“Not yet, though they are searching.”

“Is there some indication this is of The Rising?”

He shook his head again. “It seems unrelated, sir. Though we’ve sent a variety of investigators to that area with due haste. Those who would aid in the search if some had escaped whatever happened. Those who would aid the locals in investigating what happened. And last, those who would determine if this atrocity happening in this time is a coincidence, or part of the larger issues we face.”

Yes, Holder Mikaelsson was capable, all business, and fortunately thorough.

Alfie nodded and asked, “Is that all?”

“On that, yes. There is one other small matter, which I think you would be interested to know.”

“It is?” Alfie queried.

“A priest, of this Rising, now in the Keep. His Go’Doan name was G’Seph. His given name is Joseph Durie, of the Airenzian. He has repeatedly told guards he was quite high up in that organization and is willing to share the inner workings of The Rising if a reduced sentence would be considered. There are, as you know, several prisoners who are attempting to make this same request. I report this one for he is the most vociferous in his requests, and he has recently mentioned the names G’Thom and Golden Thomas, which, as you also know, the guards were instructed to note and report if a prisoner cited them.”

“We have ample prisoners in the Keep who can, and are, sharing the inner workings of these miscreants,” Alfie replied. “And this one isn’t the only one who’s mentioned this Golden Thomas.”

“I’ll talk to him,” Apollo cut in.

Alfie turned to Apollo. “I don’t imagine True will be of a mind to be lenient with anyone in that faction.”

“I won’t make any promises,” Apollo assured.

“Then as you wish,” Alfie said.

“I’ll go with you,” Tor murmured.

“Excellent,” Apollo replied.

Alfie looked again to Mikaelsson. “Are we finished?”

Mikaelsson nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Then, dismissed.”

Mikaelsson nodded again, stood, dipped his chin to Apollo and Tor, then he left the room.

Alfie sat back in True’s chair and turned his gaze to the two men.

But it was Apollo he addressed.

“You have an instinct about this priest?”

Apollo shook his head, but said, “I have heard that name before. In other reports. He is the man who had his hands shorn off by his own comrades.”

“I remember,” Alfie replied. “He also is the man who led Melisse into a trap and nearly got her killed, this after they’d shorn free his hands. My feeling is that indicates a rather extreme level of zealotry.”

“Thus, it would be interesting, whatever he has to say,” Apollo replied.

Alfie could see this.

Apollo put his hands to the arms of his chair and murmured to Tor, “We’ll be away?”

“Once I talk with Cora. Tell her where we’re going,” Tor said.