“I’m relieved to hear it,” Sunilik said. “My heart feared you brought ill news. We won’t be able to speak privately for long without attracting unwanted eyes. I understand that the invasion of Kingfountain is under way. I’m privy to some court secrets now, but not many. If you had been captured, a Wizr would have brought you here.”

They walked slowly, and he kept his expression neutral and made little gestures at plants and trays as if explaining the place to a newcomer.

“No, I came here seeking someone who was captured.”

“The Queen of Atabyrion, perhaps?” he asked, giving her a broad smile.

“Indeed. Do you know where she is?”

“She is on the upper levels.” He gestured upward. “I will show you where. First, I must thank you for what you did for me and for my daughter. Somehow, I have not fallen sway to the emperor’s magic. Mayhap it is because I’m Fountain-blessed, as I told you, but when Gahalatine arrived at Chandleer Oasis, I felt him use his power on me. It didn’t work the first time. I’ve since seen him use it on others who are Fountain-blessed, and it’s completely overruled their minds. The same has happened to me since then. So I have deduced that perhaps it had something to do with you.” He glanced around furtively, looking to see if anyone had noticed them yet. “I learned of your escape after I was taken to the Forbidden Court. I was thankful to hear that my daughter wouldn’t be held hostage for my good behavior.”

He clasped his hands behind his back as they stopped at a tray laden with small fruit slices. “Try some of this one, my dear. It is quite impressive.” He took a slice and bit into it himself, but then continued his story in an undertone. “When Gahalatine returned after you thwarted him, he brought me to a private interview. I thought I was a dead man. He asked me pointed questions. I gave him pointed answers. I told him what I’d done—how I’d written to the Queen of Ceredigion for help. I said that someone from court had come to help bring my daughter to safety. He asked who you were and I told him the truth, Lady Tryneowy. And because I told him the truth, he has rewarded me extensively.”