“Hazoth,” Cythera told Malden, “knows I am connected to Croy. When he heard what happened up on Castle Hill, and what Croy said to Anselm Vry, he took the natural step of ensuring I could no longer lower the barrier. It is done with a certain hand gesture. The gesture can be anything—a sign drawn in the air with one finger, a clap of the hands, it doesn’t matter. But you must know it to pass the invisible wall. Hazoth changed the signal and didn’t tell me what the new pass sign is.”

Malden’s heart sunk. “But you escaped tonight.”

“The captain of the guards knows the new sign. I was able to convince him to perform it for me—but only when I was not looking. I had to lie to him to get him to do it. I told him that Hazoth required some special incense for a ritual, and that it could not wait until morning. Such a thing has happened before, and the captain believed me. It is not an excuse I can use twice, however. The next time I try, he will become suspicious, and he will ask Hazoth if what I say is true. That would defeat your purpose, I think.”

“It would.”

Cythera scratched very delicately at one eyebrow. “You will need to give them a reason to lower the barrier.”

“I’ll find one. Is that all, or have you more bad news for me?”

Cythera smiled without humor. “Only one more item. As I mentioned, Hazoth expects Croy to attack him. He does not fear Croy overmuch—he knows that Croy is more full of bluster than bravado.”

The knight cringed on the bed but said nothing.

Cythera glanced his way, then went on. “However, he is taking no chances. If one Ancient Blade is opposed to him, he will align himself with another. Tomorrow I am ordered to go out and find Bikker, and bring him to an audience with Hazoth.”

Malden cursed under his breath. “I thought you said Bikker doesn’t work for Hazoth.”

“He doesn’t. I don’t know who Bikker’s master is, actually. I only know Bikker will definitely come when I call him.”

“I don’t understand,” Malden said.