“Mrs. Erickson lives at 14 1/2 Orbonne Street.”

Sanabalis nodded.

“There used to be a 14 Orbonne Street. It doesn’t exist anymore. I’m not sure the lot exists, in the traditional sense—which would be strange. But I’ve been asked not to continue to investigate that house because of the last known owner. The Records we have access to in the Halls of Law show number fourteen only in one place: tax Records. Teela thinks the mention of fourteen is an artifact—an error in Records.”

“You don’t.”

“I don’t, no. Mrs. Erickson’s home was bought by her parents; the land transfer indicates that the previous owner was the Emperor, or whoever makes those decisions on behalf of the Emperor. But the artifact in Records implies that 14 Orbonne did exist a century ago. And that would make sense, given the street numbering.”

Terrano cleared his invisible throat loudly.

“I’ve been asked not to pursue the parts of the investigation that involve the missing fourteen, given the name in Records.”

“And that name?”

“Azoria An’Berranin.”

Terrano coughed.

“My ears are not mortal ears,” Sanabalis said, exhaling smoke. “Children’s games of this nature do not prevent me from hearing what the corporal has to say.”

Terrano, becoming visible, turned to Kaylin. “You told Sedarias—”

Sanabalis roared; Kaylin could swear it shook the floor beneath her chair. “Records have limited access from the Halls of Law. I will look into the issue when I return to the palace. I expect you to keep an eye on Mrs. Erickson; research is now being done elsewhere, and I will inform you of any results that are relevant.” He fell silent, brooding. “I was aware during the possession. I concur with Mrs. Erickson; there was panic. But panic or no, I have never experienced such a loss of control—not since I was a hatchling, and at that time, rage was the driver, not...ghosts.”

“Echoes is what Helen called them.”

“Regardless. It was disturbing, and I trust you understand why. Should echoes, if that is the preferable word, control most mortals, the harm they can do is minimal.”

Not to other mortals. But Kaylin concurred; a single Dragon was infinitely more destructive than even a mob.

“Could you hear them?” she asked.

“Hear them?”

“Mrs. Erickson could hear their voices. She spoke to them the way she speaks to Jamal and the rest of the children she cares for.”

“No.”

“Me, either.”

Sanabalis rose. “I will speak with you, should it be necessary, on the morrow, or perhaps the day after.”

“I’ve been summoned to the High Halls tomorrow,” Kaylin said. “Teela and I will attend the Consort after work.”

“Very well. If she has anything of relevance to contribute, I expect to hear of it.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You should have said no,” Terrano said, well after Sanabalis had departed, the door had closed behind him, and he had left the perimeter of Helen.