No, Queen, he sighed. That is the first thing I must tell you. We have no news of the war. Since the fall of Belleger’s Fist, a snowstorm has covered the whole of the west. The Farsighted cannot pierce it. We are as ignorant as you.

An inaudible sob slipped past her self-control. The dampness on her cheeks told her that she was weeping. On his knees beside her, Crayn looked like he wanted to weep as well; but she ignored him. She needed all of her resolve to frame another question.

And the second thing, Magister Avail?

It is this, Queen. You are not alone. He sounded strangely gentle now, almost caressing. Nor am I. For the first time in bitter decades, I am not alone. We can speak to each other, Queen, you and I. We can tell each other that which no one else should hear. Your sacrifice grieves me, but I am also grateful. Do you hear me, Queen? I am grateful. If I can ease your suffering in any way, you need only ask.

Estie needed a long moment before she could reply, I hear you.

She wanted to tell him that his gratitude was wasted. His voice was an intrusion that she had no power to refuse. And he did not know if Bifalt still lived. He had nothing to offer except despair.

But she retained enough self-command to say nothing. Travail had told her that Magister Avail had a heart. Long days ago, Avail’s concern for Magister Facile had demonstrated it. His recognition of her gift had shaken him badly. And the Apprentice was a wounded man who had set aside his long sorrow to teach her. He had earned her credence.

Fortunately, the Magister seemed to understand some of what she felt. He left her mind alone.

For Crayn’s mute anguish, she had no answer.

When he was gone, she slept again until a dream of mad things screaming without a sound woke her. Her terror lingered, but she clung to the throb of her heart until she was able to move. Despite her weakness, she found her way out of her blankets, forced herself to stand. Did she need hearing to keep her balance? Perhaps she did. Her bedroom spent long moments sliding past her before it decided to stay in one place. With an effort, she tightened her robe and went out the door.

Strangely shy, as if she were naked and had no right to intrude, she opened the door to see who was there.

Apart from the Commander and two of his guardsmen, the sitting room was empty.