The generaal sent a reply to Bastiaan’s inquiry the next day. His mother delivered it to him while he was out in the fields, getting his hands dirty for no other reason than to bury his unrest in the steady soil. After the typical formalities and greetings, the letter came down to one sentence. The crown prince is accepting no audiences at this time. Please present yourself for census accounting.

Bastiaan fisted the letter. He was no peasant seeking to plead for lower taxes or to settle a domestic dispute. He’d been a Talented in service to the king. And after a time—a lifetime—he’d become a friend. But he couldn’t very well tell Prince Mattias that King Vämbat bid Bastiaan to become an advisor. He had no proof.

He liked to think that Mattias was currently mourning his father’s death. Like Bastiaan was. Though as heir to the throne, Mattias was also likely trying to solve the riddle of the frozen canal and growing suspicious of the Talented.

Bastiaan must not push his request. Until Mattias would receive him, Bastiaan would continue to gather as much information as possible.

Runt galloped over, always observant and curious. “Is that a letter from the king?”

“His generaal. The king isn’t accepting visitors.”

“How long will you wait before you send him another letter?” Runt asked.

“It depends on what’s happened over the past couple weeks. While I was indisposed.” He turned to Runt for a report.

“A bunch of commoners traveled to the Well.” Runt scooped up a clod of dirt and broke it open, searching for worms. “We’ve only heard about deaths. No successes yet.” Runt’s discomfort from the day earlier resurfaced. He tossed the wormless soil back to the ground, disappointed. “It seems like a good time to go to the Well ourselves.”

Bastiaan rubbed his scruffy jaw. He was in desperate need of a shave.

Runt plowed on. “I’m two years past the age of manifestation and I’ve studied your books so faithfully. I’m sure a Talent will awaken in me.”

Despite his hesitance Bastiaan felt a fierce burst of pride toward Runt. This boy—found starving and beaten so long ago—had logic and determination beyond many an adult in Fairhoven. He wouldn’t insult the boy’s intelligence with a brush-off answer.

“It’s a tenuous time for the kingdom, Runt. Prince Mattias is about to make a lot of decisions, and I must be here to advise him the moment he’ll see me. To pursue the Well of Talents as a commoner is still breaking the law. Doing such a thing during the monarchy’s weakness would be seen as rebellion. It could sway Mattias to maintain restrictions on the Well.”