“Arian says it’s an elven pattern of power,” he said. “She saw one like it in an elven place; they used it to move a distance without walking. She and I feel it, and you do, but the palace servants seem oblivious.”

“But this was never an elven place, was it?” Dorrin asked.

“Not that I knew, but I am sure they put it here. They gave the carpet that hid it, a carpet my steward said never needed cleaning.”

“And those with magery sense it … and use it? Is this how the Lady came and went?”

“So I suspect,” Kieri said. “But any other elf could use it, and more to the point, I believe that is how the iynisin came here. I suspect there might be more such patterns under other carpets the elves gave. When Amrothlin comes back, I will ask him that and how to block them short of ripping up the floor.”

“What do you think he’ll say?”

“I don’t know that he will answer at all,” Kieri said. “Elves usually don’t, but I have to try.”

“Why did you want me to see the pattern?”

“The box of regalia—you said it had a pattern that you traced with a finger and the box opened. I thought perhaps this was the same pattern.”

Dorrin frowned. “A pattern to open things?”

“Yes. A door … or a way …? It might be different, of course. I wish now I had gone into the High Lord’s Hall in Fin Panir. The Girdish told me about a pattern there and another in Kolobia; the expedition returned using them. But I was so focused on Paks, I never took the time. Now I need to know: are those patterns like this one? And are there such patterns in Vérella?”

“I hope not,” Dorrin said. “Assassins in the palace were bad enough: kuaknomi would be worse. If there are more of these—and in places we do not know, where none recognize them—” Verrakai House? She could not imagine elves as Verrakai allies, but … kuaknomi? The palace in Vérella … some parts of it were certainly old enough. “You must tell Duke Mahieran about the pattern,” she said.

“I intend to,” Kieri said. “But what about the pattern on that box?”

“I don’t think the pattern on the box is exactly the same,” Dorrin said. “But it’s complicated; I’d have to see them together to know for sure.”

“You can take a drawing of this one with you,” Kieri said. “Compare it to that one if you have a chance.”

“Anything more?” Dorrin asked.

“No,” Kieri said. “Only remember, Dorrin Verrakai, that you have a friend in me whenever you need one.”

“Thank you.” Dorrin took a deep breath and pushed away the wish that her duty, her lands, and her oath had been in Lyonya. “My oath is to Mikeli now, as you know—”