“Yes, and I recall passing through both villages. One is Gested Moat, and the other Gesfol Ditch. But that’s not why I know they’re there, or their names. As a deputy courier, I have access to Map Hall in the Residency. As a loyal provincial official of the empire, even humblest of deputy couriers as I am, I consider it my duty to be well-versed in the routes that link together the empire. It is part of my duty to know all possible havens for travelers, should I need that information myself or to pass on to another courier or palace official. As now.”

Xilsi snorted, elbowing Elen as if letting her know her overly detailed explanation was a good joke, a little gnat up the captain’s nose.

“I am not accustomed to being mocked by the likes of you,” Simo said with a glance toward the haunt who, fortunately, was by now too far away to have heard.

“I do not mock, Captain. I am forever grateful to the intendant for the trust he has shown me. Because of that, I will ever strive to serve him.”

“Not the emperor?” asked Simo sharply.

“The intendant serves the emperor, so by serving the intendant, I serve the empire and its emperor, who stands far above the likes of me. I am but a small fish.”

“A small fish with a big mouth,” he muttered.

She pressed hand to heart. “So I have been told. It is my greatest failing.”

“I like your frankness,” said Xilsi. “I grew up in a Manor filled with people who use flowery speeches to say anything except what they are really thinking. The better you can flatter, the higher you can rise. That’s why I escaped to the wardens, because wardens have to be good at what they do to carry out their duties effectively. Why, our fine Simo comes from a lesser heartland lineage, nothing as grand as mine. Yet he has risen to personally attend on the all-seeing eye, our most gracious and exalted Prince Gevulin.” She tilted her head to one side. “The prince chose you himself, did he not, Captain?”

Simo looked annoyed. Instead of replying, he walked after the prince.

Elen was struck by the realization that there was more than one layer to the internal ranking of the wardens. Simo was captain of this operation, definitely. But Xilsi came from such a high-status Manor—whichever one it might be—that she could say anything she wanted and not be punished for insubordination or disrespect.

“What?” said Xilsi, looking at her. “I’m starting to get your expressions. You’re thinking something.”

“I should hope I am always thinking something,” said Elen, making Xilsi snort again. “But I do have a question, now that we are comrades.”

Xilsi brightened, as if no one had ever called her a comrade before. “Go on!”