“What is it?” Alec mumbled from the bed.

“Thero’s here.”

“Again?”

They found the wizard walking at the back of the garden, near Alec’s targets.

Thero took in their bare feet and dressing gowns with a frown as they joined him. “It’s nearly noon, you know.”

“We were out spying for you. What’s wrong that a message wouldn’t do?” Seregil asked with a yawn.

“What did you do to Laneus last night?”

“Do to him? Nothing. I dined out with him and Malthus while Alec burgled his house, just as we told you. Then I was attacked by four assassins on the way home, right here in the Noble Quarter. Compliments of Duke Laneus and General Sarien, I suspect.”

“Sarien? Are you certain?”

“Not entirely, but I managed to snag a little memento from one of my attackers. It’s up in my room.”

“A soldier’s charm, from the City Regiment,” Alec put in.

Thero shook his head, incredulous. “And just when were you going to tell me about this?”

Seregil gave him a wry look. “When I woke up. Now, what’s all this about Laneus?”

“He was found dead this morning.”

“And you assume we had something to do with that?”

“The man did try to have you killed.”

“We’re spies, Thero, not assassins.”

“Then I have your word?”

“Rei phöril tös tókun meh brithir, vrí sh’ruit’ya.” Seregil gave the solemn oath hand to his heart. Though you thrust your dagger at my eyes, I will not flinch.

Alec repeated it, too.

The wizard nodded, knowing that neither one of them would give it lightly.

“So what happened?” asked Seregil.

“He was found in his study by the servants this morning, still dressed from his outing with you.”

“I can assure you, we had no hand in that. He wasn’t a young man, Thero. Perhaps his heart just gave out.”

“Rather unluckily for you, I’m afraid. He collapsed at his desk and a letter was found under the body. Apparently he’d been writing it when he died. It’s addressed to Your Highness, though I don’t know which one, and—”

“And it says Seregil’s not to be trusted!” Alec groaned. “Bilairy’s Balls, I knew I should have taken it when I had the chance. Who has it now?”

“Korathan. I’m surprised I got here before his guards did.”

“Damn!”

“It would be better if we go to him on our own,” said Seregil.

“I’ll go with you,” said Thero. “Do you think Malthus has any idea that Laneus tried to have you killed?”