“Take a meal with me tomorrow, holy one,” Mai called after him. He acknowledged her invitation with a wave as he strode up the hill into the lower town.

The fruit was perfectly ripe, fresh, moist, and sweet without tartness.

The chief meanwhile took his hand off his sword hilt and called over one of the guards. After a consultation, the soldier hurried after the envoy.

“I recognize him, Mistress,” said Tuvi. “He walked with the caravan most of the way over the Kandaran Pass, and at some juncture left us and walked on ahead. He might be a holy man. I hear some among them walk into the empire to buy silk for their temples. Or he might be somewhat else.”

“He can’t be a spy for the Red Hounds, surely. He’s local, a Hundred man.”

“Locals can be bought. I’m not saying he was. He might be what he seems. I’m saying it’s best to observe caution.”

She thought of the demon who had ridden into her house and murdered two Qin soldiers. Indeed, the demon’s actions had sent Mai and her household into exile in the Barrens.

“I’ll be cautious,” she assured Tuvi. “Yet I have so many fine guards that I cannot help but feel well protected.”

He smiled.

“When do you think Anji will return?”

“That I cannot say. Yet look who approaches. A reeve may bring a message from the captain.”

“Chief Tuvi?” The reeve wore a cap against the glare. He looked Mai up and down in a way that made the chief place himself between them.

“I am. You are?”

“This is the captain’s wife, I take it. For once I must say that Joss did not exaggerate.”

The words had no charm, and she wondered whether he meant them to cut, or whether he could not manage to utter a pleasing compliment because he expected it to be thrown back in his face.

“I don’t know your name,” said Mai in as pleasant a voice she could muster, although his sneer set her on edge.

“I’m Volias.”

“Greetings of the dawn, Volias.” She was careful to seem warm without being effusive. In the market, she would have to work doubly hard to overcome his readiness to take offense, his surety that he would be rejected or mocked. “Are you come from Argent Hall? I am anxious to hear news of the captain.”

His shoulders relaxed slightly. “I came through Argent Hall, but I’ve no message from the captain for you, verea. I’m here from Clan Hall.” He shifted his gaze to the chief. “I’m taking the lad, Pil, like you requested, Chief Tuvi. It’s been agreed he can train at Clan Hall.”

Tuvi nodded.

“Why?” Mai asked. “Is there a problem because he is Qin?”

“Pil is no longer appropriate for the Qin troop,” said Tuvi.

“Because he is an eagle rider, not a horseman? I thought Anji agreed that if the eagle chose him, then he would be allowed to train as a reeve.”