Eight tables were clustered together at the far end of the garden. Filled wine glasses glinted against white tablecloths, and the afternoon sun cut through the leaves of well-tended cedar trees. An open stretch of grass divided the main house from a small guest cottage, where a group of around twenty women played a ball game. The participants called to one another, trying to gain possession of a plain leather ball, while a few spectators watched from the sidelines. Verje, dressed in a flowing blue dress, was deep in conversation with another Reverend. To my surprise, I also saw Commander Asan slouched at one of the tables, holding a half-empty glass between two fingers. Her eyes met mine, and she raised an eyebrow fractionally. I looked away.

“Which one is Reverend Celane?” asked Millie.

“Over there, in the yellow. I should thank her for the invitation.”

“Sounds like a good idea.”

We wound down the curving stone path to the tables. Reverend Celane noticed me and smiled.

“Ah, Elfreda! I’m so glad you could make it.” Her hair fanned out behind her head like the wing of a bird. She gestured at the wine glasses on the table behind her. “Please, have something to drink.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“It’s only a pleasure.” She inclined her head toward Millie. “Hello. I don’t believe we’ve met?”

Millie gestured reverence smoothly. “I’m Elfreda’s friend, not a Sister. It’s an honour to meet you, Councilwoman Celane.”

“Oh, no need to be so formal. I always like to see new faces around here. You are?”

“Lariel Sacor. I work in a theatre in Major West. Assistant set designer, but I’m hoping to be a production manager one day.”

A strange expression crossed Celane’s face, fleeting and difficult to identify. Her eyes flicked toward me. Then her smile returned.

“That sounds wonderful,” she said. “I love the arts; it’s part of the reason I chose to work in the Department of Memories. What is the theatre’s name?”

“The Jarn Holt Theatre. Just past Coronon Commons, with the bronze sculptures of the Eater’s first daughters outside?”

“Ah, I think I’ve seen it. Perhaps you could tell me about your upcoming productions later this evening.”

“I’d be happy to, if you’re interested.”

“I am, but I’m afraid I need to excuse myself for the moment. There’s a friend of mine who has just arrived.”

Once she was out of earshot, Millie muttered, “I don’t suppose you know what’s upcoming at the Jarn Holt Theatre?”

“Haven’t got a clue.”

“I’ll have to continue improvising, then.” She picked up a glass of wine and drank, frowning slightly. “Or hope that she forgets.”

“With luck, she won’t talk to us again.”

“I doubt that. She wanted you here for a reason. Maybe to charm you, get you to rescind that statement about you seeing her in Lokon.”

“Not a chance.”

“I know. But she doesn’t. Not yet anyway.” She set the glass down. “I’m going to poke around and talk to some other guests. Can you join that ball game?”