The Queen pitied her briefly. In some ways, Beatrix Threnody’s talent was as cruel as Estie’s. Her lack of self-assurance was not a flaw in her. Her gift was an unfortunate accident of birth. As Estie’s was.

But Amika’s Queen was in no mood for hesitation. She forced herself to speak softly.

“Would you like me to pursue the matter?”

Chewing her lips, Magister Oblique spoke for the librarian.

—You have known treachery, Queen. Without your guidance, we would not have known how to begin looking for our own traitor. We cannot proceed without your help.

Queen Estie was as ready as she could be with only her pulse and her breathing to reassure her. “Very well,” she promised. “I will do what I can.

“But I must have two companions. First, Third Father, if he is able to join me. Otherwise—”

Oblique interrupted her, protesting:

—How can he assist you? He has no sorcery, and the Cult of the Many does not judge. I can translate for you.

Estie’s smile felt sour, but she did not soften it. “Second, I will need Magister Rummage.”

If Third Father did not know the language of touch, the hunchback certainly did.

Abruptly, Magister Threnody faced Queen Estie again. Her wide stare expressed a profound shock.

Hurrying, Oblique translated the librarian’s protest.

—Do you doubt our Apprentice?

“Librarian,” replied Estie, “I doubt everything. I doubt myself. But different minds often ask different questions. Different ears hear different answers. Third Father is perceptive in his own way. His insights have value.

“As for Magister Rummage—” She sighed. “Fear can be useful at times. The threat of harm puts any inquiry on a new footing.” She was Amikan: her father had taught her this. “It can be more effective than harm itself.”

When she had confronted Prince Lome’s treason, he believed that she had the power to command his execution.

With an air of desperation, Threnody asked through Oblique:

—You will threaten Harlinea?

At that moment, Estie had no intention of explaining herself. Did these women want her help? This was the price.

“If I must.”

Beatrix Threnody sprang to her feet, whirled away. She did her uncertain best to storm out. Estie expected her to slam the door. At the last instant, she closed it softly.

Magister Oblique also rose, but with more dignity. Resting her hand on Estie’s shoulder, she wrote:

—Do what you must, Queen. Magister Rummage is healing well. I will ask him and Third Father to join you. It is a dark day for us when we are reduced to threats. But our days will be darker still if you cannot prevent another murder.

Without waiting for a reply, she followed Threnody.

Alone with her Commander, Estie faced his protests. He bristled with them. They turned the sandy hue of his eyes a dangerous brown.