“Indeed, Your Highness, while I am sure we must all thank Intendant Berel for her efforts, she does encroach.”

He muttered something under his breath, looking genuinely angry, before arranging his expression into something blander. “What do you recommend?”

“The Sun Chasers will do better than our battle carriages. However, while our horses are of the highest quality, they are not tireless like the palace beasts. The eastern half of Woodfall Province is more sparsely populated than its western half, so I am not sure how often you will be able to change out horses. There is one other limitation. Our Sun Chasers can’t carry more than four people each, and you have nine in your party. The deputy courier can remain here.”

Kem glanced toward her with a look of alarm, but the other wardens kept their gazes fixed on the haunt.

“That would be a good solution, Your Highness,” said Simo.

The haunt flicked a hand dismissively. “Fulmo can keep up on foot. My entire party is staying together.”

Cweles took this in with obvious surprise. “As you wish, Your Highness. I will assign a squad of wardens to go with you on horseback, Your Highness, all eight that I have here. I fear bandits may have attacked Far Boundary Vigil. I should never have sent Enshi there alone.”

“I need only my own people. We are an efficient fighting force. I’m not concerned about bandits. Simo, who can drive a carriage?”

“Besides you, Your Highness?”

“Let me rephrase. I will not be driving. Who can manage the horses in my place?”

Simo tapped his own chest. “I will do so, Your Highness, as is my duty. I’d say Jirvy for the other carriage but better to not jostle his injuries. So, Xilsi will drive.”

“That’s settled.”

The haunt stood, and all stood, although Kem filched a savory roll off the table and slipped it up his sleeve, a skill he and Joef had perfected in the Residency kitchens.

Outside, seen through open windows, night had fallen. Clouds covered the stars. The Pall was touched by flares of phosphorescence, like a woolly blanket dusted with imprisoned fireflies. The road cut across as a slash of darkness. A distant light marked North Flat Vigil on the far side.

The haunt strode to the door, reached for the latch, but paused before he touched it. With a wry smile, he withdrew his hand, and waited for Captain Cweles to open the door for him.

“All will be ready at dawn, Your Highness,” Cweles assured him.

“Of course it will. I know you will not fail me, Captain.”