“She is, of course, correct. But I am Barrani; I do not expect simple words—written or spoken—to have true weight. I will note, however, that most of the people who have sworn the Imperial oath are mortals without the necessary experience with legal treachery.”

Sanabalis exhaled a stream of smoke. “I see.” He then turned to Mrs. Erickson, switching into Elantran. “Mrs. Erickson, you have shown evidence of an ancient magical ability today. It is not well understood by the Imperial College, but I am not solely a student of that modern college. I am uncertain what caused the events of today—events I am sure you will agree were not entirely safe.”

She nodded.

“Kaylin is concerned about the disposition of the ghosts you see. If they attempt to possess someone again, they might cause damage in the attempt. As a matter of concern, we would ask that you either remain within the palace—where rooms will be provided for you—or remain within Kaylin’s domicile. We are given to understand that you have responsibilities to children in your care. Are they of an age to understand the concern?”

“Understand it? Yes. I’m not sure they’ll accept it so easily.”

“Then you must decide whether your responsibility to the pathos of the dead outweighs your responsibility not to add to their number.”

Kaylin was outraged, and turned to Mrs. Erickson.

Mrs. Erickson met—without evident fear—the eyes of the Dragon Lord. “I understand,” she said. “Yes, if Kaylin can escort me both to her home and to mine, I will—if it is acceptable to Kaylin—remain in her custody.”

“You’re not in my custody. My house is not a jail.”

“Your house was the only home considered safe enough to house Bellusdeo,” Sanabalis replied, his eyes once again losing their red. “It is both for her safety and for ours that I ask this of both of you.”

“Corporal,” Mrs. Erickson said, “he is not attempting to bully me. He asked, and it is a reasonable request. I have agreed. You can, however, refuse.”

Terrano snorted. “She can’t. She’s just mad because she wanted to have a screaming fight with a Dragon.” To Kaylin he added, “Sedarias says you can have a screaming fight with her if it will make you feel better—she’s outraged.”

And not on Mrs. Erickson’s behalf, either.

“Fine.”

To no one’s surprise, Sanabalis chose to join them in their walk to Kaylin’s home. He chatted with Mrs. Erickson; he could be charming, an adjective she would never have thought to use before. Mrs. Erickson was polite, but clearly charming Dragons were not an impossibility in her experience, given how little she actually had.