Page 134 (1/2)

Until they need us, of course Or they discover a means to profit by our actions

He coered to see who left the chamber and who remained to practise on their own Most remained, and Brys was pleased The tho had left were, he knew, the queen’s spies in the bodyguard Ironically, everyone else knew that detail as well

Brys sheathed his sword and strode over to Turudal Brizad ‘Consort?’

A casual tilt of the head, ‘Finadd’

‘Have you found yourself at a loose end? I don’t recall ever seeing you here before’

‘The palace seeely empty, don’t you think?’

‘Well,’ Brys ventured, ‘there’s certainly less shouting’

Turudal Brizad s, Finadd Some exuberance is to be expected The Chancellor would have a ith you, at your convenience I understand you are fully recovered fro’s healers were their usual proficient selves, Consort Thank you for asking Why does the Chancellor wish to speak with ed ‘I aer in this, Finadd’

Brys studied him for a moment, then simply nodded ‘I accept Triban Gnol’s invitation A bell from now?’

‘That should suffice Let us hope for all our sakes that this will not mark an expansion of the present feud between the Chancellor and the Ceda’

Brys was surprised ‘There is a feud? I hadn’t heard I mean, apart from the, well, the usual clash of opinions’ He considered, then said, ‘I share your concern, Consort’