Kordas was struck silent. Star removed the new boots and set them aside while Kordas rocked back against the wall, trying to process that. I’ve never been—read like that before. They must have done that with everyone in the Court, and the—they must be sick from what they’ve seen, and then I come along, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes and—things I haven’t ever forgiven myself for—and the Elementals just—they just see what I’m made of, they judge—

“But if you’ve taken the place of the servants and staff here—where did the people go?” asked Beltran, utterly oblivious of where his lord’s mind was going. Which was just as well, really.

“Specialists and chefs remain.” Star paused a moment, as if listening to a distant voice. “The Master of Records says with few exceptions, the humans and all pets were sent to the war front. Dolls are impractical in any use but backline support. Scribes, pages, any other male human that could wield a weapon, were conscripted to the Imperial forces as combatants. The females were conscripted as menials or entertainment. The pets have likely all been eaten by now.”

Beltran looked pale. Kordas rubbed at the Ducal Crest, holding his breath.

We have to get away from the Empire before it’s our turn. But that would still leave the Dolls, the—vrondi to, inevitably, be—

An impulse arose in him. A stupid impulse. Possibly a suicidal impulse. A generous impulse to be sure, but that didn’t make it less stupid.

On the other hand—if he didn’t act on it, he wouldn’t be worthy of the name of Valdemar.

“Star,” he said, looking directly into the creature’s blue, unwinking eyes. “My people and I are in the process of escaping from this part of the world, and intend to travel far beyond the reach of the Emperor. Would you and the rest of the Dolls like to come with us, if I can manage it? I can’t promise it will happen, but I can promise that I will die trying, if need be. My people are largely innocents, and they could be—better off with you than with me.”

Star did freeze; went so rigid that only now was Kordas aware that until this moment it actually had been making minute movements, probably continuously adjusting its weight and balance. He was not sure whether he had insulted it, whether or not it believed him, whether it might be compelled to report what he had just said to its masters. He held his breath, waiting for the answer—

—or a troupe of the Emperor’s guards to burst in.

But finally, Star spoke, in tones of such mingled hope and anguish that his heart almost broke.

“Oh yes!” Star cried softly. “Please.”

10