The wizard closed the gate behind him and raised an eyebrow at the silver sword-snake wrapped around Sir Oreth. “At least someone’s been having a good time.”

He ignored Brother Qown and Janel’s body on the table and walked over to the side table to pour himself a drink. “I’d ask how things went, but I just spent the last ten minutes talking to a thoroughly hysterical Duke Xun about the Markreev of Stavira’s youngest son. Apparently, our young knight just murdered the Markreev’s ex-wife. Or is it ex-husband? I’m not sure it makes a difference.”

Sir Oreth started to choke, but neither Relos Var nor Senera paid any attention.

Brother Qown had never seen Relos Var close-up before. He couldn’t shake an unmistakable sense of familiarity. He frowned, trying to imagine what had triggered the feeling.

Relos Var threw Senera an apologetic look. “Unfortunately, I had to reassure the duke that you and I are unconnected. My sincerest apologies.”

She waved a hand as she continued to work. “It’s fine. The tournaments have grown boring, anyway.”

“My father—” Sir Oreth’s voice broke.

Relos Var gave Sir Oreth an annoyed look. “What are we going to do about this one? He’s useless to us in terms of Tolamer. The Markreev of Stavira will now call due his loans. Since young Oreth here can’t repay them, the canton will default back to his father. I doubt we’ll convince Aroth to work with us instead.”

“Relos, we had a deal. I was helping you!” Sir Oreth interrupted. “I can explain everything. I didn’t—I didn’t mean to kill Dorna. I just—I lost my temper.”

“Not your temper,” Brother Qown spat, “your courage. You didn’t murder her until you knew your father was about to arrive.”

“Oh, well, that was one bad decision after another then, wasn’t it? Added bonus: Dorna’s not dead,” Relos Var said as he returned with his drink and sat down in a chair. “You didn’t even accomplish that much. Honestly, Oreth, what good are you?”

“But I saw her—” Brother Qown blinked.

Sir Oreth seemed just as surprised. “You just said I murdered her.”

Relos Var shrugged. “Oh, she died. Absolutely. Stayed dead? Not a chance.” He gave Senera a significant look. “She’s an angel. I’m sure Thaena’s sending Dorna’s soul back to her body as we speak.”

Senera raised an eyebrow. “An angel? Are you serious? One of Thaena’s? I suspected that old woman had depths, but she never struck me as one of Thaena’s chosen helpers.”

“Oh no. She’s one of Tya’s servitors.”

Senera turned back to Janel. “That makes much more sense.”

Brother Qown leaned forward. “Wait. Dorna serves the Goddess of Magic?”