The ghost of a giant wolf was lying at the foot in the stairs beyond the vast hall, its eyes now fixing on Wreneck as he drew closer. Impulsively, Wreneck said, ‘Take me to Orfantal.’

The beast rose, began climbing the steps. Wreneck followed.

‘You’re one of his,’ he said. ‘I don’t know how I know that, but you are. You died a long time ago, but he brought you back, to keep watch on things. You’re dangerous, but not to the living.’ And now he realized that he had not seen any ghosts within the keep itself. ‘You drive them off. Orfantal sees them, too. He sees them and doesn’t like it.’

The boy was not the boy Wreneck remembered. The Citadel, with its massive walls and hallways, its rituals and worship, had changed Orfantal.

‘I think,’ he said now to Orfantal – as if the boy could hear through the ears of the ghost wolf – ‘you’re going to frighten your mother.’

* * *

Venes Turayd’s expression was wry and almost contemptuous as he regarded Pelk. She had entered the estate’s courtyard, pushing through the readying Houseblades and making for the building entrance when Venes, seeing her, had stepped into her path. Now he blocked her way, his knowing smile showing its edges. ‘Why, Weapon Mistress Pelk, all done folding bed sheets and sweeping out rooms?’

‘Move aside, milord,’ Pelk replied. ‘I must speak to Lady Hish Tulla.’

‘She’s too busy fretting. But if you have relevant news, I will hear it.’

‘Yes, I’m sure you will, but not from me.’ When she rested her gloved hand upon the pommel of her sword, his smile broadened.

‘My wolves surround you, mistress, but even in their absence, I do not fear your skill.’

She cocked her head. ‘What a foolish statement, milord. Any sword-wielder, no matter how talented, should know, and understand, fear. Without it, you are likely to get yourself killed, even by an enemy less skilled than you. I cannot think who trained you, sir, but clearly it wasn’t me.’

Their conversation had drawn a few of Turayd’s wolves closer. The chill air of the courtyard was rank with men’s sweat, and the Houseblades edged in to crowd her.

Sighing, Pelk said, ‘Call off your pups, milord. Playing at bullies demeans them, assuming such a thing is possible. If, on the other hand, each one is brave enough to face me alone, why, I invite it. I have folded enough bed linen, and swept enough corners, and my mood now inclines to killing. And so, do oblige me by holding your ground, sir. If I am to hang for spilling noble blood, I will delight in making you the first to fall.’