Kaylin knew. She wasn’t certain that the Tower coulddoanything this far outside of its physical shape—but the power of the Towers was subtle, and it extended to all borders. She just hoped that Bellusdeo wouldn’t casually torch one of the buildings as a show of force, because even if the buildings looked run-down and barely habitable—and these didn’t—people like Kaylin still lived in them, or retreated to them; falling apart was still better than open streets and hunting Ferals.
“Even in the High Court,” Candallar replied with a touch less equanimity, “such accusations require proof.”
“Speak,” Bellusdeo said, “to your allies—if indeed they still exist.”
Mandoran cleared his throat; Bellusdeo snorted. There was fire in it, not just the usual smoke. “Sedarias An’Mellarionne considers your desire to return to your kin to be commendable. She understands that the fiefs themselves are necessary, and you have long and voluntarily served in a position that none would gainsay. But if you wish to traverse the streets of the Imperial city in the future, she asks that you consider your current available choices with care.
“The mortals can be of little concern to a man of your former stature. If Lord Kaylin—” and here, there was emphasis on the title that Kaylin found so awkward “—requires some aid in identifying those mortals, would you keep their names and positions to yourself? We are beholden to Lord Kaylin, and would consider it a disservice.”
“And will Sedarias An’Mellarionne pay a visit? She will find me at home.”
Mandoran did chuckle them. “She invites you instead, with Lord Kaylin’s acquiescence, to pay, as you call it, a visit; you will find her at home.”
“If she wishes to resume her rightful place—”
“Resume? She is An’Mellarionne. There is nothing to resume or assume. There are none who would now dare to touch or take the seat she has finally claimed as her own.”
“You’re certain I can’t eat him?” the Dragon asked.
“You wouldn’t enjoy it,” Kaylin replied.
Severn had begun to unwind his weapon chain, and given the absence of obvious aggression, Kaylin found this disturbing.
Candallar is a mage, Nightshade said.Do not, however, watch Severn. Watch your familiar.
He’s not doing anything.
Then do likewise. I admit that even I underestimated Sedarias. It is...refreshing.
Barrani ideas of refreshing weresonot Kaylin’s.
You are annoyed that she did not discuss this with you?
Yes, actually, because this interferes withmyjob.
It does not. In case your High Barrani is inadequate, one of her conditions is that the information that you...somehow...thought you might receive should you come to Candallar be delivered to her.
We didn’t come here expecting to be handed information.
Ah. And you came here in person for what reason?
To investigate Candallar.She exhaled.And to take a look at theRavellonborder.
Silence.
I do not believe that those were your orders.
Not specifically, no. But I’ll bet you anything you want that’s why Bellusdeo is here. The Tower let a High Lord cross the border and return bearing Spike. How that happened—how thatcouldhappen—when the fieflord is present... You don’t think he’s like Barren, do you?
No. Candallar is his. You can hear his name across the border; you can see it, if you look for it. Or rather, the fieflords and their Towers can.
Do you think he’s like the fieflord before Barren?
That I cannot tell you. But I will say this: it is no small effort and requires no small will to captain one of the six Towers. You think of the animus of the Tower as Tara. It is with Tara that you have the broadest breadth of experience. But you are aware that my Tower is entirely unlike Tara; the living heart of Castle Nightshade is, or was, one of our Ancestors.
I have not likewise made the acquaintance of other Towers. I can no more tell you whether they are like Tara or like Castle Nightshade. I can tell you nothing of Candallar’s Tower, and to glean any information, you would have to visit. I do not suggest you do so with the Dragon.
Or the cohort?
