Han fished in the purse and came up with the wolf ring. He looked up at Amon. “I took these because I was afraid someone else coming through the pass would steal them,” he said, as if he thought he had to defend robbing Captain Byrne’s body. “I hoped I might have the chance to give them to you.”

He handed both the ring and the bundle over to Amon, who carefully unwrapped it, sliding the sword free.

Amon lifted the sword, turning it so the light reflected off the blade. It was the Sword of Hanalea, and it matched the dagger that Byrne had given Raisa.

Amon looked up at Han. “I know this sword,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Queen Marianna gave it to my father. It was one of his most cherished possessions. I…it seems I need to thank you again.”

Han waved off Amon’s thanks. “Well, good. You can make use of it, then. Never learned to do much with a sword myself. Smaller blades are more my style, the kind you can hide.” He fingered his sleeve to demonstrate, then dropped his hands into his lap.

“What about those that did the killing?” Amon said. “Do you know if—”

“All dead,” Han said, meeting Amon’s gaze without apology. “I hope that helps.”

Amon nodded, looking relieved. “It does. It might keep the Princess Raisa safe a little longer.”

Han shrugged his shoulders. “So. I’m sorry for your loss. The world can’t afford to lose men like your father.” He extended his hand, and Amon gripped it.

Well, at least they’re getting along better, Raisa thought.

They all looked up at the sound of a disturbance in the outer room: a clamor of clan voices, Dancer’s rising in protest.

“No! Don’t go in there. Briar Rose is speaking with—”

Two people burst into the room without announcing themselves—Elena Cennestre and Averill Demonai. Trailed by Willo, Dancer, and Cat.

After a perfunctory nod at Raisa, Elena and Averill came and stood over Han, staring down at him as if he were an exotic specimen. He sat up a little straighter, arranging his bedclothes around himself. Raisa knew he felt vulnerable, pounded by her confession and now surrounded by his masters, the powerful clan royalty. She wished she could send them away, tell them to return in a week when he’d had time to recover.

But she couldn’t. Events were bearing down on them relentlessly.

Willo must have felt the same, because she stood at a little distance, arms folded, looking like she wanted to expel the visitors, too.

“Well?” Elena said, looking at Fire Dancer and raising her eyebrows, gesturing toward Han. “Did it work? Will he be up to casting charms in the next few days?”