“It’s not revenge,” Janel said. “We cost Relos Var his unwatched Gatestone in Mereina. He’s replacing it with a better one. Mine.” She paused. “Maybe it’s a little revenge.”

“We can talk about this later,” Ninavis said. “Come on. It can’t be safe to linger here, never mind what sickness we might catch from breathing in the fumes.”

The count nodded and took the lantern from Brother Qown, casting her gaze around the dirty streets with distaste. “If I remember, there’s a stairway at the end of the street.”

“Here,” Ninavis said before pulling a wrought iron key from her apron. “The key to Barsine’s apartment here. Kalazan wants you to use it. Unless the situation’s changed since I left, he’ll be in Atrine just long enough to swear fealty—but won’t stay for the Challenges. There’s too much work to be done in Barsine.”

“Wait, you’re not coming with us?” Janel didn’t reach for the key.

Ninavis shook her head at Janel’s question. “I can’t spy for you unless I stay.”

“I didn’t ask you to spy for me,” Janel protested. Then she added, “Also, I don’t know the way to the Barsine House. Did Kalazan give you directions?”

Ninavis ground her teeth. “Intolerable girl.”

The count grinned—a rare moment where she looked her age. “It’s what you love about me.”

“Oh, blessings of the sun, you two.” Brother Qown sighed and shook his head. “Can we please discuss this elsewhere?”

Ninavis scowled and put the key back in her pocket. “Fine! Follow me. And watch your step.”

20: BANDITS, AGAIN

Jorat Dominion, Quuros Empire. Three days since Thurvishar D’Lorus committed crimes against historical accuracy

“In hindsight, I think Relos Var told the truth. He may have approached my grandfather,” Janel admitted. “In some ways, Oreth interfered with Relos Var’s plans, which I find ironic.”

Dorna blinked. “Your grandfather would have never taken metal from an outsider.”

“Oh, I know,” Janel said. “But I would have.”

“Janel!”

“No, Dorna. I absolutely would have. The canton needed aid. If Relos Var—or his people—had arrived in Tolamer offering that aid in exchange for ‘minor favors,’ I would have accepted. Except Oreth made his move to confiscate my lands and castle the moment he heard my grandfather had passed, before anyone else reacted.”

“But why would Relos Var care?” Kihrin asked.