“Purpose, meaning, and appreciation,” Relos Var answered without hesitation. “My people aren’t loyal because of my coffers; they are loyal because of my cause.” He paused. “The coffers don’t hurt, though.”

Brother Qown started to understand why Count Janel thought this man the real threat.

The answer seemed to take Sir Oreth aback. “Where did you say you were from?”

“Most recently? Kazivar.”

A box creaked as Sir Oreth stood. “Let me extend my hospitality so we might discuss this further over dinner. I—” He paused. “The servants need to clean, put a fire in the oven. Might I suggest we retire to the Green? I know a fantastic tavern.”

“Nothing would please me more. Wake.” An impatient snap of fingers accompanied the last command.

Kovinglass said, “Whah, what? What happened? What just—”

“Relos Var and I are going to dinner. Clean up here while we’re gone.”

A long pause followed. Gatekeepers were not, after all, servants. They often acted as advisers, simply because their level of education made them well suited for that role. But first and foremost, they were mages who paid their dues to House D’Aramarin.

Kovinglass eventually snarled, “Yes, sir.”

Brother Qown prayed his thanks. As he did, Relos Var and Sir Oreth left. The room fell quiet. Brother Qown started to wonder if Kovinglass had departed with them, after all.

Then the Gatekeeper walked over to the closet where Janel and Brother Qown hid and threw open the doors.

Brother Qown almost shrieked but managed to stay silent as Kovinglass opened the top chest in a stack. The Gatekeeper rummaged through what might have been cloth. He stopped as someone opened the front door upstairs.

Brother Qown held his breath, hoping against hope Dorna and Sir Baramon hadn’t returned. Luck smiled on him.

“What kept you?” Kovinglass snapped. “We need fresh linens on the beds, and someone needs to clean the kitchen. It hasn’t been used in years. Get started!”

A chorus of “Yes, Master Kovinglass” rewarded his scolding; the house servants had arrived.

A woman said, “Would you care for tea, Master Kovinglass? I brought a pot from the castle along with steamed sesame buns. Sinon is setting up in the kitchen.”

“Yes. Oh yes.” Kovinglass’s annoyance seemed to melt at the suggestion of tea and fresh food. His volume lowered as he moved away from the closet. “Siva, what would I do without you?”

She laughed. “Go hungry and without tea, Master Kovinglass. Now get you gone. You Blood of Joras types are too important to be left with the sweeping. I’ll take over down here.”

Brother Qown frowned. The woman’s voice sounded familiar.

Kovinglass’s footsteps faded from the room, and a second later, Janel stood up.

“Ninavis, what are you doing here?” she hissed.

Brother Qown blinked and peeked over the chest.