Careful… careful… “My lord, the girl might be bound but her tongue is still free to wag. We’re all of us agreed she’s a troublemaker. Do we really need to chance her causing mischief for the Council?”

“That’s easily fixed,” said Sallis. “Keep her solitary. Keep her drugged. Or is there a binding incant that can be twisted to still her tongue?”

Varen’s frown became a scowl. “Three solutions that would not reflect well upon this Council. We are more civilised, I think, than a Feenish warlord.”

This time Morgan did not hide his feelings. “I should think so, my lord. The girl’s crime was not so great. Kept close at the Danfey estate she won’t cause trouble. Our master servant is strict. He can be trusted with her supervision.”

“And she’ll do what, precisely, while she’s in your tender care?” Venette demanded. “Twiddle her thumbs and stare out of the nearest window as she plots a revenge against the mages who’ve dared thwart her ludicrous ambitions?”

Oh, she was displeased, wasn’t she? Well, it couldn’t be helped.

You were my mother’s friend, Venette, but that does not make you her replacement.

“No, Lady Martain,” he said, very cool. “Mage Lindin will perform whatever menial household tasks Rumm sees fit to assign her.”

“And Lord Danfey will agree to this unusual arrangement?” said Shari, sounding skeptical.

“Lord Danfey does not concern himself with domestic matters,” he replied, and again looked to Varen. “I’ve no doubt that a few weeks spent scrubbing floors and kitchen pots and dusting every crevice of the mansion will push home to Mage Lindin the benefits of living an unremarkable, unnoticed life.”

Varen’s lips twitched. “Nor do I doubt it. Very well, Morgan. But since I’d not usurp Lord Danfey’s authority, be sure to gain his express permission for this. And come the morning—” He glanced down at Barl Lindin, motionless on the floor. “We’ll see how things stand.”

“With luck,” Sallis added, “she’ll expire through the night, and serve as a warning to other reckless, unranked mages.”

Rage pounding through him, Morgan shifted until his back was turned full upon the man. “Lord Varen, if we are done with this distasteful business, I’d beg your leave to depart. My father insists on keeping awake until I’m safely home, and I’d not unduly tire him.”

Varen nodded. “Of course. But I’ll see you back here first thing.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And I want the Jordane matter dealt with on the morrow, as well,” Varen added. “Discreetly.”

Morgan bowed. “Yes, my lord.”

Without looking again at Barl Lindin, without bidding farewell to Venette, or offering Sallis and Shari the most cursory good manners, he withdrew from the chamber, and at the first warded alcove he came to, savagely chanted a travel incant… and left the Hall behind.