“Hunts Alone is ill?” Night Bird looked from Raisa to Nightwalker. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“There’s not a mark on him, Elena says,” Nightwalker said. “It’s some mysterious jinxflinger illness, supposedly caused by the fact that he healed Briar Rose. It would be easy enough to fake.”

“Perhaps you should speak to Willo, then,” Raisa said acidly. “And explain to her how Hunts Alone fooled her so adeptly.”

“I’m not saying he’s lying.” Nightwalker raised both hands. “I’m just saying it’s a possibility. We should be wary of jinxflinger lies, especially given what’s happened to the queen.”

Amon spoke up for the first time. “Alister’s illness seems authentic enough to me,” he said. “It’s my guess that he would be more than happy to leave the queen’s service and have nothing to do with the fight that’s coming. Those of us who are concerned about the safety of the Gray Wolf line will do everything in our power to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“He stays,” Nightwalker said, as if Han might try to weasel out of his obligation. “He doesn’t have a choice. Now that we’ve trained him, he’s committed to fight with us against the Wizard Council.”

“There’s always a choice,” Amon said. “Alister goes his own way. Don’t underestimate him.” He turned to Raisa and inclined his head. “By your leave, Your Highness. I’d best be going if I’m to be back by tomorrow afternoon.”

Raisa nodded distractedly, and he walked away.

Nightwalker looked after him, frowning, then turned to Night Bird, his expression softening. “Night Bird, please see whether our quarters are assigned in the visitors’ lodge and arrange for the ponies to be grained tonight. And, one more thing.” He leaned close, speaking softly so Raisa couldn’t hear. He smiled at Night Bird, and she smiled back, then walked away, a bounce in her step.

Well, she’s still somewhat bedazzled, Raisa amended.

Nightwalker waited until she was beyond overhearing distance, then said to Raisa, “Corporal Byrne seems to believe Hunts Alone’s story,” he said.

Raisa had been surprised by Amon’s defense of Han, but endeavored not to show it. “His father was murdered by the men who attacked me,” she said. “If Corporal Byrne is convinced that Han is telling the truth, perhaps that should be evidence enough for you.”

“Please don’t be angry, Your Highness,” Nightwalker said, smiling ruefully. “You know I have no love for wizards. I was raised to mistrust them, and nothing they’ve done while you’ve been away has allayed that mistrust. The situation has gone from bad to worse. No doubt you’ve heard that Queen Marianna changed the succession and set you aside.”

“Well,” Raisa said, her heart contracting painfully, “not exactly.”