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“He was never boastful, but he seems more quiet.”

“I still don’t understand about Recluce.” The voice of the Finance Minister was sharp.

“Perhaps the sub-commander or the order-master could answer your question,” suggested the autarch. “Krystal? We ought to let our guest have a few moments’ peace.”

A wry look flashed across Krystal’s face before she spoke. “Recluce is governed by the Brotherhood. They are black order-masters. Recluce has always let chaos rule in any area outside Recluce unless the Brotherhood feels that chaos threatens or hurts Recluce. Anyone they think might ever create disorder must either leave or undergo a trial by exile to prove their commitment to the absolute order of Recluce.”

“Everyone? Surely the children of the powerful…” questioned Murreas, the heavy-set Finance Minister.

Krystal and I exchanged glances, an exchange noted by Kasee, although she said nothing.

“No,” responded Krystal after a brief hesitation. “They are true believers. I know of a case where the son of one of the highest of the Brotherhood was exiled years earlier than any other child would have been, perhaps to prove that no one is above the law.”

Liessa looked at me from the other end of the table and nodded nearly imperceptibly.

Hell, all of Kyphros would know my history before I ever got out of Kyphrien, the way things were going, and there wasn’t much I could do about it.

After the dinner came small cups of a hot mulled cider, along with a nut-filled pastry soaked in honey. It took my best behavior not to use my fingers to wipe up the last of the honey from the plate. I didn’t want to disgrace Krystal, but I’d had few sweets since leaving home, and hadn’t realized how much I had missed them.

“…will you be staying long?”

I’d missed the first part of Minister Zeiber’s question, but the intent was clear.

“No.”

“And what are your plans?”

I shrugged. “To do what has to be done.”

“This is rather ambitious. Also, rather vague.”

“It is vague,” I agreed cheerfully, with a growing awareness of the man’s underlying venality.

Krystal’s face was impassive, but I could sense the humor beneath the facade.

“I am afraid tomorrow will come early,” announced Kasee the Autarch. She rose from her chair. “Krystal, thank you for sharing the order-master with us. And you, Lerris—we appreciate your candor and your willingness to enlighten us.” The ruler nodded toward the Guard Commander.

“Thank you, order-master,” added Ferrel, “especially for your rescue attempt and the ‘accidental’ charge. You saved a good score by taking out that wizard. I enjoyed returning your knife, and I won’t disabuse the guard by revealing the ‘accidental’ nature of your success.”

“I appreciate your kindness, and your retrieving my knife.”

Ferrel nodded and followed the autarch out. We were right behind, but, outside the dining room, in the wide red-oak paneled hallway, the autarch and Ferrel headed right. I followed Krystal to the left, down the dimly-lit halls, feet echoing in the hushed corridors.

In time, we reached Krystal’s quarters, where the faithful Herreld waited. He had the door opened even before we had finished turning the last corner.

“That will be all, Herreld.”

He looked at me and back at Krystal.

“If I need anything, I’ll ring the order desk.” Her smile was pleasant, but formal. “Good night.”

“Good night, commander.”

Thunk!

Krystal dropped the heavy bar in place with the ease of long practice.

“He wasn’t too pleased to see me come in.”

Krystal didn’t answer the question, instead unbelted her sword and carried it into her bedroom.

Thud…thud…The “thuds” came from the heavy boots, not the sword.

She returned barefoot, still wearing the blouse, vest, and trousers she had on at dinner. “Let’s sit on the balcony for a little while.”

Outside, a cool breeze caressed my face. Krystal took the right-hand chair and seated herself in the darkness. I sat and looked over the railing. There seemed to be more lamps in the guard yard below than in what else I could see of Kyphrien. Even