“Mellianne and Darrell came in at around the same time; he was two years older if you believe the age he gave us.”
“Given the Tha’alani, is there any reason not to?”
This pulled a reluctant smile from Rosen, a woman who didn’t look as if she smiled much. “No.” The smile faded. “Darrell was promising—but he was young. Elluvian made his report to Helmat, not to the rest of us. He’s refused to discuss it with Mellianne.”
“You don’t think that was a mistake.”
“No.”
“And me?”
“I understand why you’re his partner. Mellianne doesn’t. She thinks it should have been her. She’s been here longer than you have, she’s fully trained, she understands the ins and outs of Imperial Law. You’ll have to do the same,” she added. “But in this, Elluvian requires a partner by Imperial decree. I would have been that partner if not for my injuries; Jaren would be if he weren’t absent.”
“She’d be happier with Jaren?”
“She’d be happier without Elluvian. Don’t trust him.” Short of feeding him and supervising him to make sure he ate, this was the most serious he’d seen her.
“He’s Barrani,” Severn replied.
“I cannot decide,” Elluvian said, his voice measured and quiet, “whether to be impressed or appalled.”
Severn looked up from the book he was laboriously reading. “Rosen made clear that I’m to read competently.”
“Yes—but laws?”
“If I don’t know the laws, I won’t know when I’m breaking them.”
“Use common sense.”
“I grew up in the fiefs.”
A black brow rose. The Barrani Wolf’s eyes were blue, but not the indigo that indicated imminent death. Severn picked the book up and walked it back to the librarian’s desk. He also waited while she logged it. Books were of value, and it seemed important not to be considered a thief.
“I am not certain you are ready,” Elluvian said, “but we have an appointment at the High Halls this afternoon. I wish to arrive early.”
Severn nodded. He didn’t ask if Elluvian expected trouble; he understood that Elluvian always expected trouble. The injury he’d taken had never been discussed.
“You don’t ask many questions,” Elluvian said, as they made their way from the Halls of Law.
Severn shrugged.
“Helmat said you met Mellianne.”
He nodded.
“And?”
“She seemed either angry or worried.”
Elluvian chuckled without warmth. “Yes, she would. Did she mention Darrell?”
After a pause, Severn said, “Yes.”
“And you still have no questions?”
“I’m not Mellianne, and I’m not Darrell.”
“No. Tell me, Severn, what do you want from the Wolves?”