“Yes, my lord.” Leaning over in the saddle, he spoke softly in Seregil’s ear. “Earl Kormarin. I saw him at a dinner with Duke Reltheus the day before he was killed. And now he turns up dead!”

“Yes, I know about that.”

“Ah, but I know a bit of what the conversation was. I overheard Duke Reltheus telling Kormarin that all was in place for the queen’s return, my lord.”

“All what?”

“That I don’t know, my lord.”

“Thank you. Are you dining with anyone else interesting tonight?”

“Not tonight, my lord. The theater is dark and I’m going to enjoy a much-needed rest.”

Seregil looked the man over. “You hide it well, my friend. You look fresh as a spring morning.”

Atre laughed, flashing white teeth. “Kind of you to say, my lord. Good day to you!”

They arrived in Korathan’s sitting room to find Thero already there, and looking none too happy. Korathan was still in his robes, but the velvet hat was perched on the head of a nearby statue. Under different circumstances, Seregil might have found that amusing.

“What in Bilairy’s name is going on?” the prince demanded. “My nobles are dying or being murdered and those who are still alive are fleeing! Now this!” He snatched a scroll from the desk and brandished it at the three of them. It still bore the blue ribbon and seal of a royal herald. “Protector General Sarien is dead!”

“Murdered?” asked Alec.

“I don’t know—yet. After reviewing the defenses at Yantis, he dined with the mayor and his family, went to bed, and never woke up. Not a mark on him, just like Laneus and the others. I have had the mayor, his family, and all the servants jailed until the drysians there determine if it was poison.” Korathan leveled a finger at them all. “I have given you time, and you’ve brought me nothing. And people continue to die. Are they all associated with these cabals?”

“Perhaps Kormarin,” said Seregil. “I have it on relatively good authority that he was killed by guild assassins working for Kyrin’s side. The young lady and the page could be spies for one side or the other or not related at all. I’m sorry, Korathan. I wish I had more for you.”

Korathan shook his head. “I didn’t think you three would fail me again.”

The prince’s words stung. Beside him, Alec was blushing in shame.

“If you could just give us a little longer—” Thero began.

“Until how many more die?” Korathan cried. “No, I want the names of every cabal member you know of. Now!” He shoved a parchment across the table at them and set an inkwell and pen next to it. “All who are left, at least. I’m arresting the whole lot tonight.”