“And did you see what Master Exeget wore?”

For a long moment Bareil did not answer. “His robe was blue, my lord, with a gold stripe down the side of it.”

Bareil’s testimony only confirmed my suspicions. From the moment Bareil had implicated a Preceptor, I had believed Exeget guilty. Madyalar must have got wind of the attack and come to aid Dassine, giving Exeget no time to make sure of his old adversary. I would give Exeget a hearing before I passed judgment, but if he was responsible, I would kill him. Dassine could not have intended me to give myself to his murderer.

So then, what of Dassine’s mystery? “Dassine told me that a boy has been taken,” I said. “Abducted by the Zhid, I presume. He said that if they took the boy to Zhev’Na, then I was to surrender myself to the Preceptorate for examination. Do you know what he was talking about?”

“Not at present, my lord. If I possess this knowledge and you wish to command me to speak it, we must perform the madris.”

“If you’re willing, it would be a great service,” I said.

The Dulcé grinned. “I’m honored that you would consider my sentiments in the matter, Your Grace, but as you have surely concluded and I know for certain, Master Dassine intended us to be joined. My guess is that if we do not, he will fly back from beyond the Verges to hound us until we do so.”

“So I’m not the only one he bullied into obedience?”

“Oh no, my lord, far from it… though I think perhaps with you he enjoyed it more… you being his prince and all.”

At that we both burst into delicious laughter laced with grief, and raising the green flask, we drank to the memory of our demanding master.