The guard took her to Chay’s hoechter, a sybaritically well-appointed room near the main living quarters. That was a positive sign, and an even better one was when he left her there unattended. A small table was set for a light afternoon snack, and there were only two places laid.

Chay entered a few moments later. As always, she was momentarily overwhelmed by his bulk and radiance. He filled any room like a small sun that had tumbled in, throwing off heat and light. He was speaking to someone behind him, but no one followed him through the door, and when it shut behind him, they were alone together.

“Kit,” he said, and crossed the room to hug her. She closed her eyes and leaned into that embrace. It was like falling into safe sleep, coming to rest after long and troubled passage. They had been at odds six months and more, and she had not been sure he would ever forgive her. She was not sure he had forgiven her now. She rested against him until his arms loosened, and then she pulled away.

“Chay Zanlan,” she said formally, speaking in goldtongue. “How can I help you?”

He gestured at the table. “Sit for a while and talk to me. I’m famished. I haven’t eaten since dawn. How about you? Have they been feeding you well?”

“Very well, thank you. And thank you for the clothes.”

“They look very nice on you.”

She permitted herself a smile. “The lady Rell must have selected them for me.”

He laughed out loud. “Well, she did. But I was busy. And has Nolan Adelpho seen fit to don gulden attire?”

“Yes, and he seemed most grateful for the gift.”

“An unusual man.”

“Very.”

She would not say more without a cue; she did not know why she was here. Chay had cut himself bread and meat and was eating heartily, but Kit had no appetite. She poured herself a little tea and sipped it.

“It has been a long time since we have talked, you and I,” the guldman said presently, when the edge of his hunger had been blunted.

“I saw you a few weeks ago, when you were in the city,” she reminded him.

He waved a hand. “A few words exchanged in the street. Merely greetings. It is a long time since we have talked as friend to friend. And that last time, we were not pleased with each other.”

“You were not pleased with me,” she said tranquilly. “I am always happy to be in your company.”

He smiled slightly at the mannered compliment. “And yet I do not believe you followed the advice I gave you at the time,” he said. “Which was to avoid the company of my son.”

“No,” she said. “I did not.”