“As I said, he’s not a fool. On the other hand, it’s unlikely the murderers were Barrani.”
“Then why send Barrani Hawks?”
“Because I might be wrong.”
Her eyes rounded.
“How big is this?” she demanded, although she took a moment to activate her mirror. “How big is it going to be?”
“If not for Severn’s early intervention?”
The mirror chimed three times—a wind chime sound that Rosen had chosen because she found it calming.
A familiar face filled the frame of Rosen’s mirror. Garadin, eyes emerald. “Ybelline will attend the Halls of Law in three hours.”
Elluvian frowned. When Garadin failed to add more words, he said, “I will meet her at the gates, and I will escort her here personally.”
“And home?”
“And home.”
The emerald of the Tha’alani’s eyes barely shifted.
“It would make more sense to send Severn back,” Elluvian then offered.
“It would, yes.” Garadin’s words were clipped. Ah. “Be at our gates in one hour.”
The mirror chimed again. This time, Helmat’s craggy face occupied the space. “If you’re to serve as her escort, take Severn with you.”
“Of course.”
“What exactly did you do this time?” Elluvian asked as they exited the Halls of Law.
“The Records of the Halls of Law didn’t have the information I needed.”
“And you asked Ybelline for it? You’ve already stirred the pot by asking for information that Tha’alani wouldn’t otherwise cede to outsiders.”
Severn nodded.
“Her visit today is not about that information.”
“Probably not.” He hesitated and then added, “Although she’ll probably have that information as well.”
“You don’t wish to tell me what you asked of her.”
“No.”
A short bark of laughter surprised Elluvian, as it was his. “My permission, as you must be aware, is not required. Rosen?”
Severn nodded. “She didn’t entirely approve.”
“She doesn’t entirely approve of anything.”
“She trusts the Wolflord.”
“Trust and approval are not the same, at least among my kin.”
“Your kin doesn’t trust anyone.” Severn’s voice held no accusation; it was neutral, observational.