Except the bird, of course. It seemed content to cling in place, but since its arrival an unpleasant smell had pervaded my suite. I was unsure whether the fowl was flatulent or if it had relieved itself on Shard’s shoulder.

‘That’s an unusual creature,’ I ventured. ‘Is this the regiment’s mascot?’

‘God-Emperor, no! This is a noble raptaw. The von Shard family have bred them for centuries. It is customary for the eldest daughter to keep one for hawking.’

‘And for bringing to formal events?’

‘Indeed.’ She nodded. ‘I researched that quite thoroughly.’

‘So, it is trained?’

‘No. Just decrepit. He can barely fly, so the damage he can inflict is limited. Keep some distance, mind – he likes eyes.’

‘Has he ever injured you?’ I asked, my gaze flicking to her scarred lip.

She frowned. ‘Not that I can think of. He’s a loyal companion.’

She tilted her head, smiling benevolently at the bird. It was now balancing on one leg, the spare limb clawing the side of its head and spraying an alarming volume of feathers.

‘My brother did not speak of it then?’ she asked.

‘Pardon?’

‘I heard you’ve liaised with my brother Tobia,’ she said. ‘Not from him, obviously, but my sister Josephine keeps the family abreast of each other’s activities. Providing it amuses her.’

‘Commissar von Shard wished to check in with me about my project.’

‘I’m sure he did,’ she said. ‘I assume he could only speak briefly? Because he was in the midst of some epic battle? You know he does it on purpose, so it seems he is always on campaign? I mean, how hard is it to schedule a ten-minute conversation? Most of the commanders are so terrified of him they would do whatever he asked, and nobody on the front line would miss him.’

‘You do not care for your brother?’

‘Why would I? I barely know my siblings. In fact, I don’t think we have all been together since our mother’s second funeral.’

She must have caught my expression.

‘When they actually found the body,’ she explained. ‘Dug it out of the ruins, or dunes or something. We younger ones were dragged away from the schola progenium for an afternoon, and my elder brothers granted temporary leave from their duties. Just so we could stand around the sarcophagus looking noble and unified. I’m sure you’ve seen the picts?’

‘I have. They feature prominently in some of our materials.’

‘Well, I barely spoke to my brother that day. Or any of them. Wasted my time conversing with my aunt.’ She shrugged. ‘Since then, our duties keep us apart. Only Josephine binds us together. Her and the family name, I suppose. So why did you reach out to Tobia?’

‘I did not. He requested my presence on this assignment and wanted to check its status.’

‘Did you tell him what I thought of his letter?’