungry.Angry.Thinking?IntelligencehadnotbeenanotablecharacteristicofDondo’sspewingbeforenow.Perhaps

theshockofhisdeathwaspassingoff.Leaving…what?Awaiting.Astalking?Dondohadbeenacompetenthunter,once.

ItoccurredtoCazarilthatwhilethedemonmightseekonlytofillitstwosoul-bucketsandreturntoitsmaster,Dondolikelydidnotsharethatdesire.Thebellyofhisbestenemywasahatefulprisontohim,butneitherthe

Bastard’spurginghellnorthechilledforgetfulnessofagods-rejectedghostwasaverysatisfactoryalternativefate.ExactlywhatelsemightbepossibleCazarilcouldscarcelyimagine,buthewasintenselyawarethatifDondosoughtaphysicalformthroughwhichtoreentertheworld,hisownwasclosesttohand.Onewayoranother.Hishandskneadedhisbelly,andhetriedtodecide,forthe

hundredthtime,howfasthistumorwasreallygrowing.

Thecrampsandthewrackingquarterhourofterrorpassed.Iselle’srequestreturnedtohismind.ComposingthenecessarylettertoIstainformingherofherson’sdeathwouldbeexcruciating;littlewonderIselleshoulddesireassistance.UnequaltothetaskthoughCazarilfelthimselftobe,whatevershe

askedofhiminhergriefanddevastationhemustundertaketosupply.Heuncurledhimself,heavedoutofbed,andclimbedthestairs.

HefoundIsellealreadyseatedathisantechamberdesk,hisbestparchment,pens,andsealingwaxlaidoutbeforeher.Extracandleswerelitallaroundthechamber,drivingbackthedark.Uponasquareofsilk,

Betrizwasjustlayingoutandcountingoveranoddlittlepileofornaments:brooches,rings,andthepaleglowingheapofDondo’sropeofpearlsthatCazarilhadnotyethadopportunitytodelivertotheTemple.

Isellewasfrowningdownattheblankpageandturninghersealringroundandroundonherthumb.Sheglancedup,andsaidinalowvoice,

“Good,you’rehere.Closethedoor.”

Heshutitquietlybehindhim.“Atyourservice,Royesse.”

“Iprayso,Cazaril:Iprayso.”Hereyessearchedhim.

Betrizsaid,inaworriedvoice,“Heissosick,Iselle.Areyousure?”

“Iamsureofnothingbutthat

Ihavenotimeleft.Andnootherchoices.”Shedrewalongbreath.“Cazaril,tomorrowmorningIwantyoutoridetoIbraasmyenvoytoarrangemymarriagetoRoyseBergon.”

Cazarilblinked,laboringtocatchupwithabaggagetrainofthoughtevidentlyalreadyfardowntheroad.“ChancellordyJironalwillneverletmeleave.”

“Ofcourseitcan’tbeopenly.”Isellemadeanimpatientgesture.“SoyouwillridefirsttoValenda,whichisnearlyontheway,asmypersonalcouriertotakethenewsofmybrother’sdeathtomymother.DyJironalwillagree,delighted,he’llthink,toseethebackofyou—he’lldoubtlessevenlendyouacourier’sbatonbywhichtocommandeerhorsesfromtheChancellery’s

postinghouses.Youknowbynoontomorrowhe’llhavestuffedmyhouseholdwithhisspies.”

“Thatwasveryclear.”

“ButafteryoustopinValenda,you’llridenotbacktoCardegoss,butontoZagosur,orwhereverRoyseBergonistobefound.Inthemeantime,IwillinsistthatTeidezbeburiedinValenda,

hisbelovedhome.”

“Teidezcouldn’twaittogetoutofValenda,”Cazarilpointedout,beginningtofeeldizzy.

“Yes,well,dyJironaldoesn’tknowthat,doeshe?ThechancellorwouldnotletmeoutofCardegossandhiseyeforanyotherreason,buthecannotdenythedemandsoffamilypiety.Iwillenlist

Sara’ssupportintheproject,too,firstthingtomorrowmorning.”

“Youaredoublyinmourningnow,foryourbrotherandhis.Hecannotfoistanotherfiancéuponyouformonthsyet.”

Sheshookherhead.“Anhourago,IbecamethefutureofChalion.DyJironalmusttakeandkeepholdofmeifhemeanstocontrolthatfuture.

ThecriticalmomentisnotthebeginningofmymourningforTeidez,butofthebeginningofmymourningforOrico.Atwhichtime—andnotbefore—IpassintodyJironal’scontrolabsolutely.UnlessIammarriedfirst.

“OnceI’moutofCardegoss,Imeannottogoback.Inthisweather,Teidez’scortegecouldbeweeksontheroad.

Andiftheweatherdoesn’tcooperate,I’llfindotherdelays.BythetimeyoureturnwithRoyseBergon,IshouldstillbesafeinValenda.”

“Wait,what—returnwithRoyseBergon?”

“Yes,ofcourseyoumustbringhimtome.Thinkitthrough.IfIleaveChaliontobewedinIbra,dyJironalwill

declaremeinrebellion,forcingmetoreturnattheheadofacolumnofforeigntroops.ButifIseizemygroundfromtheveryfirstinstant,Iwillneverhavetowrestitback.Youtaughtmethat!”

Idid…?

Sheleanedforward,growingmoreintent.“IwillhaveRoyseBergon,yes,butIwill

notgiveupChaliontogethim,no,notoneyardofsoil.NottodyJironal,andnottotheFoxeither.Thesearemyterms.BergonandIwilleachofusinheritourrespectivecrownstoourselves.BergonwillholdauthorityinChalionasroya-consort,andIwillholdauthorityinIbraasroyina-consort,eachthroughtheother,reciprocallyandequally.Ourfutureson—theMotherandFatherwilling—

toinheritandjointhemintoonecrownthereafter.ButmyfutureauthorityinChalionistobemine,notmadeoverasdowrytomyspouse.IwillnotbeturnedintoaSara,amereanddisregardedwife,silencedinmyowncouncils!”

“TheFoxwillbegreedyformore.”

Herchincameup.“Thisis

whyImusthaveyouasmyenvoyandnoother.IfyoucannotgetmeRoyseBergonontermsthatdonotviolatemyfuturesovereignty,thenturnaroundandridehome.AnduponOrico’sdeath,IwillraisemybanneragainstdyJironalmyself.”Hermouthsetinagrimline;herblackshadowroiled.“Curseornocurse,IwillnotbeMartoudyJironal’sbridledmaretoridetohisspurring.”

Yes—Isellehadthenerve,thewill,andthewittoresistdyJironalasOricodidnot;asTeidezwouldneverhave.Cazarilcouldseeitinhereyes,couldseearmieswithpennonedlanceswrithingintheblackdarkhangingaroundherlikeapallofsmokefromaburningtown.ThiswastheformthatthecurseofherHousewouldtakeinthenextgeneration:notpersonalsorrow,butcivil

warbetweenroyalandnoblefaction,tearingthecountryapartfromendtoend.

UnlessshecouldshrugoffHouseandcurseboth,andpassintotheprotectionofBergon…

“Iwillrideforyou,Royesse.”

“Good.”Shesatbackandsweptherhandovertheblankparchments.“Nowwemust

makeseveralletters.ThefirstshallbeyourletterofauthoritytotheFox,andIthinkitshouldbeinmyownhand.You’vereadandwrittentreaties.Youmusttellmealltherightphrases,soIdonotsoundlikeanignorantgirl.”

“I’lldomybest,butamnolawyer,Iselle.”

Sheshrugged.“Ifwe

succeed,Iwillhaveswordstobackmywords.Andifwedonot,nolegalnicetieswillmakethemstand.Letthembeplainandclear.Begin…”

Agruelingthree-quartersofanhouroflip-bitingconcentrationresultedinacleandraft,whichIsellesignedwithaflourishandsealedwithhersealring.Betriz,meanwhile,hadfinishedcollectingand

inventoryingthelittlepileofcoinsandjewelry.

“Isthatallthecoinwehave?”askedIselle.

“Unfortunately,yes,”sighedBetriz.

“Well,he’lljusthavetopawnthejewelrywhenhegetstoValenda,orsomeothersafeplace.”Isellewrappedthesilkaroundthegaudsandshoved

themacrossthetabletoCazaril.“Yourpurse,mylord.Daughtergrantitisenoughtogetyouthereandback.”

“Morethanenough,ifIamnotcheated.”

“Mindyou,thisistospend,notsave.YouaretoputonagoodshowasmyrepresentativeinIbra.Remembertodress.And

RoyseBergonistotravelinastylebefittinghisrankandmine,andnoshametoChalion.”

“Thatcouldbetricky.Imean,withoutthearmy.Iwillbendmythoughtstoit.Muchwilldependon,well,anumberofunsettledthings.Whichremindsme.Wemusthaveasecuremeansofcommunication.DyJironalorhisspieswillsurelybe

makingalleffortstointerceptanylettersyoureceive.”

“Ah.”

“Thereisaverysimplecipherthatisnonethelessnearlyimpossibletobreak.Itdependsuponhavingtwocopiesofthesameprintingofsomebook.Onegoeswithme,onestayswithyoutwo.Three-numbersequencespickoutwords—pagenumber,

linenumber,andrankintheline—whichtherecipientthenworksbackwardtofindthewordagain.Youdonotalwaysusethesamenumberingsforthesamewords,butfindthemonanotherpage,ifyoucan.Therearebetterciphers,butthereisnotimetoteachthemtoyou.I,uh…havenottwoofanybook,though.”

“Iwillfindtwosuchbooks

beforeyouleavetomorrow,”saidBetrizsturdily.

“Thankyou.”Cazarilrubbedhisforehead.Itwasmadnesstoundertaketoride,sickandmaybebleeding,overthemountainsinmidwinter.Hewouldfalloffhishorseintothesnowsandfreeze,andheandhishorseandhislettersofauthorizationwouldallbeeatenbythewolves.

“Iselle.Myheartiswilling.Butmybodyisoccupiedterritory,halflaidwaste.IamafraidIwillfailinthejourney.MyfriendMarchdyPalliarisagoodriderandastrongswordarm.MayIofferhimasyourenvoyinstead?”

Isellefrownedinthought.“IthinkitwillbeaduelofwitswiththeFoxforthehandofBergon,notaduelofsteel.

BettertosendthewitstoIbraandkeeptheswordinChalion.”

Beguilingthought,toleaveIselleandBetriznotunguardedafterall,butwithastrongfriendtocallupon…afriendwithfriends,aye.“Ineithercase,mayIbringhimintoourcouncilstomorrow?”

IselleglancedacrossatBetriz;Cazarildidnotsee

anyclearsignalpassbetweenthem,butIsellenoddeddecisively.“Yes.Bringhimtomeattheearliestpossibleinstant.”

Theroyessepulledanotherpieceofpapertowardherandpickedupafreshquill.“NowIshallwriteapersonallettertotheRoyseBergon,whichyoushalltakesealedandpasstohimunopened.Andafterthat”—shesighed—“the

lettertomymother.Ithinkyoucannothelpmewitheitherofthese.Gogetsomesleep,whileyoucan.”

Dismissed,heroseandbowed.

Ashereachedthedoor,sheaddedsoftly,“I’mgladitshallbeyoutotellherthenews,Cazaril,andnotsomerandomChancellerycourier.Thoughitwillbehard.”She

drewadeepbreathandbenttothepaper.Thecandlelightmadeheramberhairglowinanaureoleaboutherabstractedface.Cazarilleftherinthepooloflight,andsteppedintothedarknessofthecoldcorridor.

CAZARILWASAWAKENEDATDAWNBYINSISTENTKNOCKINGathischamberdoor.Whenhestumbledoutofbedandwenttounlockithefoundnotthe

pagewithsomesummonsthathe’dexpected,butPalli.

ThenormallyneatPallilookedasthoughhehaddressedinthedark,byguess;hishairwasbentwithsleepandstickingoutinodddirections.Hiseyeswerewideanddark.TheyawningdyGurabrothers,lookingsleepybutcheerful,smiledatCazarilfromtheirstationinthecorridorasPalli

shoulderedwithin.Cazarilhandedouthisbedsidecandleforthetallerofthem,Ferda,tolightfromthewallsconce;hehandeditbacktohislordandcommanderPalli,whotookitwithhandsthatshookslightly.Pallididn’tspeaktillthedoorclosedbehindhimandCazaril.

“Bastard’sdemons,Caz!Whatisallthisabout?”

“Whichwhat?”askedCazarilinsomeconfusion.

PallilitanotherbraceofcandlesonCazaril’swashstandandwhirledabout.“Prayforguidance,yousaid.Inmysleep,ifyouplease.Iwaskilledfivetimesinmydreamslastnight,I’llhaveyouknow.Ridingsomewhere.Eachtimemorehorribly.Inthelastdream,myhorsesateme.Idon’t

wanttoputmylegacrossanything,horse,mule,orsawhorse,foraweekatleast!”

“Oh.”Cazarilblinked,takingthisin.Itseemedclearenough.“Inthatcase,Idon’twantyoutorideanywhere.”

“That’sarelief.”

“Imustgomyself.”

“Gowhere?Inthisweather?It’ssnowingnow,youknow.”

“Ah,itwantedonlythat.Hasn’tanyonetoldyouyet?RoyseTeidezdiedaboutmidnightlastnight,ofhisinfectedwound.”

Palli’sfaceabruptlysobered;hismouthformedasilent“O.”“ThatchangesthingsinChalion.”

“Indeed.Letmedress,andthencomeupstairswithme.”Hastily,Cazarilsplashedchillwateronhisfaceandshruggedintoyesterday’sclothes.

Inthechambersabove,CazarilfoundBetrizalsostilldressedinlastnight’sblack-and-lavendercourtmourning.Itwasplainshehadnotyetslept.CazarildrewthedyGurabrothersoutofsightof

thecorridorandclosedtheminhisofficeantechamber.HeandPallienteredthesittingroom.

Betriz’shandtouchedasealedpacketwaitingonasmalltable.“Allthelettersarereadytogoto”—sheglancedatPalliandhesitated—“Valenda.”

“IsIselleasleep?”Cazarilaskedquietly.

“Restingonly.She’llwanttoseeyou.Both.”Betrizdisappearedintothebedchambersforamoment,fromwhichfloatedlowmurmuring,thenreturnedwithapairofbooksunderherarm.

“Isneakeddowntotheroya’slibraryandfoundtwoidenticalvolumes.Thereweren’tmanytrueduplicates.IthoughtI’dbettertakethe

biggest,soastohavemorewordstochoosefrom.”

“Good,”saidCazaril,andtookonefromher.Heglancedatit,andchokedbackablacklaugh.Ordol,readthegoldlettersonthespine.TheFivefoldPathway.“Perfect.Ineedtobrushuponmytheology.”Helaiditdownwiththepacketofletters.

Iselleemerged,wrappedinaheavybluevelvetdressinggownfromwhichthewhitelaceofhernightgownpeeped.Heramberhaircascadeddownacrosshershoulders.HerfacewasaspaleandpuffywithlackofsleepasBetriz’s.ShenoddedtoCazarilandtoPalli.“MylorddyPalliar.Thankyouforcomingtomyaid.”

“I,uh…”saidPalli.Hecasta

ratherdesperateglanceatCazaril,WhatamIagreeingto?

“Willherideforyou?”BetrizaskedCazarilanxiously.“Youshouldnotattemptthis,youknowyoushouldnot.”

“Ah…no.Palli,insteadI’maskingyoutoswearserviceandprotectiontotheRoyesseIselle,personally,inthenamesofthegods,and

especiallytheLadyofSpring.Thereisnotreasoninthis;sheistherightfulHeiressofChalion.Andyouwillthushavethehonorofbeingthefirstofhercourtierstodoso.”

“I,I,I…IcanswearmyfealtyinadditiontowhatIhavesworntoyourbrotherOrico,lady.Icannotsweartoyouinsteadoftohim.”

“Idonotaskforyourservice

beforewhatyougivetoOrico.IonlyaskforyourservicebeforewhatyougivetoOrico’schancellor.”

“Now,thatIcando,”saidPalli,brightening.“Andwithawill.”HekissedIselle’sforehead,hands,andslippers,and,stillkneelingbeforeherskirts,sworetheoathsofalordofChalion,witnessedbyBetrizandCazaril.Headded,stillonhisknees,“What

wouldyouthink,Royesse,ofLorddyYarrinasthenextholygeneraloftheDaughter’sOrder?”

“Ithink…suchgreatpreferencesarenotyetminetogive.ButhewouldcertainlybemoreacceptabletomethananycandidatefromdyJironal’sclan.”

Pallinoddedslowapprovalofhermeasuredwordsandrose

tohisfeet.“I’lllethimknow.”

“Isellewillneedallthepracticalsupportyoucangiveher,allthroughthefuneralforTeidez,”saidCazariltoPalli.“HeistobeburiedinValenda.MightIsuggestsheselectyourtroopfromPalliartobepartoftheroyse’scortege?Itwillgiveyougoodexcusetoconferoften,andwillassurethatyouarebyher

sidewhensheridesoutofCardegoss.”

“Oh,quickthinking,”saidIselle.

Cazarildidn’tfeelquick.HefelthiswitswerelaboringalongafterIselle’sasthoughinbootscoatedwithtwentypoundsofmud.Each.Theauthoritythathadfallentoherlastnightseemedtohavereleasedsomecoiledenergy

withinher;sheburnedwithit,insidehercocoonofdarkness.Hewasafraidtoclosehiseyes,lestheseeitblazingintherestill.

“Butmustyouridealone,Cazaril?”askedBetrizunhappily.“Idon’tlikethat.”

Isellepursedherlips.“AsfarasValenda,Ithinkhemust.ThereisscarcelyanyoneinCardegossIwouldtrustto

dispatchwithhim.”ShestudiedCazarilindoubt.“InValenda,perhapsmygrandmothermaysupplymen.Intruth,youshouldnotarriveattheFox’scourtaloneandunattended.Idon’twantustoappeardesperatetohim.”Sheaddedatriflebitterly,“Althoughweare.”

Betrizpluckedatherblackvelvets.“Butwhatifyoufallillontheroad?Supposeyour

tumorgrowsworse?Andwhowouldknowtoburnyourbodyifyoudie?”

Palli’sheadswiveledround.“Tumor?Cazaril!Whatisthis,now?”

“Cazaril,didn’tyoutellhim?Ithoughthewasyourfriend!”BetrizturnedtoPalli.“Hemeanstojumponahorseandride—ride!—offtoIbrawithagreatuncanny

murderoustumorinhisgut,andnohelpontheroad.Idon’tthinkthat’sbrave,Ithinkit’sstupid.ToIbrahemustgo,forwantofanyotherequaltothedeed,butnotalonelikethis!”

Pallisatback,histhumbacrosshislips,andstudiedCazarilthroughnarrowingeyes.Hesaidatlast,“Ithoughtyoulookedsick.”

“Yes,well,there’snothingtobedoneaboutit.”

“Um…justhowbad…Imean,um,areyou…”

“AmIdying?Yes.Howsoon?Nooneknows.Whichmakesmylifedifferentfromyours,asLearnedUmegatpointsout,notatall.Well,whowantstodieinbed?”

“Youdid,youalwayssaid.

Ofextremeoldage,inbed,withsomebody’swife.”

“Mine,bypreference,”Cazarilsighed.“Ah,well.”HemanagednottolookatBetriz.“Mydeathisthegods’problem.Forme,Irideassoonasahorsecanbesaddled.”Hegruntedtohisfeet,andcollectedthebookandthepacket.

PalliglancedatBetriz,who

clenchedherhandstogetherandstaredbeseechinglyathim.Hemutteredanoathunderhisbreath,stood,andstrodeabruptlytothedoortotheantechamber,whichhejerkedopen.FoixdyGura,hiseartotheotherside,staggeredupright,andblinkedandsmiledathiscommander.HisbrotherFerda,leaningontheoppositewall,snorted.

“Hello,boys,”saidPallismoothly.“Ihavealittletaskforyou.”

CAZARIL,PALLIATHISHEELS,STRODEOUTTHEZANGREgatesdressedforwinterriding,thesaddlebagslungoverhisshoulderheavywithachangeofclothes,asmallfortune,theology,andarguabletreason.

HefoundthedyGura

brothersalreadyinthestableyardbeforehim.SpedbacktoYarrinPalacebyPalli’surgentorders,theyhadalsochangedoutoftheirblue-and-whitecourtdressintogarbmorepracticalforriding,withtallandwell-wornboots.

Betrizwaswiththem,wrappedinawhitewoolcloak.Theyhadtheirheadsclosetogether,andBetrizwasgesticulatingemphatically.

FoixglanceduptoseeCazarilapproaching;hisbroadfacesetinasoberandratherintimidatedexpression.Hemadeamotion,andsaidsomething;Betrizglancedoverhershoulder,andtheconversationabruptlyceased.ThebrothersturnedaroundandmadesmallbowstoCazaril.Betrizstaredathimsteadily,asifhisfaceweresomelessonhe’dsethertomemorize.

“Ferda!”saidPalli.Thehorse-mastercametoattentionbeforehim.Palliwithdrewtwolettersfromhisvest-cloak,onesealed,onemerelyfolded.“This”—hehandedthefoldedpapertoFerda—“isaletterofauthorizationfromme,asalorddedicatoftheDaughter’sOrder,entitlingyoutowhateverassistanceyoumayneedtodraftfromoursisterchaptersonyourjourney.

AnycoststobesettledupwithmeatPalliar.Thisother”—hehandedacrossthesealedletter—“isforyoutoopeninValenda.”

Ferdanodded,andtuckedthembothaway.ThesecondletterofhandputthedyGurabrothersunderCazaril’scommandinthenameoftheDaughter,withnootherdetails.TheirtriptoIbrawasgoingtomakeaninteresting

surpriseforthem.

Palliwalkedaboutthem,inspectingwithacommander’seye.“Youhaveenoughwarmclothes?Armedforbandits?”Theydisplayedpolishedswordsandreadiedcrossbows—bowstringsprotectedfromdampness,withasufficiencyofquarrels—gearallingoodcondition.Onlyafewflakesofsnownowspunthroughthemoist

airtolandonwoolandleatherandhair,theretomelttosmalldroplets.Thedawnsnowfallhadprovedameredusting,hereintown.Inthehillsitwouldlikelybeheavier.

Frombeneathhercloak,Betrizproducedafluffywhiteobject.CazarilblinkeditintofocusasafurhatinthestyleofChalion’shardysouthernmountaineers,with

flapsmeanttobefoldeddownovertheearswiththefurinwardandtiedunderthechin.Whilebothmenandwomenworesimilarstyles,thisonewasclearlymeantforalady,inwhiterabbitskinwithflowersbrocadedingoldthreadoverthecrown.“Cazaril,Ithoughtyoumightneedthisinthehighpasses.”

Foixraisedhisbrowsandgrinned,andFerdasnickered

behindhishand.“Fetching,”hesaid.

Betrizreddened.“ItwastheonlythingIcouldfindinthetimeIhad,”shesaiddefensively.“Betterthanhavingyourearsfreeze!”

“Indeed,”saidCazarilgravely.“Idonothavesogoodahat.Ishallbeverygrateful.”Ignoringthegrinningyouths,hetookit

fromherandknelttopackitcarefullyinhissaddlebag.Itwasn’tjustagesturetogratifyBetriz,thoughhesmiledinwardlyathersniffinFerda’sdirection;whenthebrothersmetthewinterwindinthebordermountains,thosegrinswouldvanishsoonenough.

Iselleappearedthroughthegates,inavelvetcloaksodarkapurpleastobealmost

black,attendedbyashiveringChancelleryclerkwhohandedoveranumberedcourier’sbatoninexchangeforCazaril’ssignatureinhisledger.Heclappedtheledgershutandscurriedbackoverthedrawbridgeandoutofthecold.

“YouwereabletogetdyJironal’sorder?”Cazarilinquired,tuckingthebatonintoasecureinnerpocketof

hiscoat.Thebatonwouldcommanditsbearerfreshhorses,food,andclean,ifhardandnarrow,bedsinanyChancellerypostinghouseonthemainroadsacrossChalion.

“NotdyJironal’s.Orico’s.OricoisstillroyainChalion,thougheventheChancelleryclerkhadtoberemindedofthefact.”Isellesnortedsoftly.“Thegodsgowithyou,

Cazaril.”

“Alas,yes,”hesighed,thenrealizedthathadbeennotanobservation,butafarewell.Hebowedhisheadtokissherchilledhands.Betrizeyedhimsideways.Hehesitated,thenclearedhisthroatandtookherhandsaswell.Herfingersspasmedaroundhisatthetouchofhislips,andherbreathdrewin,buthereyesstaredawayoverhishead.He

straightenedtoseethedyGurabrothersshrinkingunderherglower.

AZangregroomledoutthreesaddledcourierhorses.Palliclaspedhandswithhiscousins.FerdatookthereinsofwhatprovedtobeCazaril’shorse,arangyroanthatmatchedhisheight.ThemuscularFoixhastenedtogivehimalegup,andashesettledinthesaddlewitha

faintgruntinquiredanxiously,“Areyouallright,sir?”

Theyhadn’tevenstartedyet;whathadBetrizbeentellingthem?“Yes,it’sallfine,”Cazarilassuredhim.“Thankyou.”Ferdapresentedhimwithhisreins,andFoixassistedhimintyingonhisprecioussaddlebags.Ferdaleaptlightlyaboardhishorse,hisbrotherclimbedmore

heavilyontohis,andtheystartedoutofthestableyard.CazarilturnedinhissaddletowatchIselleandBetrizmakingtheirwaybackacrossthedrawbridgeandthroughtheZangre’sgreatgate.Betrizlookedback,andraisedherhandhigh;Cazarilreturnedthesalute.Thenthehorsesroundedthefirstcorner,andthebuildingsofCardegosshidthegatefromhisview.Asinglecrow

followedthem,swoopingfromguttertocornice.

Onthefirststreet,theymetChancellordyJironalridingslowlyupfromJironalPalace,flankedbytwoarmedretainersonfoot.He’dobviouslybeenhometowashandeatandchangehisclothes,andattendtohismoreurgentcorrespondence.Judgingfromhisgrayfaceandbloodshoteyes,he’dhad

nomoresleepthanIsellethenightpast.

DyJironalreinedin,andgaveCazarilanoddlittlesalute.“Whereaway,LordCazaril”—hiseyetookinthelightcouriersaddles,stampedwiththecastle-and-leopardofChalion—“uponmyChancellery’shorses?”

Cazarilreturnedahalfbowfromhissaddle.“Valenda,

mylord.TheRoyesseIselledecidedshedidnotwantsomestrangerbearingthebadnewstohermotherandgrandmother,andhasdispatchedmeashercourier.”

“MadIsta,eh?”DyJironal’slipsscrewedup.“Idonotenvyyouthattask.”

“Indeed.”Cazarillethisvoicegohopeful.“Ordermeback

toIselle’sside,andIshallobeyyouatonce.”

“No,no.”DyJironal’slipcurledjustslightlyinsatisfaction.“Icanthinkofnomanmorefittedforthissadduty.Rideon.Oh—whendoyoumeantoreturn?”

“I’mnotyetsure.IselledesiredmetobesurehermotherwasgoingtobeallrightbeforeIreturned.Ido

notexpectIstatotakethenewswell.”

“Truly.Well,we’llwatchforyou.”

Iwageryouwill.HeanddyJironalexchangedguardednods,andthetwopartiesrodeonintheiroppositedirections.CazarilglancedbacktocatchdyJironalglancingback,justbeforeheturnedthecornertowardthe

Zangre’sgates.DyJironalwouldknownoambushcouldnowcatchCazaril’sstartonthecourierhorses.Thereturnwasanotheropportunity.ExceptthatIwon’tbecomingbackonthisroad.

Oratall?He’dturnedoverinhismindallthedisastersthatmightfollowfailure;whatwouldbehisfateifhesucceeded?Whatdidthegodsdowithusedsaints?

He’dnevertohisknowledgemetone,saveperhaps,now,Umegat…athoughtthatwasnot,uponconsideration,veryreassuring.

Theyreachedthecitygateandcrossedoverthebridgetotheriverroad.Fonsa’scrowdidnotfollowfarther,butpercheduponthegate’shighcrenellationsandventedafewsadcaws,whichechoedastheydescendedintothe

ravine.TheZangre’scliffwall,nakedofverdureinthewinter,rosehighandstarkacrossthedark,rapidwateroftheriver.CazarilwonderedifBetrizwouldwatchfromoneofthecastle’shighwindowsastheypassedalongtheroad.Hewouldn’tbeabletoseeherupthere,sohighandshadowed.

Hisbleakthoughtswerescatteredbythethudand

splashofhooves.Aninboundcourierflashedpastthem,gallopinghorselatheredandblowing.He—no,she—wavedattheminpassing.FemalecouriersweremuchfavoredbysomeoftheChancellery’shorse-masters,atleastonthesaferroutes,fortheyclaimedtheirlightweightandlighthandssparedtheanimals.Foixwavedback,andturnedinhissaddletowatchherflyingblack

braids.Cazarildidn’tthinkhewasjustadmiringherhorsemanship.

FerdanudgedhismountupnexttoCazaril’s.“Maywegallopnow,mylord?”heaskedhopefully.“Daylightisdear,andthesebeastsarefresh.”

Butfivegods,I’mnot.Cazariltookabreathofgrimanticipation.“Yes.”

Heclappedhisbootedheelstotheroan’sside,andtheanimalboundedintoalong-stridedcanter.Theroadopenedbeforethemacrossthesnow-streakeddunlandscape,windingintograymistsheavywiththefaintsweetrotofwintervegetation.Vanishingintouncertainty.

21

TheycametoValendaatduskonthefollowingday.Thetownbulkedblackagainstapewtersky,itsdeepeningshadowsrelievedhereandtherebytheorangeflareofsometorchorcandle,faintsparksoflightandlife.

They’dhadnoremountsonthebranchroadtoValenda,courierstationsbeingreservedfortheroutetotheBaocianprovincialseatofTaryoon,sothelastleghadbeenalongoneforthehorses.Cazarilwascontenttoletthetiredbeastswalk,headsdownonalongrein,theremainingstretchthroughthecityandupthehill.Hewishedhecouldstophere,stop,andsinkdownbythe

sideoftheroad,andnotmovefordays.Inminutes,itwouldbehistasktotellamotherthathersonwasdead.Ofallthetrialsheexpectedtofaceonthisjourney,thiswastheworst.

Toosoon,theyreachedtheProvincara’scastlegates.Theguardsrecognizedhimatonceandranshoutingfortheservants;thegroomDemiheldhishorse,andwasthe

firsttoask,Whyareyouhere,mylord?Thefirst,butnotthelast.

“IbearmessagestotheProvincaraandtheLadyIsta,”Cazarilrepliedshortly,bentoverhispommel.Foixpoppedupathishorse’sshoulder,staringupexpectantly;Cazarilheavedhisofflegupoverthehorse’shaunches,kickedfreeoftheotherstirrup,anddroppedto

hisfeet.Hiskneesbuckled,andhewouldhavefallenthen,butforthestronghandthatcaughthiselbow.They’dmadegoodtime.Hewondereddizzilyhowdearlyhewouldpayforit.Hestoodamoment,trembling,tillhisbalancereturnedtohim.“IsSerdyFerrejhere?”

“HehasescortedtheProvincaratoaweddingfeastintown,”Demitoldhim.“I

don’tknowwhentheymeantoreturn.”

“Oh,”saidCazaril.Hewasalmosttootiredtothink.He’dbeensoexhaustedlastnight,he’dfallenasleepintheposting-housebunkwithinminutesofbeingsteeredtoitbyhishelpers,andslepteventhroughDondo.WaitfortheProvincara?He’dmeanttoreporttoherfirst,andlether

determinehowtotellherdaughter.No.Thisisunbearable.Getitoverwith.“Inthatcase,IwillseetheLadyIstafirst.”

Headded,“Thehorsesneedtoberubbeddownandwateredandfed.TheseareFerdaandFoixdyGura,menofgoodfamilyinPalliar.Pleaseseethattheyaregiven…everything.We’venoteaten.”Norwashed,but

thatwasobvious;everyone’ssweat-soakedwoolensweresplashedwithwinterroadmud,handsgrimed,facesstreakedwithdirt.Theywereallthreeblinkingandwearyinthetorchlightofthecourtyard.Cazaril’sfingers,stifffromclutchinghisreinsinthecoldsincedawn,pluckedatthetiesofhissaddlebags.Foixtookthattaskfromhim,too,andpulledthebagsoffthehorse.Cazaril

ratherdeterminedlytookthembackfromhim,foldedthemoverhisarm,andturned.“TakemetoIstanow,please,”hesaidfaintly.“IhavelettersforherfromtheRoyesseIselle.”

Ahouseservantledhimwithin,andupthestairsinthenewbuilding.ThemanhadtowaitforCazariltoclimbslowlyafterhim.Hislegsfeltlikelead.Murmursroseand

fellbetweenthemanandtheroyina’sattendants,ashenegotiatedCazaril’sentrytoherchambers.Theairwithinwasperfumedwithbowlsofdriedflowerpetalsandaglowwithcandlelightandwarmthfromthecornerfireplace.Cazarilfelthugeandawkwardandfilthyinthisdaintysittingroom.

Istasatonacushionedbench,dressedinwarmwraps,her

dunhairboundinathickropedownherback.LikeSara,theinkyshadowofthecursehungabouther.So.Iwasrightinthatguess.

Istaturnedtowardhim;hereyeswidened,andherfacestiffened.Shesurelyknewsomethingwasterriblywrongjustbyhissuddenpresencehere.Thehundredwaystobreakthenewstohergentlythathe’drehearsedduringthe

longhoursofridingseemedtofallthroughhisfingers,underthepressureofthosedark,dilatedeyes.Anydelaynowwouldbecruelbeyondmeasure.Hefelltoonekneebeforeher,andclearedhisthroat.

“First.Iselleiswell.Holdtothat.”Heinhaled.“Second.Teidezdiedtwonightsago,fromaninfectedwound.”

ThetwowomenattendinguponIstacriedout,andclutchedeachother.Istabarelymoved,butforalittleflinch,asifaninvisiblearrowhadstruckher.Sheventedalong,wordlessexhalation.

“Youunderstandmywords,Royina?”Cazarilsaidhesitantly.

“Oh,yes,”shebreathed.Onecornerofhermouthturned

up;Cazarilcouldnotcallitasmile.Itwasnothinglikeasmile,thatblackirony.“Whenitistoo-long-anticipated,ablowfallsasarelief,yousee.Thewaitingisover.Icanstopfearing,now.Canyouunderstandthat?”

Cazarilnodded.

Afteramomentofsilence,brokenonlybythesobbingofoneofherwomen,sheadded

quietly,“Howcamehebythiswound?Hunting?Orsomething…else?”

“Not…huntingexactly.Inawayitwas…”Cazarillickedhislips,chappedwiththecold.“Lady,doyouseeanythingoddaboutme?”

“Iseeonlywithmyeyes,now.I’vebeenblindforyears,yousee.Yousee?”

Heremphasismadehermeaningveryplain,Cazarilthought.“Yes.”

Shenoddedandsatback.“Ithoughtso.Thereisalookaboutonewhoseeswiththoseeyes.”

AtremblingattendantcreptuptoIsta,andsaidinanoverlylightvoice,“Lady,perhapsyoushouldcomeawaytobed,now.Yourlady

motherwillsurelybebacksoon…”SheshotCazarilameaningfullookoverhershoulder;clearly,thewomanthoughtIstawasgoingintooneofhermadfugues.Intowhateveryonethoughtwasoneofherfugues.HadIstaeverbeenmad?

Cazarilsatbackonhisheels.“Pleaseleaveusnow.Imusthavesomeprivatespeechwiththeroyinaonmattersof

someurgency.”

“Sir,mylord…”Thewomanmanagedafalsesmile,andwhisperedinhisear,“Wedarenotleaveherinthisstrickenhour—shemightdoherselfsomeharm.”

Cazarilclimbedtohisfullheight,andtookbothladiesbythearms,andsteeredthemgentlybutinexorablyoutthedoor.“Iwillundertaketo

guardher.Here,youmaywaitinthischamberacrossthehall,andifIneedyou,Iwillcallout,allright?”Heshutbothdoorsupontheirprotests.

Istawaitedunmoving,butforherhands.Sheheldafinelacehandkerchief,whichshecommencedtofolding,overandover,intosmallerandsmallersquares.Cazarilgrunteddowntositcross-

leggedontheflooratherfeetandstareupintothatwide-eyed,chalkyface.

“IhaveseentheZangre’sghosts,”hesaid.

“Yes.”

“More.IhaveseenthedarkcloudthathangsoveryourHouse.TheGoldenGeneral’scurse,thebaneofFonsa’sheirs.”

“Yes.”

“Youknowofit,then?”

“Oh,yes.”

“Ithangsaboutyounow.”

“Yes.”

“IthungaboutOrico,andSara.Iselle—andTeidez.”

“Yes.”Shetiltedherhead

andstaredaway.

Cazarilthoughtaboutastateofshockhehadseensometimescomeuponmeninbattle,betweenthemomentablowfell,andthetimetheirbodiesfell;menwhoshouldhavebeenunconscious,shouldhavebeendead,staggeringaboutyetforatime,accomplishing,sometimes,extraordinaryacts.Wasthisquietcoherence

suchashock,soontomelt—shouldheseizeit?OrhadIstaeverreallybeenincoherent?Ordidwejustnotunderstandher?

“Oricohasbecomeveryill.HowIcamebymysecondsightisallofapiecewiththisblacktangle.Butplease,please,lady,tellmehowyoucametoknow.Whatdidyousee,andwhen,andhow?Imustunderstand.BecauseI

think—Ifear—ithasbeengiventome,ithasfallentome,toact.Yetnothinghastoldmewhatthatactionmustbe.Evensecondsightcannotpiercethisdark.”

Herbrowswentup.“Icantellyoutruths.Icannotgiveyouunderstanding.Forhowcanonegivewhatonedoesnotpossess?Ihavealwaystoldthetruth.”

“Yes.Iseethatnow.”Hetookadaringbreath.“Buthaveyouevertoldallofit?”

Shesuckedonherlowerlipamoment,studyinghim.Hertremblinghands,seemingtobelongtosomeotherIstathantheoneofthiscarvenface,beganunfoldingthetightknotofthehandkerchiefagainuponherknee.Slowly,shenodded.Hervoicewassolow,Cazarilhadtotilthis

headtobesureofcatchingallherwords.

“ItbeganwhenIbecamepregnantwithIselle.Thevisions.Thesecondsightcameandwent.Ithoughtitwasaneffectofmypregnancy—bearingturnssomewomen’sbrains.Thephysiciansconvincedmeofthat,foratime.Isawtheblindghostsdrifting.Isawthedarkcloudhangingupon

Ias,andyoungOrico.Iheardvoices.Idreamedofthegods,oftheGoldenGeneral,ofFonsaandhistwofaithfulcompanionsburninginhistower.OfChalionburninglikethetower.

“AfterIsellewasborn,thevisionsceased.IthoughtIhadbeenmad,andthengotwellagain.”

Theeyecouldnotseeitself,

noteventheinnereye.HehadbeengrantedUmegat,beengrantedknowledgeboughtatothers’costandhandedtohimasagift.Howfrightenedwouldhebebynow,ifhewerestillgropingforexplanationsoftheinexplicable?

“ThenIbecamepregnantagain,withTeidez.Andthevisionsbeganagain,twiceasbadasbefore.Itwas

unbearabletothinkmyselfmad.OnlywhenIthreatenedtokillmyselfdidIasconfesstomethatitwasthecurse,andthatheknewit.Hadalwaysknownofit.”

Andhowbetrayed,tofindthatthosewho’dknownthetruthhadn’ttoldhim,hadlefthimtostaggeraboutinisolatedterror?

“IwashorrifiedthatIhad

broughtmytwochildrenintothisdiredanger.Iprayedandprayedtothegodsthatitmightbelifted,orthattheywouldtellmehowitmightbelifted,thattheywouldsparetheinnocent.

“ThentheMotherofSummercametome,whenIwasroundtoburstingwithTeidez.Notinadream,notwhileIwassleeping,butwhenIwasawakeandsober,

inthebroadday.Shestoodasclosetomeasyouarenow,andIfelltomyknees.Icouldhavetouchedherrobe,ifI’ddared.Herbreathwasaperfume,likewildflowersinthesummergrasses.Herfacewastoobeautifulformyeyestocomprehend,itwaslikestaringintothesun.Hervoicewasmusic.”

Ista’slipssoftened;evennow,thepeaceofthatvision

echoedbrieflyinherface,aflashofbeautylikethereflectionofsunlightondarkwaters.Butherbrowstightenedagain,andshespokeon,bendingforward,growing,ifpossible,moreshadowed,moreintent.

“Shesaidthatthegodssoughttotakethecurseback,thatitdidnotbelonginthisworld,thatitwasagifttotheGoldenGeneralthathehad

spiltimproperly.ShesaidthatthegodsmightdrawthecursebacktothemonlythroughthewillofamanwhowouldlaydownhislifethreetimesfortheHouseofChalion.”

Cazarilhesitated.Thesoundofhisownbreathinhisnostrilsseemedenoughtodrownoutthatquietvoice.Butthequestionrosehelplesslytohislips,thoughhecursedhimselffor

soundingafool.“Um…Idon’tsupposethatthreemencouldlaydowntheirlivesonceeach,instead?”

“No.”Herlipscurvedinthatweirdironicnot-smile.“Youseetheproblem.”

“I…I…Idon’tseethesolution,though.Wasitatrick,this…prophecy?”

Herhandsopenedbriefly,

ambiguously,thenbeganfoldingthehandkerchiefagain.“ItoldIas.HetoldLorddyLutez,ofcourse;IaskeptnothingfromdyLutez,exceptforme.Exceptforme.”

HistoricalcuriosityovercameCazaril.Nowthattheywerecomradesin…sainthood,orsomethinglikeit,itseemedeasytotalktoIsta.Theeasewaslunatic,tilted,fragile,if

heblinkeditwouldbegonebeyondrecall,andyet…sainttosaintandsoultosoul,forthisfloatingmomentitwasanintimacystrangerandmoresoaringthanlovertolover.HebegantounderstandwhyUmegathadfallenuponhimwithsuchhunger.“Whatwastheirrelationship,really?”

Sheshrugged.“TheywereloverssincebeforeIwas

born.WhowasItojudgethem?DyLutezlovedIas;IlovedIas.Iaslovedusboth.Hetriedsohard,caredsomuch,tryingtobeartheweightofallhisdeadbrothersandhisfatherFonsa,too.He’dwornhimselfneartodeathwiththecaring,andyetitallwentwrong,andwrongagain.”

Shehesitatedforatime,andCazarilwasterrifiedforan

instantthathehadinadvertentlydonesomethingtobringthisflowofconfidencestoanend.Butapparentlyshewasmarshaling…notherthoughts,butherheart:forshewenton,evenmoreslowly.“Idon’tremembernowwhoseideaitfirstwas.Wesatinanightcouncil,thethreeofus,afterTeidezwasborn.Istillhadthesight.Weknewbothofourchildren

weredrawnintothisdarkthing,andpoorOrico,too.‘Savemychildren,’Iascried,layinghisforeheaddownuponthetable,weeping.‘Savemychildren.’AndLorddyLutezsaid,‘FortheloveIbearyou,Iwilltry;Iwilldarethissacrifice.’“

Hescarcelydaredwhisperit.“Butfivegods,how?”

Herheadjerked.“We

discussedahundredschemes;howmightonekillaman,andyetbringhimbacktodieagain?Impossible,andyetnotquite.Wefinallysettledondrowningasthebesttotry.Itwouldoccasiontheleastphysicalinjury,andthereweremanystoriesofpeoplewho’dbeenbroughtbackfromdrowning.DyLutezrodeouttoinvestigatesomeofthem,totrytodeterminethetrickofit.”

Cazaril’sbreathhuffedout.Drowning,oh,gods.Andinthecoldestofcoldblood…hishandswereshaking,too,now.Hervoicewenton,quietandrelentless.

“Wesworeaphysiciantosecrecy,anddescendedtothedungeonsoftheZangre.DyLutezlethimselfbestrippedandbound,armsandlegstighttohisbody,andhungupsidedownoverthetank.

Weloweredhimdownheadfirst.Andraisedhimagain,whenhestoppedstrugglingatlast…”

“Andhe’ddied?”saidCazarilsoftly.“Thenthetreasonchargewas…”

“Diedindeed,butnotforthelasttime.Werevivedhim,justbarely.”

“Oh.”

“Oh,itwasworking,though!”Herhandsclenched.“Icouldfeelit,Icouldseeit,thecrackinthecurse!ButdyLutez—hisnervebroke.Thenextnight,hewouldnotundertakethesecondimmersion.HecriedIwastryingtoassassinatehim,forjealousy’ssake.ThenIasandI…madeamistake.”

Cazarilcouldseewherethiswasgoing,now.Closinghis

eyeswouldnotsparehimfromseeing.Heforcedthemtostayopen,andonherface.

“Weseizedhim,andmadethesecondtrialbyforce.Hescreamedandwept…Iaswavered,Icried,‘Butwehaveto!Thinkofthechildren!’Butthistimewhenwedrewhimout,hewasdrowneddead,andnotallourtearsandprayersrevivedhimthen.

“Iaswasshattered.Iwasdistraught.Myinnervisionwasstrippedfrommyeyes.Thegodsturnedtheirfacesfromme…”

“Thenthetreasonchargewasfalse.”Profoundlyfalse.

“Yes.Alie,tohideoursins.Toexplainthebody.”Herbreathdrewin.“Buthisfamilywasallowedtoinherithisestate—nothingwas

attaindered.”

“Excepthisreputation.Hispublichonor.”AnhonorthathadbeenallinalltoprouddyLutez;whohadvaluedallhiswealthandglorybutasoutwardsignsofit.

“Itwasdoneinthepanicofthemoment,andthenwecouldnotdrawbackfromit.Ofallourregrets,IthinkthatonegnawedIasthemost,in

themonthsafter.

“Iaswouldnottryagain,wouldnottrytofindanothervolunteer.Ithadtobeawillingsacrifice,yousee;nostrugglingmurderwouldhavedoneit,butonlyamansteppingforthofhisownvolition,witheyeswide-open.Iasturnedhisfacetothewallanddiedofgriefandguilt”—herhandsstretchedthescrapoflacealmostto

tearing—“leavingmealonewithtwolittlechildrenandnowaytoprotectorsavethemfromthis…black…thing…”Shedrewbreath,herchestheaving.Butshedidnotspiralintohysteria,asCazaril,tensingtospringupandcallforherattendants,feared.Asherbreathingslowed,helethismusclesslackenagain.“Butyou,”shesaidatlast.“Thegodshavetouchedyou?”

“Yes.”

“Iamsorry.”

Anunsteadylaughlefthislips.“Aye.”Herubbedthebackofhisneck.Itwashisturnforconfession,now.Hemightshadethetruthwithothers,forexpediency’ssake.NotwithIsta.Heowedherweightforweightandvalueforvalue.Woundforwound.“Howmuchnewshadyou

fromCardegossofIselle’sbriefbetrothal,andLordDondodyJironal’sfate?”

“Onemessengerfollowedatopanotherbeforewecouldcelebrate—wecouldnottellwhattomakeofit.”

“Celebrate?Aforty-year-oldmatchedtoasixteen-year-old?”

Herchincameup,fora

momentsolikeIsellethatCazarilcaughthisbreath.“IasandIwerefurtherapartinagethanthat.”

Ah.Yes.Thatwouldtendtogiveheradifferentviewofsuchthings.“DondowasnoIas,mylady.Hewascorrupt—debauched—impious,anembezzler—andIamalmostcertainhehadSerdySandamurdered.Maybeevenbyhisownhand.Hewascolluding

withhisbrotherMartoutogaincompletecontroloftheHouseofChalion,throughOrico,Teidez—andIselle.”

Ista’shandtouchedherthroat.“ImetMartou,yearsago,atcourt.HealreadyaspiredthentobethenextLorddyLutez.DyLutez,thebrightest,nobleststarevertoshineinthecourtofChalion—Martoumighthavestudiedtocleanhisboots,barely.

Dondo,Inevermet.”

“Dondowasadisaster.Ifirstencounteredhimyearsago,andhehadnocharacterthen.Hegrewworsewithage.Isellewasdistraught,andfurioustohavehimforceduponher.Sheprayedtothegodstoreleaseherfromthisabominablematch,butthegods…didn’tanswer.SoIdid.

“Istalkedhimforaday,intendingtoassassinatehimforher,butIcouldn’tgetnearhim.SoIprayedtotheBastardforamiracleofdeathmagic.AndIwasgrantedit.”

Afteramoment,Ista’seyebrowswentup.“Whyaren’tyoudead?”

“IthoughtIwasdying.WhenIawoketofindDondodeadwithoutme,Ididn’tknow

whattothink.ButUmegatdeterminedIselle’sprayershadbroughtdownasecondmiracle,andtheLadyofSpringhadsparedmylifefromtheBastard’sdemon,butonlytemporarily.SaintUmegat—Ithoughthewasagroom—”Hisstorywasgrowinghopelesslytangled.Hetookadeepbreath,andbackedupandexplainedaboutUmegatandthemiracleofthemenagerie,andhowit

hadpreservedpoorOricointheteethofthecurse.

“ExceptthatDondo,beforehedied,whenhestillthoughthewasabouttobemarriedtoIselle,toldTeidezitwastheotherwayaround—thatthemenageriewasanevilRoknarisorcerysetuptosickenOrico.AndTeidezbelievedhim.Fivedaysago,hetookhisBaocianguardandslewnearlyeverysacred

animalinit,andonlybychancefailedtoslaythesaintaswell.HetookascratchfromOrico’sdyingleopard—Iswear,itwasonlyascratch!IfIhadrealized…Thewoundbecamepoisoned.Hisendwas…”Cazarilrememberedwhohewastalkingto.“…wasveryquick.”

“PoorTeidez,”whisperedIsta,staringaway.“MypoorTeidez.Youwereborntobe

betrayed,Ithink.”

“Anyway,”finishedCazaril,“becauseofthisstrangeconcatenationofmiracles,thedeathdemonandtheghostofDondowereboundinmybelly.Encapsulatedinsomekindoftumor,evidently.Whentheyarereleased,Iwilldie.”

Ista’sgrievingfacewentstill.Hereyesrosetosearch

Cazaril’sface.“Thatwouldbetwice,”shesaid.

“Ah…eh?”

Herhandsabandonedthetorturedhandkerchief,andwentouttogripCazaril’scollar.Hergazebecamescorching,almostpainfulinitsintensity.Herbreathcamefaster.“AreyouIselle’sdyLutez?”

“I,I,I,”stammeredCazaril;hisstomachsank.

“Twice.Twice.Buthowtoaccomplishthethird?Oh.Oh.Oh…”Hereyesweredilated,thepupilspulsing.Herlipsshiveredwithhope.“Whatareyou?”

“I,I,I’monlyCazaril,mylady!IamnodyLutez,Iamsure.Iamnotbrilliant,orrich,orstrong.Orbeautiful,

thegodsknow.Orbrave,thoughIfightwhenI’mtrapped,Isuppose.”

Shemadeanimpatientgesture.“Takeawayallthoseornaments—stripped,naked,upsidedown,themanstillshone.Faithful.Untodeath.Only…notuntotwodeaths.Orthree.”

“I—thisismadness,now.ThisisnotthewayIintendto

breakthecurse,Ipromiseyou.”Fivegods,notdrowning.“IhaveanotherplantorescueIsellefromit.”

Hereyesprobedhim,stillwiththatfrighteningwildness.“Havethegodsspokentoyou,then?”

“No.Igobymyreason.”

Shesatback,tohisreliefreleasinghim,andherbrows

crimpedinpuzzlement.“Reason?Inthis?”

“Sara—andyou—marriedintotheHouseandthecurseofChalion.IthinkIsellecanmarryoutofit.ThisescapecouldnothavebeenavailabletoTeidez,butnow…IamonmywaytoIbra,totrytoarrangeIselle’smarriagewithIbra’snewHeir,RoyseBergon.DyJironalwillseektopreventthis,becauseitwill

spelltheendofhispowerinChalion.IsellemeanstoslipawayfromhimbybringingTeidez’sbodybackheretoValendatobeburied.”CazarildetailedIselle’splantoridewiththecortege,thenrendezvouswithBergoninValenda.

“Maybe,”breathedIsta.“Maybe…”

Hewasunsurewhatshewas

referringto.Shewasstillgivinghimanextremelyunsettlinglook.

“Yourmother,”hesaid.“Doessheknowofallthis?Thecurse,thetruetaleofdyLutez?”

“Itriedtotellher,once.ShedecidedIwastrulymad.It’snotabadlife,beingmad,youknow.Ithasitsadvantages.Youdon’thavetomakeany

decisions.Whattoeat,whattowear,wheretogo…wholives,whodies…Youcantryityourself,ifyoulike.Justtellthetruth.Tellpeopleyouarepregnantwithademonandaghost,andyouhaveatumorthattalksvilelytoyou,andthegodsguardyoursteps,andseewhathappensnext.”HerthroatylaughdidnotinclineCazariltosmilealong.Herlipstwisted.“Don’tlooksoalarmed,Lord

Cazaril.IfIrepeatyourstory,youhaveonlytodenyme,andIwillbethoughtmad,notyou.”

“I…thinkyouhavebeendeniedenough.Lady.”

Shebitherlipandlookedaway;herbodytrembled.

Cazarilshifted,andwasremindedofhissaddlebag,leaningagainsthiship.“Iselle

wroteyoualetter,andonetohergrandmother,andchargedmetodeliverthemtoyou.”Heburrowedintothebag,foundhispacketofcorrespondence,andhandedIstaherletter.Hishandswereshakingfromfatigueandhunger.Amongotherthings.“Ishouldgogetridofthisdirtandeatsomething.BythetimetheProvincarareturns,perhapsIcanmakemyselffitforhercompany.”

Istaheldthelettertoherbreast.“Callmyladiestome,then.Ishallretirenow,Ithink.Noreasonmoretowake…”

Cazarilglancedupsharply.“Iselle.Iselleisareasontowake.”

“Ah.Yes.Onemorehostagetogo.ThenIcansleepforever.”Sheleanedforwardandpattedhisshoulderinan

oddreassurance.“ButfornowIwilljustsleeptonight.I’msotired.IthinkImusthavedoneallmymourningandwailinginadvance,andthereisnoneleftinmenow.Allemptiedout.”

“Iunderstand,lady.”

“Yes,youdo.Howstrange.”

Cazarilreachedgingerlyouttothebench,pushedhimself

up,andwenttolettheweepyattendantsbackin.Istasetherteethandsufferedthemtodescenduponher.Cazarilhoistedhissaddlebagsandbowedhimselfout.

AWASH,ACHANGEOFCLOTHES,ANDAHOTMEALdidmuchtorestoreCazarilphysically,thoughhismindstillreeledfromhisconversationwithIsta.Whentheservantssethimtoawait

theProvincara’sreturninherquietlittleparlorinthenewbuilding,hewasgratefulforthechancetomarshalhisthoughts.Acheerfulfirewassetforhiminthechamber’sexcellentfireplace.Achingineverybone,hesatinhercushionedchair,sippedwell-wateredwine,andtriednottonodoff.Theoldladywasnotlikelytostayoutverylate.

Indeed,shesoonappeared,

flankedbyhercousin-companionLadydyHueltarandthegraveSerdyFerrej.Shewasdressedingalasplendoringreensatinsandvelvets,glitteringwithjewels,butonelookatherashenfacetoldCazarilthatthebadnewshadalreadybeenblurtedtoherbysomeexcitedservant.Cazarillurchedtohisfeet,andbowed.

Shegrippedhishands,

searchinghisface.“Cazaril,isittrue?”

“Teidezhasdied,suddenly,ofaninfection.Iselleiswell”—hetookabreath—“andHeiressofChalion.”

“Poorboy!Poorboy!HaveyoutoldIstayet?”

“Yes.”

“Oh,dear.Howdidshetake

it?”

Welldidnotdescribeit.Cazarilchose,“Calmly,YourGrace.Atleast,shedidnotflyintoanysortofwildpelter,asI’dfeared.Ithinktheblowsherlifehasdealtherhavelefthernumb.Idon’tknowhowshe’llbetomorrow.Herattendantshaveputhertobed.”

TheProvincaraventedasigh

andblinkedbacktears.

Cazarilknelttohissaddlebags.“Iselleentrustedmewithaletterforyou.Andthereisanoteforyou,SerdyFerrej,fromBetriz.Shedidnothavetimetowritemuch.”Hehandedoutthetwosealedmissives.“Theywillbothbecominghere.IsellemeanstohaveTeidezburiedinValenda.”

“Oh,”saidtheProvincara,crackingthecoldwaxoftheletter’sseal,carelessofwherethesprinklesfell.“Oh,howIlongtoseeher.”Hereyesdevouredthepennedlines.“Short,”shecomplained.Hergrayeyebrowswentup.“Cazarilwillexplaineverythingtoyou,shesays.”

“Yes,YourGrace.Ihavemuchtotellyou,someofitinconfidence.”

Shewavedouthercompanions.“Go,Iwillcallyouback.”DyFerrejwasbreakingopenhisletterbythetimehereachedthedoor.

Shesatwitharustleoffabric,stillclutchingthepaper,andgesturedCazariltoanotherchair,whichhepulleduptoherknee.“ImustseetoIstabeforeshesleeps.”

“I’lltrytobesuccinct,Your

Grace.ThisiswhatIhavelearnedthisseasoninCardegoss.WhatIwentthroughtolearnit…”Thatcost,thecrackingopenofhisworld,Istahadunderstoodatonce;hewasnotsuretheProvincarawouldgraspit.“Doesn’tmatternow.ButArchdivineMendenalinCardegosscanconfirmthetruthofitall,ifyougetachanceathim.TellhimIsentyou,andhewilldenyyou

nothing.”

Herbrowswentup.“Howisityoubendanarchdivine?”

Cazarilsnortedsoftly.“Ipullrank.”

Shesatup,herlipsthinning.“Cazaril,don’tmakestupidjokeswithme.YougrowascrypticasIsta.”

Yes,Ista’sself-protective

senseof—nothumor,irony—likelywasirritating,atclosequarters.Ista.WhospokeforIsta?“Provincara…yourdaughterisheartbroken,ravagedinwill.Shelongsforthereleaseofdeath.Butsheisnotmad.Thegodsarenotsomerciful.”

Theoldwomanhunched,asthoughhiswordsgratedoverarawspot.“Hergriefisextravagant.Wasnowoman

everwidowedbefore?Hasnonelostachild?I’vesufferedboth,butIdidnotmoanandmopeandcarryonso,notforyears.Icriedmyhour,yes,butthenIcontinuedaboutmyduties.Ifsheisnotbrokeninreason,thensheisvastlyself-indulgent.”

CouldhemakeherunderstandIsta’sdifferenceswithoutviolatingIsta’stacit

confidences?Well,evenapartialtruthmighthelp.Hebenthisheadtohers.“ItallgoesbacktothegreatwarofFonsatheFairly-WisewiththeGoldenGeneral…”Intheplainestpossibleterms,hedetailedtheinnerworkingsofthecurseuponthehistoryoftheHouseofChalion.TherewereenoughotherdisastersinIas’sreignthathescarcelyneededtotouchonthefallofdyLutez.Orico’simpotence,

theslowcorruptionofhisadvisors,thefailureofbothhispoliciesandhishealthbroughtthetaletothepresent.

TheProvincarascowled.“IsallthisvileluckaworkofRoknariblackmagic,then?”

“Not…asIunderstandit.Itisaspillage,aperversionofsomeineffabledivinity,lostfromitsproperplace.”

Sheshrugged.“Closeenough.Ifitactslikeblackmagic,thenblackmagicitis.Thepracticalquestionis,howtocounterit?”

Cazarilwasn’tsureaboutthatcloseenough.Surelyonlycorrectunderstandingcouldleadtocorrectaction.IstaandIashadtriedtoforceasolution,asthoughthecurseweremagic,tobecounteredbymagic.Aritedonebyrote.

Sheadded,“AnddoesthislinktothiswildtaleweheardofDondodyJironalbeingmurderedbydeathmagic?”

That,atleast,hecouldanswer,nonebetter.Hehadalreadydecidedtostripoutasmuchoftheunnaturaldetailaspossiblefromherversionofevents.Hedidnotthinkherconfidenceinhimwouldbeaugmentedbyhisbabblingofdemons,ghosts,saints,

secondsight,andevenmoregrotesquethings.Morethanenoughremainedtoastoundher.HebeganwiththetaleofIselle’sdisastrousbetrothal,althoughhedidnotattributethesourceofDondo’sdeathmiracle,concealinghisactofmurderashe’dconcealedIsta’s.

TheProvincarawasnotsosqueamish.“IfLordDondowasasbadasyousay,”she

sniffed,“Ishallsayprayersforthatunknownbenefactor!”

“Indeed,YourGrace.Iprayforhimdaily.”

“AndDondoamereyoungerson—forIselle!WhatwasthatfoolOricothinking?”

Abandoningtheineffable,hepresentedthemenagerietoherasamarveldevisedby

theTempletopreserveOrico’sfailinghealth,trueenoughasfarasitwent.ShegraspedinstantlythesecretpoliticalpurposeofDondo’ssettingTeideztoits—andOrico’s—destruction,andgroundherteeth.ShemoanedforTeidez’sbetrayal.ButthenewsthatValendamustnowprepareforafuneral,awedding,andawar,possiblysimultaneously,revitalizedher.

“CanIsellecountonheruncledyBaocia’ssupport?”Cazarilaskedher.“HowmanyotherscanheandyoubringinagainstdyJironal’sfaction?”

TheProvincaramaderapidinventoryofthelordsshemightdrawintoValenda,ostensiblyforTeidez’sfuneral,infacttopryIsellefromdyJironal’shands.Thelistimpressedhim.Afterall

herdecadesofpoliticalobservationinChalion,theProvincaradidn’tevenneedtolookatamaptoplanhertactics.

“HavethemrideinforTeidez’sfuneralwitheverymantheycanmuster,”saidCazaril.“Especially,wemustcontroltheroadsbetweenhereandIbra,toguaranteethesafetyofRoyseBergon.”

“Difficult,”saidtheProvincara,sittingbackwithherlipspursing.“SomeofdyJironal’sownlands,andthoseofhisbrothers-in-law,liebetweenhereandtheborder.Youshouldhaveatrooptoridewithyou.IwillstripValendatogiveyouthemen.”

“No,”saidCazarilslowly.“You’llneedallyourmenwhenIsellearrives,which

maywellbebeforeIcanreturn.AndifItakeatrooptoIbra,ourspeedwillbelimited.Wecannothopetoobtainremountsontheroadforsolargeacompany,andmaintainingsecrecywouldbecomeimpossible.Betterweshouldtraveloutwardlightandfastandunmarked.Savethetrooptomeetuscomingback.Oh,andbeware,yourBaociancaptainyousentwithTeidezsoldhimselftoDondo

—hecannotbetrusted.You’llhavetofindsomewaytoreplacehimwhenhereturns.”

TheProvincaraswore.“Bastard’sdemons,I’llhavehisears.”

TheymadeplanstopasshiscipheredletterstoIselle,andherstohim,throughValenda,makingitappeartodyJironal’sspiesthatCazaril

stillwasinhergrandmother’scompany.TheProvincaraundertooktopawnsomeofIselle’sjewelryforhimonthemorrow,atthebestrate,toraisethecoinhe’dneedforthenextpartofhisjourney.Theysettledadozenotherpracticaldetailsinasmanyminutes.Herverydeterminationmadehergod-proof,Cazarilimagined;forallherattentiontopiousceremony,nogodwasgoing

toslipintothatironwillevenedgewise.Thegodshadgivenherlessperilousgifts,andhewasgratefulenoughforthem.

“Youunderstand,”hesaidatlast,“IthinkthismarriageschememayrescueIselle.Idon’tknowthatitwillalsosaveIsta.”NeitherIsta,driftingsadlyaboutthecastleofValenda,norOrico,lyingblindandbloatedintheZangre.Andnoexhortation

oftheProvincaratoIstatobestirherselfwouldbeofanyuse,whilethisblackthingstillchokedherlikeapoisonedfog.

“IfitonlyrescuesIsellefromtheclutchesofChancellordyJironal,itwillsatisfyme.Ican’tbelieveOricomadesuchvileprovisionsinhiswill.”Thatlegalnotehadexercisedheralmostmorethanthesupernaturalmatters.

“Takingmygranddaughterfrommewithoutevenconsultingme!”

Cazarilfingeredhisbeard.“Yourealize,ifallthissucceeds,yourgranddaughterwillbecomeyourliegelord.RoyinainherownrightofallChalion,androyina-consortofIbra.”

Herlipsscrewedup.“That’sthemaddestpartofall.She’s

justagirl!NotbutthatshealwayshadmorewitsthanpoorTeidez.WhatcanallthegodsofChalionbethinking,toplacesuchachildonthethroneatCardegoss!”

Cazarilsaidmildly,“PerhapsthattherestorationofChalionistheworkofaverylonglifetime,andthatnoonesooldasyouorIcouldlivetoseeitthrough.”

Shesnorted.“You’rebarelymorethanachildyourself.Childreninchargeofthewholeworldthesedays,nowonderit’sallgonemad.Well…well.Wemustbustleabouttomorrow.Fivegods,Cazaril,gosleep,thoughIdoubtIshall.Youlooklikedeathwarmedover,andyouhaven’tmyyearstoexcuseyou.”

Creakily,heclamberedtohis

feetandbowedhimselfout.TheProvincara’sburstsofirateenergywerefragile.Itwouldtakeallherretainers’aidtopreventherfromexhaustingherselfdangerously.HefoundtheanxiouslywaitingLadydyHueltarinthenextroom,andsentherintoattenduponherladycousin.

THEYGAVECAZARILBACKHISCHILLY,HONORABLE,

customarychamberinthemainkeep.Heslidgratefullybetweenheatedsheets.Itwasasmuchlikecominghomeasanythinghe’dexperiencedforyears.Yethisneweyesrenderedfamiliarplacesstrangeagain;theworldmadestrangeashewasremade,overandover,andnoplacetorestatlast.

Dondo,inallhismotleyghostlyglory,scarcelykept

Cazarilawakethatnight.Hehadbecomeadangeralmosttooroutinetobedreaded.FreshfearsassailedCazarilnow.

MemoryoftheterriblehopeinIsta’seyesunnervedhim.Andthereflectionthattomorrow,hewouldmountahorsewhoseeverystridewouldcarryhimclosertothesea.

22

CazarilregretfullygaveupuseoftheChancellery’scourierremountswhentheyleftValenda,infavorofsecrecy.NomeritinhandingdyJironalasignedrecordoftheirrouteanddestination.ArmedwithPalli’sletterof

recommendation,theyinsteadarrangedexchangesforfreshhorsesatlocaltownchaptersoftheDaughter’sOrder.Atthefootofthemountainsonthewesternfrontier,theywereobligedtodealwithalocalhorsetraderforthesturdyandsurefootedmulestocarrythemovertheheights.

Themanhadclearlybeenmakingafinelivingforyears

skinningdesperatetravelers.Ferdalookedoverthebeastsofferedthem,andsaidindignantly,“Thisonehasheaves.Andifthatoneisn’tthrowingoutasplint,mylord,I’lleatyourhat!”Thehorsetraderandhefellatonceintoacrimoniousargument.

Cazaril,leaninginexhaustiononthecorralrailandthinkingonlyofhowmuchhedidn’t

wanttothrowalegoveranyanimal,spavinedornot,forthenextthousandyears,atlaststraightenedandlethimselfthroughthegate.Hewalkedoutintotheherdofmillinghorsesandmules,stirredupbytherough-and-readycaptureoftheirrejectedcomrades,spreadhishands,andclosedhiseyes.“Ifitpleaseyou,Lady,giveusthreegoodmules.”

Atanudgeathisside,heopenedthemagain.Acuriousmule,itsbrowneyeslimpid,staredathim.Twomoremuscledin,theirlongearswaggling;thetallestone,darkbrownwithacreamynose,resteditschinonhisshoulderandbreathedoutacontented-soundingsnort,sprayingtheenvirons.

“Thankyou,Lady,”mutteredCazaril.Andmoreloudly,

“Allright.Followme.”Heploddedbackthroughthehoof-pockedmucktothegate.Thethreemulesfellinbehind,snufflingwithinterest.

“We’lltakethesethree,”hetoldthehorsetrader,who,alongwithFerda,hadfallensilentandwasstaringopenmouthed.

Thehorsetraderfoundhis

voicefirst.“But—butthosearemythreebestanimals!”

“Yes.Iknow.”Helethimselfbackout,leavingthehorsetradertoholdthegateagainstthethreemuleswhostilltriedtofollowhim,shoulderingupheavilyagainsttheboardsandmakinganxiousmulishnoises.“Ferda,cometoaprice.I’mgoingtogoliedowninthatlovelystrawstack.Wakemewhenwe’re

saddledup…”

Hismuleprovedhealthy,steady,andbored.Therewasnothingbetter,inCazaril’sview,onthesetreacherousmountaintrailsthanaboredmule.ThefierysteedsFerdafavoredformakingtimeovertheflatscouldhaveclimbednofasteronthesebreath-stealingslopes,besidesmakingamenaceofthemselveswiththeirnervous

sidlingonthenarrowplaces.Andthemule’sgentleambledidn’tchurnhisguts.AlthoughifthegoddessgrantedHersaintmules,hedidn’tknowwhyShedidn’talsogivehimbetterweather.

ThedyGurabrothersstoppedlaughingatCazaril’shatabouthalfwayupthepassovertheBastard’sTeethrange.Hefoldedthefinefurflapsdownoverhisearsand

tiedtheirstringsunderhischinbeforethesleet,drivenbythetumblingupdrafts,startedstingingtheirfaces.Hesquintedintothewindbetweenthelaid-backearsofhislaboringmuleatthetrackwindingupthroughrocksandice,andmentallymeasuredoutthedaylightlefttothem.

Afteratime,Ferdareinedbackbesidehim.“Mylord,shouldwetakeshelterfrom

thisblizzard?”

“Blizzard?”Cazarilbrushedicespiculesfromhisbeard,andblinked.Oh.Palliar’swintersweremild,soddenratherthansnowy,andthebrothershadneverbeenoutoftheirprovincebefore.“Ifthiswereablizzard,youwouldn’tbeabletoseeyourmule’searsfromwhereyousit.Thisisn’tunsafe.Merelyunpleasant.”

Ferdamadeafaceofdismay,butpulledhishoodstringstighterandbentintothewind.Indeed,inafewmoreminutestheybrokeoutofthesquall,andvisibilityreturned;thehighvaleopenedoutbeforetheireyes.Afewfingersofpalesunlightpokeddownthroughsilverycloudstodapplethelongslopes—fallingawaydownward.

Cazarilpointed,andshouted

encouragingly,“Ibra!”

THEWEATHERMODERATEDASTHEYSTARTEDTHElongdescenttowardthecoast,thoughthegruntingmulesshufflednofaster.Theruggedbordermountainsgavewaytolessdauntinghills,humpedandbrown,withbroadvalleyswindingbetween.WhentheyleftthesnowbehindCazarilreluctantlypermittedFerdatotradein

theirexcellentmulesforswifterhorses.AsuccessionofimprovingroadsandincreasinglycivilizedinnsbroughttheminjusttwomoredaystotherivercoursethatrandowntoZagosur.Theypassedthroughoutlyingfarms,andoverbridgesacrossirrigationcanalsswollenwiththewinterrains.

Theydebouchedfromtherivervalleytofindthecity

risingupbeforethem:graywalls,ablockyjumbleofwhitewashedhouseswithroofsofthedistinctivegreentileofthisregion,thefortressatitscrown,thefamousharboratitsfeet.Theseastretchedoutbeyond,steelgray,theendlesslevelhorizonofitstreakedwithaqualight.Thesalt-and-sea-wracksmelloflowtide,waftinginlandonacoldbreeze,madeCazaril’shead

jerkback.Foixinhaleddeeply,hiseyesalightwithfascinationashedrankinhisfirstsightofthesea.

Palli’sletterandthedyGurabrothers’ranksecuredthemshelterattheDaughter’shouseoffZagosur’smainTempleplaza.Cazarilsenttheboystobuy,beg,orborrowformaldressoftheirorder,whilehetookhimselfofftoatailor.Thenewsthat

thetailormightnamehispricesolongasheproducedsomethingswiftlylaunchedaflurryofactivitythatresultedinCazarilemerging,littlemorethananhourlater,withatolerableversionofChalionesecourtmourninggarbunderhisarm.

Afterachillyspongebath,Cazarilquicklyslippedintoaheavylavender-graybrocadetunic,veryhigh-necked,thick

darkpurplewooltrousers,andhiscleanedandpolishedboots.HeadjustedtheswordbeltandswordSerdyFerrejhadlenthimsolongago,ratherwornbutlookingmorehonorablethereby,andswungthesatisfyingweightofablacksilk-velvetvest-cloakoverthewhole.OneofIselle’sremainingrings,asquare-cutamethyst,justfitoverCazaril’slittlefinger,itsisolatedheavygold

suggestingrestraintratherthanpoverty.Betweenthecourtmourningandthegraystreaksinhisbeard,hefanciedtheresultwasasgraveanddignifiedascouldbewished.Serious.Hepackageduphispreciousdiplomaticlettersandtuckedthemunderhisarm,collectedhisoutriders,whohadrefurbishedthemselvesinneatblueandwhite,andledthewaythroughthenarrow,

windingstreetsupthehilltotheGreatFox’slair.

Cazaril’sappearanceandbearingbroughthimbeforetheRoyaofIbra’scastlewarder.Showinghislettersandtheirsealstothisofficialspedhiminturntotheroya’sownsecretary,whometthemstandinginabarewhitewashedantechamber,chillywithZagosur’sperpetualwinterdamp.

Thesecretarywasspare,middle-aged,andharried.Cazarilfavoredhimwithahalfbow,equaltoequal.

“IamtheCastillardyCazaril,andIcomefromCardegossonadiplomaticmissionofsomeurgency.IbearlettersofintroductiontotheroyaandRoyseBergondyIbrafromtheRoyesseIselledyChalion.”Hedisplayedtheirseals,butfoldedthembackto

hischestwhenthesecretaryreachedforthem.“Ireceivedthesefromtheroyesse’sownhand.Shebademedeliverthemintotheroya’sownhand.”

Thesecretary’sheadtiltedjudiciously.“I’llseewhatIcandoforyou,mylord,buttheroyaisveryplaguedwithpetitioners,mostlyrelativesofformerrebelsattemptingtointercedefortheroya’s

mercy,whichisstretchedthinatpresent.”HelookedCazarilupanddown.“Ithinkperhapsnoonehaswarnedyou—theroyahasforbidthecourttowearmourningforthelateHeirofIbra,ashediedinastateofunreconciledrebellion.Onlythosewhowishtocasttheirdefianceintheroya’steetharewearingthatsadgarb,andmostofthemhavethepresenceofmindtodoitin,ah,absence.

Ifyoudonotintendtheinsult,Isuggestyougochangebeforeyoubeganaudience.”

Cazaril’sbrowswentup.“Isnooneherebeforemewiththenews?Werodefast,butIdidn’tthinkwehadoutdistancedit.IdonotwearthesebruisedcolorsfortheHeirofIbra,butfortheHeirofChalion.RoyseTeidezdiedbarelyaweekago,

suddenly,ofaninfection.”

“Oh,”saidthesecretary,startled.“Oh.”Heregainedhisbalancesmoothly.“MycondolencesindeedtotheHouseofChalion,tolosesobrightahope.”Hehesitated.“LettersfromtheRoyesseIselle,doyousay?”

“Aye.”Cazariladded,forgoodmeasure,“RoyaOricoliesgravelyill,anddoesnot

dobusiness,orsoitwaswhenweleftCardegossinhaste.”

Thesecretary’smouthopened,andclosed.Hefinallysaid,“Comewithme,”andledthemtoamorecomfortablechamber,withasmallfireinacornerfireplace.“I’llgoseewhatIcando.”

Cazarilloweredhimselfinto

acushionedchairnearthegentleglow.Foixtookabench,thoughFerdaprowledabout,frowninginanunfocusedfashionatthewallhangings.

“Willtheyseeus,sir?”askedFerda.“Tohaveriddenallthisway,onlytobekeptwaitingonthedoorsteplikesomepeddler…”

“Oh,yes.They’llseeus.”

Cazarilsmiledslightly,asabreathlessservantarrivedtoofferthetravelerswineandthelittlespicedshortbreadcakes,stampedwithanIbranseal,whichwereaZagosurspecialty.

“Whydoesthisdoghavenolegs?”Foixinquired,staringatriflecross-eyedattheindentedcreaturebeforebitingintohiscake.

“Itisaseadog.Ithaspaddlesinplaceofpaws,andchasesfish.Theymakecoloniesupontheshore,hereandtheredownthecoasttowardDarthaca.”Cazarilallowedtheservanttopourhimbutaswallowofwine,partlyforsobriety,partlytoavoidwaste;ashe’danticipated,he’dbarelywethislipsbeforethesecretaryreturned.

Themanbowedlowerthan

before.“Comethisway,ifitpleaseyou,mylord,gentlemen.”

FerdagulpeddownhisglassfulofdarkIbranwine,andFoixbrushedcrumbsfromhiswhitewoolvest-cloak.TheyhastilyfollowedCazarilandthesecretary,wholedthemupsomestairsandacrossalittlearchedstonebridgetoanewerpartofthefortress.Aftermore

turnings,theycametoapairofdoubledoorscarvedwithseacreaturesintheRoknaristyle.

Theseswungopentoemitawell-dressedlord,arminarmwithanothercourtier,complaining,“ButIwaitedfivedaysforthisaudience!Whatisthisfoolery—!”

“You’lljusthavetowaitalittlelonger,mylord,”said

thecourtier,guidinghimoffwithafirmhandunderhiselbow.

ThesecretarybowedCazarilandthedyGurabrothersinside,andannouncedtheirnamesandranks.

Itwasnotathroneroom,butalessformalreceivingchamber,setupforconference,notceremony.Abroadtable,roomyenoughto

spreadoutmapsanddocuments,occupiedoneend.Thelongfarwallwaspiercedwitharowofdoorswithsquarewindowpanessettoptobottom,givingontoabalcony-cum-battlementthatinturnoverlookedtheharborandshipyardthatweretheheartofZagosur’swealthandpower.Thesilverysealight,diffuseandpale,illuminatedthechamberthroughthegenerousglass,makingthe

candleflamesinthesconcesseemwan.

Halfadozenmenwerepresent,butCazaril’seyehadnotroublepickingouttheFoxandhisson.Atseventy-odd,theroyaofIbrawasstringy,balding,therussethairofhisyoungerdaysreducedtoawispyfringeofwhitearoundhispate.Butheremainedvigorous,notfragilewithhisyears,alert

andrelaxedinhiscushionedchair.ThetallyouthstandingathissidehadthestraightbrownDarthacanhairofhislatemother,thoughtingedwithreddishhighlights,wornjustlongenoughtocushionahelmet,cutbluntly.Helookshealthy,atleast.Good…Hissea-greenvest-cloakwassetwithhundredsofpearlsinpatternsofcurlingsurf,whichmadeitswinginelegant,weightyrippleswhenhe

turnedtowardthesenewvisitors.

ThemanstandingontheFox’sothersidewasproclaimedbyhischainofofficetobethechancellorofIbra.Awaryandintimidated-lookingfellow,hewasthe—fromallreports,overworked—servantoftheFox,notarivalforhispower.Anotherman’sbadgesmarkedhimasasealord,anadmiralof

Ibra’sfleet.

CazarilwenttoonekneebeforetheFox,nottooungracefullydespitehissaddle-stiffnessandaches,andbowedhishead.“Mylord,IbringsadnewsfromIbraofthedeathofRoyseTeidez,andurgentlettersfromhissistertheRoyesseIselle.”HeprofferedIselle’sletterofhisauthority.

TheFoxcrackedtheseal,andscannedrapidlydownthesimplepennedlines.Hisbrowsclimbed,andheglancedbackkeenlyatCazaril.“Mostinteresting.Rise,mylordAmbassador,”hemurmured.

Cazariltookabreath,andmanagedtosurgebacktohisfeetwithouthavingeithertopushoffthefloorwithhishandor,worse,catchhimself

ontheroya’schair.HelookeduptofindRoyseBergonstaringhardathim,hislipspartedinafrown.Cazarilblinked,andfavoredhimwithatentativenodandsmile.Hewasquiteawell-madeyoungman,withal,even-featured,perhapshandsomewhenhewasn’tscowlingso.Nosquint,nohanginglip—alittlestocky,butfit,notfat.Andnotforty.Young,clean-shaven,but

withavigorintheshadowonhischinthatpromisedhewasgrowntovirility.CazarilthoughtIselleshouldbepleased.

Bergon’sstareintensified.“Speakagain!”hesaid.

“Excuseme,mylord?”Cazarilsteppedback,startled,astheroysesteppedforwardandcircledhim,hiseyessearchinghimupanddown,

hisbreathcomingfaster.

“Takeoffyourshirt!”Bergondemandedsuddenly.

“What?”

“Takeoffyourshirt,takeoffyourshirt!”

“Mylord—RoyseBergon—”CazarilwasthrownbackinmemorytotheghastlysceneengineeredbydyJironalto

slanderhimtoOrico.ButtherewerenosacredcrowshereinZagosurtorescuehim.Heloweredhisvoice.“Ibegyou,mylord,donotshamemeinthiscompany.”

“Please,sir,ayearandmoreago,inthefall,wereyounotrescuedfromaRoknarigalleyoffthecoastofIbra?”

“Oh.Yes…?”

“Takeoffyourshirt!”Theroysewaspracticallydancing,circlingaroundhimagain;Cazarilfeltdizzy.HeglancedattheFox,wholookedasbaffledaseveryoneelse,butwavedhishandcuriously,endorsingtheroyse’speculiardemand.Confusedandfrightened,Cazarilcomplied,poppingthefrogsofhistunicandslippingitofftogetherwithhisvest-cloak,andfoldingthe

garmentsoverhisarm.Hesethisjaw,tryingtostandwithdignity,tobearwhateverhumiliationcamenext.

“You’reCaz!You’reCaz!”Bergoncried.Hisfrownhadchangedtoadementedgrin.Yegods,theroysewasmad,andafterallthispeltinggallopoverplainandmountain,unfitforIselleafterall—

“Why,yes,somyfriendscallme—”Cazaril’swordswerechokedoffastheroyseabruptlyflunghisarmsaroundhim,andnearlyliftedhimoffhisfeet.

“Father,”Bergoncriedjoyously,“thisistheman!Thisistheman!”

“What,”Cazarilbegan,andthen,bysometrickofangleandshiftofvoice,heknew.

Cazaril’sowngapeturnedtogrin.Theboyhasgrown!Rollhimbackayearintimeandfourinchesinheight,erasethebeard-shadow,shavethehead,addapeckofpuppyfatandablisteringsunburn…“Fivegods,”hebreathed.“Danni?Danni!”

Theroysegrabbedhishandsandkissedthem.“Wheredidyougo?IfellsickforaweekafterIwasbroughthome,and

whenIfinallysetmentolookforyou,you’ddisappeared.Ifoundothermenfromtheship,butnotyou,andnoneknewwhereyou’dgone.”

“Iwasillalso,intheMother’shospitalhereinZagosur.ThenI,um,walkedhometoChalion.”

“Here!Righthereallthetime!Ishallburst.Ah!ButIsentmentothehospitals—

oh,howdidtheymissyouthere?Ithoughtyoumusthavediedofyourinjuries,theyweresofearsome.”

“Iwassurehemusthavedied,”saidtheFoxslowly,watchingthisplaywithunreadableeyes.“NottohavecometocollecttheverygreatdebtmyHouseowedtohim.”

“Ididnotknow…whoyouwere,RoyseBergon.”

TheFox’sgrayeyebrowsshotup.“Truly?”

“No,Father,”Bergonconfirmedeagerly.“ItoldnoonewhoIwas.IusedthenicknameMamausedtocallmebywhenIwaslittle.Itseemedtomemoreunsafetoclaimmyrankthantopassanonymously.”HeaddedtoCazaril,“Whenmylatebrother’sbravoskidnappedme,theydidnottellthe

RoknaricaptainwhoIwas.Theymeantmetodieonthegalley,Ithink.”

“Thesecrecywasfoolish,Royse,”chidedCazaril.“TheRoknariwouldsurelyhavesetyouasideforransom.”

“Yes,agreatransom,andpoliticalconcessionswrungfrommyfather,too,nodoubt,ifI’dallowedmyselftobemadehostageinmy

ownname.”Bergon’sjawtightened.“No.Iwouldnothandmyselftothemtoplaythatgame.”

“So,”saidtheFoxinanoddvoice,staringupatCazaril,“youdidnotinterposeyourbodytosavetheroyseofIbrafromdefilement,butmerelytosavesomerandomboy.”

“Randomslaveboy.Mylord.”Cazaril’slipstwisted,

ashewatchedtheFoxtryingtoworkoutjustwhatthismadeCazaril,heroorfool.

“Iwonderatyourwits.”

“I’msureIwashalf-wittedbythen,”Cazarilconcededamiably.“I’dbeenonthegalleyssinceIwassoldasaprisonerofwarafterthefallofGotorget.”

TheFox’seyesnarrowed.

“Oh.Soyou’rethatCazaril,eh?”

Cazarilessayedhimasmallbow,wonderingwhathehadheardofthatfruitlesscampaign,andshookouthistunic.Bergonhastenedtohelphimdonitagain.Cazarilfoundhimselftheobjectofstunnedstaresfromeverymanintheroom,includingFerdaandFoix.Histiltedgrinbarelykeptback

bubblinglaughter,thoughunderneaththelaughterseethedanewterrorthathecouldscarcelyname.HowlonghaveIbeenwalkingdownthisroad?

Hepulledoutthelastletterinhispacket,andsweptadeeperbowtoRoyseBergon.“Asthedocumentyourrespectedfatherholdsattests,Icomeasspokesmanforaproudandbeautifullady,and

Icomenotjusttohim,buttoyou.TheHeiressofChalionbegsyourhandinmarriage.”HehandedthesealedmissivetothestartledBergon.“Inthis,IwilllettheRoyesseIsellespeakforherself,whichsheismostfittodobyvirtueofhersingularintellect,hernaturalright,andherholypurpose.Afterthat,Iwillhavemuchelsetotellyou,Royse.”

“I’meagertohearyou,LordCazaril.”Bergon,afteratautglancearoundthechamber,tookhimselfofftoawindow-door,wherehepoppedtheletter’ssealandreaditatonce,hislipssofteningwithwonder.

Amazement,too,touchedtheFox’slips,thoughitrenderedthemanythingbutsoft.Cazarilhadnodoubthe’dputtheman’switstothegallop.

Forhisownwitshenowprayedforwings.

CAZARILANDHISCOMPANIONSWERE,OFCOURSE,invitedtodinethatnightintheroya’shall.Nearsunset,CazarilandBergonwentwalkingtogetheralongtheseastrandbelowthefortress.Itwasasclosetoprivatespeechashewaslikelytoobtain,Cazarilthought,wavingthedyGurasbacktotrailalongthroughthe

sandoutofearshot.Thegrowlofthesurfcloakedthesoundoftheirvoices.Afewwhitegullsswoopedandcried,aspiercingasanycrow,orpeckedatthesmellyseawrackonthewetsand,andCazarilwasremindedthatthesescavengerswiththeircoldgoldeneyesweresacredtotheBastardinIbra.

Bergonbadehisownheavilyarmedguardwalkata

distance,too,thoughhedidnotseektodispensewiththem.ThesilentroutineofhisprecautionsremindedCazariloncemorethatcivilwarinthiscountrywasbutlatelyended,andBergonhadbeenbothpieceandplayerinthatviciousgamealready.Apiecethathadplayedhimself,itseemed.

“I’llneverforgetthefirsttimeImetyou,”saidBergon,

“whentheydroppedmedownbesideyouonthegalleybench.ForamomentyoufrightenedmemorethantheRoknaridid.”

Cazarilgrinned.“What,justbecauseIwasascaly,scabbed,burntscarecrow,hairyandstinking?”

Bergongrinnedback.“Somethinglikethat,”headmittedsheepishly.“But

thenyousmiled,andsaidGoodevening,youngsir,foralltheworldasifyouwereinvitingmetoshareatavernbenchandnotarowingbench.”

“Well,youwereanovelty,ofwhichwedidn’tgetmany.”

“Ithoughtaboutitalot,later.I’msureIwasn’tthinkingtooclearlyatthetime—”

“Naturallynot.Youarrivedwellroughed-up.”

“Truly.Kidnapped,frightened—I’djustcollectedmyfirstrealbeating—butyouhelpedme.Toldmehowtogoon,whattoexpect,taughtmehowtosurvive.Yougavemeextrawatertwicefromyourownportion—”

“Eh,onlywhenyoureally

neededit.Iwasalreadyusedtotheheat,asdesiccatedasIwasliketoget.Afteratimeonecantellthedifferencebetweenmerediscomfortandthefeverishlookofamanskirtingcollapse.Itwasveryimportantthatyounotfaintatyouroar,yousee.”

“Youwerekind.”

Cazarilshrugged.“Whynot?Whatcoulditcostme,after

all?”

Bergonshookhishead.“Anymancanbekindwhenheiscomfortable.I’dalwaysthoughtkindnessatrivialvirtue,therefore.Butwhenwewerehungry,thirsty,sick,frightened,withourdeathsshoutingatus,intheheartofhorror,youwerestillasunfailinglycourteousasagentlemanathiseasebeforehisownhearth.”

“Eventsmaybehorribleorinescapable.Menhavealwaysachoice—ifnotwhether,thenhow,theymayendure.”

“Yes,but…Ihadn’tknownthatbeforeIsawit.ThatwaswhenIbegantobelieveitwaspossibletosurvive.AndIdon’tmeanjustmybody.”

Cazarilsmiledwryly.“Iwastakenforhalf-crackedby

then,youknow.”

Bergonshookhisheadagain,andkickedupalittlesilversandwithhisbootastheypacedalong.ThewesteringsunpickedoutthefoxycopperhighlightsinhisdarkDarthacanhair.

Bergon’slatemotherhadbeenperceivedinChalionasavirago,aDarthacaninterlopersuspectedof

fomentingherhusband’sstrifewithhisHeironherson’sbehalf.ButBergonseemedtorememberherfondly;asachildhe’dbeenthroughtwosiegeswithher,cutofffromhisfather’sforcesintheintermittentwarwithhishalfbrother.Hewasclearlyaccustomedtostrong-mindedwomenwithavoiceinmen’scouncils.WhenheandCazarilhadsharedtheoarbenchhehadspokenof

hisdeadmother,althoughindisguisedterms,whenhe’dbeentryingtoencouragehimself.Notofhislivefather.Bergon’sprecociouswitandself-controlasdemonstratedinthediredaysonthegalleyweren’t,Cazarilreflected,entirelythelegacyoftheFox.

Cazaril’ssmilebroadened.“Soletmetellyou,”hebegan,“allabouttheRoyesseIselledyChalion…”

BergonhungonCazaril’swordsashedescribedIselle’swindingamberhairandherbrightgrayeyes,herwideandlaughingmouth,herhorsemanshipandherscholarship.Herundaunted,steadynerve,herrapidassessmentofemergencies.SellingIselletoBergonseemedapproximatelyasdifficultassellingfoodtostarvingmen,watertotheparched,orcloakstothe

nakedinablizzard,andhehadn’teventouchedyetonthepartaboutherbeingduetoinheritaroyacy.Theboyseemedhalfinlovealready.TheFoxwouldbeagreaterchallenge;theFoxwouldsuspectacatch.CazarilhadnointentionofconfidingthecatchtotheFox.Bergonwasanothermatter.Foryou,thetruth.

“Thereisadarkerurgencyto

RoyesseIselle’splea,”Cazarilcontinued,astheyreachedtheendofthecrescentofbeachandturnedaboutagain.“Thisisinthedeepestconfidence,asshepraystohavesafeconfidenceinyouasherhusband.Foryourearalone.”Hedrewinseaair,andallhiscourage.“ItallgoesbacktothewarofFonsatheFairly-WiseandtheGoldenGeneral…”

Theymadetwomoreturnsalongthestretchofsand,crossingbackovertheirowntracks,beforeCazaril’stalewastold.Thesun,goingdowninaredball,wasnearlytouchingtheflatseahorizon,andthebreakingwavesshimmeredindarkandwondrouscolors,gnawingtheirwayupthebeachasthetideturned.CazarilwasasfrankandfullwithBergonashe’dbeenwithIsta,keeping

nothingbacksaveIsta’sconfession,notevenhisownpersonalhauntingbyDondo.Bergon’sface,maderuddybythelight,wassetinprofoundthoughtwhenhefinished.

“LordCazaril,ifthiscamefromanyman’slipsbutyours,IdoubtIwouldbelieveit.I’dthinkhimmad.”

“Althoughmadnessmaybeaneffectoftheseevents,

Royse,itisnotthecause.It’sallreal.I’veseenit.IhalfthinkIamdrowninginit.”Anunfortunateturnofphrase,buttheseagrowlingsocloseathandwasmakingCazarilnervous.HewonderedifBergonhadnoticedCazarilalwaysturnedsoastoputtheroysebetweenhimandthesurf.

“Youwouldmakemeliketheheroofsomenursemaid’s

tale,rescuingthefairladyfromenchantmentwithakiss.”

Cazarilclearedhisthroat.“Well,rathermorethanakiss,Ithink.Amarriagemustbeconsummatedtobelegallybinding.Theologicallybinding,likewise,Iwouldassume.”

Theroysegavehimanindecipherableglance.He

didn’tspeakforafewmorepaces.Thenhesaid,“I’veseenyourintegrityinaction.It…widenedmyworld.I’dbeenraisedbymyfather,whoisaprudent,cautiousman,alwayslookingformen’shidden,selfishmotivations.Noonecancheathim.ButI’veseenhimcheathimself.IfyouunderstandwhatImean.”

“Yes.”

“Itwasveryfoolishofyou,toattackthatvileRoknarigalley-man.”

“Yes.”

“Andyet,Ithink,giventhesamecircumstances,youwoulddoitagain.”

“KnowingwhatIknownow…itwouldbeharder.ButIwouldhope…Iwouldpray,Royse,thatthegodswould

stilllendmesuchfoolishnessinmyneed.”

“Whatisthisastonishingfoolishness,thatshinesbrighterthanallmyfather’sgold?Canyouteachmetobesuchafooltoo,Caz?”

“Oh,”breathedCazaril,“I’msureofit.”

CAZARILMETWITHTHEFOXINTHECOOLOFTHEfollowing

morning.Hewasescortedagaintothehigh,brightchamberoverlookingthesea,butthistimeforamoreprivateconference,justhimself,theroya,andtheroya’ssecretary.Thesecretarysatattheendofthetable,alongwithapileofpaper,newquills,andareadysupplyofink.TheFoxsatonthelongside,fiddlingwithagameofcastlesandriders,itspiecesexquisitelycarvedof

coralandjade,theboardfashionedofpolishedmalachite,onyx,andwhitemarble.Cazarilbowed,and,attheroya’swaveofinvitation,seatedhimselfacrossfromhim.

“Doyouplay?”theFoxinquired.

“No,mylord,”saidCazarilregretfully.“Oronlyveryindifferently.”

“Ah.Pity.”TheFoxpushedtheboardalittletooneside.“BergonisverywarmedwithyourdescriptionofthisparagonofChalion.Youdoyourjobwell,Ambassador.”

“Thatisallmyhope.”

TheroyatouchedIselle’sletterofcredential,lyingontheglossywood.“Extraordinarydocument.Youknowitbindsthe

royessetowhateveryousigninhername.”

“Yes,sir.”

“Herauthoritytochargeyousoisquestionable,youknow.Thereisthematterofherage,foronething.”

“Well,sir,ifyoudonotrecognizeherrighttomakeherownmarriagetreaty,Isupposethere’snothingfor

metodobutmountmyhorseandridebacktoChalion.”

“No,no,Ididn’tsayIquestionedit!”Aslightpanictingedtheoldroya’svoice.

Cazarilsuppressedasmile.“Indeed,sir,totreatwithusispublicacknowledgmentofherauthority.”

“Hm.Indeed,indeed.Youngpeople,sotrusting.It’swhy

weoldpeoplemustguardtheirinterests.”HepickeduptheotherlistCazarilhadgivenhimlastnight.“I’vestudiedyoursuggestedclausesforthemarriagecontract.Wehavemuchtodiscuss.”

“Excuseme,sir.Thosearenotsuggested.Thosearerequired.Ifyouwishtoproposeadditionalitems,Iwillhearyou.”

Theroyaarchedhisbrowsathim.“Surelynot.Justtakingone—thismatterofinheritanceduringtheminorityoftheirheir,iftheyaresoblessed.Oneaccidentwithahorse,andtheroyinaofChalionbecomesregentofIbra!Itwon’tdo.Bergonbearstherisksofthebattlefield,whichhiswifewillnot.”

“Well,whichwehopeshe

willnot.OrelseIamcuriouslypoorlyinformedofthehistoryofIbra,mylord.Ithoughttheroyse’smotherwontwosieges?”

TheFoxclearedhisthroat.

“Inanycase,”Cazarilcontinued,“wemaintainthattheriskisreciprocal,andsomustbetheclause.Isellebearstherisksofchildbirth,whichBergonneverwill.One

breechbirth,andhecouldbecomeregentofChalion.Howmanyofyourwiveshaveoutlivedyou,sir?”

TheFoxtookabreath,paused,andwenton,“Andthenthere’sthisnamingclause!”

AfewminutesofgentleargumentdeterminedthatBergondyIbra-Chalionwasnomoreeuphoniousthan

BergondyChalion-Ibra,andthatclause,too,wasallowedtostand.

TheFoxpursedhislipsandfrownedthoughtfully.“Iunderstandyouarealandlessman,LordCazaril.Howisitthattheroyessedoesnotrewardyouasbefitsyourrank?”

“Sherewardsmeasbefitshers.Iselleisnotroyinaof

Chalion—yet.”

“Huh.I,ontheotherhand,amthepresentroyaofIbra,andhavethepowertodispense…much.”

Cazarilmerelysmiled.

Encouraged,theFoxspokeofanelegantvillaoverlookingthesea,andplacedacoralcastlepieceuponthetablebetweenthem.Fascinatedto

seewherethiswasgoing,Cazarilrefrainedfromobservinghowlittlehecaredforthesightofthesea.TheFoxspokeoffinehorses,andanestatetograzethemupon,andhowinappropriatehefoundClauseThree.Someriderswereadded.Cazarilmadeneutralnoises.TheFoxbreatheddelicatelyofthemoneywherebyamanmightdresshimselfasbefitanIbranrankratherhigherthan

castillar,andhowClauseSixmightprofitablyberewritten.Ajadecastlepiecejoinedthegrowingset.Thesecretarymadenotes.WitheachwordlessmurmurfromCazaril,bothrespectandcontemptgrewintheFox’seyes,thoughasthepilegrewheremarkedinatoneofsomepain,“YouplaybetterthanIexpected,Castillar.”

AtlasttheFoxsatbackand

wavedathislittlepileofofferingsymbols.“Howdoesitsuityou,Cazaril?WhatdoyouthinkthisgirlcangiveyouthatIcannotbetter,eh?”

Cazaril’ssmilebroadenedtoacheerfulgrin.“Why,sir.IbelieveshewillgivemeanestateinChalionthatwillsuitmeperfectly.Onepacewideandtwopaceslong,tobemineinperpetuity.”Gently,soasnottoimplyaninsult

eithergivenortaken,hestretchedouthishandandpushedthepiecesbacktowardtheFox.“Ishouldprobablyexplain,Ibearatumorinmygut,thatIexpecttokillmeshortly.Theseprizesareforlivingmen,Ithink.Notdyingones.”

TheFox’slipsmoved;astonishmentanddismayflickeredinhisface,andthefaintestflashof

unaccustomedshame,quicklysuppressed.Abriefbarkoflaughterescapedhim.“Fivegods!Thegirlhaswitandruthlessnessenoughtoteachmemytrade!Nowondershegaveyousuchpowers.BytheBastard’sballs,she’ssentmeanunbribeableambassador!”

ThreethoughtsmarchedacrossCazaril’smind:first,thatIsellehadnosuchcraftyplan,second,thatwereitto

bepointedouttoher,shewouldsayHm!andfilethenotionawayagainstsomefutureneed,andthird,thattheFoxdidnotneedtoknowaboutthefirst.

TheFoxsobered,staringmorecloselyatCazaril.“Iamsorryforyouraffliction,Castillar.Itisnolaughingmatter.Bergon’smotherdiedofatumorinherbreast,takenuntimelyyoung—justthirty-

six,shewas.Allthegriefshemarriedinmecouldnotdaunther,butattheend…ah,well.”

“I’mthirty-six,”Cazarilcouldn’thelpobservingrathersadly.

TheFoxblinked.“Youdon’tlookwell,then.”

“No,”Cazarilagreed.Hepickedupthelistofclauses.“Now,sir,aboutthis

marriagecontract…”

Intheend,Cazarilgaveawaynothingonhislist,andobtainedagreementtoitall.TheFox,ruefulandreeling,offeredsomeintelligentadditionstothecontingencyclausestowhichCazarilhappilyagreed.TheFoxwhinedalittle,forform’ssake,andmadefrequentreferencetothesubmissiondueahusbandfromawife—

alsonotaprominentfeatureofrecentIbranhistory,Cazarildiplomaticallydidnotpointout—andtotheunnaturalstrong-mindednessofwomenwhorodetoomuch.

“Takeheart,sir,”Cazarilconsoledhim.“Itisnotyourdestinytodaytowinaroyacyforyourson.Itistowinanempireforyourgrandson.”

TheFoxbrightened.Evenhissecretarysmiled.

Finally,theFoxofferedhimthecastlesandridersset,forapersonalmemento.

“Formyself,IthinkIshalldecline,”saidCazaril,eyeingtheelegantpiecesregretfully.Abetterthoughtstruckhim.“Butifyoucaretohavethempackagedup,Ishouldbepleasedtocarrythembackto

Chalionasyourpersonalbetrothalgifttoyourfuturedaughter-in-law.”

TheFoxlaughedandshookhishead.“WouldthatIhadacourtierwhoofferedmesomuchloyaltyforsolittlereward.Doyoutrulywantnothingforyourself,Cazaril?”

“Iwanttime.”

TheFoxsnortedregretfully.“Don’tweall.Forthat,youmustapplytothegods,nottheroyaofIbra.”

Cazarilletthisonepass,thoughhislipstwitched.“I’datleastliketolivetoseeIsellesafelywed.Thisisagiftyoucanindeedgiveme,sir,byhasteningthesemattersalong.”Headded,“AnditistrulyurgentthatBergonbecomeroyse-consortof

ChalionbeforeMartoudyJironalcanbecomeregentofChalion.”

EventheFoxwasforcedtonodjudiciouslyatthis.

THATNIGHTAFTERTHEROYA’SCUSTOMARYBANQUET,andafterhe’dshakenoffBergonwho,ifhecouldnotstuffhimwiththehonorsCazarilsteadfastlydeclined,seemedtowanttostuffhimatleast

withfood,Cazarilstoppedinatthetemple.Itshighroundhallswerequietandsomberatthishour,nearlyemptyofworshippers,thoughthewalllightsaswellasthecentralfireburnedsteadily,andacoupleofacolyteskeptnightwatch.Hereturnedtheircordialgoodevenings,andwalkedthroughthetile-decoratedarchwayintotheDaughter’scourt.

BeautifulprayerrugswerewovenbythemaidensandladiesofIbra,whodonatedthemtothetemplesasapiousact,savingthekneesandbodiesofpetitionersfromthemarblechillofthefloors.CazarilthoughtthatifthecustomwereimportedtoChalionalongwithBergon,itcouldwellimprovetherateofwinterworshipthere.Matsofallsizes,colors,anddesignswererangedaroundthe

Lady’saltar.Cazarilchoseabroadthickone,densewithwoolandslightlyblurryrepresentationsofspringflowers,andlaidhimselfdownuponit.Prayer,notdrunkensleep,heremindedhimself,washispurposehere…

OnthewaytoIbra,he’dseizedthechanceateveryruralrudimentaryDaughter’shouse,whileFerdasawtothe

horses,topray:forOrico’spreservation,forIselle’sandBetriz’ssafety,forIsta’ssolace.Aboveall,intimidatedbytheFox’sreputation,he’dbeggedforthesuccessofhismission.Thatprayer,itseemed,hadbeenansweredinadvance.Howfarinadvance?Hisoutflunghandstracedoverthethreadsofhisrug,passedloopbyloopthroughsomepatientwoman’shands.Ormaybe

shehadn’tbeenpatient.Maybeshe’dbeentired,orirritated,ordistracted,orhungry,orangry.Maybeshehadbeendying.Butherhandshadkeptmoving,allthesame.

HowlonghaveIbeenwalkingdownthisroad?

Once,hewouldhavetracedhisallegiancetotheLady’saffairstoacoindroppedin

theBaocianwintermudbyaclumsysoldier.Nowhewasbynomeanssosure,andbynomeanssurehelikedthenewanswer.

Thenightmareofthegalleyscamebeforethecoininthemud.Hadallhispainandfearandagonytherebeenmanipulatedbythegodstotheirends?Washenothingbutapuppetonastring?Orwasthat,amuleonarope,

balkyandstubborn,tobewhippedalong?Hescarcelyknewwhetherhefeltwonderorrage.HeconsideredUmegat’sinsistencethatgodscouldnotseizeaman’swill,butonlywaitforittobeoffered.Whenhadhesignedupforthat?

Oh.

Then.

Onestarving,cold,desperatenightatGotorget,he’dwalkedhiscommander’sroundsuponthebattlements.Onthehighesttower,he’ddismissedthefamished,faintingboyonguardtogobelowforatimeandgetwhatrefreshmenthecould,andstoodthewatchhimself.He’dstaredoutattheenemy’scampfires,glowingmockinglyintheruinedvillage,inthevalley,onthe

ridgesallaround,speakingofabundantwarmth,andcookingfood,andconfidence,andallthethingshiscompanylackedwithinthewalls.Andthoughtofhowhe’dschemed,andtemporized,andexhortedhismentofaithfulness,pluggedholesfoughtsortiesscrapedforuncleanfoodbloodiedhisswordatthescalingladdersandaboveall,prayed.Tillhe’dcometotheendof

prayers.

InhisyouthatCazaril,he’dfollowedthecommonpathofmosthighbornyoungmen,andbecomealaydedicatoftheBrother’sOrder,withitsmilitarypromisesandaspirations.He’dsentuphisprayers,whenhe’dbotheredtoprayatall,byrotetothegodassignedtohimbyhissex,hisage,andhisrank.Onthetowerinthedark,it

seemedtohimthatfollowingthatunquestionedpathhadbroughthim,stepbystep,intothisimpossiblesnare,abandonedbyhisownsideandhisgodboth.

He’dwornhisBrother’smedalinsidehisshirtsincetheceremonyofhisdedicationatagethirteen,justbeforehe’dleftCazariltobeapprenticedasapageintheoldprovincar’shousehold.

Thatnightonthetower,tearsoffatigueanddespair—andyes,rage—runningdownhisface,he’dtornitoffandflungitoverthebattlement,denyingthegodwho’ddeniedhim.Thespinningslipofgoldhaddisappearedintothedarknesswithoutasound.Andhe’dflunghimselfproneonthestones,ashelaynow,andswornthatanyothergodcouldpickhimupwhowilled,ornone,solongasthe

menwhohadtrustedhimwereletoutofthistrap.Asforhimself,hewasdone.Done.

Nothing,ofcourse,happened.

Well,eventuallyitstartedtorain.

Intime,he’dpickedhimselfbackupoffthepavement,ashamedofhistantrum,gratefulthatnoneofhismen

hadwitnessedtheperformance.Thenextwatchcameon,andhe’dgonedowninsilence.Wherenothingmorehappenedforsomeweeks,tillthearrivalofthatwell-fedcourierwiththenewsthatithadallbeeninvain,andalltheirbloodandsacrificewastobesoldforgoldtogointodyJironal’scoffers.

Andhismenweremarchedto

safety.

Andhisfeetalonewentdownanotherroad…

WhatwasitthatIstahadsaid?Thegods’mostsavagecursescometousasanswerstoourownprayers.Prayerisadangerousbusiness.

So,inchoosingtoshareone’swillwiththegods,wasitenoughtochooseonce,like

signinguptoamilitarycompanywithanoath?Ordidonehavetochooseandchooseandchooseagain,everyday?Orwasitboth?Couldhestepoffthisroadanytime,getonahorse,andrideto,say,Darthaca,toanewname,anewlife?JustlikeUmegat’spostulatedhundredotherCazarils,who’dnotevenshownupforduty.Abandoning,ofcourse,allwho’dtrustedhim,Iselle

andIstaandtheProvincara,PalliandBetriz…

Butnot,alas,Dondo.

Hesquirmedalittleonthemat,uncomfortablyawareofthepressureinhisbelly,tryingtoconvincehimselfitwasjusttheFox’sbanquet,andnothistumorcreepingtohideousnewgrowth.Racingtosomegrotesquecompletion,waitingonlyfor

theLady’shandtofalter.MaybethegodshadlearnedfromIsta’smistake,fromdyLutez’sfailureofnerve,aswell?Maybetheyweremakingsuretheirmulecouldn’tdesertinthemiddlelikedyLutezthistime…?

Exceptintodeath.Thatdoorwasalwaysajar.Whatwaitedhimontheotherside?TheBastard’shell?Ghostlydissolution?Peace?

Bah.

OntheothersideoftheTempleplaza,intheDaughter’shouse,whatwaitedhimwasanicesoftbed.Thathisbrainhadreachedthisfeverishspinwasagoodsignheoughttogogetinit.Thiswasn’tprayeranyway,itwasjustargumentwiththegods.

Prayer,hesuspectedashe

hoistedhimselfupandturnedforthedoor,wasputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.Movingallthesame.

23

Atthelastmoment,withprinciplesagreedupon,treatieswrittenoutinmultiplecopiesinafaircourthand,signedbyallpartiesandtheirwitnesses,andsealed,practicalitiesnearlybroughtalltoahalt.TheFox,

notwithoutreasoninCazaril’sview,balkedatsendinghissonintoChalionwithsolittleguaranteeofhispersonalsafety.Buttheroyahadneitherthemennorthemoneyinhiswar-wearyroyacytoraisealargeforcetoguardBergon,andCazarilwasfearfuloftheeffectuponChalionoftakingarmsacrosstheborder,eveninsofairacause.Theirdebategrewheated;theFox,shamedby

thereminderthatheowedBergon’sverylifetoCazaril,tooktoavoidingCazaril’spetitionsinawaythatremindedCazarilforciblyofOrico.

CazarilreceivedIselle’sfirstcipheredletter,viatherelayofcouriersfromtheDaughter’sOrderthathehadsetupontheiroutboundroute.Ithadbeenpennedjustfourdaysafterhehadleft

Cardegoss,andwasbrief,simplyconfirmingthatTeidez’sfuneralriteshadtakenplacewithoutincident,andthatIsellewouldleavethecapitalthatafternoonwithhiscortegeforValendaandtheinterment.Shenoted,withobviousrelief,Ourprayerswereanswered—thesacredanimalsshowedtheSonofAutumnhastakenhimupafterall.Iprayhewillfindeaseinthegod’sgood

company.Sheadded,Myeldestbrotherlives,andhasbacksightinoneeye.Butheremainsveryswollen.Hestaysathome,abed.Morechillingly,shereported:Ourenemyhassettwoofhisniecesasladies-in-waitinginmyhousehold.Iwillnotbeabletowriteoften.TheLadyspeedyourembassy.

HelookedinvainforapostscriptfromBetriz,nearly

missingittillheturnedthepaperover.Minutenumbersinherdistinctivehandlayhalf-hiddenbeneaththecrackedwaxofthesealitself.Hescrapedattheresiduewithhisthumbnail.Thebriefnotationthusrevealedledhimtoapagetowardthebackofthebook,oneofOrdol’smostlyricalprayers:apassionatepleaforthesafetyofabelovedonewhotraveledfarfromhome.Howmany

years—decades—haditbeensincesomeonefarawayhadprayedjustforhim?Cazarilwasn’tevensureifthishadbeenmeantforhiseyes,oronlyforthoseofthegods,buthetouchedthetinyciphersecretlytothefivesacredpoints,lingeringalittleonhislips,beforeleavinghischambertoseekBergon.

Hesharedtheothersideoftheletterwiththeroyse,who

studiedit,andthecodesystem,withfascination.Cazarilcomposedabriefnotetellingofthesuccessofhismission,andBergon,histongueclampedbetweenhisteeth,laboriouslycipheredoutaletterinhisownhandtogotohisnewbetrothedalongwithit.

Cazarilcounteddaysinhishead.ItwasimpossiblethatdyJironalnothavespiesin

thecourtofIbra.Soonerorlater,Cazaril’sappearancetheremustbereportedbacktoCardegoss.Howsoon?WoulddyJironalguessthatCazaril’snegotiationsonIselle’sbehalfhadprosperedsostunningly?Wouldheseizetheroyesse’sperson,wouldhecalculateCazaril’snextmove,wouldhetrytointerceptBergoninChalion?

Afterseveraldaysofthe

deadlockovertheroyse’ssafety,Cazaril,inaburstofgenius,sentBergonintoarguehisowncase.ThiswasanenvoytheFoxcouldnotevade,noteveninhisprivatechambers.Bergonwasyoungandenergetic,hisimaginationpassionatelyengaged,andtheFoxwasoldandtired.Worse,orperhaps,fromCazaril’spointofview,better,atowninSouthIbraofthelateHeir’spartyroseinarms

aboutsomefailureoftreaty,andtheFoxwasforcedtomustermentorideouttopacifyitagain.Frenziedwiththedilemma,tornbetweenhisgreathopesandhisicyfearsforhissolesurvivingson,theFoxthrewtheresolutionbackuponBergonandhiscoterie.

Resolution,Cazarilwasdiscovering,wasonethingBergondidnotlack.Theroysequicklyendorsed

Cazaril’sschemetotravellightlyandindisguiseacrossthehostilecountrybetweentheIbranborderandValenda.ForescortBergonchose,besidesCazarilandthedyGuras,onlythreeclosecompanions:twoyoungIbranlords,dyTagilleanddyCembuer,andtheonlyslightlyolderMarchdySould.

TheenthusiasticdyTagille

proposedthattheytravelasapartyofIbranmerchantsboundforCardegoss.Cazarildidinsistthatallthemen,nobleorhumble,whorodewiththeroysebeexperiencedinarms.ThegroupassembledwithinadayofBergon’sdecision,inwhatCazarilprayedwassecrecy,atoneofdyTagille’smanorsoutsideZagosur.Itwasnot,Cazarildiscovered,sosmallacompanyasallthat;with

servants,itcametooveradozenmountedmenandabaggagetrainofhalfadozenmules.InadditiontheservantsledfourfinematchedwhiteIbranmountainponiesmeantasagiftforBergon’sbetrothed,inthemeantimedoublingassparemounts.

Theystartedoffinhighspirits;thecompanionsobviouslythoughtitahigh

andnobleadventure.Bergonwasmoresoberandthoughtful,whichpleasedCazaril,whofeltasthoughhewereleadingapartyofchildrenintocavernsofmadness.ButatleastinBergon’scase,notblindly.Whichwasbetterthanthegodshaddoneforhim,Cazarilreflecteddarkly.Hewonderedifthecursecouldbetrickinghim,leadingthemallintowarandnotoutofit.

DyJironalhadn’tstartedoutsocorrupt,either.

Beinglimitedtothespeedoftheslowestpackmule,thepacewasnotsopainfulastheracetoZagosurhadbeen.TheclimbupfromthecoasttothebaseoftheBastard’sTeethtookfourfulldays.AnotherletterfromIsellecaughtupwithCazarilthere,thisonewrittensomefourteendaysafterhe’d

departedCardegoss.ShereportedTeidezburiedwithdueceremonyinValenda,andhersuccessinherployofremainingthere,extendinghervisittoherbereavedmotherandgrandmother.DyJironalhadbeenforcedtoreturntoCardegossbyreportsofOrico’sworseningillhealth.Unfortunately,hehadleftbehindnotonlyhisfemalespies,butalsoseveralcompaniesofsoldiersto

guardChalion’snewHeiress.I’mtakingthoughtwhattodoaboutthem,Isellereported,aturnofphrasethatbroughtupthehairsonthebackofCazaril’sneck.ShealsoincludedaprivatelettertoBergon,whichCazarilpassedalongunopened.Bergondidn’tshareitscontents,buthesmiledfrequentlyoverOrdol’spagesashedecipheredit,headbentclosetothecandlesintheirstuffy

innchamber.

Moreencouragingly,theProvincarahadincludedaletterofherown,declaringthatIsellehadreceivedprivatepromisesofsupportfortheIbranmarriagenotonlyfromheruncletheprovincarofBaocia,butthreeotherprovincarsaswell.Bergonwouldhavedefenders,whenhearrived.

WhenCazarilshowedthisnotetoBergon,theroysenoddeddecisively.“Good.Wegoon.”

Theysufferedachecknonethelesshere,whendiscouragedtravelerscomingbackdowntheroadtotheirinnthatnightreportedthepassblockedwithnewsnow.Consultingthemapandhismemory,Cazarilledthecompanyinsteadaday’sride

tothenorth,toahigherandlessfrequentedpassstillreportedclear.Thereportsprovedcorrect,buttwohorsesstrainedtheirhocksontheclimb.Astheynearedthedivide,theMarchdySould,whoclaimedhimselfmorecomfortableonthedeckofashipthanthebackofahorse,andwhohadbeengrowingquieterandquieterallmorning,suddenlyleanedoverthesideofhissaddle

andvomited.

Thecompanybunchedtoawheezinghaltonthetrail,whileCazaril,Bergon,andFerdaconsulted,andtheusuallywittydySouldmumbledembarrassedanddisturbinglymuddledapologiesandprotests.

“Shouldwestopandbuildafire,andtrytowarmhim?”theroyseaskedinworry,

staringaroundthedesolateslopes.

Cazaril,himselfstandinghalf-bent-over,replied,“He’sdazedasamaninahighfever,buthe’snothot.He’sseacoast-bred.Ithinkthisisnotaninfection,butratherasicknessthatsometimesovercomeslowlandersintheheights.Ineithercase,itwillbebettertocareforhimdownoutofthismiserable

rockywilderness.”

Ferda,eyeinghimsideways,asked,“Howareyoudoing,mylord?”

Bergon,too,frownedathiminconcern.

“Nothingthatstoppingandsittingdownherewillimprove.Let’spushon.”

Theymountedagain,Bergon

ridingneartodySouldwhenthetrailpermitted.Thesickmanclungtohissaddlewithgrimdetermination.Withinhalfanhour,Foixgaveathinandbreathlesswhoop,andpointedtothecairnofrocksthatmarkedtheIbra-Chalionborder.Thecompanycheered,andpausedbrieflytoaddtheirstones.Theybeganthedescent,steepereventhantheclimb.DySouldgrewnoworse,reassuringCazarilof

hisdiagnosis.Cazarilgrewnobetter,butthen,hedidn’texpectto.

Intheafternoon,theycameoverthelowerlipofabarrenvaleanddroppedintoathickpinewood.Theairseemedricherhere,evenifonlywiththesharpdeliciousscentofthepines,andthebedofneedlesunderfootcushionedthehorses’sorefeet.Thesighingtreesshelteredthem

allfromthewind’spryingfingers.Astheyroundedacurve,Cazaril’searspickedupthemuffledthumpoftrottinghoovesfromthepathahead,thefirstfellowtravelertheyhadencounteredallday;justonerider,though,sonodangertotheirnumber.

Theriderwasagrizzledmanwithfiercebushyeyebrowsandbeard,dressedinstainedleathers.Hehailedthemand,

alittletoCazaril’ssurprise,pulleduphisshaggyhorseacrosstheirpath.

“IamcastlewardertotheCastillardyZavar.Wesawyourcompanycomingdownthevale,whenthecloudsbroke.Mylordsendsmetowarnyou,thereisastormblowingupthevalley.Heinvitesyoutoshelterwithhimtilltheworstispast.”

DyTagillegreetedthisofferofhospitalitywithdelight.BergondroppedbackandloweredhisvoicetoCazaril.“Doyouthinkweought,Caz?”

“I’mnotsure…”Hetriedtothinkifhe’deverheardofaCastillardyZavar.

BergonglancedathisfrienddySould,droopingoverhispommel.“I’dgivemuchto

gethimindoors.Wearemany,andarmed.”

Cazarilallowed,“We’dnotmakegoodspeedinablizzard,besidestheriskoflosingthetrail.”

Thegrizzledcastlewardercalledout,“Suityourselves,gentlemen,butsinceit’smyjobtocollectthebodiesfromtheditchesinthisdistrictcomespring,I’dtakeitasa

personalfavorifyou’daccept.Thestormwillblowthroughbeforemorning,I’dguess.”

“Well,I’mgladweatleastgotoverthepassbeforethisbroke.Yes,”decidedBergon.Heraisedhisvoice.“Wethankyou,sir,anddoacceptyourlord’skindoffer!”

Thegrizzledmansaluted,andnudgedhishorsebackdown

theroad.Amilefartheron,hewheeledtotheleftandledthemupafaintertrailthroughthetall,darkpines.Thepathdropped,thenrosesteeplyforatime,zigzagging.Thehorses’haunchesbunchedandsurged,pushingthemuphill.Awaythroughthetrees,Cazarilcouldhearthedistantsquabblingandcawingofaflockofcrows,andwascomfortedinmemory.

Theybrokeoutintothegraylightuponarockyspur.Perchedontheoutcroproseasmallandratherdilapidatedfortressbuiltofundressednativestone.Anencouragingcurlofsmokerosefromitschimney.

Theypassedunderafieldstonearchintoacourtyardpavedwithslates;astableopeneddirectlyontoit,aswellasabroadwooden

porticooverthedoorsleadingintothemainhall.Itsmarginswereclutteredwithtools,barrels,andoddtrash.Curingdeerhideswerenaileduptothestablewall.Sometough-lookingmen,servantsorgroomsorguardsorallthreeinthisroughruralhousehold,movedfromtheporticotohelpwiththeparty’shorsesandmules.Butitwasthenearlyhalfdozennewghosts,whirlingfranticallyaboutthe

courtyard,thatopenedCazaril’seyeswideandstoppedthebreathinhisthroat.

Thattheywerefresh,hecouldtellbytheircrispgrayoutlines,stillholdingtheformsthey’dhadinlife:threemen,awoman,andaweepingboy.Thewoman-shapepointedtothegrizzledman.Whitefirestreamedfromhermouth,silent

screams.

CazariljerkedhishorsebackbesideBergon’s,leanedover,andmuttered,“Thisisatrap.Looktoyourweapons.Passtheword.”BergonfellbackbesidedyTagille,whointurnbenttospeakquietlytoapairoftheparty’sgrooms.Cazarilsmiledindissimulation,andsidledhishorseovertoFoix’s,wherehehelduphishandbeforehismouthasif

sharingajest,andrepeatedthewarning.Foixsmiledblandlyandnodded.Hiseyesdartedaroundthecourtyard,countinguptheodds,asheleanedtowardhisbrother.

Theoddsdidnotseemill,butforthatrangyloutuponthewoodenperchbesidethegate,leaningagainsttheinnerwall,acrossbowdangling,asifcasually,fromhishand.Exceptthatitwascocked.

CazarilmaneuveredbackbyBergon,puttinghimselfandhishorsebetweentheroyseandthegate.“‘Warebowman,”hebreathed.“Duckunderamule.”

Theghostsweredartingfromplacetoplaceabouttheyard,pointingoutconcealedmenbehindthebarrelsandtools,shadowedinthestalls,and,apparently,waitingjustinsidethemaindoor.Cazarilrevised

hisopinionoftheodds.Thegrizzledmanmotionedtooneofhismen,andthegateswungshutbehindtheparty.Cazariltwistedinhissaddleanddughishandintohissaddlebag.Hisfingerstouchedsilk,thenthesmoothcoolnessofroundbeads;hehadnotpawnedDondo’spearlsinZagosurbecausethepricewasdisadvantageousthere,soclosetothesource.Heswepthishandup,

drawingouttheglisteningropeoftheminagrandgesture.Asheswungthestringaroundhishead,hepoppedthecordwithhisthumb.Pearlsspewedofftheendofthelineandbouncedabouttheslate-pavedcourt.Thestartledtoughslaughed,andbegantodiveforthem.

Cazarildroppedhisarm,andshouted,“Now!”

Thegrizzledcommander,whohadapparentlybeenjustabouttoshoutasimilarorder,wastakenaback.Cazaril’smendrewsteelfirst,fallinguponthedistractedenemy.Cazarilhalffelloutofhissaddlejustbeforeacrossbowboltthunkedintoit.Hishorserearedandbolted,andhescrambledtopullhisownswordoutofitsscabbard.

Foix,blesstheboy,had

managedtogethisowncrossbowquietlyunshippedbeforethechaosofshoutingmenandplunginghorsesstruck.OneofthemaleghostsstreakedpastCazaril’sinnereye,andpointedatanobscuredshapedodgingalongthetopoftheportico.CazariltappedFoix’sarm,andshouted,“Upthere!”Foixcockedandwhirledjustasasecondbowmanpoppedup;Cazarilcouldswearthe

franticghosttriedtoguidethequarrel.Itenteredthebowman’srighteyeanddroppedhiminstantly.Foixduckedandbeganrecocking;theratchetingmechanismwhirred.

Cazaril,turningtoseekanenemy,foundoneseekinghim.Fromthemaindoor,steeldrawn,bargedastartlinglyfamiliarform:SerdyJoal,dyJironal’sstirrup-

man,whomCazarilhadlastseeninCardegoss.CazarilraisedhisswordjustintimetodeflectdyJoal’sfirstfuriousblow.Hisbellytwinged,cramped,thenknottedagonizinglyastheycircledbrieflyforadvantage,andthendyJoalborein.

TheexcruciatingbellypaindrainedthestrengthfromCazaril’sarm,almostdoublinghimover;hebarely

beatoffthenextattack,andcounterattackwassuddenlyoutofthequestion.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hesawthefemaleghostcurltightlyinuponherself.She—orwasthatapearl?—orbothunited,somehowslidunderdyJoal’sboot.DyJoalskiddedviolentlyandunexpectedlyforward,flailingforbalance.Cazaril’spointrammedthroughhisthroatandlodgedbrieflyinthebonesofhis

neck.

AhideousshockranupCazaril’sarm.Notjusthisbellybuthiswholebodyseemedtocramp,andhisvisionblurredanddarkened.Withinhim,Dondoscreamedintriumph.Thedeathdemonsurgeduplikeawhirlingfirebehindhiseyes,eagerandimplacable.Cazarilconvulsed,vomiting.InCazaril’suncontrolledrecoil,

hisswordrippedoutsideways;vesselsspurted,anddyJoalcollapsedathisfeetinawelterofblood.

Cazarilfoundhimselfonhishandsandkneesontheicyslates,hissword,droppedfromhisnervelesshand,stillringingfaintly.Hewastremblingalloversobadlyhecouldnotstandupagain.Hespatbilefromhiswateringmouth.Onhissword’spoint,

asitlayonthestone,dyJoal’swetbloodsteamedandsmoked,blackening.Surgesofnauseasweptthroughhisswollenandpulsingabdomen.

Insidehim,Dondowailedandhowledinfrustratedrage,slowlysmotheredagaintosilence.Thedemonsettledbacklikeastalkingcatonitsbelly,watchfulandtense.Cazarilclenchedand

unclenchedhishand,justtobesurehewasstillinpossessionofhisownbody.

So.Thedeathdemonwasn’tfussywhosesoulsfilleditsbuckets,solongasthereweretwoofthem.Cazaril’sandDondo’s,Cazaril’sandsomeotherkiller’s—orvictim’s—hewasn’tjustsurewhich,orifitevenmattered,underthecircumstances.Dondoclearlyhadhopedtoclingtohis

body,andletCazaril’ssoulberippedaway.LeavingDondoin,sotospeak,possession.Dondo’sgoalsandthoseofthedemonwere,itseemed,slightlydivergent.ThedemonwouldbehappyifCazarildiedinanywayatall.Dondowantedamurder,oramurdering.

Sunkstrengthlesstothestones,tearsleakingbetweenhiseyelids,Cazarilbecame

awarethatthenoisehaddieddown.Ahandtouchedhiselbow,andheflinched.Foix’sdistressedvoicecametohisear,“Mylord?Mylord,areyouwounded?”

“Not…notstabbed,”Cazarilgotout.Heblinked,wheezing.Hereachedoutforhisblade,thenjerkedhishandback,fingertipsstinging.Thesteelwashottothetouch.Ferdaappearedon

hisotherside,andthetwobrothersdrewhimtohisfeet.Hestoodshiveringwithreaction.

“Areyousureyou’reallright?”saidFerda.“Thatdark-hairedladyinCardegosspromisedustheroyessewouldhaveourearsifwedidnotbringyoubacktoheralive.”

“Yes,”putinFoix,“andthat

shewouldhavetherestofourskinsforadrumhead,thereafter.”

“Yourskinsaresafe,fornow.”Cazarilrubbedhiswateringeyesandstraightenedalittle,staringaround.Asergeantly-lookinggroom,swordout,hadhalfadozenofthetoughslyingfacedownontheslatesinsurrender.Threemorebanditssatleaningagainstthestable

wall,moaningandbleeding.Anotherservantwasdraggingupthebodyofthedeadcrossbowman.

CazarilscowleddownatdyJoal,lyingsprawledbeforehim.Theyhadn’texchangedasinglewordintheirbriefencounter.Hewasdeeplysorryhe’dtornoutthebravo’slyingthroat.Hispresencehereimpliedmuch,butconfirmednothing.Was

hedyJironal’sagentoractingonhisown?

“Theleader—whereishe?Iwanttoputhimtothequestion.”

“Overthere,mylord”—Foixpointed—“butI’mafraidhewon’tbeanswering.”

Bergonwasjustrisingfromtheexaminationofanunmovingbody;thegrizzled

man,alas.

Ferdasaiduneasily,inatoneofapology,“Hefoughtfiercelyandwouldn’tsurrender.Hehadwoundedtwoofourgrooms,soFoixfinallydownedhimwithacrossbowbolt.”

“Doyouthinkhereallywasthecastlewarderhere,mylord?”Foixadded.

“No.”

Bergonpickedhiswayovertohim,swordinhand,andlookedhimupanddowninworry.“Whatdowedonow,Caz?”

Thefemaleghost,grownsomewhatlessagitated,wasbeckoninghimtowardthegate.Oneofthemaleghosts,equallyurgent,wasbeckoninghimtowardthe

maindoor.“I…Ifollow,momentarily.”

“What?”saidBergon.

Cazariltorehisgazeawayfromwhatonlyhisinnereyesaw.“Lockthem”—henoddedtowardtheirsurrenderedfoes—“upinastall,andsetaguard.Wholeandwoundedtogetherfornow.We’lltendtothemafterourown.Thensendabodyof

ablementosearchthepremises,seeifthereareanymorehiding.Or…oranybodyelse.Hiding.Or…whatever.”Hiseyereturnedtothegate,wherethestreamingwomanbeckonedagain.“Foix,bringyourbowandswordandcomewithme.”

“Shouldwenottakemoremen,lord?”

“No,Idon’tthinkso…”

LeavingBergonandFerdatodirectthemopping-up,Cazarilatlastheadedforthegate.Foixfollowed,staringasCazarilturnedwithouthesitationdownapathintothepines.Astheywalkedalongit,thecriesofthecrowsgrewlouder.Cazarilbracedhimself.Thepathopenedoutontotheedgeofasteepravine.

“Bastard’shell,”whispered

Foix.Heloweredhisbowandtouchedthefivetheologicalpoints,forehead-lip-navel-groin-heart,inawardinggesture.

They’dfoundthebodies.

Theywerethrownuponthemidden,tumbleddowntheedgeofthecrevasseatopyearsofkitchenandstableyardwaste.Oneyoungerman,twoolder;inthisrural

placeitwasnotpossibletodistinguishcertainlymasterfrommanbydress,asallworepracticalworkingleathersandwoolens.Thewoman,plumpandhomelyandmiddle-aged,wasstrippednaked,aswastheboy,whoappearedtohavebeenaboutfive.Bothmutilatedaccordingtoacruelhumor.Violated,too,probably.Deadaboutaday,Cazariljudgedbythe

progressthecrowshadmade.Thewoman-ghostwasweepingsilently,andthechild-ghostclungtoherandwailed.Theywerenotgod-rejectedsouls,then,justsundered,stilldizziedfromtheirdeathsandunabletofindtheirwaywithoutproperceremonies.

Cazarilfelltohisknees,andwhispered,“Lady.IfIamaliveinthisplace,youmust

be,too.Ifitpleaseyou,givethesepoorspiritsease.”

Theghostlyfaceschanged,ripplingfromwoetowonder;theinsubstantialbodiesblurredlikesundiffractionsinahigh,featheredcloud,thenvanished.

AfteraboutaminuteCazarilsaidmuzzily,“Helpmeup,please.”

ThebewilderedFoixleveredhimupwithahandunderhiselbow.Cazarilstaggeredaroundandstartedbackupthepath.

“Mylord,shouldwenotlookaroundforothers?”

“No,that’sall.”

Foixfollowedhimwithoutanotherword.

Intheslate-pavedcourtyard,theyfoundFerdaandanarmedgroomjustemergingagainfromthemaindoorway.

“Didyoufindanyoneelse?”Cazarilaskedhim.

“No,mylord.”

Besidethedoor,onlytheyoungmaleghoststilllingered,althoughitsluminescentbodyseemedto

beribboningawaylikesmokeinawind.Itwrithedinakindofagony,gesturingCazarilon.Whatdireurgencywasitthatturneditfromtheopenarmsofthegoddesstoclingtothiswoundedworld?“Yes,yes,I’mcoming,”Cazariltoldit.

Itslippedinside;CazarilmotionedFoixandFerda,lookinguneasilyathim,tofollowon.Theypassed

throughthemainhallandunderagallery,backthroughthekitchens,anddownsomewoodenstairstoadark,stone-walledstoreroom.

“Didyousearchinhere?”Cazarilcalledoverhisshoulder.

“Yes,mylord,”saidFerda.

“Getmorelight.”Hestaredintentlyattheghost,which

wasnowcirclingtheroominagitation,whirlinginatighteningspiral.Cazarilpointed.“Movethosebarrels.”

Foixrolledthemaside.Ferdaclatteredbackdownfromthekitchenwithabraceoftallowcandles,theirflamesyellowandsmokybutbrightinthegloom.Concealedbeneaththebarrelstheyfoundastoneslabinthefloorwithaniron

ringsetinit.CazarilmotionedtoFoixagain;theboygrabbedtheringandstrained,andshiftedtheslabupandaside,revealingnarrowstepsdescendingintoutterblackness.

Frombelow,afaintvoicecriedout.

TheghostbenttoCazaril,seemingtokisshisforehead,hands,andfeet,andthen

streamedawayintoeternity.Afaintbluesparkle,likeachordofmusicmadevisible,glitteredforamomentinCazaril’ssecondsight,andwasgone.Ferda,thecandlesinonehandandhisdrawnswordintheother,cautiouslydescendedthestonesteps.

Clamorandbabblewaftedbackupthroughthedankslot.Inafewmoments,Ferdaappearedagain,supportingup

thestairsadisheveledstoutoldman,hisfacebruisedandbattered,hislegsshaking.Followinginhiswake,weepingforgladness,adozenotherequallyshatteredpeopleclimbedonebyone.

ThefreedprisonersallfelluponFerdaandFoixwithquestionsandtalesatonce,inundatingthem;Cazarilleanedunobtrusivelyuponabarrelandpiecedtogetherthe

picture.ThestoutmanprovedtherealCastillardyZavar,adistraughtmiddle-agedwomanhiscastillara,andtwoyoungpeopleasonanda—inCazaril’sview,miraculouslyspared—daughter.Therestwereservantsanddependentsofthisruralhousehold.

DyJoalandhistroophaddescendeduponthemyesterday,atfirstseemingmerelyroughtravelers.Only

whenacoupleofthebravoshadmadetomolestthecastillar’scook,andherhusbandandtherealcastlewarderhadgonetoherdefenseandattemptedtoejecttheunwelcomevisitors,hadsteelbeendrawn.Ittrulywasthehouse’scustomtotakeinbenightedorstorm-threatenedwayfarersfromtheroadoverthepass.NooneherehadknownorrecognizeddyJoaloranyof

hismen.

TheoldcastillargrippedFerda’scloakanxiously.“Myelderson,doeshelive?Haveyouseenhim?Hewenttomycastlewarder’said…”

“Washeayoungmanofaboutthesemen’sage”—CazarilnoddedtothedyGurabrothers—“dressedinwoolandleatherslikeyourown?”

“Aye…”Theoldman’sfacedrainedinanticipation.

“Heisinthecareofthegods,andmuchcomfortedthere,”Cazarilreportedfactually.

Criesofgriefgreetedthisnews;wearily,Cazarilmountedthestairstothekitcheninthemob’swake,astheyspreadouttoregaintheirhouse,recovertheirdead,andcareforthewounded.

“Mylord,”Ferdamurmuredtohim,asCazarilpausedbrieflytowarmhimselfbythekitchenfire,“hadyoueverbeentothishousebefore?”

“No.”

“Thenhowdidyou—Iheardnothing,whenIlookedinthatcellar.Iwouldhaveleftthosepoorpeopletodieofthirstandhungerandmadnessin

thedark.”

“IthinkdyJoal’smenwouldhaveconfessedtothem,beforethenightwasdone.”Cazarilfrownedgrimly.“AmongthemanyotherthingsIintendtolearnfromthem.”

Thecapturedbravos,underaduressCazarilwashappytoallowandthefreedhousemeneagertosupply,toldtheirhalf

ofthetalesoonenough.Theywereamixedlot,includingsomelawlessandimpoverisheddischargedsoldierswhohadfollowedthegrizzledman,andafewlocalhirelings,oneofwhomhadledthemtodyZavar’sholdingforsakeofitsamazingvantageoftheroadfromitshighesttower.DyJoal,ridingtotheIbranborderaloneandinahurry,hadpickedthemallupfroma

townatthefootofthesemountains,wheretheyhadformerlyekedoutalivingalternatingbetweenguardingtravelersandrobbingthem.

ThebravosknewonlythatdyJoalhadcometherelookingtowaylayamanexpectedtoberidingoverthepassesfromIbra.Theydidnotknowwhotheirnewemployerreallywas,althoughthey’ddespisedhiscourtier’sclothesand

mannerisms.ItwasabundantlycleartoCazarilthatdyJoalhadnotbeenincontrolofthemenhe’dhastilyhired.Whenthealtercationaboutthecookhadtippedoverintoviolence,he’dnothadeitherthenerveorthemuscletostopit,administerdiscipline,orrestoreorderbeforeeventshadruntheiruglycourse.

Bergon,disturbed,drew

Cazarilasideintheflickeringtorchlightofthecourtyardwherethisrough-and-readyinterrogationwastakingplace.“Caz,didIbringthiswretchedchancedownuponpoordyZavar’sgoodpeople?”

“No,Royse.It’scleardyJoalwasexpectingonlyme,ridingbackasIselle’scourier.ChancellordyJironalhassoughttotearmefromher

serviceforsometime—secretlyassassinateme,ifthereprovednootherway.HowIwishIhadn’tkilledthatfool!I’dgivemyteethtoknowhowmuchdyJironalknowsbynow.”

“Areyousurethechancellorsetthistrap?”

Cazarilhesitated.“DyJoalhadapersonalgrudgeagainstme,but…theworldknew

merelythatI’driddentoValenda.DyJoalcouldonlyhavehadsurmiseofmytrueroutefromdyJironal.Therefore,wemaybecertaindyJironalhadsomereportofmefromhisspiesinIbra.Hisknowledgeofourrealaimlags—butnot,Ithink,bymuch.DyJoalwasastopgap,hurriedlydispatched.Andcertainlynottheonlysuchagent.Somethingelsemustfollow.”

“Howsoon?”

“Idon’tknow.DyJironalcommandstheOrderoftheSon;hecandrawonitsmenassoonashecanevolveaplausibleenoughliebywhichtomovethem.”

Bergontappedhissheathedswordagainsthisleather-cladthigh,andfrownedupatthesky,whichwasclearingaseveningfell.Themountain

spinestothewestwereblacksilhouettesagainstalingeringgreenglow,andthefirststarsshoneoverhead.Thegrizzledman’staleofanapproachingblizzardhadprovedameredecoy,althoughalightsnowsquallthathadblownthroughearliermighthavebeentheseedoftheidea.“Themoonisnearlyfull,andwillbewellupbymidnight.Ifweridebothnightandday,perchancewecanpushacrossthis

disturbedcountrybeforedyJironalcanbringupanymorereinforcements.”

Cazarilnodded.“Lethimrushhismentopatrolaborderthatwe’realreadyacross?Good.Ilikeit.”

Bergonstudiedhimindoubt.“But…willyoubeabletoride,Caz?”

“I’dratherridethanfight.”

Bergonsighedagreement.“Yes.”

THEGRATEFUL,GRIEVINGCASTILLARDYZAVARpressedalltherefreshmenthisdisruptedhouseholdcouldspareuponthem.Bergondecidedtoleavethemules,injuredgrooms,andlamedhorsesinhiscare,tofollowonwhentheycould,andlightenhisownpartythereby.Ferdaselectedthefastest,

soundesthorses,andmadesuretheywererubbeddownwellandfedandresteduntiltimetostart.MarchdySouldhadrecoveredafterafewhoursofrestinthismorenourishingair,andinsistedonaccompanyingtheroyse.DyCembuer,whohadsufferedabrokenarmandsomefreelybleedingcutsinthecourtyardfight,undertooktostaywiththegroomsandbaggageandassistdyZavaruntilallwere

readytotravel.

Theproblemofjusticeuponthebrigands,Cazarilwasrelievedtoleavetotheirvictims.Bergon’smidnightdeparturewouldsparethemhavingtowitnessthehangingsatdawn.HeleftthescatteredportionofDondo’spearlsforthestrickenhouseholdtocollect,andtuckedtheremainsoftheropebackinhissaddlebag.

Theroyse’scavalcadetooktotheroadagainwhenthemoonroseoverthehillsbeforethem,fillingthesnowyvaleswithliquidlight.TherewouldbenoturningasidenowbeforeValenda.

24

TheyretracedCazaril’soutboundrouteacrosswesternChalion,changinghorsesatobscureruralpostsoftheDaughter’sOrder.AteverystopheinquiredanxiouslyforanyfurthercipheredmessagesfromIselle

ornewsfromValendathatmightrevealthetacticalsituationintowhichtheyrushed.Hegrewincreasinglyuneasyattheabsenceofletters.Intheoriginalplan,theyhadenvisionedIsellewaitingwithhergrandmotherandmother,guardedbyheruncledyBaocia’stroops.Cazarilfearedthisidealconditionnolongerheld.

Theycheckedatmidevening

twenty-fivemilesshortofValendaatthevillageofPalma.TheregionaroundPalmawasnotedforitsfinepasturage;apostoftheDaughter’sOrdertheredevoteditselftoraisingandtrainingremountsfortheTemple.CazarilwascertainofobtainingfreshhorsesinPalma.Heprayedforfreshintelligenceaswell.

Cazarildidnotsomuch

dismountfromhisblownhorseasfallslowly,allinapiece,asifhisbodywerecarvedfromasingleblockofwood.BothFerdaandFoixhadtosupporthimthroughtheorder’ssprawlingcompound.Theybroughthimintoashabbilycomfortablechamber,whereabrightfireburnedinafieldstonefireplace.Aplainpinetablehadbeenhastilyclearedofsomeone’scardgame.The

dedicat-commanderoftheposthurriedintowaituponthem.ThemanglanceduncertainlyfromdyTagilletodySould;hisgazepassedoverBergon,who’ddressedasagroomsincetheborderforcaution’ssake.Thecommanderfellintoapologeticconfusionwhentheroysewasintroduced,andsenthislieutenantscurryingforfoodanddrinktoofferhisdistinguishedcompany.

Cazarilsatbythetableinacushionedchair,wonderfullyunlikeasaddleeveniftheroomdidstillseemtoberockingaroundhim.Hewasbeginningtodislikehorsesalmostasmuchashedislikedboats.Hisheadfeltstuffedwithwool,andhisbodydidn’tbearthinkingabout.Hebrokeintotheexchangeofcourtlyamenitiestocroak,“WhatwordhaveyoufromValenda?Doyouholdany

newmessagesfromtheRoyesseIselle?”Ferdapressedaglassofwateredwineintohishand,andhegulpedhalfofitatonce.

Thededicat-commandergavehimalittleunderstandingheadshake,hislipstightening.“ChancellordyJironalmarchedathousandmoreofhismenintothetownlastweek.Hehasanotherthousandbivouackedalong

theriver.Theypatrolthecountryside,lookingforyou.Searchershavestoppedheretwice.HeholdsValendatightinhisgrip.”

“Didn’tProvincardyBaociahaveanymenthere?”

“Yes,twocompanies,buttheywerebadlyoutnumbered.NoonewouldstartthefightatRoyseTeidez’sinterment,andafter

thattheydarednot.”

“HaveyouheardfromMarchdyPalliar?”

“Heusedtobringtheletters.We’vehadnodirectwordfromtheroyesseforfivedays.It’srumoredthatsheisveryillandseesnoone.”

Bergon’seyeswidenedinalarm.Cazarilsquintedandrubbedhisachinghead.“Ill?

Iselle?Well…maybe.Orelseheldclose-confinedbydyJironal,andtheillnessataleputabout.”HadoneofCazaril’slettersfallenintothewronghands?HehadfearedtheymighthavetoeitherspirittheroyesseoutofValenda,orbreakherfreebyforceofarms,preferablytheformer.Hehadn’tplannedwhattodoifshehadfallen,perhaps,toosicktorideatthiscriticalmoment.

HismuzzybrainevolvedamadvisionofsomehowsneakingBergonintoher,overtherooftopsandbalconieslikealoverinapoem.No.Anightofsecretlovebetweenthemmightbreakthecurse,channelitbacksomehowtothegodswhohadspilledit,buthecouldn’tseehowitwouldmiraculouslymakeawaywithtwothousandorsoveryfleshlysoldiers.

“DoesOricostilllive?”heaskedatlast.

“Asfaraswe’veheard.”

“Wecandonothingmoretonight.”Hewouldn’ttrustanyplanthatcameoutofhistiredbraintonight.“Tomorrow,FoixandFerdaandIwillgointoValendaonfoot,indisguise,andreconnoiter.IpromiseyouIcanpassforaroadvagabond.

Ifwecan’tseeourwayclear,thenfallbacktoProvincardyBaocia’speopleinTaryoon,andplanagain.”

“Canyouwalk,mylord?”askedFoixinadubiousvoice.

Rightnow,hewasn’tsureifhecouldstandup.HegloweredhelplesslyatFoix,whowastiredbutresilient,pinkratherthangrayafter

daysinthesaddle.Youth.Eh.“Bytomorrow,Iwill.”Herubbedhisface.“DodyJironal’smenrealizetheyarenotguardiansbutprison-keepers?ThattheyarebeingledintopossibletreasonagainsttherightfulHeiress?”

Thededicat-commandersatback,andopenedhishands.“Suchchargesarebeingflungaboutlikesnowballsfrombothpartiesrightnow.

RumorsthattheroyessehassentagentsintoIbratocontractamarriagewiththenewHeirareflyingeverywhere.”HegaveRoyseBergonanapologeticnod.

Somuchforthesecrecyofhismission.HeconsideredthepitfallsofpotentialpartylinesinChalion.IselleandOricoversusdyJironal,allright.IselleversusOricoandDyJironal…hideously

dangerous.

“Thenewshashadamixedreception,”thecommandercontinued.“TheladieslookonBergonwithapprovalandwanttomakearomanceofitall,becauseit’ssaidthatheisbraveandwell-favored.SobererheadsworrythatIsellemaysellChaliontotheFox,becausesheis,ah,youngandinexperienced.”

Inotherwords,foolishandflighty.Soberheadshadmuchtolearn.Cazaril’slipsdrewbackonadrygrin.“No,”hemumbled.“Wehavenotdonethat.”Herealizedthathewasspeakingtohisknees,hisforeheadhavingunaccountablysunktothetableandanchoredthere.

AfteraboutaminuteBergon’svoicemurmuredgentlyinhisear,“Caz?Are

youawake?”

“Mm.”

“Wouldyouliketogotobed,mylord?”thededicat-commanderinquiredafteranotherpause.

“Mm.”

Hewhimperedalittleasstronghandsundereacharmforcedhimtohisfeet.Ferda

andFoix,leadinghimoffsomewhere,cruelly.Thetablehadbeensoftenough…Hedidn’tevenrememberfallingintothebed.

SOMEONEWASSHAKINGHISSHOULDER.

Ahideouslycheerfulvoicebellowedinhisear,“Riseandride,CaptainSunshine!”

Hespasmedandclawedathis

covers,triedtositup,andthoughtbetteroftheeffort.Hepulledopenhisglued-shuteyelids,blinkinginthecandlelight.Theidentityofthevoicefinallypenetrated.“Palli!You’realive!”Hemeanttoshoutjoyfully.Atleastitcameoutaudibly.“Whattimeisit?”Hestruggledagaintositup,makingitontooneelbow.Heseemedtobeinsomeevictedofficer-dedicat’splainly

furnishedbedchamber.

“Aboutanhourbeforedawn.We’vebeenridingallnight.Isellesentmetofindyou.”Heraisedhisbraceofcandleshigher.Bergonwasstandinganxiouslyathisshoulder,andFoixtoo.“Bastard’sdemons,Caz,youlooklikedeathonatrencher.”

“That…hasbeenobserved.”Helaybackdown.Palliwas

here.Palliwashere,andallwaswell.HecouldshoveBergonandallhisburdensoffontohim,liehere,andnotgetup.Diealoneandinpeace,takingDondooutoftheworldwithhim.“TakeRoyseBergonandhiscompanytoIselle.Leaveme—”

“What,fordyJironal’spatrolstofind?NotifIvaluemyfuturefortuneasa

courtier!IsellewantsyousafewithherinTaryoon.”

“Taryoon?NotValenda?”Heblinked.“Safe?”Thistimehedidstruggleup,andallthewaytohisfeet,wherehepassedout.

Theblackfoglifted,andhefoundBergon,round-eyed,holdinghimslumpedontheedgeofthebed.

“Sitaminutewithyourheaddown,”Palliadvised.

Cazarilobedientlybentoverhisachingbelly.IfDondohadvisitedhimlastnight,he’dnotbeenhome.Theghosthadkickedhimafewtimesinhissleep,though,itfeltlike.Fromtheinsideout.

Bergonsaidsoftly,“Heatenothingwhenwecameinlastnight.Hecollapsed

straightaway,andweputhimtobed.”

“Right,”saidPalli,andjerkedhisthumbatthehoveringFoix,whonoddedandslippedoutoftheroom.

“Taryoon?”Cazarilmumbledfromthevicinityofhisknees.

“Aye.ShegavealltwothousandofdyJironal’smentheslip,shedid.Well,firstof

all,beforethat,heruncledyBaociapulledhismenoutandwenthome.Thefoolslethimgo;thoughtitwasadangerremovedfromtheirmidst.Yes,andmadefreetomoveatwill!ThenIsellerodeoutfivedaysrunning,alwayswithatroopofdyJironal’scavalryforescort,andgavethemmoreexercisethantheycaredfor.Had’emabsolutelyconvincedshemeanttoescapewhileriding.Sowhen

sheandLadyBetrizwentwalkingoutonedaywitholdLadydyHueltar,theylethergoby.Iwaswaitingwithtwosaddledhorses,andtwowomentochangecloakswith’emandgobackwiththeoldlady.Weweregonedownthatravinesofast…TheoldProvincaraundertooktoconcealshe’dflownforaslongaspossible,passitoffthatshewasillinhermother’schambers.They’ve

doubtlesstumbledtoitbynow,butI’llwagershewassafewithheruncleinTaryoonbeforeValendaknewshewasgone.Fivegods,thosegirlscanride!Sixtymilescross-countrybetweenduskanddawnunderafullmoon,andonlyonechangeofhorses.”

“Girls?”saidCazaril.“IsLadyBetrizsafe,too?”

“Oh,aye.Bothof’emchipperassongbirds,whenIleft’em.Mademefeelold.”

CazarilsquintedupatPalli,fiveyearshisjunior,butletthispass.“SerdyFerrej…theProvincara,LadyIsta?”

Palli’sfacesobered.“StillhostagesinValenda.Theyalltoldthegirlstogoon,youknow.”

“Ah.”

Foixbroughthimabowlofbeanporridge,hotandaromatic,onatray,andBergonhimselfarrangedhispillowsandhelpedhimsituptoeatit.Cazarilhadthoughthewasravenous,yetfoundhimselfunabletoforcedownmorethanafewbites.Palliwaskeentogetawaywhilethedarknessstillcloakedtheirnumbers.Cazaril

struggledtooblige,lettingFoixhelphimbackintohisclothes.Hedreadedtheattempttorideagain.

Inthepost’sstableyard,hefoundthattheirescort,adozenmenoftheDaughter’sOrderwho’dfollowedPallifromTaryoon,waitedwithahorselitterslungbetweentwomounts.Indignantatfirst,heletBergonpersuadehimintoit,andthecavalcadeswung

awayintothegrayingdark.Theroughbackroadsandtrailstheytookmadethelitterjounceandswaynauseatingly.Afterhalfanhourofthis,hecriedformercy,andundertooktoclimbonahorse.Someonehadthoughttobringalongasmooth-pacedamblerforthisverypurpose,andheclungtothesaddleandendureditsripplinggaitwhiletheyswungwidearoundValenda

anditsoccupiers’patrols.

Intheafternoon,theydroppeddownfromsomewoodedslopesontoawiderroad,andPallirodealongsidehim.Pallieyedhimcuriously,alittlesideways.

“Ihearyoudomiracleswithmules.”

“Notme.Thegoddess.”Cazaril’ssmiletwisted.“She

hasawaywithmules,itseems.”

“I’malsotoldyou’restrangelyhardonbrigands.”

“Wewereastrongcompany,wellarmed.Ifthebrigandshadn’tbeensetontousbydyJoal,theywouldneverhaveattemptedus.”

“DyJoalwasoneofdyJironal’sbestswords.Foix

saysyoutookhimdowninseconds.”

“Thatwasamistake.Besides,hisfootslipped.”

Palli’slipstwitched.“Youdon’thavetogoaroundtellingpeoplethat,youknow.”Hestaredaheadbetweenhishorse’sbobbingearsforatime.“So,theboyyoudefendedontheRoknarigalleywasBergonhimself.”

“Yes.Kidnappedbyhisbrother’sbravos,itturnedout.NowIknowwhytheIbranfleetrowedsohardafterus.”

“Didyouneverguesswhohereallywas?Thenorlater?”

“No.Hehad…hehadadealmoreself-controlthanevenIrealizedatthetime.Thatonewillmakearoyaworthfollowing,whenhecomes

intohisown.”

PalliglancedaheadtowhereBergonrodewithdySould,andsignedhimselfinwonder.“Thegodsareonourside,rightenough.Canwefail?”

Cazarilsnortedbitterly.“Yes.”HethoughtofIsta,Umegat,thetonguelessgroom.Ofthedeathlystraitshewasin.“Andwhenwefail,thegodsdo,too.”He

didn’tthinkhe’deverquiterealizedthatbefore,notinthoseterms.

AtleastIsellewassafefornowbehindtheshieldofheruncle;asHeiress,shewouldattractotherambitiousmentoherside.Shewouldhavemany,notleastBergonhimself,toprotectherfromherenemies,althoughadvisorswiseenoughtoalsoprotectherfromherfriends

mightbeharderforhertocomeby….ButwhatprovisionagainsttheloominghazardscouldheeffectforBetriz?

“DidyougetthechancetoknowLadyBetrizbetterwhileyouescortedthecortegetoValenda,andafter?”heaskedPalli.

“Oh,aye.”

“Beautifulgirl,don’tyouthink?Didyougetmuchconversationwithherfather,SerdyFerrej?”

“Yes.Amosthonorableman.”

“SoIthought,too.”

“She’sveryworriedforhimrightnow,”Palliadded.

“Icanimagine.Andhimfor

her,bothnowandlater.If…ifallgoeswell,shewillbeafavoriteofthefutureroyina.Thatkindofpoliticalinfluencecouldbeworthfarmoretoashrewdmanthanamerematerialdowry.Ifthemanhadthewittoseeit.”

“Noquestionofit.”

“She’sintelligent,energetic…”

“Rideswell,too.”Palli’stonewasoddlydry.

Cazarilswallowed,andwithaneffortatacasualtonegotout,“Couldn’tyoujustseeherasthefutureMarchessdyPalliar?”

Palli’smouthturnedupononeside.“Ifearmysuitwouldbehopeless.Ibelieveshehasanothermaninhereye.Judgingfromallthe

questionsshe’saskedmeabouthim,anyway.”

“Oh?Who?”Hetried,brieflyandwithoutsuccess,toconvincehimselfBetrizdreamedof,say,dyRinal,oroneoftheothercourtiersofCardegoss…eh.Lightweights,thelotofthem.Fewoftheyoungermenhadthewealthorinfluence,andnonethewit,tomakeheragoodmatch.Infact,now

Cazarilcametoconsiderthematter,noneofthemwasgoodenoughforher.

“Itwasinconfidence.ButIdefinitelythinkyoushouldaskherallaboutit,whenwegettoTaryoon.”Pallismiled,andurgedhishorseforward.

CazarilconsideredtheimplicationsofPalli’ssmile,andofthewhitefurhatstilltuckedintohissaddlebags.

Thewomanyoulove,lovesyou?Hadheanyrealdoubtofit?Therewas,alas,morethanenoughimpedimenttotwistthisjoyoussuspicionintosorrow.Toolate,toolate,toolate.Forherfidelityhecouldreturnheronlygrief;hisbierwouldbetoohardandnarrowtoofferasaweddingbed.

Itwasagracenoteinthislethaltanglenonetheless,like

findingasurvivorinashipwreckoraflowerbloominginaburned-overfield.Well…well,shemustsimplygetoverherill-fatedattachmenttohim.Andhemustexerttheutmostself-controlnottoencourageitinher.HewonderedifhecouldpromotePallitoherifheputitasthelastrequestofadyingman.

Fifteenmilesoutfrom

Taryoon,theyweremetbyalargeBaocianguardcompany.Theyhadahandlitter,andrelaysofmentocarryitaloft;toofargonebynowtobeanythingbutgrateful,Cazarillethimselfbeloadedintoitwithoutprotest.Heevensleptforacoupleofhours,lumpingalongwrappedinafeatherquilt,hisachingheadcushionedbypillows.Hewokeatlengthandwatched

thedrearydarkeningwinterlandscapewobblepasthimlikeadream.

So,thiswasdying.Itdidn’tseemasbad,lyingdown.Butplease,justletmelivetoseethiscurseliftedfromIselle.Itwasagreatwork,oneanymanmightlookbackonandsay,Thatwasmylife;itwasenough.Heaskednothingmorenowbuttobepermittedtofinishwhathe’dstarted.

Iselle’swedding,andBetrizmadesafe—ifthegodswouldbutgivehimthosetwogifts,hethoughthecouldgoinquietcontent.I’mtired.

THEYENTEREDTHEGATESOFTHEBAOCIANPROVINCIALcapitalofTaryoonanhouraftersunset.Curiouscitizenscollectedinthepathoftheirlittleprocession,ormarchedbesideitwithtorchestolighttheway,orhurriedoutto

watchfrombalconiesastheypassed.Onthreeoccasions,womentosseddownflowers,whichaftertheirfirstuncertainflinch,Bergon’sIbrancompanionscaught;ithelpedthattheladieshadgoodaim.Theyounglordssenthopefulandenthusiastickissesthroughtheairinreturn.Theyleftinterestedmurmursintheirwake,especiallyuponthebalconies.Nearthecity

centerBergonandhisfriends,escortedbyPalli,weredivertedtothetownpalaceofthewealthyMarchdyHuesta,oneoftheprovincar’schiefsupportersand,notcoincidentally,hisbrother-in-law.TheBaocianguardcarriedCazaril’slitteronatasmartpacetotheprovincar’sownnewpalace,downthestreetfromthecrampedandloweringoldfortress.

Clutchinghisprecioussaddlebagscontainingthefutureoftwocountries,CazarilwasbroughtbydyBaocia’scastlewardertoafire-warmedbedchamber.Numerouswaxlightsrevealedtwowaitingman-servantswithahipbath,extrahotwater,soap,scissors,scents,andtowels.Athirdmanboreinatrayofmildwhitecheese,fruitcakes,andquantitiesofhotherbtea.

SomeonewastakingnochanceswithCazaril’swardrobe,andhadlaidoutachangeofclothingonthebed,courtmourningcompletefromfreshundergarmentsthroughbrocadesandvelvetsouttoasilverandamethystbelt.Thetransformationfromroadwreckagetocourtiertookbarelytwentyminutes.

FromhisfilthysaddlebagsCazarildrewhispacketof

documents,wrappedinoilclotharoundsilk,andcheckedthemfordirtandbloodstains.Nothinguntowardhadleakedin.Hediscardedthegrubbyoilclothandtuckedtheofferingsunderhisarm.ThecastlewarderguidedCazarilthroughacourtyardwhereworkmenlaboredbytorchlighttolaydownthelastpavingstones,andintoanadjoiningbuilding.They

passedthroughaseriesofroomstoaspacioustiledchambersoftenedwithrugsandwallhangings.Man-highironcandelabrasholdingfivelightseach,intricatelywrought,shedawarmingglow.Isellesatinalargecarvedchairbythefarwall,attendedbyBetrizandtheprovincar,alsoallincourtmourning.

Theylookedupasheentered,

thewomeneagerly,themiddle-ageddyBaocia’sexpressiontemperedwithcaution.Iselle’suncleboreonlyaslightresemblancetohisyoungersisterIsta,beingsolidratherthanfrail,thoughhewasnotovertalleither,andhesharedIsta’sdunhaircolor,gonegrizzled.DyBaociawasattendedinturnbyastoutmanCazariltookforhissecretary,andanelderlyfellowinthefive-

coloredrobesofthearchdivineofTaryoon.Cazarileyedhimhopefullyforanyflickerofgodlight,buthewasonlyaplaindevout.

ThedarkcloudstillhungthicklyaboutIselleinCazaril’ssecondsight,though,roilinginasluggishandsullenfashion.Butnotformuchlonger,bytheLady’sgrace.

“Welcomehome,Castillar,”saidIselle.Thewarmthofhervoicewaslikeacaressonhisbrow,heruseofhistitleacovertwarning.

Cazarilsignedhimself.“Fivegods,Royesse,alliswell.”

“Youhavethetreaties?”dyBaociaasked,hisgazefixingonthepacketsunderCazaril’sarm.Heheldoutananxioushand.“Therehas

beenmuchconcernovertheminourcouncils.”

CazarilsmiledslightlyandwalkedpasthimtokneelatIselle’sfeet,managingwithcarefuleffortnottogruntwithpain,orpitchoverinunseemlyclumsiness.Hebrushedhislipsacrossthebacksofthehandssheheldouttohim,andpressedthepacketofdocumentsinthem,andthemalone,asthey

turnedpalmup.“Allisasyoucommanded.”

Hereyeswerebrightwithappreciation.“Ithankyou,Cazaril.”Sheglancedupatheruncle’ssecretary.“Fetchachairformyambassador,please.Hehasriddenlongandhard,withlittlerest.”Shebeganfoldingbackthesilk.

Thesecretarybroughtupachairwithawool-stuffed

cushion.Cazarilsmiledratherfixedlyinthanksandconsideredtheproblemofgettingupagaingracefully.Rathertohisembarrassment,Betrizknelttohisside,andafterasecondmore,thearchdivinetohisother,andbothcontrivedtohoisthimup.Betriz’sdarkeyessearchedhim,lingeringbrieflyandfearfullyonhistumor-distendedmidsection,butshecoulddonomore

herethansmileinencouragement.

Isellewasreadingthemarriagecontract,thoughshesparedamomentasCazarilseatedhimselftocastasmallsmileinhisdirection.Cazarilwatchedandwaited.Asshefinishedeachpageshehandedtherectangleofcalligraphedandink-stampedparchmentuptoherhoveringuncle,whohadthemfairly

snatchedinturnbythearchdivine.Thesecretarywaslastinline,butnolessintentinhisperusal.Hecollectedthepagesreverentlybackintoorderastheycametohim.

DyBaociaclutchedhishandstogetherandwatchedasthearchdivine’seyesspeddownthelastpage.Heheldtheparchmentoutsilentlytothestoutsecretary.

“Well?”saidtheprovincar.

“Shehasn’tsoldChalion.”Thearchdivinesignedhimselfandopenedbothhandspalmoutinthankstothegods.“She’sboughtIbra!Mycongratulations,Royesse,toyourambassador—andtoyou.”

“Tousall,”saiddyBaocia.Allthreemenwerelookingvastlymorecheerful.

Cazarilclearedhisthroat.“Indeed,butItrustyouwillnotsayasmuchtoRoyseBergon.Thetreatiesarepotentiallyadvantageoustobothsides,afterall.”HeglancedatdyBaocia’ssecretary.“Thoughperhapsitwouldallaypeople’sfearstohavethearticlescopiedoutinalargefairhandandpostedonthewallbesideyourpalacedoors,foreveryonetoread.”

DyBaociafrowneduncertainly,butthearchdivinenodded,andsaid,“Averywisesuggestion,Castillar.”

“Itwouldpleasemeverymuch,”saidIselleinasoftvoice.“Iprayyou,Uncle,haveitseento.”

Abreathlesspageburstintothechamber,toskidtoastopbeforedyBaociaandblurt,

“YourladysaysRoyseBergon’sparty‘proachesatthegate,andyouareto‘tendonheratoncetowelcomehim.”

“I’monmyway.”Theprovincartookabreathandsmiledathisniece.“Andsowebringyourlovertoyou.Remembernow,youmustdemandallthekissesofsubmission,brow,hands,andfeet.Chalionmustbeseento

ruleIbra.GuardtheprideandhonorofyourHouse.Wemustnotlethimputhimselfaboveyou,orhewillquicklybecomeoverweening.Youmuststartasyoumeantogoon.”

Iselle’seyesnarrowed.Aroundher,theshadowdarkened,seemingtotightenitsgrip.

Cazarilsatup,andshothera

lookofalarmandatinyheadshake.“RoyseBergonhaspridealso,nolesshonorablethanyourown,Royesse.Andhewillstandbeforehisownlordshere,too.”

Shehesitated;thenherlipsfirmed.“IshallstartasImeantogoon.”Hervoicewassuddenlynotsoftatall,butsteel-edged.Shegesturedatthecontract.“The

substanceofourequalityisthere,Uncle.Mypridedemandsnogreatershow.Weshallexchangethekissesofwelcome,eachtoeach,uponourhandsalone.”Thedarknessuncurledalittle;Cazarilfeltanoddshiver,asthoughsomepredatoryshadowhadpassedoverhisheadandflownon,thwarted.

“Anadmirablediscretion,”Cazarilendorsedthisinrelief.

Thepage,dancingfromfoottofoot,heldopenthedoorfortheprovincar,whosweptoutinhaste.

“LordCazaril,howwasyourjourney?”Betriztaxedhiminthisinterlude.“Youlookso…tired.”

“Awearylotofriding,butitallwentwellenough.”Heshiftedinhisseatandsmiledupather.

Herdarkbrowsarched.“IthinkwemusthaveFerdaandFoixin,totellusmore.Surelyitwasnotsoplainanddullasthat.”

“Well,wehadalittletroublewithbrigandsinthemountains.DyJironal’sdoing,I’mfairlysure.Bergonacquittedhimselfverywell.TheFox…wenteasierthanIexpected,forareasonIdidn’t.”Heleanedforward,

andloweredhisvoicetothemboth.“YouremembermybenchmateonthegalleysItoldof,Danni,theboyofgoodfamily?”

Betriznodded,andIsellesaid,“Iamnotlikelytoforget.”

“Ididn’tguesshowgoodafamily.DanniwasanaliasBergongave,tokeephimselfsecretfromhiscaptors.It

seemshiskidnappingwasaployofIbra’slateHeir.BergonrecognizedmewhenIstoodbeforetheIbrancourt—hehadchangedandgrownalmostoutofreckoning.”

Iselle’slipspartedinastonishment.Afteramomentshebreathed,“Surelythegoddessgaveyoutome.”

“Yes,”headmittedreluctantly.“I’vecometothat

conclusionmyself.”

Hereyesturnedtowardthedoubledoorsontheoppositesideofthechamber.Herhandstwistedinherlapinasuddenflushofnerves.“HowshallIrecognizehim?Ishe—ishewell-favored?”

“Idon’tknowhowladiesjudgesuchthings—”

Thedoorsswungwide.A

greatmobofpersonssurgedthrough:pages,hangers-on,dyBaociaandhiswife,BergonanddySouldanddyTagille,andPallibringinguptherear.TheIbranshadbeentreatedtobathsaswell,andworethebestclothesthey’dmanagedtopackintheirmeagerbags,supplemented,Cazarilwasfairlysure,withsomejudiciousemergencyborrowings.Bergon’seyesflickedinasmilingpanic

fromBetriztoIselle,andsettledonIselle.IsellegazedfromfacetofaceamongthethreestrangeIbransinamomentaryterror.

TallPalli,standingbehindBergon,pointedattheroyseandmouthed,Thisone!Iselle’sgrayeyesbrightened,andherpalecheeksfloodedwithcolor.

Iselleheldoutherhands.

“MylordBergondyIbra,”shesaidinavoicethatonlyquaveredalittle.“WelcometoChalion.”

“MyladyIselledyChalion,”Bergon,stridinguptoher,returnedbreathlessly.“DyIbrathanksyou.”Heknelttooneknee,andkissedherhands.Shebentherhead,andkissedhis.

Bergonroseagainand

introducedhiscompanions,whobowedproperly.Withaslightscrape,theprovincarandthearchdivine,withtheirownhands,broughtupachairforBergonandsetitbyIselle’sontheothersidefromCazaril.FromaleatherpouchdyTagilleheldout,Bergonproducedhisroyalgreeting-gift,anecklaceoffineemeralds—oneofthelastofhismother’spiecesnotpawnedbytheFoxtobuy

arms.Thewhitehorsesunfortunatelywerestillbackontheroadsomewhere.BergonhadbeengoingtobringaropeofnewIbranpearls,buthadmadethesubstitutiononCazaril’smostearnestadvice.

DyBaociamadealittlespeechofwelcome,whichwouldhavebeenratherlongerifIselle’saunt,catchingherniece’seye,had

notseizedapauseinhisperiodstoinvitetheassembledcompanyintothenextroomtopartakeofrefreshments.Theyoungcouplewaslefttohavesomeprivatespeech,andbenttheirheadstogether,largelyinaudibletotheeagereavesdropperswholingeredbytheopendoorsandfrequentlypeekedintoseehowtheyweregettingalong.

Cazarilwasnotleastforwardamongthisnumber,craninghisneckanxiouslyfromhisrepositionedchairandalternatingbetweennibblingonlittlecakesandbitinghisknuckles.Theirvoicesgrewsometimeslouder,sometimessofter;Bergongestured,andIselletwicelaughedoutloud,andthreetimesdrewinherbreath,herhandsgoingtoherlips,eyeswidening.Iselleloweredhervoiceandspoke

earnestly;Bergontiltedhisheadandlistenedintently,andnevertookhiseyesfromherface,excepttwicetoglanceoutatCazaril,afterwhichtheyloweredtheirvoicesstillfurther.

LadyBetrizbroughthimaglassofwateredwine,noddingathisgratefulthanks.Cazarilfelthecouldguesswhohadtakenthethoughttohavethehotwater

andservantsandfoodandclotheswaitingreadyforhim.Herfreshskinglowedgoldeninthecandlelight,smoothandyouthful,buthersomberdressandpulled-backhairlentheranunexpectedlymatureelegance.Anardentenergy,onthevergeofmovingintopowerandwisdom…

“HowdidyouleavethingsinValenda,doyouthink?”

Cazarilaskedher.

Hersmilesobered.“Tense.ButwehopewithIselledrawnout,itwillgrowlessso.SurelydyJironalwillnotdareofferviolencetothewidowandmother-in-lawofRoyaIas?”

“Mm,notashisfirstmove.Indesperation,anythingbecomespossible.”

“That’strue.Oratleast,peoplestoparguingwithyouaboutwhat’spossibleandwhat’snot.”

Cazarilconsideredtheyoungwomen’swildnightridethathadflippedtheirtacticalsituationsoabruptlytopside-to.“Howdidyougetaway?”

“Well,dyJironalhadapparentlyexpectedusalltocowerinthecastle,

intimidatedbyhisshowofarms.YoucanimaginehowthatsatwiththeoldProvincara.HiswomenspieswatchedIselleallthetime,butnotme.ItookNanandwewentaboutthetown,doinglittledomesticerrandsforthehousehold,andobserving.Hismen’sdefensesallfacedoutward,preparedtorepelwould-berescuers.Andnoonecouldkeepusfromgoingtothe

temple,whereLorddyPalliarstayed,toprayforOrico’shealth.”Hersmiledimpled.“Webecameverypious,foratime.”Thedimplefaded.“ThentheProvincaragotword,Idon’tknowthroughwhatsource,thatthechancellorhaddispatchedhisyoungersonwithatroopofhisHousecavalrytosecureIselleandbringherinhastebacktoCardegoss,becauseOricowasdying.Whichmay

betrue,forallweknow,butallthebetterreasonnottoplaceherselfindyJironal’shands.Soescapebecameurgent,anditwasdone.”

Pallihaddriftedovertolisten;dyBaociastrolleduptojointhem.

CazarilgavedyBaociaanod.“Yourladymotherwrotemeofpromisesofsupportfromyourfellowprovincars.Have

yougainedanymoreassurances?”

DyBaociarattledoffalistofnamesofmenhehadwrittento,orheardfrom.ItwasnotaslongasCazarilwouldhaveliked.

“Thuswords.Whatoftroops?”

DyBaociashrugged.“Twoofmyneighborshavepromised

morematerialsupporttoIselle,atneed.Theydon’trelishthesightofthechancellor’spersonaltroopsoccupyingoneofmytownsanymorethanIdo.Thethird—well,he’smarriedtooneofdyJironal’sdaughters.Hesitstightforthemoment,sayingaslittleaspossibletoanyone.”

“Understandable.WhereisdyJironalnow,doesanyone

know?”

“InCardegoss,wethink,”saidPalli.“TheDaughter’smilitaryorderstillremainswithoutaholygeneral.DyJironalfearedtoabsenthimselfforlongfromOrico’ssidelestdyYarringetinandpersuadeOricotohisparty.Oricohimselfishangingbyathread,dyYarrinreportssecretlytome.Sick,butnot,Ithink,witless;theroyaseems

tobeusinghisownillnesstodelaydecision,tryingtooffendnoone.”

“Soundsverylikehim.”CazarilfingeredhisbeardandglancedupatdyBaocia.“SpeakingoftheTemple’ssoldiers,howlargeaforceoftheBrother’sOrderisstationedinTaryoon?”

“Justacompany,abouttwohundredmen,”theprovincar

answered.“WearenotgarrisonedheavilylikeGuaridaorotheroftheprovincesborderingtheRoknariprincedoms.”

ThatwastwohundredmeninsideTaryoon’swalls,Cazarilreflected.

DyBaociareadhislook.“Thearchdivinewillhavespeechwiththeircommanderlatertonight.Ithinkthe

marriagetreatywilldomuchtopersuadehimthatthenewHeiressisloyalto,ah,thefutureofChalion.”

“Still,theydohavetheiroathsofobedience,”murmuredPalli.“Itwouldbepreferablenottostrainthemtobreaking.”

Cazarilconsideredridingtimesanddistances.“WordofIselle’sflightfromValenda

willsurelyhavereachedCardegossbynow.NewsofBergon’sarrivalmustfollowonitsheels.AtthatpointdyJironalwillseetheregencyhecounteduponslippingthroughhisfingers.”

DyBaociasmiledinelation.“Atthatpoint,itwillbeover.Eventsaremovingmuchfasterthanhe—orindeed,anyone—couldhaveanticipated.”Thesidelong

lookhecastCazariltingedrespectwithawe.

“Betterthatway,”saidCazaril.“Hemustnotbeprickedintomakingmoveshecannotlaterbackawayfrom.”Iftwosides,bothcursed,struckagainsteachotherincivilwar,itwasperfectlypossibleforbothsidestolose.ItwouldbetheperfectculminationoftheGoldenGeneral’sdeathgift

forallofChaliontocollapseinuponitselfinsuchagony.Winningconsistedoffinessingthestrugglesoastoavertbloodshed.AlthoughwhenBergonmovedIselleoutoftheshadow,itwouldpresumablyleavepoorOricostillinit,anddyJironalsharinghisnominalmaster’sfate…AndwhatofIsta,then?“Bluntly,muchdependsuponwhentheroyadies.Hecouldlinger,youknow.”Thecurse

wouldsurelytwistOricotowardwhateverfatewasmostghastly.Thiswouldseemamorereliableguideiftherewerenotsoverymanywaysdisasterscouldplayout.Umegat’smenageriehadbeenaverting,Cazarilrealized,adealmoreevilthanjustillhealth.“Lookingahead,wemustconsiderwhatsopstooffertoChancellordyJironal’spride—bothbeforeIselle’sascenttotheroyacy,

andafter.”

“Idon’tthinkhe’llbecontentwithsops,Caz,”Palliobjected.“He’sbeenroyaofChalioninallbutnameforoveradecade.”

“Thensurelyhemustbegettingtired,”sighedCazaril.“Someplumstohissonswouldsoftenhim.Familyloyaltyishisweakness,hisblindside.”Orsothecurse

suggested,whichdeformedallvirtuetoanobversevice.“Easehimout,butshowfavortohisclan…pullhisteethslowlyandgently,andit’sdone.”HeglancedupatBetriz,listeningintently;yes,shecouldbecountedontoreportthisdebatetoIselle,later.

Intheotherchamber,IselleandBergonrose.Shelaidherhandonhisprofferedarm,

andtheybothstoleshyglancesattheirpartner;twopersonslookingmorepleasedwitheachother,Cazarilwashardputtoimagine.AlthoughwhenIselleenteredthereceptionroomwithherfiancéandglancedaroundtriumphantlyattheassembledcompany,shelookedquiteaspleasedwithherself.Bergon’spridehadaslightlymoredazzledair,thoughhesparedCazaril,scramblingup

fromhisseat,areassuringlydeterminednod.

“TheHeiressofChalion,”saidIselle,andpaused.

“AndtheHeirofIbra,”Bergonputin.

“Arepleasedtoannouncethatwewilltakeourmarriageoaths,”Isellecontinued,“beforethegods,ournobleIbranguests,andthepeople

ofthistown…”

“InthetempleofTaryoonatnoonuponthedayaftertomorrow,”Bergonfinished.

Thelittlecrowdbrokeintocheersandcongratulations.And,Cazarilhadnodoubt,calculationsofthespeedatwhichacolumnofenemytroopsmightride;towhichtheanswerworkedout,Notthatfast.Unitedandmutually

strengthened,thetwoyoungleaderscouldmoveatneedthereafterinclosecoordination.OnceIsellewasmarriedoutfromunderthecurse,timewasontheirside.Everydaywouldgainthemmoresupport.Unstrungbythemostprofoundrelief,Cazarilsankbackintohischair,grinningwiththepainoftheanguishedcrampinhisgut.

25

Inapalacefranticwithpreparations,Cazarilfoundhimselfthenextdaytheonlymanwithnothingtodo.IsellehadarrivedinTaryoonwithlittlemorethantheclothessherodein;allofCazaril’scorrespondenceandbooksof

herchamberswerestillinCardegoss.Whenheattemptedtowaituponherandinquirewhatdutiesshedesiredofhim,hefoundherroomscrammedwithmildlyhystericaltire-womenbeingdirectedbyherAuntdyBaocia,allcharginginandoutwithpilesofgarmentsintheirarms.

Isellefoughtherheadoutthroughaswaddlingofsilks

togasp,“You’vejustriddenovereighthundredmilesonmybehalf.Gorest,Cazaril.”Sheheldherarmoutobedientlywhileawomantriedasleeveuponit.“No,better—composetwolettersformyuncle’sclerktocopyout,onetoalltheprovincarsofChalion,andonetoeveryTemplearchdivine,announcingmymarriage.Somethingtheycanreadouttothepeople.Thatshouldbe

anice,quiettask.Whenyouhaveallseventeen—no,sixteen—”

“Seventeen,”putinheraunt,fromthevicinityofherhem.“Yourunclewillwantoneforhischancelleryrecords.Standstraight.”

“Whenallaremadeready,setthemasideformeandBergontosigntomorrowafterthewedding,andthenseethat

theyaresentout.”Shenoddedfirmly,totheannoyanceofthetire-womantryingtoadjustherneckline.

Cazarilbowedhimselfoutbeforehewasstuckwithapin,andleanedamomentoverthegalleryrailing.

Thedaywasexquisitelyfair,promisingspring.Theskywasapale-washedblue,andmildsunlightfloodedthe

newlypavedcourtyard,wheregardenerswerecartinginorangetreesinfullflowerintubs,rollingthemouttostandaroundthenow-bubblingfountain.Hedivertedapassingservantandhadawritingtablebroughtoutandsetinthesunforhimself.Andachairwithathick,softcushion,becausewhilealotofthoseeighthundredmileswerenowablurinhismind,hisbackside

seemedtorememberthemall.Heleanedbackwiththewarmlightfallingonhisface,andhiseyesclosed,composinghisperiods,thenbentforwardtoscribble.DyBaocia’sclerkcarriedofftheresultsforcopyingoutinamuchfairerhandthanCazaril’ssoonenough,andthenhejustleanedbackwithhiseyesclosed,period.

Hedidn’tevenopenthemfor

theapproachingfootsteps,tillaclankonhistablesurprisedhim.Helookeduptofindaservant,directedbyLadyBetriz,settingdownatraywithtea,ajugofmilk,adishofdriedfruit,andbreadglazedwithnutsandhoney.Shedismissedtheservantandpouredtheteaherself,andpressedthebreaduponhim,sittingontheedgeofthefountaintowatchhimeatit.

“Yourfacelooksverygauntagain.Haven’tyoubeeneatingproperly?”sheinquiredseverely.

“Ihavenoidea.Whatlovelysunshinethisis!Ihopeitholdsthroughtomorrow.”

“LadydyBaociathinksitwill,thoughshesaidwemighthaverainagainbytheDaughter’sDay.”

Thescentoftheorangeblossomspooledintheshelterofthecourt,seemingtomixwiththehoneyinhismouth.Heswallowedteatochasethebreadandobservedinidlewonder,“Inthreedays’timeitwillbeexactlyayearsinceIwalkedintothecastleofValenda.Iwantedtobeascullion.”

Herdimpleflashed.“Iremember.Itwaslast

Daughter’sDayevethatwefirstmeteachother,attheProvincara’stable.”

“Oh,Isawyoubeforethat.RidingintothecourtyardwithIselleand…andTeidez.”AndpoordySanda.

Shelookedstricken.“Youdid?Wherewereyou?Ididn’tseeyou.”

“Sittingonthebenchbythe

wall.Youweretoobusybeingscoldedbyyourfatherforgallopingtonoticeme.”

“Oh.”Shesighed,andtrailedherhandthroughthefountain’slittlepool,thenshookoffthecolddropswithafrown.TheDaughterofSpringmighthavebreathedouttoday’sair,butitwasstillOldWinter’swater.“Itseemsahundredyearsago,notjustone.”

“Tome,itseemsaneyeblink.Time…outrunsmenow.WhichexplainswhyIwheezeso,nodoubt.”Headdedquietlyafteramoment,“HasIselleconfidedtoheruncleaboutthecurseweseektobreaktomorrow?”

“No,ofcoursenot.”Athisraisedbrows,sheadded,“IselleisIsta’sdaughter.Shecannotspeakofit,lestmensaysheismad,too.Anduse

itasanexcusetoseize…everything.DyJironalthoughtofit.AtTeidez’sinterment,henevermissedachancetopasssomelittlecommentonIselletoanylordorprovincarinearshot.Ifshewept,wasn’tittooextravagant;ifshelaughed,howoddthatsheshoulddosoatherbrother’sfuneral;ifshespoke,hewhisperedthatshewasfrenetic;ifshefellsilent,wasn’tshegrown

strangelygloomy?Andyoucouldjustwatchmenbegintoseewhathetoldthemtheywereseeing,whetheritwasthereornot.Towardtheendofhisvisitthere,heevensaidsuchthingsinherhearing,toseeifhecouldfrightenandenrageher,andthenaccuseherofbecominganunbalancedvirago.Andhecirculatedoutrightlies,aswell.ButIandNanandtheProvincarawereontohislittle

gamebythen,andwewarnedIselle,andshekepthertemperinhiscompany.”

“Ah.Excellentgirl.”

Shenodded.“Butassoonasweheardthechancellor’smenwerecomingtofetchherbacktoCardegoss,IsellewasfrantictoescapeValenda.Becauseoncehe’dgotherclose-confined,hecouldputaboutanystoryhepleasedof

herbehavior,andwhowouldtherebetodenyit?HemightgettheprovincarsofChaliontoapprovetheextensionofhisregencyforthepoormadgirlforaslongashepleased,withouteverhavingtoraiseasword.”Shetookabreath.“Andsoshedaresnotmentionthecurse.”

“Isee.Sheiswisetobewary.Well,thegodswillingitwillsoonbeover.”

“ThegodsandtheCastillardyCazaril.”

Hemadealittlewardinggestureandtookanothersipoftea.“WhendiddyJironallearnIwasgonetoIbra?”

“Idon’tthinkheguessedanythingtillafterthecortegereachedValenda,andyouweren’ttobefoundthere.TheoldProvincarasaidhereceivedsomereportsfrom

hisIbranspies—Ithinkthat’spartlywhy,anxiousashewastogetbackandblockdyYarrinfromOrico,hewouldnotleaveValendatillhehadhisownhouseholdtroopsinstalledthere.”

“Hesentassassinstointerceptmeattheborder.IwonderifhethoughtIwouldjustbereturningalone,withthenextroundofnegotiations?Idon’tthinkhe

expectedRoyseBergonsosoon.”

“Noonedid.ExceptIselle.”Sherubbedherfingersacrossthefineblackwoolofhervest-cloaklyingoverherknee.Hernextglanceupathimwasuncomfortablypenetrating.“WhileyouhavespentyourselftryingtosaveIselle…haveyoudiscoveredhowtosaveyourself?”

Hewassilentamoment,thensaidsimply,“No.”

“It’s…it’snotright.”

Heglancedvaguelyaroundthedeliciouslysunnycourt,avoidinghereyes.“Ilikethisnicenewbuilding.Ithasnoghostsinitatall,doyouknow?”

“You’rechangingthesubject.”Herfrown

deepened.“Youdothatalotwhenyoudon’twanttotalkaboutsomething.Ijustrealized.”

“Betriz…”Hesoftenedhisvoice.“OurfeetweresetondifferentpathsfromthenightIcalleddowndeathuponDondo.Ican’tgoback.Youaregoingtobeliving,andIamnot.Wecan’tgoontogether,evenif…well,wejustcan’t.”

“Youdon’tknowhowmuchtimeyou’regiven.Itcouldbeweeks.Months.Butifanhourisallthegiftthegodsgiveus,allthemoreinsulttothegodstoscornit.”

“It’snottheshortageoftime.”Heshiftedmiserably.“It’stheabundanceofcompany.Thinkofusalonetogether—you,me,Dondo,thedeathdemon…amInotahorrortoyou?”Histonegrew

almostpleading.“IassureyouI’mahorrortome!”

Sheglancedathisgut,thenstaredoffacrossthecourtyard,herjawsetmulishly.“Idonotbelievethatbeinghauntediscatching.DoyouthinkIlackthecourage?”

“Neverthat,”hebreathed.

Sheaddressedherfeetina

growl.“I’dstormheavenforyou,ifIknewwhereitwas.”

“What,didn’tyoureadoldOrdol’sbookwhileyouwerehelpingIsellecipherthoseletters?Heclaimsthatthegods,andwe,arebothrighthereallthetime,ashadow’sthicknessapart.We’venodistancetocrossatalltogettoeachother.”IcanseetheirworldfromwhereIsit,infact.SoOrdolwasright.“But

youcannotforcethegods.It’sonlyfair,Isuppose.Theycannotforceus,either.”

“You’redoingitagain.Twistingthetopic.”

“Whatareyouplanningtoweartomorrow?Shallitbepretty?You’renotallowedtooutshinethebride,youknow.”

Sheglaredathim.

Uponthegallery,LadydyBaociapoppedoutofIselle’schambersandcalleddowntoBetrizacomplicatedquestioninvolvingwhatseemedtoCazarilagreatmanydifferentfabrics.Betrizwavedbackandrosereluctantlytoherfeet.Sheflungrathersharplyoverhershoulder,asshemadeforthestaircase,“Well,thatmayallbeso,andyouasdoomedasyouplease,butifI’mthrownfromahorse

tomorrowandbreakmyneck,Ihopeyoufeelafool!”

“Moreofafool,”hemurmuredtotheswishofherretreatingskirts.Thebrightcourtyardwasablurinhisdisobedienteyes,andherubbedthemclearwithahard,surreptitiousswipeofhissleeve.

THEWEDDINGDAYDAWNEDASFAIRASHOPED.Theorange-

blossom-scentedcourtyardwascrowdedasitcouldholdwhenIselle,attendedbyherauntandBetriz,appearedatthetopofthegallerystairs.Cazariltiltedhisfaceupandsquintedhappily.Thetire-womenhadperformedheroicfeatswithsilksandsatins,garbingherinalltheshadesofblueproperforabride.Herbluevest-cloakwastrimmedwithasmanyIbranpearlsascouldbefoundinTaryoon,

patternedasafriezeofstylizedleopards.Asmatteringofapplausebrokeoutas,movingalittlestifflyinallherfinery,shesmiledanddescendedthesteps.Herhairgleamedlikeariveroftreasureinthesunlight.TwodyBaociagirl-cousinsmanagedhertrain,underthesporadicdirectionoftheirmother.Eventhecurseseemedtowrapaboutherlikesometrailingsablerobe.But

notformuchlonger…

CazarilobedientlyfellinbesideProvincardyBaocia,andsofoundhimselfhelpingtoleadtheparadeafootthroughtwistingstreetstoTaryoon’snearbytemple.Throughawonderofcoordination,Bergon’sprocessionfromMarchdyHuesta’spalacearrivedatthetempleporticosimultaneouslywithIselle’s.

Theroyseworetheredsandorangesofhisageandsex,andanexpressionofdeterminedbraverythatwouldnothavebeenoutofplaceonamanstormingabastion.Palliandhisdozensoldier-brothersincourtdressoftheirorderhadjoinedtheroyse’spartyalongwithFoixandFerda,soasnottolettheIbranslook,andperhapsfeel,sooutnumbered.Despitetheshortnotice,Cazaril

calculatedthatoverathousandpersonsofrankcrowdedintothetemple’sroundcentercourt;andwhatseemedtheentirecitizenryofTaryoonlinedtheroutesoftheroyesseandroyse.Afestivalmoodhadclearlyseizedthecity.

Thetwoprocessionscoalescedinaswirlofcolorandenteredthesacredprecincts.Taryoonhadgood

templesingers,andtheenthusiasticchoirmadethewallsfairlyringwiththeirsongs.Theyoungcouple,ledbythearchdivine,enteredeachofthetemple’slobesinturn.Theykneltandprayeduponnewcarpetsfortheblessingofeachgod:totheDaughterandtheSon,inthanksfortheirprotectioninlife’sjourneysofar;andtotheMotherandtheFather,inhopesofpassingintotheir

companyinduecourse.

Bytheologyandtradition,theBastardhadnoofficialplaceinaceremonyofmarriage,butallprudentcouplessentaplacatinggiftanyway.CazarilanddyTagillehadbeencommissionedtoplayholycourierstoday.TheyreceivedtheofferingsfromBergonandIselleand,alongwithasmallbutearnestlylouddetachmentofsinging

children,marchedaroundtheoutsideofthemainbuildingtotheBastard’stower.Asmiling,white-robeddivinestoodreadytoreceivetheminsideatthealtar.

Theroyalcouplehadbeenforcedtoborrowclothes,money,food,andhousingforthisday,butBergondidnotshortchangethegod;dyTagillelaiddownafatpurseofIbrangoldalongwithhis

prayers.Isellesentapromise,writteninherownhand,toundertakepaymentofroofrepairsupontheBastard’stowerinCardegosswhenshebecameroyinathere.Cazariladdedagiftofhisown—theblood-taintedropeofpearls,alltheresidueofDondo’sbrokenstringthathadnotfallentothebrigands.Suchadifficultandcurseditemwas,absolutelywithoutquestion,thegod’sjustaffair,and

Cazarilbreathedasighofreliefwhenitwasoffhishandsatlast.

ProceedingbackalongthewalkwayfromtheBastard’stowerbehindtheslightlywobblychoirofurchins,Cazarilglancedatthecrowdandcaughthisbreath.Aman,middle-aged—aroundhimhungasubduedgraylightlikeawinter’sday.WhenCazarilclosedhiseyes,the

faintlightstillglowedthere.Helookedagainwithhisfirstsight.Themanworetheblack-and-grayrobesandredshoulderbraidofanofficeroftheTaryoonMunicipalCourt—probablyapettyjudge.AndpettysaintoftheFather,asClarahadbeenoftheMotherinCardegoss…?

ThemanwasstaringbackatCazarilinopenmouthedastonishment,hisface

drained.Therewasnochanceforthemtoexchangeanywordhere,asCazarilwasdrawnbackintotheceremoniesinsidethehigh,echoingcourtofthetemple,butCazarilresolvedtoaskthearchdivineabouthimatthefirstopportunity.

Atthecentralfire,thenewlymarriedroyseandroyesseeachmadeashortspeech,thenthearchdivine,Cazaril,

andeveryoneelseparadedbackthroughthebanner-hungstreetstodyBaocia’snewpalace.There,agrandfeastwaslaidontofilltheafternoonandthecelebratorstohappyrepletion.Thefoodwasallthemoreamazingforhavingbeenassembledinjusttwodays;CazarilsuspectedsupplieshadbeenrobbedfromtheDaughter’sDayfestival,comingup.Buthedidn’tthinkthegoddess

wouldbegrudgethem.Asprincipalguests,bothCazarilandthearchdivinehadplacestohold,sohedidn’tgetachanceforprivatespeechuntiltheafter-dinnermusicanddancingdrewtheyoungerpeopleofftothecourtyards.Atthatpoint,thetwomenhesoughtfoundhim.

Thepettyjudgestoodatthearchdivine’sshoulderlooking

unnerved.Cazarilandheexchangedasidelonglookasthearchdivineperformedahastyintroduction.

“MylorddyCazaril—mayIpresenttoyoutheHonorablePaginine.HeservesthemunicipalityofTaryoon…”Thearchdivineloweredhisvoice.“Hesaysyouaregod-touched.Isthisso?”

“Alas,yes,”sighedCazaril.

PagininenoddedinanIthoughtsosortofway.Cazarilglancedaroundanddrewthepairaside.Itwashardtofindaprivatespot;theyendedupinatinyinnercourtoffoneofthepalace’ssideentrances.Musicandlaughtercarriedthroughthedarkeningair.Aservantlittorchesinwallbracketsandreturnedinside.Overhead,highcloudsmovedacrossthefirststars.

“YourcolleaguethearchdivineofCardegossknowsallaboutme,”CazariltoldthearchdivineofTaryoon.

“Oh.”Thearchdivineblinkedandlookedvastlyrelieved.Cazarilthoughtitwasamisplacedconfidence,butheelectednottorobitfromhim.“Mendenalisanexcellentfellow.”

“TheFatherofWinterhasgivenyousomegift,Isee,”Cazarilsaidtothepettyjudge.“Whatisit?”

Paginineduckedhisheadnervously.“Sometimes—noteverytime—Hepermitsmetoknowwhoislyinginmyjusticiar’schamber,andwhoistellingthetruth.”Pagininehesitated.“Itdoesn’talwaysdoasmuchgoodasyou’dthink.”

Cazarilventedashortlaugh.

PagininebrightenedvisiblytobothCazaril’sinnerandoutereye,andsmileddryly.“Ah,youunderstand.”

“Oh,yes.”

“Butyou,sir…”Paginineturnedtothearchdivinewithatroubledlook.“Isaidgod-touched,butthathardlydescribeswhatI’mseeing.

It…italmosthurtstolookathim.ThreetimessinceIwasgiventhesightIhavemetotherswhoarealsogod-afflicted,butI’veneverseenanythinglikehim.”

“SaintUmegatinCardegosssaidIlookedlikeaburningcity,”Cazariladmitted.

“That’s…”Paginineeyedhimsidewise.“That’swellput.”

“Hewasamanofwords.”Once.

“Whatisyourgift?”

“I,uh…IthinkIamthegift,actually.TotheRoyesseIselle.”

Thearchdivinetouchedhishandtohislips,thenhastilysignedhimself.“Sothatexplainsthestoriescirculatingaboutyou!”

“Whatstories?”saidCazarilinbewilderment.

“ButLordCazaril,”thejudgebrokein,“whatisthatterribleshadowhangingaboutRoyesseIselle?Thatisnogodlything!Doyouseeit,too?”

“I’m…workingonit.Gettingridofthatuglythingseemstobemygod-giventask.IthinkI’malmostdone.”

“Oh,that’sarelief.”Pagininelookedmuchhappier.

CazarilrealizedhewantednothingsomuchastotakePaginineasidetotalkshop.Howdoyoudealwiththesematters?Thearchdivinemightbepious,perhapsagoodadministrator,possiblyalearnedtheologian,butCazarilsuspectedhedidn’tunderstandthediscomfortsofthesainttrade.Paginine’s

bittersmiletoldall.Cazarilwantedtogogetdrunkwithhim,andcomparecomplaints.

ToCazaril’sembarrassment,thearchdivinebowedlowtohim,andsaidinanawed,hushedvoice,“BlessedSir,isthereanythingIcandoforyou?”

Betriz’squestionechoedinhismind,Haveyoudiscoveredhowtosave

yourself?Maybeyoucouldn’tsaveyourself.Maybeyouhadtotaketurnssavingeachother…“Tonight,no.Tomorrow…laterintheweek,thereisapersonalmatterIshouldliketowaituponyouabout.IfImay.”

“Certainly,BlessedSir.Iamatyourservice.”

Theyreturnedtotheparty.Cazarilwasexhausted,and

longedforbed,butthecourtyardbelowhischamberdoorwasfullofnoisyrevelers.AbreathlessBetrizaskedhimoncetodance,fromwhichexercisehesmilinglyexcusedhimself;shedidn’tlackforpartners.Hergazecheckedhimoften,ashesatwatchingfromthewallandnursinghiswateredwine.Hedidnotlackforcompany,asastringofmenandwomenstruckupfriendly

conversationswithhim,anglingforemploymentinthefutureroyina’scourt.Toallofthemhereturnedcourteousbutnoncommittalreplies.

TheIbranlordswerecollectingChalioneseladiesratherasspilledhoneycollectedants,andlookingveryhappyindeed.Halfwaythroughtheevening,LorddyCembuerarrived,completing

theircompanyandtheirdelight.TheIbransexchangedtalesoftheirrespectivejourneys,totheaweandfascinationoftheireagerChalioneselisteners.ToCazaril’sintensepoliticalpleasure,Bergonwascastastheheroofthisromanticadventure,withIsellenolessasheroineforhernightridefromValenda.Asappealingunifyingmythswent,thisonewasgoingtobeatdyJironal’s

feeblefableofPoorMadIselleallhollow,Cazarilratherthought.Andourtaleistrue!

AtlastcamethehourandtheceremonyCazarilhadbeenbreathlesslyawaiting,whereBergonandIsellewereconducteduptotheirbedchamber.Neither,Cazarilwaspleasedtonote,haddrunkenoughtobecomeinebriated.Sincehisown

winehadsomehowgrownlesswateredastheeveningprogressed,hefoundhimselfalittletongue-tiedwhentheroyseandroyessecalledhimuptothefootofthestaircasetogiveandreceiveceremonialkissesofthanksupontheirhands.Moved,hesignedhimselfandcalleddownhopefulblessingsontheirheads.Thesolemngratefulintensityoftheirreturngazesdiscomfitedhim.

LadydyBaociahadarrangedasmallchoirtosingprayerstowaftthecoupleontheirwayupstairs;thecrystalvoicesservedtosuppresstheribaldrytomanageableproportions.Isellewasnomorethanbeautifullyblushingandstarry-eyedwhensheandBergonleanedovertherailingtogivesmilingthankstoall,andthrowdownflowers.

Theydisappearedintothecandlelitglowoftheirsuite,andthedoorsswungshutbehindthem.TwoofdyBaocia’sofficerstookupstationonthegallerytoguardtheirrepose.Inalittlewhile,mostofthetire-womenandattendantsemerged,includingLadyBetriz.ShewasinstantlycarriedoffbyPallianddyTagilleformoredancing.

Therevelslookedtocontinuetilldawn,buttoCazaril’sreliefamistyrainbegantosiftdownoutofthechillingsky,drivingthemusiciansanddancersoutofhiscourtyardandindoorstotheadjoiningbuilding.Slowly,hishandheavyontherailing,Cazarilclimbedthestairstohisownchamber,aroundthegallerycornerfromtheroyseandroyesse’s.Mydutyisdone.Nowwhat?

Hescarcelyknew.Avastmoralterrorseemedliftedfromhisshoulders.Onlyhewouldliveanddiebyhischoices—andmistakes—now.Irefusetoregret.Iwillnotlookback.Amomentofbalance,onthecuspofpastandfuture.

Heratherthoughthewouldlookupthelittlejudgeagaintomorrow.Theman’scompanymightwellrelieve

hisloneliness.

ACTUALLY,I’MNOTNEARLYLONELYENOUGH,hethoughtnotmuchlaterasDondo’sincoherentobscenebellows,releasedbytheirhourofascendance,cameroaringuptohisinwardear.ThesunderedghostwasmorewildwithfurytonightthanCazarilhadeverexperiencedit,itslastvestigesofintelligenceandsanity

shreddingawayinitsrage.Cazarilcouldimaginewhy,andgrinnedthroughhisagonyasherolledonhisbed,curledaroundtheghastlypulsingpaininhisbelly.

Healmostblackedout,thenforcedhimselfup,andtoconsciousness,horrifiedbythepossibilitythatthefiendishlyarousedDondomighttrytotakeoverhisbodywhilehewasstillalive

initanduseitforsomevileassaultuponIselleandBergon.Hewrithedonthefloorinsomethingresemblingconvulsions,chokingbackthescreamsandfilththattriedtoflyfromhismouth,nolongersurewhosewordstheywere.

Whentheattackpassed,helaypantingonthecoldboards,hisnightgownruckeduparoundhimself,his

fingernailstornandbloody.Hehadvomited,andlayinit.Hetouchedhiswetbeardtofindspittleflayedtofoamhangingaroundhislips.Hisstomach—orhadthatgrotesqueout-bulgingbeenadream?—hadreturnedtoitsformermilddistension,thoughhiswholeabdominalsheetstillachedandquiveredliketornmusclesaftersomeovertorquedexertion.

Ican’tgoonlikethismuchlonger.Somethinghadtogiveway—hisbody,hissanity,hisbreath.Hisfaith.Something.

Herose,andcleanedupthefloor,andwashedhimselfathisbasinandfoundacleandryshirtforanightdress,thenstraightenedhissweat-stainedtwistedsheets,litallthecandlesintheroom,andcrawledbackintobed.Helay

eyeswide,devouringthelight.

ATLENGTH,THESOUNDSOFSERVANTS’MURMURSandquietfootstepsalongthegallerytoldhimthepalacewasawakening.Hemusthavedozed,forhiscandleswereburnedout,andhedidn’trememberthemguttering.Graylightseepedinunderhisdoorandthroughhisshutters.

Therewouldbemorningprayers.Morningprayersseemedagoodplan,eveniftheideaofattemptingtomovewasdaunting.Cazarilrose.Slowly.Well,hiswasn’tgoingtobetheonlyhangoverinTaryoonthismorning.Evenifhehadn’tbeendrunk.Thehouseholdhadputoffcourtmourningforthewedding;heselectedamongthegarmentsthathadbeenbestoweduponhim,

achievingwhathehopedwasasoberyetcheerfulresult.

Hewentdowntothecourtyardtoawaitthesunandtheyoungpeople.Nosunwastobehadyet;therainhadstopped,buttheskywascloudedandchill.Cazarilusedhishandkerchieftodrythestoneedgeofthefountainandseatedhimself.Heexchangedasmileandagoodmorningwithanold

servingwomanwhopassedbywithlinens.Acrowstalkedaboutonthefarendofthecourtyard,lookingfordroppedscrapsoffood.Cazarilexchangedatiltedstarewithit,butthebirdevincednospecialfascinationwithhim.Uponconsideration,hewasmorerelievedthanotherwiseatitsavianindifference.

Atlast,uponthegallery,the

doorsCazarilwaswaitingforswungopen.ThesleepyBaocianguardsbracketingthemstoodtoattention.Women’svoicessounded,andoneman’s,lowandcheerful.BergonandIselleappeared,dressedformorningprayers,herhandsetlightlyuponhisprofferedarm.Theyswungabouttodescendthestairssidebyside,andsteppedoutofthegallery’sshadow.

No…theshadowfollowedthem.

Cazarilsqueezedhiseyesshutandopenagain.Hisbreathstopped.

ThechokingcloudthatwrappedIselle,nowwrappedBergon,too.

Isellesmiledacrossatherhusband,andBergonsmiledbackather;lastnight,they

hadlookedexcitedandtiredandalittlescared.Thismorning,theylookedliketwopeopleinlove.Withblacknessboilinguparoundthembothlikethesmokefromaburningship.

Astheyapproached,Isellesanghimacheerful,“Goodmorning,LordCaz!”

Bergongrinned,andsaid,“Willyounotjoinus,sir?We

havemuchtogivethankstogetherforthismorning,dowenot?”

Cazaril’slipsdrewbackonthetravestyofasmile.“I…I…alittlelater.Ileftsomethinginmyroom.”

Heheavedhimselfupandrushedpastthemupthestairs.Heturnedandlookedagainfromthegalleryastheypassedoutofthecourtyard.

Stilltrailingshadows.

Heslammedthedoorofhischamberbehindhimselfandstoodgasping,almostweeping.Gods.Gods.WhathaveIdone?

Ihaven’tfreedIselle.I’vecursedBergon.

26

Distraught,Cazarilkepttohischamberallmorning.Intheafternoonapageknocked,withtheunwelcomenewsthattheroyseandroyessedesiredhimtoattenduponthemintheirrooms.Cazarilconsideredfeigningillness,

thoughhehardlyneedfeign.No,forIsellewouldsurelybringphysiciansdownuponhim,probablyinpacks—herememberedthelasttime,withRojeras,andshuddered.Withaboundlessreluctance,hestraightenedhisgarments,makinghimselfpresentable,andwalkedoutaroundthegallerytotheroyalsuite.

Thesittingroom’shighcasementwindowswereopen

tothecoolspringlight.IselleandBergon,stillinfestivedressfromthenoonbanquetattheMarchdyHuesta’spalace,awaitedhim.Theysataroundthecornerfromeachotheratatablethatborepaper,parchment,andnewpens,withathirdchairpulledinvitinglytotheotherside.Theirheads,amberandbrown,werebenttogetherinlow-voicedconversation.Theshadowstillboiledslowly

aroundthem,viscousashottar.AtCazaril’sstep,theybothlookedupathimandsmiled.Hemoistenedhislipsandbowed,hisfacestiff.

Isellegesturedatthepapers.“OurnextmosturgenttaskistocomposealettertomybrotherOrico,toacquainthimofthestepswehavetaken,andassurehimofourmostloyalsubmission.Ithinkweshouldincludeextractsof

allthearticlesofourmarriagemostfavorabletoChalion,tohelpreconcilehimtoit,don’tyouthink?”

Cazarilclearedhisthroatandswallowed.

Bergon’sbrowsdrewinward.“Caz,youlookaspaleasa…um.Areyouallright?Please,sitdown!”

Cazarilmanagedatiny

headshake.Againhewastemptedtofleeintosomemalingeringlie—orhalf-truth,now,forhewasfeelingsickenough.“Nothingisallright,”hewhispered.Hesanktoonekneebeforetheroyse.“Ihavemadeavastmistake.I’msorry.I’msorry.”

Iselle’swary,startledfaceblurredinhisvision.“LordCaz…?”

“Yourmarriage”—heswallowedagain,andforcedhisnumblipstospeakon—“hasnotliftedthecursefromIselleasI’dhoped.Instead,ithasspreadittoyouboth.”

“What?”breathedBergon.

TearscloggedCazaril’svoice.“AndnowIknownotwhattodo…”

“Howdoyouknowthis?”Iselleaskedurgently.

“Icanseeit.Icanseeitonyoubothnow.Ifanything,it’sevendarkerandthicker.Moregrasping.”

Bergon’slipspartedindismay.“DidI…didwedosomethingwrong?Somehow?”

“No,no!ButbothSaraand

IstamarriedintotheHouseofChalion,andintothecurse.Ithoughtitwasbecausemenandwomenweredifferent,thatitsomehowfollowedthemalelineofFonsa’sheirsalongwiththename.”

“ButIamFonsa’sheir,too,”saidIselleslowly.“Andfleshandbloodaremorethanjustnames.Whentwobecomewed,itdoesn’tmeanthatonedisappearsandonlytheother

remains.Wearejoined,notsubsumed.Oh,istherenothingwecando?Theremustbesomething!”

“Istasaid,”Cazarilbegan,andstopped.HewasnotatallsurehewantedtotellthesetwodecisiveyoungpeoplewhatIstahadsaid.Isellemighttakethoughtagain…

Ignoranceisnotstupidity,butitmightaswellbe,Isellehad

cried.Itwasmuchtoolatetoshelterhernow.Bythewrathofthegods,shewastobethenextroyinaofChalion.Withtherighttorulecamethedutytoprotect—theprivilegeofreceivingprotectionhadtobeleftbehindwithchildhood’sothertoys.Evenprotectionfrombitterknowledge.Especiallyfromknowledge.

Cazarilswallowedtounlockhisthroat.“Istasaidtherewas

anotherway.”

Heclimbedintothechairandsatheavily.Inabrokenvoice,intermssoplainastobealmostbrutal,CazarilrepeatedthetaleIstahadtoldhimofLorddyLutez,RoyaIas,andhervisionofthegoddess.OfthetwodarkhellishnightsintheZangre’sdungeonswiththeboundmanandthevatoficywater.Whenhefinished,bothhis

listenerswerepaleandstaring.

“Ithought—Ifeared—Imightbetheone,”Cazarilsaid.“BecauseofthenightItriedtobartermylifeforDondo’sdeath.IwasterrifiedthatImightbetheone.Iselle’sdyLutez,asIstanamedme.ButIswearbeforeallthegods,ifIthoughtitwouldwork,I’dhaveyoutakemeoutsiderightnowanddrownmein

thecourtyardfountain.Twice.ButIcannotbecomethesacrificenow.Myseconddeathmustbemylast,forthedeathdemonwillflyawaywithmysoulandDondo’s,andIdon’tseehowtherecanbeanygettingitbackintomybodythen.”Herubbedhisweteyeswiththebackofhishand.

Bergongazedathisnewwifeasifhiseyescouldswallow

her.Hefinallysaidhuskily,“Whataboutme?”

“What?”saidIselle.

“Iundertooktocomeheretosaveyoufromthisthing.So,themethod’sjustgotalittleharder,that’sall.I’mnotafraidofthewater.Whatifyoudrownedme?”

Cazaril’sandIselle’sinstantproteststumbledouttogether;

Cazarilgavewaywithalittlewaveofhishand.Isellerepeated,“Itwastriedonce.Itwastried,anditdidn’twork.I’mnotabouttodrowneitheroneofyou,thankyouverymuch!No,norhangyoueither,noranyotherhorridthingyoucanthinkof.No!”

“Besides,”Cazarilputin,“thegoddess’swordswere,amanmustlaydownhislifethreetimesfortheHouseof

Chalion.NotoftheHouseofChalion.”Atleast,accordingtoIsta.Hadsherepeatedhervisionverbatim?Ordidherwordsembedsometreacherouserror?Nevermind,solongastheydeterredBergonfromhishorrifyingsuggestion.“Idon’tthinkyoucanbreakthecursefromtheinside,oritwouldhavebeenIas,notdyLutez,whoputhimselfintothebarrel.And,fivegodsforgiveme,Bergon,

youarenowinsidethisthing.”

“Itfeelswronganyway,”saidIselle,hereyesnarrowing.“Somekindofcheat.WhatwasthatthingyoutoldmeSaintUmegatsaid,whenyou’daskedhimwhatyoushoulddo?Aboutdailyduties?”

“HesaidIshoulddomydailydutiesastheycametome.”

“Well,andso.Surelythegodsarenotdonewithus.”Shedrummedherfingersonthetabletop.“Itoccurstome…mymotherlaydowntwiceinchildbedfortheHouseofChalion.Sheneverhadthechanceforathirdsuchtrial.Thatiscertainlyadutythatthegodsgivetoone.”

Cazarilconsideredthehavocthatthecursemightwreak,

intersectingwiththehazardsofpregnancyandchildbirthasithadintersectedwiththechancesofIas’sandOrico’sbattles,andshivered.BarrennesslikeSara’swastheleastofthepotentialdisasters.“Fivegods,Iselle,Ithinkwe’ddobettertoputmeintothebarrel.”

“Andbesides,”saidBergon,“thegoddesssaidaman.Shedidsayaman,didn’tShe,

Caz?”

“Uh…thatwasLadyIsta’saccountofthewords,yes.”

“Thedivinessay,whenthegodsinstructmenintheirpiousduties,theymeanwomen,too,”Isellegrowled.“Youcan’thaveitbothways.Anyway,Ilivedunderthecurseforsixteenyears,unknowing.Isurvivedsomehow.”

Butit’sgettingworsenow.Stronger.Teidez’sdeathseemedafairexampletoCazarilofitsworkingout—theboy’sspecialstrengthsandvirtues,fewastheyhadbeen,alltwistedtoadireill.IselleandBergonbetweenthemhadmanystrengthsandvirtues.Thescopeforthecurse’sdistortionswasimmense.

IselleandBergonwere

grippinghandsacrossthetabletop.Iselleknuckledhereyeswithherfreehand,pinchedthebridgeofhernose,andsniffeddeeply.

“Curseornocurse,”shesaid,“wemustmakedutifulsubmissiontoOrico,andatonce.SothatdyJironalcannotdeclaremetobeinrevolt.IfonlyIwerebyOrico,IknowIcouldpersuadehimofthebenefitof

thismarriagetoChalion!”

“Oricoisverypersuadable,”Cazariladmitteddryly.“It’smakinghimstaypersuadedthat’sthedifficultpart.”

“Yes,andIdon’tforgetforamomentthatdyJironaliswithOricoinCardegoss.Mygreatestfearisthatthechancellormay,uponhearingthisnews,somehowpersuadeOricotoagainchangethe

termsofhiswill.”

“AttachenoughoftheprovincarsofChaliontoyourparty,Royesse,andtheymaybewillingtohelpyouresistanysuchlatecodicils.”

Isellefrowneddeeply.“IwishwemightgouptoCardegoss.IshouldbebyOrico,ifthisprovestobehisdeathbed.Weshouldbeinthecapitalwheneventsunfold.”

Cazarilpaused,thensaid,“Difficult.YoumustnotputyourselfindyJironal’shands.”

“Ihadnotplannedtogounattended.”Hersmileflasheddarkly,likethemoononaknifeblade.“Butweshouldseizeeverylegalnicetyaswellaseverytacticaladvantage.ItwouldbewelltoremindthelordsofChalionthatallthe

chancellor’slegalpowerflowstohimthroughtheroya.Only.”

Bergonsaiduneasily,“YouknowthemanbetterthanIdo.DoyouthinkdyJironalwilljustsitstillatthisnews?”

“Thelongerhecanbeinducedtosit,thebetter.Wegainsupportdaily.”

“Haveyouheardanythingof

dyJironal’sresponse?”Cazarilasked.

“Notyet,”saidBergon.

Thetimelagranbothways,alas.“Letmeknowatonceifyoudo.”Cazarildrewalongbreath,flattenedoutacleansheetofpaper,andpickedupaquill.“Now.Howdoyoutwowishtostyleyourselves…?”

THEPROBLEMOFHOWTODELIVERTHISPOLITICALLYvitalmissivewasatrifledelicate,Cazarilreflected,crossingthecourtyardbelowtheroyalchamberswiththesignedandsealeddocumentinhishands.ItwouldnotdototossitintoacourierbagfordeliveryatthegalloptotheZangreChancellery.Thearticleneededadelegationofmenofranknotonlytogiveit,andIselleandBergon,the

properweight,butalsotoassurethatitwasdeliveredtoOricoandnotdyJironal.Trustworthymenmustreadtheletteroutaccuratelytothedyingroyainhisblindness,andgivepoliticanswerstoanyquestionsOricomighthaveabouthissister’sprecipitatenuptials.Lordsanddivines—someofeach,Cazarildecided.Iselle’sunclewasfittedtorecommendsuitablemenwhomightride

outfast,andtonight.Hisstridelengthened,ashestartedinsearchofapageorservanttotellhimdyBaocia’swhereabouts.

Underthetiledarchwayintothecourt,hemetPallianddyBaociahimself,hurryingin.They,too,bothstillworetheirbanquetgarb.

“Caz!”Pallihailedhim.“Wherewereyouatdinner?”

“Resting.I…hadabadnight.”

“What,andhereI’dhaveswornyouweretheonlyoneofuswhowenttobedsober.”

Cazarilletthisonepass.“What’sthis?”

Palliheldupasheafofopenedletters.“NewsfromdyYarrininCardegoss,sentinhastebyTemplecourier.I

thoughttheroyseandroyesseshouldknowatonce.DyJironalrodeoutoftheZangrebeforemidmorningyesterday,noneknowswhere.”

“Didhetaketroops—no,tellitonce.Comeon.”Cazarilturnedonhisheelandledthewaybackupthegallerystairstotheroyalchambers.OneofIselle’sservantsadmittedthem,andwenttobringtheyoungcoupleouttothe

sittingroomagain.WhiletheywerewaitingCazarilshowedthemthelettertoOricoandexplaineditscontents.Theprovincarnoddedjudiciously,andnamedsomelikelylordsforthetaskofcarryingittoCardegoss.

IselleandBergonentered,Isellestillpattingherbraidedhairintoplace,andthethreemenbowedtothem.Royse

Bergon,atoncealerttothepapersinPalli’shand,badethembeseatedaroundthetable.

PallirepeatedhisnewsofdyJironal.“Thechancellortookonlyalightforceofhishouseholdcavalry.ItseemedtodyYarrinthathemeanttorideeitherashortway,orveryfast.”

“Whatnewsofmybrother

Orico?”askedIselle.

“Well,here…”Pallipassedthelettertoherforexamination.“WithdyJironaloutoftheway,dyYarrintriedatoncetogetintoseetheroya,butRoyinaSarasaidhewasasleep,andrefusedtodisturbhisrestforanysupplication.SinceshehadundertakentosmuggleindyYarrinbeforedespitedyJironal,hefearstheroyamay

havetakenaturnfortheworse.”

“What’stheotherletter?”askedBergon.

“Oldnews,butinterestingallthesame,”saidPalli.“Cazaril,whatintheworldistheoldarchdivinesayingaboutyou?ThecommanderoftheTaryoontroopoftheOrderoftheSoncametome,alla-tremble—heseemsto

thinkyou’regod-touchedanddaresnotapproachyou.HewantedtotalktoamanwhoboreTempleoathslikehimself.He’dreceivedacopyofanorderthathadgoneoutfromtheChancellerytoallthemilitarypostsoftheOrderoftheSoninwesternChalion—foryourarrest,ifitpleaseyou,fortreason.Youareslandered—”

“Again?”murmuredCazaril,

takingtheletter.

“AndaccusedofsneakingintoIbratosellChaliontotheFox.Which,sincealltheworldnowknowstherealcase,fallsatrifleflat.”

Cazarilscanneddowntheorder.“Isee.Thiswashisnettocatchmeifhisassassinsfailedattheborder.Hesetitoutabittoolate,I’mafraid.Asyousay,oldnews.”

“Yes,butithasasequel.ThisobedientfoolofatroopcommandersentaletterinturntodyJironal,admittinghe’dseenyoubutexcusinghimselffromarrestingyou.Heprotestedthatthearrestorderwasclearlyamisapprehension.ThatyouhadactedundertheRoyesseIselle’sorders,andhaddonegreatgoodforChalion,andnotreason;thatthemarriagewasimmenselypopularwith

thepeopleofTaryoon.Andthateveryonethinkstheroyesseisextremelybeautiful,too.ThatthenewHeiresswasseenbyeveryoneaswiseandgood,andagreatreliefandhopeafterthedisastersofOrico’sreign.”

DyBaociasnorted.“Which,astheyareconcomitantlythedisastersofdyJironal’sreign,worksouttoanunintendedinsult.Orwasitunintended?”

“Iratherthinkso.Themanis,um,plain-mindedandplainspoken.HesayshemeantittohelppersuadedyJironaltoturntotheroyesse’ssupport.”

“It’smorelikelytoeffecttheopposite,”saidCazarilslowly.“ItwouldpersuadedyJironalthathisownsupportisfailingrapidlyandthathehadbettertakeactionatoncetoshoreitup.Whenwoulddy

Jironalhavereceivedthissageadvicefromhissubordinate?”

Palli’slipstwisted.“Earlyyesterdaymorning.”

“Well…there’snothinginitthathewouldnothavereceivedfromothersourcesbythen,Isuppose.”CazarilpassedtheorderovertoBergon,waitingwithkeeninterest.

“So,dyJironal’soutofCardegoss,”saidIsellethoughtfully.

“Yes,butgonewhere?”askedPalli.

DyBaociapulledhislip.“Ifheleftwithsofewmen,ithastobetosomewherethathisforcesaremustered.SomewherewithinstrikingdistanceofTaryoon.Thatmeanseithertohisson-in-law

theprovincarofThistan,tooureast,ortoValenda,toournorthwest.”

“Thistanisactuallyclosertous,”saidCazaril.

“ButinValenda,heholdsmymotherandsisterhostage,”saiddyBaociagrimly.

“Nomorenowthanbefore,”saidIselle,hervoicestiffwithsuppressedworry.“They

bademego,Uncle…”

Bergonwaslisteningwithcloseattention.TheIbranroysehadgrownupwithcivilwar,Cazarilwasreminded;hemightbedisturbed,butheshowednosignsofpanic.

“IthinkweshouldridestraightforCardegosswhiledyJironalisoutofit,andtakepossession,”saidIselle.

“Ifwearetomountsuchaforay,”heruncledemurred,“weshouldtakeValendafirst,freeourfamily,andsecureourbase.ButifdyJironalismusteringmentoattackTaryoon,Idonotwishtostripitofdefenses.”

Isellegesturedurgently.“ButifBergonandIareoutofTaryoon,dyJironalwillhavenoreasontoattackit.NorValendaeither.It’smehe

wants—musthave.”

“ThevisionofdyJironalambushingyourcolumnontheroad,whereyouareoutintheopenandvulnerable,doesn’tappealtomemucheither,”saidCazaril.

“HowmanymencouldyousparetoescortustoCardegoss,Uncle?”Iselleasked.“Mounted.Thefootsoldierstofollowattheirbest

speed.Andhowsooncouldtheybemustered?”

“Icouldhavefivehundredofhorsebytomorrownight,andathousandoffootthedayafter,”dyBaociaadmittedratherreluctantly.“Mytwogoodneighborscouldsendasmany,butnotassoon.”

DyBaociacouldpulloutdoublethatnumberfromhishat,Cazarilthought,ifhe

weren’thedging.Toogreatacarecouldbeasfatalastoogreatacarelessnesswhenthemomentcametohazardall.

Isellefoldedherhandsinherlapandfrownedfiercely.“Thenhavethemmakeready.WewillkeepthepredawnvigilofprayersfortheDaughter’sDayandattendtheprocessionaswehadplanned.Uncle,LorddyPalliar,ifitpleaseyousend

outwhatmenyoucanfindtorideinalldirectionsfornewsofdyJironal’smovements.Andthenwe’llseewhatnewinformationwehavebytomorrownight,andtakeafinaldecisionthen.”

Thetwomenbowed,andhurriedout;IsellebadeCazarilstayamoment.

“Ididnotwishtoarguewithmyuncle,”shesaidtohimin

atoneofdoubt,“butIthinkValendaisadistraction.Whatdoyouthink,Cazaril?”

“FromthepointofviewoftheroyaandroyinaofChalion-Ibra…itdoesnotcommandapositionofgeographicimportance.Whoevermayholdit.”

“ThenletitbeasinkfordyJironal’sforcesinsteadofourown.ButIsuspectmyuncle

willbedifficultaboutit.”

Bergonclearedhisthroat.“TheroadtoValendaandtheroadtoCardegossruntogetherforthefirststage.WecouldputitaboutthatweweremakingforValenda,butthenstrikeforCardegossinsteadatthefork.”

“Putitabouttowho?”

“Everyone.Prettynearly.

ThenwhateverspiesdyJironalhasamonguswillsendhimharingoffinthewrongdirection.”

Yes,actually,thiswasthesonoftheFoxofIbra…Cazaril’sbrowstwitchedupinapproval.

Isellethoughtitover,thenfrowned.“Itworksonlyifmyuncle’smenwillfollowus.”

“Ifwelead,they’llhavenochoicebuttofollowus,Ithink.”

“Myhopeistoavoidawar,notstartone,”saidIselle.

“Thennotmarchinguptoatownfullofthechancellor’sforcesmakessense,don’tyouthink?”saidBergon.

Isellesmiledmistily,leanedover,andkissedhimonthe

cheek;hetouchedthespotinmildwonder.“Weshallbothtakethoughtuntiltomorrow,”sheannounced.“Cazaril,startthatlettertowardmybrotherOricoallthesame,asifwemeanttosittighthereinTaryoon.Perchanceweshallovertakeitontheroadanddeliveritourselves.”

WITHDYBAOCIA’SANDTHEARCHDIVINE’SGUIDANCE,Cazarilfoundnolackof

eagervolunteersintownortempletotaketheroyesse’slettertoCardegoss.Menseemedtobeflockingtotheroyalcouple’sside.Thosewho’dmissedtheweddingitselfwerenowpouringintotownfortheDaughter’sDaycelebrationtomorrow.Allthatyouthandbeautyactedasapowerfultalismanuponmen’shearts;theLadyofSpring’sseasonofrenewalwasbeingstronglyidentified

withIselle’simpendingreign.ThetrickwouldbetogetthegovernanceofChaliononamoreevenfootingwhilethemoodheld,sothatitmightstillstandstronginlesshappyhours.SurelynowitnesshereinTaryoonwouldeverquiteforgetthistimeofhope;itwouldstilllingerintheireyeswhentheylookedatanolderIselleandBergon.

ThusCazariloversawaparty

ofadozengravemenclimbintotheirsaddlesatatimeofnightwhenmostmenwereclimbingintotheirbeds.Hegavetheofficialdocumentsintothehandsofaseniordivine,asoberlordwhohadrisenhighintheOrderoftheFather.TheMarchdySouldrodewiththem,asBergon’switnessandspokesman.Theearnestambassadorsclatteredoutofthetempleplaza,andPalliwalkedCazarilbackto

dyBaocia’spalaceandwishedhimgoodnight.

Thelittledistractingflurryofactionfadinginhismind,Cazaril’sstepsgrewheavyagainasheclimbedthestairsofhiscourtyardgallery.Theweightofthecursewasasecretburdendraggingdownallbrighthopes.AyoungerOricohadstartedouthisreignjustaseagerandwillingasIselle,adozenyearsago.

Asifhe’dbelievedthenthatifonlyheappliedenougheffort,goodwill,steadyvirtue,hecouldovercometheblackblight.Butithadallgonewrong….

TherewereworsefatesthanbecomingIselle’sdyLutez,Cazarilreflected.HemightbecomeIselle’sdyJironal.Howmuchfrustration,howmuchcorrosioncouldaloyalmanendurebeforegoing

mad,watchingsuchalongslowdrainofyouthandhopeintoageanddespair?Andyet,whateverOricohadbeen,hehadheldonlongenoughforthenextgenerationtogainitschance.Likesomedoomedlittleheroholdingbackadikeofwoe,anddrowningwhiletheothersescapedthetide.

Cazarilreadiedhimselfforbed,andhisnightlyattack,

butDondowassurprisinglyquiescent.Exhausted?Recoupinghisforces?Waiting…Despitethatmalevolentpresenceandpromise,Cazarilsleptatlast.

ASERVANTWOKEHIMANHOURBEFOREDAWNANDledhimbycandlelightdownintothecourtyard,wheretheroyalcouple’sinnerhouseholdwastohaveitsholyvigil.Theairwaschillandfoggy,butafew

faintstarsdirectlyoverheadpromisedafairdawningsoon.Ibran-styleprayermatshadbeenarrangedaroundthecentralfountain,andeachpersontooktheirstationuponthem,onkneesorproneastheyweresomoved;IselleandBergonkneltsidebyside.LadyBetrizplacedherselfbetweentheroyesseandCazaril.DyTagilleanddyCembuer,yawning,hurriedintojointhemonthe

outerringofrugs,withsomehalfadozenotherpersonsoflesserrank.Adivinefromthetempleledashortprayeraloud,theninvitedalltomeditateupontheblessingsoftheturningseason.AlloverTaryoon,winter’sfireswerebeingextinguished.Whenallwasinreadiness,thelastcandleswereblownout.Aprofounddarknessandsilencedescended.

Quietly,Cazarillaidhimselfproneuponhisrug,armsoutstretched.Hetoldoverthecoupleofspringprayersheknewthreetimeseach,butthengaveuptryingtofillhismindwithrotewordstokeephisthoughtsout.Ifhelethisthoughtsruntheircourse,perhapssomesilencewouldfollow.Andinithemighthear…what?

Hechangedthesubject,

Betrizhadcharged,whentheanswersweretoodifficultforhim.He’dtriedtodosotothegods.Hehadn’tfooledthemeither,apparently.

Istahadbeengivenherchancetoliftthecurse,andfailed;andhadfailed,itseemed,forhergeneration.Ifhefailed,hesuspectedhewouldnotbeallowedtogoaroundtotryagain.SowouldIselleorBergonorbothgetto

bethenewOrico,holdingbackthetideuntiltheyfoundered,tocreatethenextchance?

Theywillbevastlyunluckyintheirchildren.Heknewit,suddenly,withacoldclarity.Thewholeoftheirschemeforpeaceandorderrodeuponthehopeofastrong,brightheirtofollowthemboth.Theywouldpourthemselvesuntilemptyintochildren

miscarried,dead,mad,exiled,betrayed…

I’dstormheavenforyou,ifIknewwhereitwas.

Heknewwhereitwas.Itwasontheothersideofeverylivingperson,everylivingcreature,ascloseastheothersideofacoin,theothersideofadoor.Everysoulwasapotentialportaltothegods.Iwonderwhatwouldhappenif

weallopenedupatonce?Woulditfloodtheworldwithmiracle,drainheaven?Hehadasuddenvisionofsaintsasthegods’irrigationsystem,liketheonearoundZagosur;arationalandcarefulopeningandclosingofsluicegatestodelivereachlittlesoul-farmitsjustportionofbenison.Exceptthatthisfeltmorelikefloodwatersbackedupbehindacrackingdam.

Ghostswereexilesuponthewrongborder,peopleturnedinsideout.Whydidn’titworktheotherwayaround?Whatwoulditbeliketobeananti-ghostoffleshletlooseinaworldofspirit?Wouldonebefrustratinglyinvisibletomostspirits,impotentthere,asghostswereinvisibletomostmen?

AndifIcanseeghostssunderedfromtheirbodies,

whyIcan’tseethemwhenthey’restillintheirbodies?Hadheevertried?Howmanypeoplewererangedaroundhimrightnow?Heclosedhiseyesandtriedtoseetheminthedarkwithhisinnersight.Hissenseswerestillconfusedbymatter;somewhereintheouterrankofprayerrugs,someonestartedtosnore,andwasnudgedawakewithastartledgruntbyasnickeringcompanion.Ifonlyitworked

thatway,itwouldbelikeseeingthroughawindowintoheaven.

Ifthegodssawpeople’ssoulsbutnottheirbodies,inmirrortothewaypeoplesawbodiesbutnotsouls,itmightexplainwhythegodsweresocarelessofsuchthingsasappearance,orotherbodilyfunctions.Suchaspain?Waspainanillusion,fromthegods’pointofview?Perhapsheavenwas

notaplace,butmerelyanangleofview,avantage,aperspective.

Andatthemomentofdeath,weslidethroughaltogether.Losingouranchorinmatter,gaining…what?Deathrippedaholebetweentheworlds.

Andifonedeathrippedalittleholeintheworld,quicklyhealed,whatwouldittaketoripabiggerhole?Not

amereposterngatetoslipoutof,butawidebreach,minedandsapped,onethatholyarmiesmightpourinthrough?

Ifagoddied,whatkindofholewoulditripbetweenearthandheaven?WhatwastheGoldenGeneral’sblessing-curseanyway,thisexiledthingfromtheotherside?WhatkindofportalhadtheRoknarigeniusopened

forhimself,whatkindofchannelhadhebeen…?

Cazaril’sswollenbellycramped,andherolledalittlesidewaystogiveitease.Iamamostpeculiarlocusatpresent.Twoexilesfromtheworldofspiritweretrappedinsidehisflesh.Thedemon,whichdidnotbelonghereatall,andDondo,whoshouldhaveleftbutwasanchoredbyhisunrelinquishedsins.

Dondodidnotdesirethegods.Dondowasaclotofself-will,aleadenplug,diggingintohisbodywithclawslikegrapplinghooks.IfnotforDondo,hecouldrunaway.

CouldI?

Heimaginedit…supposethislethalanchorweresuddenlyand—ha—miraculouslyremoved.Hecouldrun

away…butthenhe’dneverknowhowitmighthaveworkedout.ThatCazaril.Ifonlyhe’dhungonanotherday,anothermile,hemighthavesavedtheworld.Buthequitjustanhourtoosoon…Now,therewasadamnationtomakethesunderedghostsseemafaintquaintamusement.Alifetime—aneternity?—ofsecond-guessinghimself.

Buttheonlywayevertoknowforcertainwastorideitoutallthewaytohisdestruction.

Fivegods,Iamsurelymad.IbelieveIwouldlimpallthewaytotheBastard’shellforthatfrightfulcuriosity’ssake.

Aroundhim,hecouldheartheothersbreathing,theoccasionallittlerustleoffabric.Thefountainburbled

gently.Thesoundscomfortedhim.Hefeltveryalone,butatleastitwasingoodcompany.

Welcometosainthood,Cazaril.Bythegods’blessings,yougettohostmiracles!Thecatchis,youdon’tgettochoosewhattheyare….

Betrizhaditexactlybackward.Itwasn’tacaseofstormingheaven.Itwasa

caseoflettingheavenstormyou.Couldanoldsiege-masterlearntosurrender,toopenhisgates?

Intoyourhands,Olordsoflight,Icommendmysoul.Dowhatyoumusttomendtheworld.Iamatyourservice.

Theskywasbrightening,turningfromFatherWinter’sgraytotheDaughter’sownfineblue.Intheshadowed

court,Cazarilcouldseetheshapesofhiscompanionsbegintoshadeandfillwiththelight’sgiftofcolor.Thescentoftheorangeblossomshungheavilyinthedawndamp,andmorefaintly,theperfumeofBetriz’shair.Cazarilpushedbackupontohisknees,stiffandcold.

Fromsomewhereinthepalace,aman’sbellowsplittheair,andwasabruptlycut

off.Awomanshrieked.

27

Cazarilputahandtothepavement,shovinghimselftohisfeet,andpushedbackhisvest-cloakfromhisswordhilt.Allaroundhim,theotherswererisingandlookingaboutinalarm.

“DyTagille.”BergonmotionedtohisIbrancompanion.“Gosee.”

DyTagillenoddedanddepartedatarun.

DyCembuer,hisrightarmstillinasling,clenchedandunclenchedhislefthand,awkwardlyfreedhisswordhilt,andbeganstridingafterhim.“Weshouldbarthegate.”

Cazarilglancedaroundthecourtyard,andatthetiledarchway.Itsdecorativewrought-irongateswungwideafterdyTagille.Wasthereanotherentrance?“Royesse,Royse,Betriz,youmustnotgettrappedinhere.”HeranafterdyCembuer,hisheartalreadypounding.Ifhecouldgetthemoutbeforethe—

Afranticpagepeltedthrough

asdyCembuerreachedthearchway.“Mylords,help,armedmenhavebrokenintothepalace!”Helookedwildlyoverhisshoulder.

Andheretheyare.Twomen,swordsout,raninthepage’strack.DyCembuer,tryingtopushthegateshutwithhisswordinhislefthand,barelyduckedthefirstblow.ThenCazarilwasuponthem.Hisfirstswingwaswild,andhis

targetparrieditwithaclangthatechoedaroundthecourt.

“Getout!”hescreamedoverhisshoulder.“Overtheroofsifyouhaveto!”CouldIselleclimbinhercourtdress?Hecouldnotlooktoseeifhewasobeyed,forhisopponentrecoveredandboreinhard.Thebravos,soldiers,whatevertheywere,woreordinarystreetclothes,noidentifyingcolorsorbadges

—thebettertoinfiltratethecityinlittlegroups,mixedinwiththefestivalcrowd,nodoubt.

DyCembuerslashedhisman.Aheavyreturnblowlandedonhisbrokenarm,andhewhitenedandfellbackwithamuffledcry.Anothersoldierappearedaroundthecornerandrantowardthearchway,wearingtheBaociancolorsofgreenandblack,andfora

momentCazaril’sheartliftedinhope.UntilherecognizedhimasTeidez’ssubornedguardcaptain—growingevermoreexpertinbetrayal,apparently.

TheBaociancaptain’slipsdrewbackashesawCazaril,andhegrippedhisswordgrimly,movinginbesidehiscomrade.Cazarilhadneitherbreathingspacenorahandfreetotrytoclosethegateon

themagain,andbesides,dyCembuer’sopponenthadfalleninthepath.Cazarildidnotdarefallback.Thisnarrowchokepointforcedthemtocomeathimoneatatime,thebestoddshewaslikelytogettoday.Hishandwasgrowingnumbfromtheringingblowstransmitteduphisbladeintohishilt,andhisgutwascramping.Buthiseverygaspingbreathboughtanotherstrideofrunningtime

forBergonandIselleandBetriz.Onestep,twosteps,fivesteps…WherewasdyTagille?Ninesteps,eleven,fifteen…Howmanymenwerecomingupafterthese?Hisbladehackedapieceoutofhisfirstattacker’sjaw,andthemanreeledbackwithabloodycry,butitonlylefttheguardcaptainwithabetterangleforattack.ThemanstillworeDondo’sgreenring.Itflashedashissworddarted

andparried.Fortysteps.Fifty…

Cazarilfoughtinanexaltationofterror,sohard-pressedtodefendhimselfthatthesupernaturaldangersofasuccessfulthrustofhisown,ofthedeathdemontearinghissouloutofhisbodyalongwithhisdyingvictim’s,scarcelyseemedtoapply.Cazaril’sworldnarrowed;henolongersoughttowinthe

day,orthisfight,orhislife,butmerelyanotherstride.Eachstridealittlevictory.Sixty…something…hewaslosingcount.Beginagain.One.Two.Three…

Iamprobablygoingtodienow.Twicewasnocharm.Hehowledinsidewiththewasteofit,madwithregretthathecouldnotdieenough.Hisarmwasshakingwithfatigue.Thisgatewanteda

swordsman,notasecretary,buttheroyesse’sprivateholyvigilhadincludedonlythefewnobles.Wasnoonecomingupbehindhiminsupport?Surelyeventheoldservantscouldgrabsomethingandthrowit…Twenty-two…

Couldhefallbackacrossthecourtyardtothestairs?Wastheroyalpartygoneupthestairsyet?Hethrewafrantic

glancebackward,amistake,forhelosthisrhythm;withascreeofmetal,thecaptain’sswordsnakedhisfromhistinglinggrip.Hisbladeclatteredacrossthestone,spinning.TheBaocianboreCazarilviolentlybackwardthroughthearchwayandknockedhimtothepavement.Halfadozenattackerssurgedthroughthegateafterthecaptainandspreadoutacrossthecourtyard;acoupleof

them,prudentandexperienced,kickedhiminpassingtokeephimdown.Hestilldidn’tknowwhotheywere,buthehadnodoubtwhosetheywere.

Coughing,herolledonhissideintimetoseedyJironal,swearing,stridethroughthegateinthewakeofanotherhalfdozenmen.DyCembuerwasstilldown,bentinonhimself,teethclenchedin

agony.WereIselleandBergonsafeaway?Downaservants’stair,overtherooftiles?Praythegodstheyhadnotpanickedandbarricadedthemselvesintheirchambers…DyJironalheadedtowardthestairstothegallery,wherealittleknotofhismenwaitedtomakeaconcertedrush.

“Martou!”Cazarilbellowed,wrenchingoveranduponto

hisknees.

DyJironalswungroundasthoughspunontheendofarope.“You!”Athismotion,theBaocianguardcaptainandanothersoldiergraspedCazarilbythearms,bendingthemupbehindhim,anddraggedhimtohisfeet.

“Youaretoolate!”Cazarilcalled.“She’swedandbedded,andthere’snoway

youcanundoitnow.ChalionownsIbraatthefairestpriceeverpaid,andallthecountrycelebratesitsgoodfortune.SheistheChildofSpringandthedelightofthegods.Youcan’twinagainsther.Giveover!Saveyourlife,andthelivesofyourmen.”

“Wed?”snarleddyJironal.“Widowed,ifneedsbe.SheisamadtraitorandthewhoreofIbraandaccursed,andI’ll

nothaveit!”Hewhirledagaintowardthestairs.

“You’rethewhore,Martou!YousoldGotorgetforRoknarimoneythatIrefused,andyousoldmetothegalleystostopmymouth!”Cazarilglaredaroundfranticallyatthehesitatingtroop.Fifty-five,fifty-six,fifty-seven…“Thisliarsellshisownmen.Followhim,andyouriskbetrayalthefirst

momenthesmellsprofit!”

DyJironalturnedagain,drawinghissword.“I’llstopyourmouth,youmiserablefool!Holdhimup.”

Wait,no—

ThetwomenholdingCazariljerkedalittleapart,theireyeswidening,asdyJironalbegantostrideforward,twistingforamightytwo-handedswing.

“Mylord,it’smurder,”falteredthemanholdingCazaril’sleftarm.ThebeheadingarcwasblockedbyCazaril’scaptors,anddyJironalchangedinmid-careertoaviolentlowthrust,lungingforwardwithalltheweightofhisfurybehindhisarm.

ThesteelpiercedsilkbrocadeandskinandmuscleanddrovethroughCazaril’sgut,

andCazarilwasnearlyjerkedoffhisfeetwiththeforceofit.

Soundceased.Theswordwasslidingthroughhimasslowlyasapearldroppedinhoney,andaspainlessly.DyJironal’sredfacewasfrozeninarictusofrage.OneithersideofCazaril,hiscaptorsbentandleanedaway,mouthscreepingopenonstartledcriesthatneveremerged.

WithayowloftriumphthatonlyCazarilheard,thedeathdemoncourseduptheswordblade,leavingitred-hotinitswake,andintodyJironal’shand.Withascreamofanguish,ablacksyrupthatwasDondopouredafter.Cracklingblue-whitesparksgrewarounddyJironal’sswordarmlikeivytwining,andthenspiraledaroundhiswholebody.Slowly,dyJironal’sheadtiltedback,and

whitefirecamefromhismouthashissoulwasuprootedfromhim.Hishairstoodonend,andhiseyeswidenedandboiledwhite.Thedrivenswordstillmovedwithhisfallingweight,andCazaril’sfleshsizzledaroundit.Whiteandblackandredwhirledtogether,braidedroundeachother,andflowedawayinnodirection.Cazaril’sperceptionwasdrawnintothetwisting

cyclone’swake,upoutofhisbodylikearisingcolumnofsmoke.Threedeathsandademonallboundtogether.TheyflowedintoabluePresence…

Cazaril’smindexploded.

Heopenedoutward,andoutward,andoutwardstill,tillalltheworldlaybelowhimasifseenfromahighmountain.Butnottherealm

ofmatter.Thiswasalandscapeofsoul-stuff;colorshecouldnotname,ofashatteringbrilliance,borehimupuponagloriousturbulence.Hecouldhearallthemindsoftheworldwhispering,asighinglikewindinaforest—ifonecouldbutdistinguish,simultaneouslyandseparately,thesongofeachleaf.Andalltheworld’scriesofpainandwoe.Andshame

andjoy.Andhopeanddespairandaspiration…Athousandthousandmomentsfromathousandthousandlivespouredthroughhisdistendingspirit.

Fromthesurfacebelowhim,littlebubblesofsoul-colorwereboilinguponebyoneandfloatingintoaturningdance,hundreds,thousands,likegreatraindropsfallingupward…Itisthedying,

pouringinthroughtherentsoftheworldsintothisplace.Soulsgestatedbymatterintheworld,dyingintothisstrangenewbirth.Toomuch,toomuch,toomuch…Hismindcouldnotholditall,andthevisionsburstfromhimlikewaterfallingthroughhisfingers.

He’doncethoughtoftheLadyofSpringasasortofpleasant,gentleyoung

woman,inhisvagueandyouthfulconceptualizations.ThedivinesandOrdolhadhoneditscarcelyfurtherthantoamentalpictureofaniceimmortallady.ThisoverwhelmingMindlistenedtoeverycryorsongintheworldatonce.ShewatchedthesoulsspiralupinalltheirterriblecomplexbeautywiththedelightofagardenerinhalingthescentofHerflowers.AndnowthisMind

turnedHerattentionfullyuponCazaril.

Cazarilmelted,andwascuppedinHerhands.HethoughtShedrankhim,siphoninghimoutoftheviolentconcatenationofthedyJironalbrothersandthedemon,whoshotawayelsewhere.HewasblownfromHerlipsagain,backdowninatighteningspiralthroughthegreatslashinthe

worldthatwashisdeath,andonceagainintohisbody.DyJironal’sswordbladewasjustemergingfromhisback.Bloodbloomedaroundthemetalpointlikearose.

Andnowtowork,theLadywhispered.Opentome,sweetCazaril.

CanIwatch?heaskedtremulously.

Whateveryoucanbear,ispermitted.

Hesankbackinalanguidease,asthegoddessflowedthroughhimintotheworld.Hislipscurvedupinasmile,orstartedto;hisfleshlybodywasassluggishasthoseofthemenaroundhiminthecourtyard.Heseemedtobesinkingtohisknees.DyJironal’scorpsehadnotyetfinishedfallingtothe

pavement,althoughhisdeadhandhadspasmedfromhisswordhilt.DyCembuerwasliftinghimselfuponhisgoodarm,hismouthopeninguponacrythatwasgoingtoeventuallybecome,Cazaril!Somemenwerethrowingthemselvesprone.Somewerestartingtorun.

ThegoddessdrewthecurseofChalionlikethickblackwoolintoHerhands.Lifting

itfromIselleandBergon,somewhereinthestreetsofTaryoon.FromIstainValenda.FromSarainCardegoss.FromallthelandofChalion,mountaintomountain,rivertoplain.CazarilcouldnotsenseOricointhedarkfog.TheLadyspunitoutagainthroughCazaril.Asittwistedthroughhimintotheotherrealm,itsdarknessfellaway,andthenhewasn’tsureifitwasa

threadorastreamofbrightcleanwater,orwine,orsomethingevenmorewonderful.

AnotherPresence,solemnandgray,waitedthere,andtookitup.Andtookitin.Andsighedinsomethinglikerelief,orcompletion,orbalance.Ithinkitwasthebloodofagod.Spilled,soiled,drawnupagain,cleaned,andreturnedat

last…

Idon’tunderstand.WasIstamistaken?DidImiscountmydeaths?

Thegoddesslaughed.Thinkitthrough…

ThenthevastbluePresencepouredoutoftheworldthroughhimlikeariverthunderingoverawaterfall.Thebeautyofatriumphal

musicheknewhewouldneverquiteremember,tillhecametoHerrealmagain,crackedhisheart.Thegreatrentdrewclosed.Healed.Sealed.

And,abruptlyasthat,itallwasgone.

THECRACKOFTHESTONEPAVEMENTHITTINGHISkneeswashisfirstreturningsensation.Desperately,he

heldhimselfupright,sittingonhisheels,soasnottowrenchtheswordbladearoundinhisflesh.Thehiltandahandspanofbrightbladehungbelowhisdownward-turninggaze,drivenatacrookedupwardangleintohisstomachjustbelowandtotheleftofhisnavel.Thepointseemedtocomeoutsomewheretotherightofhisspine,andhigher.Nowcamethepain.Ashe

drewhisfirstshudderingbreath,theweaponbobbedatrifle.Thestinkofcauterizedfleshassailedhisnostrils,mixedwithacelestialperfumelikespringflowers.Hetrembledwithshockandcold.Hetriedtoholdverystill.

Hehadadistressingurgetogiggle.Thatwouldhurt.More…

Notallthescorched-meatsmellwasfromhim.DyJironallaybeforehim.Cazarilhadseencorpsesburnedfromtheoutsidein—neverbeforefromtheinsideout.Thechancellor’shairandclothessmokedalittle,butthenwentoutwithoutcatchingtoflame.

Cazaril’sattentionwasarrestedbyapebblethatlayonthepavementnearhis

knee.Itwassodense.Sopersistent.Thegodscouldnotliftsomuchasafeather,buthe,amerehuman,mightpickupthisancientunchangingobjectandplaceitwhereverhewished,evenintohispocket.Hewonderedwhyhehadneverappreciatedthestubbornfidelityofmatter.Adriedleaflaynearby,evenmorestunninginitscomplexity.Matterinventedsomanyforms,andthenwent

ontogeneratebeautybeyonditself,mindsandsoulsrisingupoutofitlikemelodyfromaninstrument…matterwasanamazementtothegods.Matterremembereditselfsoveryclearly.Hecouldnotthinkwhyhehadfailedtonoticeitbefore.Hisownshakinghandwasamiracle,aswasthefinemetalswordinhisbelly,andtheorangetreesinthetubs—onewastippedovernow,wonderfully

fracturedandspilling—andthetubs,andthebirdsongstartinginthemorning,andthewater—water!Fivegods,water!—inthefountain,andthemorninglightfilteringintothesky…

“LordCazaril?”cameafaintvoicefromhiselbow.

HeglancedasidetofindthatdyCembuerhadcreptuptohim.

“Whatwasthat?”DyCembuersoundedveryclosetotears.

“Somemiracles.”Toomanyinoneplaceatonetime.Hewasoverwhelmedwithmiracles.Theyfilledhiseyesineverydirection.

Speakingwasamistake,forthevibrationstirredthepaininhisgut.Thoughhecouldspeak;thesworddidnot

appeartohavepiercedhislung.Heimaginedhowmuchitwouldhurttocoughblood,justnow.Gutwound,then.Iwillbedeadagaininthreedays.Hecouldsmellafaintscentofshit,mixedwiththescorchedmeatandthegoddess’sperfume.Andsobbing…no,wait,thedeadlyfecalsmellwasnotcomingfromhim,yet.TheBaociancaptainwascurledupinatightballonhissidealittle

wayoff,hisarmslockedaroundhishead,weeping.Hedidnotseemtohaveanywound.Ah.Yes.Hehadbeenthenearestlivingwitness.Thegoddessmusthavebrushedagainsthim,inHerpassage.

Cazarilriskedanotherbreath.“Whatdidyousee?”heaskeddyCembuer.

“Thatman—wasthatdy

Jironal?”

Cazarilnodded,atinycarefulnod.

“Whenhestabbedyou,therewasahellishcrack,andheburstintobluefire.Heis…whatdid…didthegodsstrikehimdown?”

“Notexactly.Itwas…alittlemorecomplicatedthanthat…”Itseemedstrangely

quietinthecourtyard.Cazarilriskedturninghishead.Abouthalfofthebravos,andafewservantsofIselle’shousehold,werelaidflatontheground.Someweremumblingrapidlyundertheirbreaths;otherswerecryingliketheBaociancaptain.Theresthadvanished.

Cazarilthoughthecouldseenowwhyamanhadtolaydownhislifethreetimesto

dothis.Andherehe’dimaginedthegodswerebeingarbitraryanddifficultforthesakeofsomearcanepunishment.He’dneededthefirsttwodeathsjustforthepractice.Thefirst,tolearnhowtoacceptdeathinthebody—hisfloggingonthegalley,thathadbeen.Hehadnotmiscounted—thatdeathhadnotbeenfortheHouseofChalionatthetime.Butithadbecomeso,withIselle’s

marriagetoBergonanditsconsummation;thejoiningoftwointoone,thathadsharedthecursesohorrifyinglybetweenthem,hadapparentlyalsoportionedoutthissacrifice.Bergon’ssecretdowry,eh.Cazarilhopedhemightlivelongenoughtotellhim,andthattheroysewouldbepleased.Hissecondacceptance,ofdeathofthesoul,hadbeeninthelonelycompanyofcrowsinFonsa’s

tower.Sothatwhenhecameatlasttothisone,hecouldofferthegoddessasmoothandsteadypartnering…humblingparallelsinvolvingthetrainingofmulesofferedthemselvestohismind.

Footstepssounded.CazarilglanceduptoseedyTagille,windedanddisheveledbutwithhisswordsheathed,runningintothecourtyard.Hedasheduptothemand

stoppedabruptly.“Bastard’shell.”HeglancedasideathisIbrancomrade.“Areyouallright,dyCembuer?”

“Sonsofbitchesbrokemyarmagain.He’sthescaryone.What’shappeningoutthere?”

“DyBaociaralliedhismen,andhasdriventheinvadersoutofthepalace.It’sallveryconfusedrightnow,butthe

restofthemseemtoberunningthroughtowntryingtogettothetemple.”

“Toassailit?”dyCembueraskedinalarm.Hetriedtostruggletohisfeetagain.

“No.Tosurrendertoarmedmenwhowillnottrytotearthemlimbfromlimb.ItseemseverycitizenofTaryoonhastakentothestreetsafterthem.The

womenaretheworst.Bastard’shell,”herepeated,staringatdyJironal’ssmokingcorpse,“someChalionesesoldierwasscreamingandbabblingthathe’dseendyJironalstruckbylightningfromaclearblueskyforthesacrilegeofofferingbattleontheDaughter’sDay.AndIscarcelybelievedhim.”

“Isawit,too,”saiddy

Cembuer.“Therewasahorriblenoise.Hedidn’tevenhavetimetocryout.”

DyTagilledraggedthecorpsealittlewayoffandkneltinfrontofCazaril,staringfearfullyathisskeweredstomachandthenintohisface.“LordCazaril,wemusttrytodrawthisswordfromyou.Bestwedoitatonce.”

“No…wait…”Cazarilhadonceseenamanpluggedwithacrossbowboltliveforhalfanhour,untiltheboltwasdrawnout;hisbloodhadgushedforththen,andhe’ddied.“IwanttoseeLadyBetrizfirst.”

“Mylord,youcannotsittherewithaswordstuckthroughyou!”

“Well,”saidCazaril

reasonably,“Isurelycannotmove…”Tryingtotalkmadehimpant.Notgood.Hewasshiveringandverycold.Butthethrobbingpainwasnotasdevastatingashe’dexpected,probablybecausehe’dmanagedtoholdsostill.Aslongasheheldverystill,itwasn’tmuchworsethanDondo’sclawings.

Othermenarrivedinthecourtyard.Babbleandnoise

andcriesfromthewoundedwashedbetweenthewalls,andtalesrepeatedoverandoverinrisingvoices.Cazarilignoreditall,takenupwithhispebbleagain.Hewonderedwhereithadcomefrom,howithadarrivedthere.Whatithadbeenbeforeitwasapebble.Arock?Amountain?Where?Forhowmanyyears?Itfilledhismind.Andifapebblecouldfillhismind,what

mightamountaindo?Thegodsheldmountainsintheirminds,andallelsebesides,allatonce.Everything,withthesameattentionhegavetoonething.Hehadseenthat,throughtheLady’seyes.Ifithadenduredforlongerthanthatinfinitesimalblink,hethoughthissoulwouldhaveburst.Asitwashefeltstrangelystretched.Hadthatglimpsebeenagift,orjustacarelesschance?

“Cazaril?”

Atremblingvoice,thevoicehehadbeenwaitingfor.Helookedup.Ifthepebblewasamazing,Betriz’sfacewasastounding.Thestructureofhernosealonecouldhaveheldhimentrancedforhours.Heabandonedthepebbleatonceforthisbetterentertainment.Butwaterwelledup,shimmering,inherbrowneyes,andherfacewas

drainedofcolor.Thatwasn’tright.Worstofall,herdimpleshadgoneintohiding.

“Thereyouare,”hesaidhappily.Hisvoicewasamuzzycroak.“Kissmenow.”

Shegulped,knelt,shuffleduptohimonherknees,andstretchedherneck.Herlipswerewarm.Theperfumeofhermouthwasnothingatalllikeagoddess’s,butlikea

humanwoman’s,andverygoodwithal.Hislipswerecold,andhepressedthemtohersasmuchtoborrowherheatandyouthasanything.So.He’dbeenswimminginmiracleeverydayofhislife,andhadn’tevenknownit.

Heeasedhisheadback.“Allright.”Hedidnotadd,That’senough,becauseitwasn’t.“Youcandrawtheswordoutnow.”

Menmovedaroundhim,mostlyworried-lookingstrangers.Betrizrubbedherface,undidthefrogsofhistunic,andstoodandhovered.Someonegrippedhisshoulders.Apageprofferedafoldedpadtoclaptohiswound,andsomeoneelseheldlengthsofbandagesreadytowraphistorso.

Cazarilsquintedinuncertainty.Betrizwashere:

therefore,Isellemustbe,mustbe…“Iselle?Bergon?”

“I’mhere,LordCaz.”Iselle’svoicecameofftohisside.

Shemovedaroundinfrontofhim,staringathiminextremedismay.Shehadshedherheavilyembroideredouterrobesinherflight,andstillseemedatriflebreathless.Shehadalsoshedtheblackcloakofthecurse…hadshe

not?Yes,hedecided.Hisinnervisionwasdarkening,buthedidnotmistakethis.

“Bergoniswithmyuncle,”shecontinued,“helpingtocleardyJironal’sremainingmenfromthearea.”Hervoicewasfirminitsdisregardofthetearsrunningdownherface.

“Theblackshadowislifted,”hetoldher,“fromyouand

Bergon.Fromeveryone.”

“How?”

“I’lltellyouallaboutit,ifIlive.”

“Cazaril!”

Hegrinnedbrieflyatthefamiliar,exasperatedcadencesaroundhisname.

“Youlive,then!”Hervoice

wavered.“I—Icommandyou!”

DyTagillekneltinfrontofCazaril.

Cazarilgavehimashortnod.“Drawit.”

“Verystraightandsmoothly,LorddyTagille,”Iselleinstructedtensely,“soasnottocuthimanyworse.”

“Aye,mylady.”DyTagillelickedhislipsinapprehensionandgraspedthesword’shilt.

“Carefully,”gaspedCazaril,“butnotquitesoslowly,please…”

Thebladelefthim;awarmgushofliquidspurtedfromthemouthofhiswoundafterit.Cazarilhadhopedtopassout,butheonlyswayedas

padswereclappedtohimandheldhardforeandaft.Hestareddownexpectingtoseehislapawashinblood,butnofloodofredmethissight;itwasaclearliquid,merelytingedwithpink.Swordmusthavelancedmytumor.Whichwasnot,itappeared,andtheBastardfryRojerasforinflictingthatnightmareuponhim,stuffedwithsomegrotesquedemonfetusafterall.Hetriednottothink,At

leastnotanymore.Amurmurofastonishmentpassedamongtheringofwatchersasthescentofcelestialflowersfromthisexudationfilledtheair.

Helethimselffall,bonelessandunresisting,intohiseagerhelpers’arms.Hedidmanagetosurreptitiouslyscoopuphispebblebeforethewillinghandsborehimoffupthestairstohisbedchamber.

Theywereexcitedandfrightened,buthewasgrowingdelightfullyrelaxed.Itseemedhewastobefussedover,lovely.WhenBetrizheldhishand,ashewaseasedintohisbed,hegrippedhersanddidnotletgo.

28

AtappingandlowvoicesathischamberdoordrewCazarilfromhisdoze.Theroomwasdim.Asinglecandleflamepushingbackadeepdarktoldhimnightwasfallen.Heheardthephysician,whohadbeen

sittingwithhim,murmuring,“Heissleeping,Roy—Royina…”

“No,I’mnot,”Cazarilcalledeagerly.“Comein.”Hetensedhisarmstopushhimselfupright,thenthoughtbetterofit.Headded,“Makemorelight.Adealmorelight.Iwanttoseeyou.”

Agreatpartyofpersonsshuffledintohischamber,

attemptingtomakethemselvesquietandgentle,likeaparadegonesuddenlyshy.IselleandBergon,withBetrizandPalliattendantuponthem;thearchdivineofTaryoon,withthelittlejudgeoftheFatherstaringaroundinhiswake.Theyquitefilledtheroom.Cazarilsmiledupamiablyatthemfromhishorizontalparadiseofcleanlinensandstillnessascandlewasheldtocandleandthe

flamesmultiplied.

Bergonlookeddownathiminapprehensionandwhisperedhoarselytothephysician,“Howishe?”

“Hepassedadealofbloodinhiswaterearlier,butlesstonight.Hehasnofeveryet.Idaren’tlethimhavemorethanafewsipsoftea,tillweknowhowhisgutwoundprogresses.Idon’tknowhow

muchpainhebears.”

Cazarildecidedhepreferredtospeakforhimself.“Ihurt,nodoubtofthat.”Hemadeanotherfeebleattempttorollup,andwinced.“Iwouldsitupalittle.Icannottalklookingupallyournoseslikethis.”PalliandBergonrushedtohelpgentlyraisehim,plumpingpillowsbehindhim.

“Thankyou,”saidIselleto

thephysician,whobowedand,takingtheroyalhint,steppedoutoftheway.

Cazarileasedbackwithasigh,andsaid,“Whathastranspired?IsTaryoonunderattack?Anddon’ttalkinthosefunerealwhispers,either.”

Isellesmiledfromthefootofhisbed.“Muchhashappened,”shetoldhim,her

voicerevertingtoitsnormalfirmtimbre.“DyJironalhadmenadvancingasfastastheycouldmarchfrombothhisson-in-lawinThistanandfromValenda,tofollowupinsupportofhisspiesandabductorsgotinatthefestival.LatelastnightthecolumncomingdowntheroadfromValendametthedelegationcarryingourlettertoOricoinCardegoss,andcapturedthem.”

“Alive,yes?”saidCazarilinalarm.

“Therewassomescuffle,butnonekilled,thankthegods.Muchdebatefollowedintheircamp.”

Well,hehadsentthemostsensible,persuasivemenofweightandworththatTaryooncouldmusterforthatembassy.

“Laterintheafternoon,wesentoutpartiesofparley.WeincludedsomeofdyJironal’smenwhohadwitnessedthefightinthecourtyard,and…andwhateverthatmiraculousbluefirewasthatkilledhim,toexplainandtotestify.Theycriedandgibberedalot,buttheywereveryconvincing.Cazaril,whatreally—oh,andtheysayOricoisdead.”

Cazarilsighed.Iknewthat.

“When?”

ThearchdivineofTaryoonreplied,“There’ssomeconfusionaboutthat.ATemplecourierrodethroughtousthisafternoonwiththenews.SheboremealetterfromArchdivineMendenalinCardegosssayingitwasthenightaftertheroyesse’s—theroyina’swedding.ButdyJironal’smenallsayhetoldthemOricohaddiedthenight

beforeit,andsohewasnowrightfulregentofChalion.Isupposehewaslying.I’mnotsureitmatters,now.”

Butitmighthavemattered,hadeventstakenadifferentpath…Cazarilfrownedincuriousspeculation.

“Inanycase,”putinBergon,“betweenthenewsofdyJironal’sstartlingtaking-off,andthefailureandcaptureof

theirinfiltrators,andtherealizationthattheymarchednotagainstarebelliousHeiress,buttheirrightfulroyina,thecolumnshavebrokenup.Themenarereturningtotheirhomes.I’mjustbackfromoverseeingthat.”Indeed,hewasmud-splashed,bright-eyedwiththeexuberanceofsuccess—andrelief.

“Doyouthinkthetrucewill

hold?”askedCazaril.“DyJironalheldthestringsofaveryconsiderablenetworkofpowerandrelations,allofwhomstillhavetheirinterestsatrisk.”

Palligrunted,andshookhishead.“TheyhavenotthebackingofforcesfromtheOrderoftheSon,nowit’sheadless—worse,they’vethenearcertaintythatcontroloftheorderwillpassoutoftheir

factionnow.IthinktheJironalclanwilllearncaution.”

“TheprovincarofThistanhasalreadysentusaletterofsubmission,”putinIselle,“justarrived.Itlookstohavebeenhastilypenned.Weplantowaitonemoredaytobesuretheroadsareclear,andtogivethankstothegodsinthetempleofTaryoon.ThenBergonandIwillridefor

Cardegosswithacontingentofmyuncle’scavalry,forOrico’sfuneralandmycoronation.”Hermouthturneddown.“Ifearwewillhavetoleaveyouhereforatime,LordCaz.”

HeglancedatBetriz,watchinghim,hereyesdarkwithconcern.WhereIsellerode,Betriz,herfirstcourtier,mustneedsfollow.

Isellewenton,“Don’tspeakifitpainsyoutoomuch,butCazaril…whathappenedinthecourtyard?DidtheDaughtertrulystrikedyJironaldeadwithaboltoflightning?”

“Hisbodylookedit,Imustsay,”saidBergon.“Allcooked.I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”

“Thatisagoodstory,”said

Cazarilslowly,“andwilldoformostmen.Youhereshouldknowthetruth,but…Ithinkthistruthshouldgonofurther,eh?”

Isellequietlybadethephysicianexcusehimself.Sheglancedcuriouslyatthelittlejudge.“Andthisgentleman,Cazaril?”

“TheHonorablePaginineis…isinthewayofbeinga

colleagueofmine.Heshouldstay,andthearchdivineaswell.”

Cazarilfoundhisaudiencerangedaroundhisbed,staringathimratherbreathlessly.NeitherPagininenorthearchdivine,norPalli,knewthepreambleaboutDondoandthedeathdemon,Cazarilrealized,andsohefoundhimselfcompelledtoreverttothatbeginning,thoughinas

fewwordsashecouldmakecomeoutsensibly.Atleasthehopeditsoundedcoherent,andnotliketheravingsofamadman.

“ArchdivineMendenalinCardegossknowsallthistale,”heassuredtheshocked-lookingpairfromTaryoon.Palli’smouthwastwistedinsomethingbetweenastonishmentandindignation;Cazarilevadedhiseyeatrifle

guiltily.“ButwhendyJironalbadehismenholdmeunarmed,andranmethrough—whenhemurderedme,thedeathdemonboreusalloffinanunbalancedconfusionofkillersandvictims.Thatis,thedemonborethepairofthem,butsomehowmysoulwasattached,andfollowed…whatIsawthen…thegoddess…”hisvoicefaltered.“Idon’tknowhowtoopenmymouthandpushoutthe

universeinwords.Itwon’tfit.IfIhadallthewordsinallthelanguagesintheworldthateverwereorwillbe,andspoketilltheendoftime,itstillcouldn’t…”Hewasshivering,suddenly,hiseyesblurredwithtears.

“Butyouweren’treallydead,wereyou?”saidPalliuneasily.

“Oh,yes.Justforalittle

while…foranoddangleoflittlethatcameout,um,verylarge.IfIhadnotdiedintruth,Icouldnothaverippedopenthewallbetweentheworlds,andthegoddesscouldnothavereachedintotakebackthecurse.WhichwasadropoftheFather’sblood,asnearlyasIcouldtell,thoughhowtheGoldenGeneralcamebysuchagiftIknownot.That’sametaphor,bytheway.I’msorry.Ihavenot…I

havenotthewordsforwhatIsaw.Talkingaboutitisliketryingtoweaveaboxofshadowsinwhichtocarrywater.”Andoursoulsareparched.“TheLadyofSpringletmelookthroughHereyes,andthoughmysecondsightistakenback—Ithink—myeyesdonotseemtoworkquitethesameastheydid…”

Thearchdivinesignedhimself.Paginineclearedhis

throat,andsaiddiffidently,“Indeed,mylord,youdonotmakethatgreatroaringlightaboutyouanymore.”

“DoInot?Oh,good.”Cazariladdedeagerly,“ButtheblackcloakaboutIselleandBergon,itisgoneaswell,yes?”

“Yes,mylord.Royse,Royina,ifitpleaseyou.Theshadowseemstobelifted

altogether.”

“Soalliswell.Gods,demons,ghosts,thewholecompany,allgone.There’snothingoddleftaboutmenow,”saidCazarilhappily.

Pagininescreweduphisfaceinanexpressionthatwasnotquiteappalled,notquitealaugh.“Iwouldnotgosofarastosaythat,mylord,”hemurmured.

ThearchdivinenudgedPaginine,andwhispered,“Buthespeaksthetruth,yes?Wildasitseems…”

“Oh,yes,YourReverence.Ihavenodoubtofthat.”TheblandstarehetradedCazarilborerathermoreunderstandingthanthatofthearchdivine’s,whowaslookingastonishedandoverawed.

“Tomorrow,”Iselleannounced,“BergonandIshallmakeathanksgivingprocessiontothetemple,walkingbarefoottosignourgratitudetothegods.”

Cazarilsaidinmuzzyworry,“Oh.Oh,dobecareful,then.Don’tsteponanybrokenglassoroldnails,now.”

“Weshallwatchoutforeachother’sstepsthewholeway,”

Bergonpromisedhim.

CazariladdedasidetoBetriz,hishandcreepingacrossthecoverlettotouchhers,“Youknow,Iamnothauntedanymore.Quitealoadoffmymind,inmorewaysthanone.Veryliberatingtoaman,thatsortofthing…”Hisvoicewasdroppinginvolume,raspywithfatigue.Herhandturnedunderhis,andgaveasecretsqueeze.

“Weshouldwithdrawandletyourest,”saidIselle,frowninginrenewedworry.“Isthereanythingyoudesire,Cazaril?Anythingatall?”

AbouttoreplyNo,nothing,hesaidinstead,“Oh.Yes.Iwantmusic.”

“Music?”

“Perhapssomeveryquietmusic,”Betrizventured.“To

lullhimtosleep.”

Bergonsmiled.“Ifitpleaseyou,then,seetoit,LadyBetriz.”Themobwithdrew,tiptoeingloudly.Thephysicianreturned.HeletCazarildrinktea,intradeformakingmoreblood-tintedpissforhimtoexaminesuspiciouslybycandlelightandgrowlatinanunsettlingfashion.

Atlength,Betrizcamebackwithanervous-lookingyounglutenistwhoappearedtohavebeenwakenedoutofasoundsleepforthiscommandperformance.Butheworkedhisfingers,tunedup,andplayedsevenshortpieces.Noneofthemwastherightone;noneevokedtheLadyandHersoul-flowers,tillheplayedaneighth,aninterlacedcounterpointofsurpassingsweetness.That

onehadafaintechoofheaveninit.Cazarilhadhimplayitthroughtwicemore,andcriedalittle,uponwhichBetrizinsistedthathewastootiredandmustsleepnow,andboretheyoungmanoffagain.

AndCazarilstillhadn’thadachancetotellherabouthernose.Whenhetriedtoexplainthismiracletothephysician,themanrespondedbygivinghimalarge

spoonfulofsyrupofpoppies,afterwhichtheyceasedtoalarmeachotherfortherestofthenight.

INTHREEDAYS’TIMEHISWOUNDSSTOPPEDLEAKINGscentedfluid,closingcleanly,andthephysicianpermittedCazarilthingruelforbreakfast.Thisrevivedhimenoughtoinsistonbeingallowedouttositinthespringsunofthecourtyard.

Theexpeditionseemedtorequireaninordinatenumberofservantsandhelpers,butatlasthewasguidedcarefullydownthestairsandintoachairlinedwithwool-paddedandfeather-stuffedcushions,withhisfeetproppeduponanothercushionedchair.Heshooedawayhishelpersandgavehimselfovertoamostdeliciousidleness.Thefountainburbledsoothingly.Thetreesinthetubsunfurled

morefragrantflowers.Apairoflittleorange-and-blackbirdsstitchedtheair,bringingdrygrassandtwigstobuildanesttuckedupinthecarvingsononeofthegallery’ssupportingposts.AnambitiouslitterofpaperandpenslayforgottenonthesmalltableatCazaril’selbowashewatchedthemflitbackandforth.

DyBaocia’spalacewasvery

quiet,withitsroyalguestsanditslordandladyallgonetoCardegoss.Cazarilthereforesmiledwithlazydelightwhenthewrought-irongateundertheendarchwayswungasidetoadmitPalli.Themarchhadbeenassignedbyhisnewroyinathedulltaskofkeepingwatchoverherconvalescentsecretarywhileeveryoneelsewentofftothegrandeventsinthecapital,

whichseemedtoCazarilratheranunfairrewardforPalli’svaliantservice.Pallihadattendeduponhimsofaithfully,CazarilfeltquiteguiltyforwishingIsellemighthavesparedLadyBetrizinstead.

Palli,grinning,gavehimamocksaluteandseatedhimselfonthefountain’sedge.“Well,Castillar!Youlookbetter.Veryvertical

indeed.Butwhat’sthis”—hegesturedtothetable—“work?Beforetheyleftyesterdayyourladieschargedmetoenforceaverylonglistofthingsyouwerenottodo,mostofwhichyouwillbegladtoknowIhaveforgotten,butI’msureworkwashighonit.”

“Nosuchthing,”saidCazaril.“Iwasgoingtoattemptsomepoetryafterthemannerof

Behar,butthentherewerethesebirds…theregoesonenow.”Hepausedtomarktheorange-and-blackflash.“Peoplecomplimentbirdsforbeinggreatbuilders,butreally,thesetwoseemterriblyclumsy.Perhapstheyareyoungbirds,andthisistheirfirsttry.Persistent,though.AlthoughIsupposeifIwastoattempttobuildahutusingonlymymouth,Iwoulddonobetter.Ishouldwritea

poeminpraiseofbirds.Ifmatterthatgetsupandwalksabout,likeyou,ismiraculous,howmuchmoremarvelousismatterthatgetsupandflies!”

Palli’smouthquirkedinbemusement.“Isthispoetryorfever,Caz?”

“Oh,itisagreatinfectionofpoetry,acontagionofhymns.Thegodsdelightinpoets,youknow.Songsandpoetry,

beingofthesamestuffassouls,cancrossintotheirworldalmostunimpeded.Stonecarvers,now…eventhegodsareinaweofstonecarvers.”HesquintedinthesunandgrinnedbackatPalli.

“Nevertheless,”murmuredPallidryly,“onefeelsthatyourquatrainyesterdaymorningtoLadyBetriz’snosewasatacticalmistake.”

“Iwasnotmakingfunofher!”Cazarilprotestedindignantly.“Wasshestillangryatmewhensheleft?”

“No,no,shewasn’tangry!Shewaspersuadeditwasfever,andwasveryworriedwithal.IfIwereyou,I’dclaimitforfever.”

“Icouldnotwriteapoemtoallofherjustyet.Itried.Toooverwhelming.”

“Well,ifyoumustscribblepaeanstoherbodyparts,picklips.Lipsaremoreromanticthannoses.”

“Why?”askedCazaril.“Isn’teverypartofheranamazement?”

“Yes,butwekisslips.Wedon’tkissnoses.Normally.Menwritepoemstotheobjectsofourdesireinordertolurethemcloser.”

“Howpractical.Inthatcase,you’dthinkmenwouldwritemorepoemstoladies’privateparts.”

“Theladieswouldhitus.Lipsareasafecompromise,beingasitwereastand-inorstepping-stonetothegreatermysteries.”

“Hah.Anyway,Idesireallofher.Noseandlipsandfeetandallthepartsbetween,and

hersoul,withoutwhichhermerebodywouldbeallstillandcoldandclaylike,andstarttorot,andbenotanobjectofdesireatall.”

“Agh!”Palliranhishandthroughhishair.“Myfriend,youdonotunderstandromance.”

“Ipromiseyou,Idonotunderstandanythinganymore.Iamgloriously

bewildered.”Helaybackinhiscushionsandlaughedsoftly.

Pallisnorted,andbentforwardtopickupthepaperfromthetopofthepile,theonlyonesofarwithwritingonit.Heglanceddownit,andhisbrowsrose.“What’sthis?Thisisn’taboutladies’noses.”Hisfacesobered;hisgazetraveledbacktothetopofthepage,anddownonce

more.“Infact,I’mnotjustsurewhatit’sabout.Althoughitmakesthehairsstanduponthebacksofmyarms…”

“Oh,that.It’snothing,Ifear.Iwastrying—butitwasn’t”—Cazaril’shandswavedhelplessly,andcamebacktotouchhisbrow—“itwasn’twhatIsaw.”Headdedinexplanation,“Ithoughtinpoetrythewordsmightbear

morefreight,existonbothsidesofthewallbetweentheworlds,aspeopledo.SofarI’mjustcreatingwastepaper,fitonlyforlightingafire.”

“Hm,”saidPalli.Unobtrusively,hefoldedupthepaperandtuckeditinsidehisvest-cloak.

“I’lltryagain,”sighedCazaril.“MaybeIcangetitrightsomeday.Imustwrite

somehymnstomatter,too.Birds.Stones.ThatwouldpleasetheLady,Ithink.”

Palliblinked.“TolureHercloser?”

“Might.”

“Dangerousstuff,thispoetry.IthinkI’llsticktoaction,myself.”

Cazarilgrinnedathim.

“Watchout,mylordDedicat.Actioncanbeprayer,too.”

Whispersandmuffledgigglessoundedfromtheendofthegallery.Cazarillookeduptoseesomeservantwomenandboyscrouchedbehindthecarvedrailings,peekingthroughathim.Pallifollowedhisglance.Onegirlpoppedupboldlyandwavedatthem.Amiably,Cazarilwavedback.Thegigglesrosetoa

crescendo,andthewomenscurriedoff.PalliscratchedhisearandregardedCazarilwithwryinquiry.

Cazarilexplained,“PeoplehavebeensneakinginallmorningtoseethespotwherepoordyJironalwasstruckdown.Ifhe’snotcareful,LorddyBaociawilllosehisnicenewcourtyardtoashrine.”

Palliclearedhisthroat.“Actually,Caz,they’resneakingintopeekatyou.AcoupleofdyBaocia’sservantsarechargingadmissiontoconductthecuriousinandoutofthepalace.Iwasoftwomindswhethertoquashtheenterprise,butifthey’rebotheringyou,Iwill…”Heshifted,asiftorise.

“Oh.Oh,no,don’ttrouble

them.Ihavemadeagreatdealofextraworkforthepalaceservants.Letthemprofitabit.”

Pallisnorted,butshruggedacquiescence.“Andyoustillhavenofever?”

“Iwasn’tsureatfirst,butno.Thatphysicianfinallyletmeeat,althoughnotenough.Iamhealing,Ithink.”

“That’samiracleinitself,worthavaidatosee.”

“Yes.I’mnotquitesureifputtingmebackintotheworldthiswaywasapartinggiftoftheLady,orjustachancebenefitofHerneedtohavesomeoneonthissidetoholdopenthegateforHer.Ordolwasrightaboutthegodsbeingparsimonious.Well,it’sallrighteitherway.Weshallsurelymeetagain

someday.”Heleanedback,staringintothesky,theLady’sownblue.Hislipscurledup,unwilled.

“YouwerethesoberestfellowIevermet,andnowyougrinallthetime.Caz,areyousureShegotyoursoulbackinrightwayround?”

Cazarillaughedoutloud.“Maybenot!Youknowhowitiswhenyoutravel.You

packallyourthingsinyoursaddlebags,andbythejourney’send,theyseemtohavedoubledinvolumeandarehangingouteverywhichway,eventhoughyou’dswearyouaddednothing…”Hepattedhisthigh.“PerhapsIamjustnotpackedintothisbatteredoldcaseasneatlyasIusedtobe.”

Pallishookhisheadinwonder.“Andsonowyou

leakpoetry.Huh.”

TENMOREDAYSOFHEALINGLEFTCAZARILNOTATallboredwithresting,ifonlyhiseasewerenotsoemptyofthepeoplehedesired.Atlasthislongingforthemovercamehisrevulsionattheprospectofgettingonahorseagain,andhesetPallitoarrangingtheirjourney.Palli’sprotestsatthisprematureexercisewereperfunctory,easily

overborne,ashewasnolessanxiousthanCazariltoseehoweventsinCardegosswenton.

Cazarilandhisescort,includingtheever-faithfulFerdaandFoix,traveleduptheroadinthefineweatheringentle,easystages,aworldapartfromwinter’sdesperateride.EacheveningCazarilwashelpedfromhishorseswearingthattomorrowthey

wouldgomoreslowly,andeachmorninghefoundhimselfevenmoreeagertopushon.AtlengththedistantZangreagainrosebeforehiseyes.Againstthebackdropofpuffywhiteclouds,bluesky,andgreenfields,itseemedarichornamenttothelandscape.

AfewmilesoutofCardegosstheyencounteredanotherprocessionontheroad.Men

intheliveryoftheprovincarofLabranescortedthreecartsandatrailingtailofmulesandservants.Twoofthecartswerepiledwithbaggage.Thethirdcart’scanvastop,rolleduptoopenthesidestothespringscenery,shadedseveralladies.

Theladies’cartpulledtothesideoftheroadandaservingwomanleanedouttocalltooneoftheoutriders.

TheLabransergeantbenthisheadtoher,rodeupinturntoPalliandCazaril,andsaluted.

“Ifitpleaseyou,sirs,ifoneofyouistheCastillardyCazaril,myladytheDowagerRoyinaSarabid—begs,”hecorrectedhimself,“youtowaituponher.”

ThepresentprovincarofLabran,Cazarilwasreminded,wasRoyinaSara’s

nephew.Hegatheredthathewaswitnessingherremoval—orretreat—toherfamilyestatesthere.Hereturnedthesalute.“Iamentirelyattheroyina’sservice.”

FoixhelpedCazarilfromhishorse.Stepswereletdownfromthebackofthecart,andtheladiesandmaidservantsdescendedtostrolltogetheraboutthefallowfieldnearbyandexaminethespring

wildflowers.Sararemainedseatedintheshadowofthecanvas.“Pleaseyou,Castillar,”shecalledsoftly,“Iamgladforthischancecrossing.Canyoubidewithmeamoment?”

“Iamhonored,lady.”Heduckedhisheadandclimbedintothecart,seatinghimselfonthepaddedbenchoppositehers.Thebaggagemulesploddedonpastthem.A

peaceful,distantmurmurenvelopedthescene,ofbirdsong,lowvoices,thebridle-jingleandchampingofthehorseslettograzebytheroadside,andtheoccasionaltrilloflaugherfromthemaidservants.

Sarawasdressednowinasimplycutgownandvest-cloakoflavenderandblack,mourningforpoordoomedOrico,presumably.

“Myapologies,”saidCazaril,withanacknowledgingnodathergarb,“fornotattendingtheroya’sfuneral.Iwasnotyetrecoveredenoughtotravel.”

Shewavedthisaway.“FromwhatIselleandBergonandLadyBetrizhavetoldme,itisamiracleyousurvivedyourwounds.”

“Yes,well…precisely.”

Shegavehimanoddlysympatheticlook.

“Oricowastakenupsafely,then?”Cazarilasked.

“Yes,bytheBastard.Asgods-rejectedindeathashewasinlife.Itstirredabitofunpleasantspeculationabouthisparentage,alas.”

“Notso,lady.HewassurelyIas’schild.IthinktheBastard

hasbeenspecialguardianofhisHousesinceFonsa’sreign.Andsothistimethegodpickedfirst,notlast.”

Sheshruggedherthinshoulders.“Asorryguardianship,ifso.Onthedaybeforehedied,Oricosaidtomethathewishedhe’dbeenbornthesonofawoodcutter,andnotthesonoftheroyaofChalion.Ofalltheepitaphsonhisdeath,his

ownseemsthemostappositetome.”Hervoicegrewashademoresour.“MartoudyJironal,theysay,wastakenupbytheFather.”

“SoIhadheard.TheysenthisbodytohisdaughterinThistantotakechargeof.Well,he,too,hadhisparttoplay,andlittleenoughjoyitbroughthimintheend.”Heofferedafteramoment,“Icanpersonallyguaranteeyou,

though,hisbrotherDondowascarriedtotheBastard’shell.”

Asmall,grimsmilecurvedherlips.“Perchancehemaylearnbettermannersthere.”

Thereseemednothingtoaddtothis,asepitaphswent.

Cazarilwasremindedofacuriosity,anddiffidentlyclearedhisthroat.“Theday

beforeOricodied.Andwhichdaywouldthathavebeen,mylady?”

Hereyesflewtohis,andherdarkbrowswentup.Afteramomentshesaid,“Why,thedayafterIselle’swedding,ofcourse.”

“Notthedaybefore?MartoudyJironalseemedstrangelymisinformed,then.Nottomentionprematureincertain

ofhisactions.And…itseemstomeverylikeacertaincursedluck,todiejustadaybeforeone’srescue.”

“I,andOrico’sphysician,andArchdivineMendenal,whoallattendedonhimtogether,willallswearthatOricoyetlivedtospeaktousthatafternoonandevening,anddidnotbreathehissadlastuntilearlythenextmorning.”Shemethisgazeverydirectly

indeed,herlipsstillsetinthatsamegrimcurve.“AndsoIselle’smarriagetoRoyseBergonisunassailablyvalid.”

Andthusalegalquibblewasrenderedunavailabletodisaffectedlordsasapretextfordefiance.Cazarilimaginedit,herdaylongsecretdeathwatchbesidethegelidbloatedcorpseofherhusband.Whathadshethoughtabout,whathadshe

reflectedupon,asthehourscreptbyinthatsealedchamber?AndyetshehadmadeofthathorrorapragmaticgiftforIselleandBergon,fortheHouseofChalionthatshewasdeparting.Hepicturedhersuddenlyasatidyhousewife,sweepingoutheroldfamiliarroomsforthelasttime,andleavingavaseofflowersonthehearthforthenewowners.

“I…thinkIsee.”

“Ithinkyoudo.Youalwayshadveryseeingeyes,Castillar.”Sheaddedafteramoment,“Andadiscreettongue.”

“Aconditionofmyservice,Royina.”

“YouhaveservedtheHouseofChalionwell.Better,perhaps,thanitdeserved.”

“Butnothalfsowellasitneeded.”

Shesighedagreement.

Hemadepoliteinquiryafterherplans;shewasindeedreturningtoherhomeprovince,totakeresidenceatacountryestatehappilytobeentirelyunderherowndirection.SheseemednotjustresignedbuteagertoescapeCardegossandleaveittoher

successors.Cazaril,rising,wishedherwell,andasafejourney,withallhisheart.Hekissedherhands;sheinturnkissedhisand,briefly,touchedherfingertipstohisforeheadashebenttoher.

Hewatchedhertrainofcartsrumbleaway,wincinginsympathyastheyjouncedovertheruts.TheroadsofChalioncoulduseimprovement,Cazaril

decided,andhehadriddenoverenoughofthemtoknow.He’dseenroadsintheArchipelagomadewideandsmoothforallweathers—perhapsIselleandBergonneededtoimportsomeRoknarimasons.Betterroads,withfewerbanditsonthem,woulddoaworldofgoodforChalion.Chalion-Ibra,hecorrectedthisthought,andsmiledasFoixgavehimalegupontohishorse.

29

PallihadsentFerdagallopingaheadwhileCazarillingeredbytheroadsidetospeakwithRoyinaSara.Asaresult,theZangre’scastlewarderandanarrayofservantswerewaitingtogreetthepartyfromTaryoonwhen

theyrodeatlastintothecastlecourtyard.ThecastlewarderbowedtoCazarilasthegroomshelpedhimdownfromhishorse.Cazarilstretched,carefully,andaskedinaneagervoice,“AreRoyinaIselleandRoyseBergonwithin?”

“No,mylord.Theyarejustthishourgonetothetemple,fortheceremoniesofinvestitureforLorddyYarrin

andRoyseBergon.”

Thenewroyinahad,asanticipated,selecteddyYarrinforthenewholygeneraloftheDaughter’sOrder.TheappointmentofBergontotheSon’sgeneralshipwas,inCazaril’sview,abrilliantstroketorecoverdirectcontrolofthatimportantmilitaryarmfortheroyacy,andremoveitasaboneofcontentionamongthe

highlordsofChalion.IthadbeenIselle’sownidea,too,whentheyhaddiscussedthematterbeforesheandBergonhadleftTaryoon.CazarilhadpointedoutthatwhileshecouldnotinhonorfailtorewarddyYarrin’sloyaltywiththeappointmenthe’dsoardentlydesired,dyYarrinwasnotayoungman;intime,thegeneralshipoftheDaughter,too,mustreverttotheroyacy.

“Ah!”criedPalli.“Today,isit?Istheceremonystillgoingforward,then?”

“Ibelieveso,March.”

“IfIhurry,perhapsIcanseesomeofit.Cazaril,mayIleaveyoutothegoodcareofthisgentleman?Mylordwarder,seethathetakeshisrest.Heisnotnearlysorecoveredfromhislatewoundsashewilltrytomake

youbelieve.”

PallireinedhishorsearoundandgaveCazarilacheerysalute.“Ishallreturnwithallthetaleforyouwhenit’sdone.”Followedbyhislittlecompany,hetrottedbackoutthegate.

Groomsandservantswhiskedawayhorsesandbaggage.Cazarilrefused,inwhathehopedwasadignified

manner,thesupportofthecastlewarder’sprofferedarm,atleastuntiltheyshouldhavereachedthestairs.Thecastlewardercalledhimbackashestartedtowardthemainblock.

“YourroomhasbeenmovedbyorderoftheroyinatoIas’sTower,”thecastlewarderexplained,“thatyoumaybenearherandtheroyse.”

“Oh.”Thathadapleasingsoundtoit.Agreeably,Cazarilfollowedthemanuptothethirdfloor,whereRoyseBergonandhisIbrancourtiershadtakentheirnewresidence,althoughBergonhadevidentlychosenanotherofficialbedchamberforhimselfthantheoneOricohadlatelydiedin.Not,Cazarilwasgiventounderstand,thattheroysesleptthere.Isellehadjust

movedintotheoldroyina’ssuite,above.ThecastlewardershowedCazariltotheroomnearBergon’sthatwastobehis.Someonehadmovedhistrunkandfewpossessionsoverfromhisoldchamber,andentirelynewclothingfortonight’sbanquetwasalreadylaidoutwaiting.Cazarillettheservantsbringhimwashwater,butthenshooedthemawayandlaydownobedientlytorest.

Thislastedabouttenminutes.Heroseagainandprowleduponeflighttoexaminehisnewofficearrangements.Amaidservant,recognizinghim,curtsiedhimpast.HepokedhisnoseintothechamberSarahadkeptforhersecretary.Asheexpected,itwasnowfilledwithhisrecords,books,andledgersfromtheroyesse’sformerhousehold,withagreatmanymoreadded.Unexpectedly,a

neatdark-hairedfellow,wholookedtobeaboutthirtyyearsold,mannedhisbroaddesk.HeworethegrayrobeandcarmineshoulderbraidofadivineoftheFather,andwasscratchingfiguresintooneofCazaril’sownaccountbooks.Openedcorrespondencelayfannedoutathislefthand,andalargerstackoffinishedlettersroseathisright.

HeglancedupatCazarilinpolitebutcoolinquiry.“MayIhelpyou,sir?”

“I—excuseme,Idonotbelievewehavemet.Whoareyou?”

“IamLearnedBonneret,RoyinaIselle’sprivatesecretary.”

Cazaril’smouthopened,andshut.ButI’mRoyinaIselle’s

privatesecretary!“Atemporaryappointment,isit?”

Bonneret’seyebrowswentup.“Well,Itrustitshallbepermanent.”

“Howcameyoubythepost?”

“ArchdivineMendenalwaskindenoughtorecommendmetotheroyina.”

“Lately?”

“Excuseme?”

“Youarelatelyappointed?”

“Thesetwoweekspast,sir.”Bonneretfrownedinfaintannoyance.“Ah—youhavetheadvantageofme,Ibelieve?”

Quitethereverse.“Theroyina…didn’ttellme,”said

Cazaril.Washediscarded,shuntedfromhispositionoftrust?Granted,theavalancheoftasksattendantuponIselle’sascensiontotheroyacywashardlygoingtohaltwhileCazarilslowlyrecovered;someonehadtoattendtothem.And,Cazarilnotedbytheoutgoinginscriptions,Bonnerethadbeautifulhandwriting.Thedivinewasfrowningmoredeeplyathim.Hesupplied,

“MynameisCazaril.”

Bonneret’sfrownevaporated,tobereplacedwithanevenmorealarmingawedsmile;hedroppedhisquill,spatteringink,andscrambledabruptlytohisfeet.“MylorddyCazaril!Iamhonored!”Hebowedlow.“WhatmayIdotohelpyou,mylord?”herepeated,inaverydifferenttone.

ThiseagercourtesydauntedCazarilfarmorethanBonneret’sformersuperciliousness.Hemumbledsomeincoherentexcuseforhisintrusion,pleadedwearinessfromtheroad,andfledbackdownstairs.

Hefilledalittletimeinventoryinghisclothingandtoo-fewbooksandarrangingtheminhisnewchamber.

Amazingly,nothingseemedtobemissingfromhispossessions.Hewanderedtohisnarrowwindow,whichlookeddownoverthetown.Heswunghiscasementwideandcranedhisneckout,butnosacredcrowsflewintovisithim.Withthecursebroken,themenageriegone,didtheystillroostinFonsa’sTower?Hestudiedthetempledomes,andmadeplanstoseekoutUmegatathisfirst

opportunity.Thenhesatinbewilderment.

Hewasshaken,andknewitpartlyforaneffectoffatigue.Hisenergywasstillfragile,spasmodic.Hishealinggutwoundachedfromthemorning’sriding,althoughnotasmuchaswhenDondohadusedtoclawhimfromtheinside.Hewasgloriouslyunoccupied,afactthatalonehadbeenenoughtokeephim

ecstaticallyhappyfordays.Itdidn’tseemtobeworkingthisafternoon,though.Allhisurgentpushtoarriveheremadethisquietrestthateverybodythoughtheoughttobehavingfeelratheraletdown.

Hismooddarkened.MaybetherewasnouseforhiminthisnewChalion-Ibra.Isellewouldneedmorelearned,smoothermennowtohelp

managehervastlyenlargedaffairsthanabatteredand,well,strangeex-soldierwithaweaknessforpoetry.Worse—tobeculledfromIselle’sservicewastobeexiledfromBetriz’sdailypresence.Noonewouldlighthisreadingcandlesatdusk,ormakehimwearwarmunfashionablehats,ornoticeifhefellillandbringhimfrighteningphysicians,orprayforhissafetywhenhewasfarfrom

home….

HeheardtheclatterandnoiseofwhathepresumedwasIselleandBergon’spartyreturningfromtheceremoniesatthetemple,butevenatananglehiswindowdidnotgiveaviewontothecourtyard.Heoughttorushouttogreetthem.No.I’mresting.Thatsoundedmulishandpetulanteventohisowninwardear.Don’tbeafool.

Butadrearyfatigueanchoredhiminhischair.

Beforehecouldovercomehiswashofmelancholy,Bergonhimselfbustledintohischamber,andthenitbecameimpossibletostaydown-at-the-mouth.Theroysewasstillwearingthebrown,orange,andyellowrobesoftheholygeneraloftheSon’sOrder,withitsbroadswordbeltornamentedwiththe

symbolsofautumn,alllookingalotbetteronhimthantheyeverhadonoldgraydyJironal.IfBergonwasnotajoytothegod,therewasnopleasingHimatall.Cazarilrose,andBergonembracedhim,inquiredafterhistripfromTaryoonandhishealing,barelywaitedfortheanswer,triedtotellhiminturnofeightthingsatonce,thenburstoutlaughingathimself.

“Therewillbetimeforallthisshortly.RightnowIamonamissionfrommywifetheroyinaofChalion.Buttellmefirstandprivately,LordCaz—doyoulovetheLadyBetriz?”

Cazarilblinked.“I…she…veryfond,Royse.”

“Good.Imean,Iwassureofit,butIselleinsistedIaskfirst.Now,andvery

important—areyouwillingtobeshaved?”

“I—what?”Cazaril’shandwenttohisbeard.Itwasnotatallasscragglyasithadstartedout,ithadfilledinnicely,hethought,andbesides,hekeptitneatlytrimmed.“Istheresomereasonyouaskmethis?Notthatitmattersgreatly,beardsgrowback,Isuppose…”

“Butyou’renotmadlyattachedtoitoranything,right?”

“Notmadly,no.Myhandwasshakyforatimeafterthegalleys,andIdidnotcaretocarvemyselfbloody,butIcouldnotaffordabarber.ThenIjustbecameusedtoit.”

“Good.”Bergonreturnedtothedoorway,andthrusthis

headthroughtothecorridor.“Allright,comein.”

Abarberandaservantholdingacanofhotwatertroopedinattheroyse’scommand.ThebarbermadeCazarilsit,andwhippedhisclotharoundhim.Cazarilfoundhimselfsoapedupbeforehecouldmakeremark.Theservantheldthebasinbeneathhischinasthebarber,hummingunderhis

breath,wenttoworkwithhissteel.Cazarilstareddowncross-eyedoverhisnoseasblobsofsoapygrayandblackhairsplattedintothetinbasin.Thebarbermadeunsettlinglittlechirpingnoises,butatlastsmiledinsatisfactionandgrandlygesturedthebasinaway.“There,mylord!”Someworkwithahottowelandacoldlavender-scentedtincturethatstungcompletedhisartistic

effort.Theroysedroppedacoinintothebarber’shandthatmadehimbowlowand,murmuringcompliments,retreatbackwardsthroughthedooragain.

Femininegigglessoundedfromthehallway.Avoice,notquitelowenough,whispered,“See,Iselle!Hedoestoohaveachin.Toldyou.”

“Yes,youwereright.Quiteaniceone.”

Isellestalkedinwithherbackstraight,tryingtobeveryroyalinherelaborategownfromtheinvestiture,butcouldn’tkeephergravity;shelookedatCazarilandburstintolaughter.AthershoulderBetriz,almostasfinelydressed,wasalldimplesandbrightbrowneyesandacomplexhairstylethat

seemedtoinvolvealotofblackringletsframingherface,bouncinginafascinatingmannerasshemoved.Iselle’shandwenttoherlips.“Fivegods,Cazaril!Onceyou’refetchedoutfrombehindthatgrayhedge,you’renotsooldafterall!”

“Notoldatall,”correctedBetrizsturdily.

Hehadrisenattheroyesse’s

entry,andsweptthemacourtlybow.Hishand,unwilled,wenttotouchhisunaccustomedlynakedandcoolchin.Noonehadofferedhimamirrorbywhichtoexaminethecauseofallthisfemalehilarity.

“Allready,”reportedBergonmysteriously.

Iselle,smiling,tookBetriz’shand.Bergongrasped

Cazaril’s.Isellestruckaposeandannounced,inavoicesuitedtoathroneroom,“Mybest-belovedandmostloyalladyBetrizdyFerrejhasbeggedaboonofme,whichIgrantwithallthegladnessofmyheart.Andasyouhavenofathernow,LordCazaril,BergonandIshalltakehisplaceasyourliegelords.Shehasaskedforyourhand.AsitpleasesUsgreatlythatOurtwomostbelovedservants

shouldalsoloveeachother,beyoubetrothedwithOurgoodwill.”

BergonturneduphishandwithCazaril’sinit;Betriz’sdescendeduponit,cappedbyIselle’s.Theroyseandroyinapressedtheirhandstogether,andstoodback,bothgrinning.

“But,but,but,”stammeredCazaril.“Butthisisvery

wrong,Iselle—Bergon—tosacrificethismaidentorewardmygrayhairsisarepugnantthing!”HedidnotletgoofBetriz’shand.

“Wejustgotridofyourgrayhairs,”pointedoutIselle.Shelookedhimoverjudiciously.“It’savastimprovement,Ihavetoagree.”

Bergonobserved,“AndImustsay,shedoesn’tlook

veryrepulsed.”

Betriz’sdimpleswereasdeepaseverCazarilhadseenthem,andhermerryeyesgleamedupathimthroughherdemurelysweepinglashes.

“But…but…”

“Andanyway,”Isellecontinuedbriskly,“I’mnotsacrificinghertoyouasa

rewardforyourloyalty.I’mbestowingyouonherasarewardforherloyalty.Sothere.”

“Oh.Oh,well,that’sbetter,then…”Cazarilsquinted,tryingtoreorienthisspinningmind.“But…surelytherearegreaterlords…richer…younger,handsomer…moreworthy…”

“Yes,well,shedidn’taskfor

them.Sheaskedforyou.Noaccountingfortaste,eh?”saidBergon,eyesalight.

“AndImustquibblewithatleastpartofyourestimate,Cazaril,”Betrizsaidbreathlessly.“TherearenomoreworthylordsthanyouinChalion.”Hergrip,inhis,tightened.

“Wait,”saidCazaril,feelinghewasslidingdownaslope

ofsnow,tractionless.Soft,warmsnow.“Ihavenolands,nomoney.HowcanIsupportawife?”

“Iplantomakethechancellorshipasalariedposition,”saidIselle.

“AstheFoxhasdoneinIbra?Verywise,Royina,tohaveyourprincipalservants’principalloyaltiesbetotheroyacy,andnotdivided

betweencrownandclanasdyJironal’swas.Whoshallyouappointtoreplacehim?Ihaveafewideas—”

“Cazaril!”Herfondexasperationmadefamiliarcadencewithhisname.“Ofcourseit’syou,whodidyouthinkIshouldappoint?Surelythatwentwithoutsaying!Thedutymustbeyours.”

Cazarilsatdownheavilyin

hislatebarberchair,stillnotreleasinghisclutchonBetriz’shand.“Rightnow?”hesaidfaintly.

Herchincameup.“No,no,ofcoursenot!Tonightwefeast.Tomorrowwilldo.”

“Ifyou’refeelinguptoitbythen,”Bergonputinhastily.

“It’savasttask.”Wishforbread,andbehandeda

banquet…betweenthosewhosoughttooverprotecthimandthosewhosacrificedhiscomfortmercilesslytotheiraimswithoutasecondthought,Cazarildecidedheratherpreferredthelatter.ChancellordyCazaril.MylordChancellor.Hislipsmoved,asheshapedthesyllables,andcrookedup.

“Weshalldotheseannouncementsalloveragain

publiclytonightafterdinner,”saidIselle,“sodressyourselfsuitably,Cazaril.BergonandIshallpresentthechainofofficetoyouthen,beforethecourt.Betriz,attenduponme”—herlipscurved—“inalittlewhile.”ShetuckedherhandthroughBergon’sarmanddrewtheroyseoutafterher.Thedoorswungshut.

CazarilsnakedhisarmaroundBetriz’swaistand

pulledher,ruthlesslyandnotatallshyly,downuponhislap.Shesqueakedinsurprise.

“Lips,eh?”hemurmured,andfastenedhistohers.

Pausingforbreathsometimelater,shepulledherheadbackandhappilyrubbedherchin,thenhis.“Andnowyourkissesdonotmakemeitch!”

ITWASLATETHEFOLLOWING

MORNINGBEFORECazarilwasatlastabletoseekoutUmegatattheBastard’shouse.Arespectfulacolyteusheredhimtoapairofroomsonthethirdfloor;thetonguelessgroom,Daris,answeredtheknockandbowedCazarilinside.Cazarilwasnotsurprisedtofindhimwearingthegarbofalaydedicatoftheorder,tidyandwhite.DarisrubbedhischinandgesturedatCazaril’sbare

face,utteringsomesmilingremarkthatCazarilwasjustasgladhecouldnotmakeout.Thethumblessmanbeckonedhimthroughthechamber,furnishedupasasittingroom,andouttoalittlewoodenbalcony,festoonedwithtwiningvinesandrosegeraniumsinpots,overlookingtheTempleSquare.

Umegat,alsodressedinclean

white,satatatinytableinthecoolshade,andCazarilwasthrilledtoseepaperandquillandinkbeforehim.Darishastilybroughtachair,thatCazarilmightsitbeforeUmegatcouldtrytorise.Darismouthedaninvitinghum;Umegatinterpretedanofferofhospitality,andCazarilagreedtotea,whichDarisbustledawaytofetch.

“What’sthis?”Cazarilwaved

eagerlyatthepapers.“Haveyouyourwritingback?”

Umegatgrimaced.“Sofar,Iseemtobebacktoagefive.Wouldthatsomeoftherestofmewassorejuvenated.”Hetiltedthepagetoshowalaboredexerciseofcrudelydrawnletters.“Ikeepputtingthembackinmymind,andtheykeepfallingoutagain.Myhandhaslostitsclevernessforthequill—and

yetIcanstillplaythelutenearlyasbadlyasever!ThephysicianinsiststhatIamimproving,andIsupposeitisso,forIcouldnotdosolittleasthisamonthago.Thewordsscuttleaboutonthepagelikecrabs,buteverysooftenIcatchone.”Heglancedup,andshruggedawayhisstruggles.“Butyou!GreatdoingsinTaryoon,weretheynot?Mendenalsaysyouhadaswordstuck

throughyou.”

“Puncturedfronttoback,”admittedCazaril.“ButitcarvedoutLordDondoandthedemon,whichmadeitaltogetherworththepain.TheLadysparedmefromthekillingfever,after.”

UmegatglancedafterDaris.“Thenyougotofflightly.”

“Miraculouslyso.”

Umegatleanedalittleforwardacrossthetableandgazedcloselyintohisface.“Hm.Hm.You’vebeenkeepinghighcompany,Isee.”

“Haveyouyoursecondsightback?”askedCazaril,startled.

“No.It’sjustalookamangets,thatonelearnstorecognize.”

Indeed.Umegathadit,too.Itseemedthatifamanwasgod-touched,andyetnotpushedaltogetheroff-balance,itlefthimmysteriouslycenteredthereafter.“Youhaveseenyourgod,too.”Itwasnotaquestion.

“Onceortwice,”Umegatadmitted.

“Howlongdoesittaketo

recover?”

“I’mnotsureyet.”Umegatrubbedhislipsthoughtfully,studyingCazaril.“Tellme—ifyoucan—whatyousaw…?”

Itwasnotjustthelearnedtheologiantalkingshop;Cazarilsawtheflashoffathomlessgod-hungerintheRoknari’sgrayeyes.DoIlooklikethat,whenIspeakof

Her?Nowondermenlookatmestrangely.

Cazariltoldthetale,startingfromhisprecipitatedeparturefromCardegossridingtotheroyesse’sordering.Teaarrived,wasconsumed,andthecupsrefilledbeforehecametotheendofit.Darishunkeredinthedoorway,listening;Cazarilsupposedheneednotaskaftertheex-groom’sdiscretion.Whenhe

triedtodescribehisgathering-inbytheLady,hebecametongue-tangled.Umegathungonhishaltingwords,lipsparted.

“Poetry—poetrymightdoit,”saidCazaril.“Ineedwordsthatmeanmorethantheymean,wordsnotjustwithheightandwidth,butdepthandweightand,andotherdimensionsthatIcannotevenname.”

“Hm,”saidUmegat.“Itriedtorecapturethegodwithmusic,foratime,aftermyfirst…experience.Ihadnotthegift,alas.”

Cazarilnodded.Heaskeddiffidently,“Isthereanythingyou—eitherofyou—need,thatIcancommand?IsellehasyesterdaymademechancellorofChalion,soIsupposeIcancommand,well,ratheralot.”

Umegat’sbrowsflickedup;hefavoredCazarilwithalittlecongratulatorybow,fromhisseat.“Thatwaswelldoneoftheyoungroyina.”

Cazarilgrimaced.“Ikeepthinkingaboutdeadmen’sboots,actually.”

Umegat’ssmileglimmered.“Iunderstand.Asforus,theTemplecaresforitsex-saintsreasonablywell,andsupplies

usallthatwecanpresentlyuse.Iliketheserooms,thiscity,thisspringair,mycompany.Ihopethegodwillyetgrantmeaninterestingtaskortwo,beforeI’mdone.Although,bypreference,notwithanimals.Orroyalty.”

Cazarilmadeamotionofsympathy.“IsupposeyouknewpoorOricoaswellasalmostanyone,exceptperhapsSara.”

“Isawhimnearlyeverydayforsixyears.Hespoketomemostfrankly,towardtheend.IhopeIwasaconsolationtohim.”

Cazarilhesitated.“Forwhatit’sworth,Icametotheconclusionthathewassomethingofahero.”

Umegatnoddedbriefly.“SodidI.Inafrustratingsortofway.Hewasasacrifice,

surely.”Hesighed.“Well,itisaparticularsintopermitgriefforwhatisgonetopoisonthepraiseforwhatblessingsremaintous.”

Thetonguelessmanrosefromhissilentspottotakeawaytheteathings.

“Thankyou,Daris,”saidUmegat,andpattedthehandthattouchedhimbrieflyontheshoulder;Darisgathered

upthecupsandplatesandpaddedoff.

Cazarilstaredcuriouslyafterhim.“Haveyouknownhimlong?”

“Abouttwentyyears.”

“Thenhewasnotjustyourassistantinthemenagerie…”Cazarilloweredhisvoice.“Washemartyredbackthen?”

“No.Notyet.”

“Oh.”

Umegatsmiled.“Don’tlooksoglum,LordCazaril.Wegetbetter.Thatwasyesterday.Thisistoday.Ishallaskhispermissiontotellyouthetaleofitsometime.”

“Ishouldbehonoredwithhisconfidence.”

“Alliswell,andifit’snot,thenatleasteachdaybringsusclosertoourgod.”

“Ihadnoticedthat.Ihadalittletroubletrackingtime,thefirstfewdaysafter…afterIsawtheLady.Time,andscale,bothalteredoutofreckoning.”

Alightknocksoundeduponthechamberdoor.Darisemergedfromtheotherroom

andwenttoadmitawhite-smockedyoungdedicatwhoheldabookinherhand.

“Ah.”Umegatbrightened.“Itismyreader.MakeyourbowtotheLordChancellor,Dedicat.”Headdedinexplanation,“Theysendadelinquentdedicattoreadtomeforanhouraday,asalightpunishmentforsmallinfractionsofthehouserules.Haveyoudecidedwhatrule

youmeantobreaktomorrow,girl?”

Thededicatgrinnedsheepishly.“I’mthinking,LearnedUmegat.”

“Wellifyourunoutofideas,IwillharkenbacktomyyouthandseeifIcan’trememberafewmore.”

ThededicattippedthebooktowardCazaril.“IthoughtI

wouldbesenttoreaddulltheologytothedivine,butinsteadhewantedthisbookoftales.”

Cazarilglancedoverthevolume,anIbranimportjudgingbytheprinter’smark,withinterest.

“It’safineconceit,“saidUmegat.“Theauthorfollowsagroupoftravelerstoapilgrimageshrine,andhas

eachonetellhisorhertaleinturn.Very,ah,holy.”

“Actually,mylord,”thededicatwhispered,“someofthemareverylewd.”

“IseeImustdustoffOrdol’ssermononthelessonsoftheflesh.IhavepromisedthededicattimeofffromtheBastard’spenancesforherblushes.Ifearshebelievesme.”Umegatsmiled.

“I,ah…shouldbeverypleasedtoborrowthatbook,whenyou’refinishedwithit,”Cazarilsaidhopefully.

“I’llhaveitsentuptoyou,mylord.”

Cazarilmadehisfarewells.Herecrossedthefive-sidedTempleSquareandheadeduphill,butturnedasidebeforetheZangrecameinsightandmadehiswaytoProvincardy

Baocia’stownpalace.TheblockyoldstonebuildingresembledJironalPalace,thoughmuchsmaller,withnowindowsonitslowerfloor,anditsnextfloor’scasementsprotectedbywrought-irongrilles.IthadbeenreopenednotonlyforitslordandladybutalsotheoldProvincaraandLadyIsta,whohadarrivedfromValenda.Fulltobursting,itsformersullenemptysilencewasturnedto

bustle.Cazarilstatedhisrankandbusinesstoabowingporter,andwaswhiskedinsidewithoutquestionordelay.

Theporterledhimtoahighsunnychamberatthebackofthehouse.HerehefoundDowagerRoyinaIstasittingoutonalittleiron-railedbalconyoverlookingthesmallherbgardenandstablemews.Shedismissedher

attendantwomanandgesturedCazariltothevacatedchair,almostkneetokneewithher.Ista’sdunhairwasneatlybraidedtoday,wreathingherhead;bothherfaceandherdressseemedsomehowcrisper,moreclearlydefinedthanCazarilhadeverseenthembefore.

“Thisisapleasantplace,”Cazarilobserved,easinghimselfdowninthechair.

“Yes,Ilikethisroom.ItistheoneIhadwhenIwasagirl,whenmyfatherbroughtusuptothecapitalwithhim,whichwasnotoften.Bestofall,IcannotseetheZangrefromit.”Shegazeddownintothedomesticsquareofgarden,embroideredwithgreen,protectedandcontained.

“Youcametothebanquettherelastnight.”Hehadonly

beenabletoexchangeafewformalwordswithherinthatcompany,Istamerelycongratulatinghimonhischancellorshipandhisbetrothal,anddepartingearly“Youlookedverywell,too,Imustsay.IcouldseeIsellewasgratified.”

Sheinclinedherhead.“Ieattheretopleaseher.Idonotcaretosleepthere.”

“Isupposetheghostsarestillabout.Icannotseethemnow,tomygreatrelief.”

“NorI,withsightorsecondsight,butIfeelthemasachillinthewalls.Orperhapsit’sjustthememoryofthemthatchillsme.”Sherubbedherarmsasiftowarmthem.“IabhortheZangre.”

“Iunderstandthepoorghostsmuchbetternowthanwhen

theyfirstterrifiedme,”saidCazarildiffidently.“Ithoughttheirexileanderosionwasarejectionbythegods,atfirst,adamnation,butnowIknowitforamercy.Whenthesoulsaretakenup,theyrememberthemselves…themindspossesstheirlivesallwhole,allatonce,asthegodsdo,withnearlytheterribleclaritythatmatterremembersitself.Forsome…forsomethatheavenwouldbeas

unbearableasanyhell,andsothegodsreleasethemtoforgetfulness.”

“Forgetfulness.Thatsmudgedoblivionseemsaveryheaventomenow.Ipraytobesuchaghost,Ithink.”

Ifearitisamercyyoushallbedenied.Cazarilclearedhisthroat.“YouknowthecurseisliftedoffofIselleandBergon,andall,andbanished

outofChalion?”

“Yes.Isellehastoldmeofit,tothelimitofherunderstanding,butIknewitwhenithappened.MyladiesweredressingmetogodowntotheDaughter’sDaymorningprayers.Therewasnothingtosee,nothingtohearorfeel,butitwasasthoughafoghadliftedfrommymind.Ididnotrealizehowcloselyithadcloaked

meround,likeaclammymistontheskinofmysoul,tillitwaslifted.Iwassorrythen,forIthoughtitmeantyouhaddied.”

“Diedindeed,buttheLadyputmebackintotheworld.Well,intomybody.MyfriendPalliwouldhaveitthatSheputmebackinupsidedown.”Hissmileflickered.

Istalookedaway.“The

curse’sliftingmademypainmoreclear,andyetmoredistant.Itfeltverystrange.”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Youwereright,LadyIsta,abouttheprophecy.Thethreedeaths.Iwaswrongwithmymarriagescheme,wronganddeterminedtobeso,becauseIwasafraid.Yourwayseemedtoohard.Andyetitcamerightdespitemyself,intheend,bytheLady’sgrace.”

Shenodded.“Iwouldhavedoneitmyself,ifIcouldhave.Mysacrificewasevidentlynotdeemedacceptable.”Bitternesstingedhervoice.

“Itwasnotamatterof—that’snotthereason,”protestedCazaril.“Well,itisbutitisn’t.Ithastodowiththeshapeofyoursoul,notitsworthiness.Youhavetomakeacupofyourself,to

receivethatpouringout.Youareasword.Youwerealwaysasword.Likeyourmotherandyourdaughter,too—steelspinesruninthewomenofyourfamily.IrealizenowwhyIneversawsaints,before.Theworlddoesnotcrashupontheirwillslikewavesuponarock,orpartaroundthemlikethewakeofaship.Insteadtheyaresupple,andswimthroughtheworldassilentlyasfishes.”

Herbrowsroseathim,thoughwhetherinagreement,disagreement,orsomepoliteironyhewasnotsure.

“Wherewillyougonow?”heaskedher.“Nowthatyouarebetter,thatis.”

Sheshrugged.“Mymothergrowsfrail.Isupposeweshallreversechairs,andIshallattenduponherinthecastleofValendaasshe

attendeduponme.IshouldprefertogosomewherethatIhaveneverbeenbefore.NotValenda,notCardegoss.Someplacewithnomemories.”

Hecouldnotarguewiththis.HethoughtonUmegat,notexactlyherspiritualsuperior,butsoexperiencedinlossandwoeastohaverecoverydowntonearlyaroutine.Istahadyetanothertwentyyears

tofindherwaytoabalancelikethat.AtabouttheageIstawasnow,retrievingthebrokenbodyofhisfriendfromwhateverepisodeofhorrorshadshatteredhim,perhapsUmegathadrailedandwailedasheart-rendinglyasshehad,orcursedthegodsascoldlyasherfrozensilences.“IshallhavetohaveyoumeetmyfriendUmegat,”hetoldIsta.“HewasthesaintgiventopreserveOrico.Ex-

saint,now,asyouandIare,too.Ithink…Ithinkyouandhecouldhavesomeinterestingconversations.”

Sheopenedherhand,warily,neitherencouragingthisideanordenyingitspossibility.Cazarilresolvedtopursuetheirintroduction,later.

Attemptingtoturnherthoughtstohappiermatters,heaskedafterIselle’s

coronation,whichIstaandtheproudandeagerProvincarahadarrivedinCardegossjustintimetoattend.He’dsofaraskedsomefourorfivepeopletodescribeittohim,buthehadn’tgrowntiredoftheaccountsyet.Shegrewanimatedforalittle,herdelightinherdaughter’svictorysofteningherfaceandilluminatinghereyes.ThefateofTeidezlaybetweenthemuntouched,asifby

mutualassent.Thiswasnotthedaytopressthosetenderwounds,lesttheybreakandbleedanew;somelater,strongerhourwouldbetimeenoughtospeakofthelostboy.

Atlength,hebowedhisheadandmadetobidhergoodday.Ista,suddenlyurgent,leanedforwardtotouchhim,forthefirsttime,uponhishand.

“Blessme,Cazaril,beforeyougo.”

Hewastakenaback.“Lady,Iamnomoresaintnowthanyouare,andsurelynotagod,tocalldownblessingsatmywill.”Andyet…hewasn’taroyesse,either,buthehadbornetheproxyforonetoIbra,andmadebindingcontractinhername.LadyofSpring,ifeverIservedYou,redeemYourdebttomenow.

Helickedhislips.“ButIwilltry.”

Heleanedforward,andplacedhishandonIsta’swhitebrow.Hedidnotknowwherethewordscamefrom,buttheyrosetohislipsnonetheless.

“Thisisatrueprophecy,astrueasyourseverwere.Whenthesoulsriseupinglory,yoursshallnotbe

shunnednorsundered,butshallbetheprizeofthegods’gardens.Evenyourdarknessshallbetreasuredthen,andallyourpainmadeholy.”

Hesatbackandshuthismouthabruptly,asasurgeofterrorranthroughhim.Isitwell,isitill,amIafool?

Ista’seyesfilledwithtearsthatdidnotfall.Herhand,cuppedupwarduponher

knee,grewstill.Sheduckedherheadinclumsyacceptance,asawkwardlyasachildtakingitsfirststep.Inashakenvoiceshesaid,“Youdothatverywell,Cazaril,foramanwhoclaimstobeanamateur.”

Heswallowed,noddedback,smiled,tookhisleave,andfledintothestreet.Asheturnedupthehill,hisstridelengtheneddespitetheslope.

Hisladieswouldbewaiting.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

TheAuthorwouldliketothankProfessorWilliamD.Phillips,Jr.,forHistory3714,themostusefulfourhundreddollarsandtenweeksIeverspentinschool;Pat“Oh,c’mon,it’llbefun”Wredeforthelettergamethatfirstdrew

theproto-Cazaril,blinkingandstumbling,frommyback-brainintothelightofday;and,Isuppose,theutilitycompaniesofMinneapolisforthathotshoweronecoldFebruary,wherethefirsttwoitemscollidedunexpectedlyinmyheadtocreateanewworldandallthepeopleinit.

AbouttheAuthor

Oneofthemostrespectedwritersinthefieldofspeculativefiction,LOISMcMASTERBUJOLDburstontothescenein1986withShardsofHonor,thefirstofhertremendouslypopularVorkosiganSaganovels.Shehasreceivednumerousaccoladesandprizes,

includingtheNebulaAward(forFallingFree),threeHugoAwardsforBestNovel(TheVorGame,Barrayar,andMirrorDance),aswellastheHugoandNebulaAwardsforhernovellaMountainsofMourning.Hershortstory,“Labyrinth,”wonfirstplaceinAnalogMagazine'sannualawards.Themotheroftwo,Ms.BujoldlivesinMinneapolis,Minnesota.

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OtherbooksbyLoisMcMasterBujold

THESPIRITRING

FALLINGFREE

SHARDSOFHONOR

BARRAYAR

THEWARRIOR’SAPPRENTICE

THEVORGAME

CETAGANDA

ETHANOFATHOS

BORDERSOFINFINITY

BROTHERSINARMS

MIRRORDANCE

MEMORY

KOMARR

ACIVILCAMPAIGN

Credits

JacketdesignDougBeekmanJacketartbyDougBeekman

Copyright

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

THECURSEOFCHALION.Copyright©2001byLoisM.Bujold.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,

reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.

EPubEditionSEPTEMBER©2008ISBN:9780061793042

0607080910

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