“Yes,” Arcolin said. He wondered how they’d learned of his elevation, but this was not the time to ask. “And as your prince I say none of you are kteknik, nor is this gnome I met on my travels, Dattur, who was of your tribe before.”

Still holding Arcolin’s boot, the estvin said, “This one was cast out by our prince that was.”

“And restored to the Law by your prince who is,” Arcolin said. “Is it that the estvin argues with the Law?”

“No, my lord.” The estvin kissed his boot again and backed away before standing. “As the prince commands.”

“Then welcome one returned from a long journey and much danger, one who has performed great deeds and services for his prince,” Arcolin said. “I bid you accept him once more.”

The estvin bowed to Dattur, who returned the bow; each of the others performed the same ritual.

“I would come to you and see the progress you have made,” Arcolin said. “It was my purpose to do so today, in hopes of finding that you prospered.”

“It is our joy,” the estvin said. “We have prospered indeed in your favor, O prince.”

On the ride to the west hills, Arcolin watched as the little procession of gnomes jogged along, covering the ground as fast as his long-legged chestnut could walk. As they neared the hills, he saw a change in the outline and a beaten path leading alongside a stream, then, closer, the narrow line in the turf, a slash through brush. When they reached the entrance, one of the gnomes took charge of Arcolin’s horse, and Dattur followed the others underground. Arcolin pulled the scarf Aldonfulk had given him from his saddlebag and hung it around his neck. The estvin bowed twice, then led Arcolin within.

The rest of that day he spent with the gnomes, partly under stone. They apologized for the roughness of the excavation so far, but to Arcolin it looked amazingly finished. “The great hall we have not begun,” the estvin said. “We will need more workers, and we wished to ask your preference for it. If you will be indwelling with us, or not. That which is large enough for us would not be large for you.”

Arcolin chose his words carefully. “I would do my duty to you, my people, but I must also do my duty to my king in Vérella and my other people, who are spread from here to Valdaire and beyond. I cannot therefore indwell with you as your prince ought. By the Law, I must be your prince; you can have no other, is it not?”

“It is so,” the estvin said.