Kem gaped as the wind dissolved it. “Anything?”

Ipis laughed. “Yes! Even the privies! And your sex manuals!”

A grinning Xilsi brought the carriage to a stop next to the other vehicle. “Don’t mind her teasing, Kem. A genius can’t be everywhere at once at every moment. And that’s even if they cared to be, which I doubt they do. But naturally Ervis is keeping an eye on us newcomers.”

Beyond the gate lay a wide courtyard with three arched entrances. Grooms waited on the left to receive the horses and carriages. Militia stood at attention on the right. On the entry steps of the main building stood the white-haired lord of the Manor, identifiable by a silver circlet and formal sash, from which dangled the keys to the Manor’s treasury. She was attended by an interlocutor and a respectful collection of kinsfolk, all wearing Manor embroidery on their sleeves, cuffs, collars, and hems.

Luviara spoke so all could hear. “His Exalted Highness recognizes your presence. You may announce yourself. If the records are correct, you are Lord Genia, known as a woman of wisdom, once tutor to the Magnolia Emperor, and now living in quiet retirement here in the north. Make yourself known.”

Assisted by a menial, the lord of Pelis Manor went down on one knee. “Exalted Highness, you are well come. You do me too much honor. I offer my humblest greetings, and pray that our modest hospitality may embrace you as you deserve.”

The haunt gave a languid wave. “You may arise, Lord Genia. We’ve come a long way, and will accept a bath, a meal, and a bed. We depart at dawn tomorrow.”

“Of course, Exalted Highness. Your pleasure is my duty. All is in readiness.”

“I’m curious,” said Luviara. “You don’t seem surprised to see us.”

“Why should I be surprised, when His Exalted Highness himself alerted me he was coming?” The old woman smiled, relaxing now that the formalities had been observed. “It is good to see you again, Gevulin. I pray you, come inside at once.”

Lord Genia not only knew the prince but was well enough acquainted to be casual with him. In an instant, Pelis Manor North no longer seemed like a haven but rather a dangerous trap waiting to be sprung. What if Genia realized the haunt wasn’t Gevulin?

60 BATH

The haunt made a show of getting down from the forward carriage. Menials rushed to assist, but he waved them off. He turned his attention to the old woman, adopting an unexpectedly confiding manner. He pressed a hand to his chest dramatically.

“Lord Genia, I have had difficulty on my journey. There has even been an attempt on my life.”

She nodded sagely. “It is as we feared, Your Highness. Your rival will stop at nothing.”

“Indeed,” he agreed smoothly. Elen admired the speed at which he could pivot. Her tight breathing settled. “Which message got through?”