Yes. The name has caused ripples through the High Court; I would almost say the name is feared. I am not old enough to have been privy to rumors when they were current, and not stupid enough to search for them now. You will not listen—I do not believe you are capable of it—but tread with caution. If it is permissible to the Consort, allow An’Teela to do the speaking.

The Consort won’t allow it, Kaylin replied, although she absolutely agreed with the advice.

No, likely not. She knows that you open your mouth and let words fall out—something Teela is far too cautious to do. I am astonished just how much trouble you can stumble into while blindly flailing.

And envious of it, which surprised Kaylin.

The High Halls were never what could be called crowded; although they were the absolute seat of Barrani power, they weren’t like the Imperial Palace, with its many, many dignitaries, visitors, and bureaucrats. The halls seemed almost empty to Kaylin; they didn’t seem empty to Teela, given how alert she now was. Hope was standing on Kaylin’s shoulder, although both of his wings remained folded across his back. He was as alert as Teela.

As alert, Kaylin realized, as Kaylin herself. If the shape and the layout of the High Halls had changed when the Shadow trapped at their heart had been freed from both his cage here and the fetters that had enslaved him, she was uncertain that the High Halls had ever valued the safety of its guests.

“We value the safety of our guests.”

Kaylin turned instantly in the direction of this new voice.

“Welcome to the High Halls, Lord Kaylin.” A Barrani man had joined them, his feet moving without touching the marbled floors. This must be the Avatar of the High Halls.

“Indeed, as you suspect. It has been long since I have felt such freedom, and my gaze has turned outward, as well as in. I am not Hallionne,” he added. “My purpose is not the purpose laid into the Hallionne upon their creation. The Hallionne were created as sanctuary fortresses in times of war. I was created to house those who ruled—and rulers are ever subject to the detritus of war, both obvious and subtle.

“I owe you a debt. I am not Barrani, to consider such debt a shame.”

“Maybe you can answer a question for me as payment.”

Teela stiffened. “Do not ask that question in the open halls.”

The Avatar of the High Halls surprised Kaylin; he laughed. “There is no question Lord Kaylin might ask that would cause either offense or danger—to her. I am aware that your visit is considered sensitive, and many are the ears that desire to hear of it. They will not hear what she says while I accompany you. Nor will the people who are now bound to her. Ask in peace.”