It was clear that the Dolls did do some things well—the horses in the stables were well cared-for, for instance. But then, it seemed to him that they took great care when the welfare of other living things was at stake, especially things that were, in a sense, helpless. Or at least helpless to tend to their own needs.

“You must rise, Lord Duke,” Star reminded him. “The time to scry your spouse is nearly at hand.”

He scrambled into shirt and breeches, and padded barefoot to the desk, pausing to fetch the scrying mirror from underneath the cushion where he habitually left it.

It seemed to take forever before Isla appeared in it, although it probably was not longer than usual. He waited until he was sure she could see and hear him before he said anything; the line between her eyebrows cleared when her spell settled and showed him. “I have good news,” he said, before she could speak. “I have thirty thousand sealed Imperial Passes for each Gate. They’re helpfully marked with ‘F’ and ‘W,’ so you won’t mix them up.”

Isla’s mouth dropped open. “But . . . Delia can’t possib—”

“They are coming by Imperial Messenger today. And don’t start yelling,” he added hastily. “Let me explain.”

He told her everything that had happened in the Records Room—what had happened in the Trap Room didn’t matter, except in that he had more people to rescue, and he was just going to avoid that subject as long as possible. Forever, if he could.

I can’t avoid it forever, but at least what is going to happen is going to happen at the same time as the hostages come through. And these people, at least, aren’t going to be kidnapped.

When he finished, she just sat there, looking stunned. Well, she should be stunned. I was stunned. This was . . . inconceivable. I would never, ever, if I live to be a thousand, have thought that all the talismans we could ever need would land in my lap like this.

“I don’t know what to say,” she said finally.

“Try, ‘I forgive you, Kordas, for acting impulsively,’” he suggested.

“I suppose I have to,” she admitted, grudgingly. “So this Imperial messenger will arrive today?”

Star spoke up. “At about mid-morning, Lady Duke,” the Doll said. “The Record Keeper will wait until it is certain that the messenger will not be noticed carrying an unusually large burden. The Record Keeper cautions you not to send someone to linger at the Gate in order to intercept him. The Record Keeper suggests that you note that the Messenger had far to walk, suggest that he must be very weary, apologize, and offer refreshment that includes the spirits. That will make the offer of refreshment all the more welcome and not at all suspicious.”

Isla nodded. “I think I like your Record Keeper,” she said dryly. “It has all the good sense the Duke lacks.”