“Does he often shout like that?” Severn asked Rosen.
“Not normally, no. The last time it happened, someone had just blown the hinges off his doors. The explosion was meant for Helmat,” she added. “Helmat survived. The would-be assassin didn’t. On the bright side, you can be certain he’s not pissed off at you—he threw you out before he started. The new door has a few magical enhancements.”
“To protect it?”
“To protect the rest of us from hearing most of his ire.” Rosen shook her head. “It’s Elluvian again.” She glanced at Severn. “Do I want to know?”
“I wouldn’t if he was that angry.”
She chuckled. “Do you know?”
“Not exactly. Does Records have information about the Barrani High Court?”
The good humor drained from Rosen’s face, leaving an expression that was much closer to what the Wolflord’s had been before Severn was ejected from the office.
“No. There are no members of the Barrani High Court who have ever been arrested and brought to trial. There are no Barrani informants. Severn, you’re young enough that you probably don’t listen to advice when it’s offered. I’ve been you. But I’m going to offer advice anyway.”
Severn waited.
“Do not involve yourself in Barrani politics. Not now. Not ever.”
“Laws of exemption—”
“Laws are at best estimates of decent behavior. If they were set in stone, if they were immutable, the entirety of the Halls of Law would cease to exist. Murder is against the law. People still murder. The laws of exemption—as far as I can tell, from years of experience—are a game to the Barrani. They understand that to lose is to enrage the Emperor, which is why they play this particular game more carefully than most of their games.”
“I’ve been assigned to partner Elluvian. Because of the laws of exemption.”
“Which is why Mellianne’s been in a mood.” A volley of poorly enunciated syllables shook the Wolflord’s office door, almost literally. “You keep your head down if you’re following in his footsteps. Understand?”
Severn nodded. “The Wolflord obviously has some knowledge of the Barrani High Court.”
“Did you hear a single thing I just said, or was I wasting my breath?”
“I heard you. Practically speaking, though, there’s no way I can avoid the Barrani. They’re the only reason I was assigned to Elluvian. I’m not going to jump into any fight Elluvian starts. I’m not suicidal.”
“Don’t jump into any fights the other Barrani start with Elluvian either. He’s likely to survive. You’re not.”
“This is about Darrell, isn’t it?”
Rosen nodded. Exhaled. “You’re not Darrell,” she said. “But you’re asking too many questions where the High Court is concerned.” The brief, grim set of her jaw slowly relaxed “...and apparently where the Tha’alani are concerned, as well. The Hawklord has queued up a session with the Wolflord, which I assume is also the result of your current investigation. If it weren’t for the Barrani problem, I’d say you’re doing fine.”
At his expression, she laughed.
“You’re not a random shit-disturber. Helmat thinks you have good reasons for the trouble you’ve caused him, and he’s willing to shoulder it.”
After a moment, Severn said, “And he thinks Elluvian has bad reasons?”
“Exactly. The query you sent to the Tha’alani was surprising and unexpected—but it was smart. The examination of the Records—Halls and Hawks—was both, as well. Keep that part up. I think Helmat would rescind his command with regard to Elluvian if he could, but at the moment the only other available partner is Mellianne.”
“He’s the Wolflord.”
“Elluvian is a special case. He found us all. He trained most of us. But he’s Barrani. None of us are certain what his role is, in the Emperor’s eyes. He’s not officially in the pay of the Halls of Law. It’s never been safe to partner with him, but it almost never happens. If I had to guess, the Barrani he feels is suspicious is someone highly placed in the court.”
Severn nodded.
“Unless the Emperorreallyloses his temper, this entire case has to be approached extremely carefully. Tell me, does Elluvian strike you as careful?”
“I don’t know.”