Dancer went still for a long moment, then sighed as if this were a question he didn’t want to answer in front of Han. “It helped,” he said finally. “I’ve been feeding Hunts Alone’s amulet for two days. I think he is feeling better. Aren’t you?” He looked at Han for corroboration, trying to include him in the conversation.

Han looked from Dancer to Elena, his expression momentarily perplexed. Then it cleared once again to a blank, flat expression. He slid his hand under his shirt and fingered his amulet, whether for comfort or possible defense, Raisa wasn’t sure.

He said nothing.

Averill put his hand on Elena’s arm and shook his head. “Elena Cennestre, please.” He turned to Han and bowed, bringing his fist to his forehead, a clan greeting. “Hunts Alone, welcome to our hearth. Please share our fire and all that we have.” He paused. “It is good to see you are feeling better,” he said. “Because of your illness, I have not had the opportunity to thank you for saving my daughter’s life. I owe you a debt of gratitude.”

“We are eager to hear your story,” Elena said. “If what Willo Watersong believes is true, it seems our investment in you has paid off.”

“Has it?” Han said, looking from one to the other. “Then why don’t we call it evens.”

“This was just one battle,” Elena said quickly. “The war is just beginning.”

“Our immediate challenge is this,” Averill said. “It is likely that those who tried to murder Queen Raisa will try again as soon as they realize they were unsuccessful. This is a very dangerous time, from now through the coronation.”

“The coronation?” Han looked over at Raisa, no trace of emotion on his face. “Oh. I get it. So she’s not really the queen yet.”

“She is the queen of the Fells,” Elena said, glaring at Han, “by the rules of the Nǽming. But if she dies, the crown passes to her sister, Mellony. The queen’s enemies believe Briar Rose is dead already. So those who tried to kill her will likely try to crown Mellony.”

Han poured himself more tea. “So maybe Queen Raisa had better hurry back to the palace before they change the monograms on the silver.”

“I agree,” Raisa said. “I need to return to Fellsmarch before these plans get any further along.”

Averill shook his head. “To be honest, based on what I have observed, it will be difficult to assure your safety if you return to the Vale now.”

“Is it really that bad?” Raisa looked from her father to Elena. “I’m not a coward,” she said. “I don’t mean to hide out in the mountains while they crown my sister in my place.”