He examined Hemerlin with a quizzical frown, and then the gathered wardens, and the menials and concubines who had emerged from the encampment to watch the exchange. Elen did not know these people at all, but in any other company, she would have thought them to be as mystified as if they had never heard the like before and didn’t know what to make of it.

“Is there anyone here who believes the mission should not succeed?” The prince’s brow clouded with intimidating disapproval.

Every person, menial and warden alike, dropped to their knees. Elen realized she alone still stood. She knelt as well, hoping no one had noticed her lapse. Fortunately, they had all covered their faces with their hands as a mark of shame.

“The fault is ours, Exalted Highness,” cried Hemerlin into his palms. “I pray to the High Heavens that you will punish us as we deserve, according to your accustomed practice.”

The prince caught Elen’s eye. She had neglected to cover her face in abject humility, mainly because she hadn’t known she was supposed to.

She gave a slight shake to her head, hoping he would interpret it as a warning against any attempt to guess at the prince’s accustomed practice. Was Hemerlin setting a trap? Or was this palace protocol?

The prince shrugged in answer, lifting his hands as if to ask how he should therefore proceed.

She rolled a hand in a circular motion as encouragement for him to go on as he had begun.

He gave a little cough, then continued speaking. “Alas, matters of discipline must wait. We will proceed into the north with all haste. Therefore, send the carriages and beasts back to Orledder Halt.”

Again he paused, tilting a glance at her in query. Again, she nodded, grateful the retinue were still cowering behind their hands, fearful of his displeasure. Was Hemerlin peeking? She hoped not.

“We will proceed with the smallest party that is feasible for the journey.” He considered the Spires. A complicated expression played across his face, one she could not interpret. He gave a curt sigh, as of someone making ready for an unpleasant task. “I am thirsty. While I drink, you will sort things out. Then we will go.”

Again, he quirked an inquiring eyebrow at her, and she dipped her chin in the hope he would understand that being very general in his commands was his best means for going forward.

“Very good!” he finished cheerfully. No one moved. He added, with a puzzled frown, “Is there some reason you are all waiting?”

She thought he meant it as a genuine question, but the wardens and menials heard it as displeasure and sprang into action. For herself, she fetched her pack and settled into a comfortable squat on the path to wait out of their way.