"You couldn't prove that he and Grozier Talricci were working together?" Hetta asked.

Vambran shook his head.

"No," he answered, "we haven't yet begun truth-reading either him or Bartimus. They're both very good at masking their thoughts, so we're going to have to bring in more powerful magic to break them down. And Uncle Kovrim can't actually say that he rooted out Lavant's involvement by going through the high priest's personal records. Those have undoubtedly been destroyed or moved, so it would be his word against the Grand Trabbar's and I think we all know who's side the temple would take in that instance. So, we're going to have to deal with this one subtly."

"What about the four Halanthi priests who tried to waylay him yesterday?" Xaphira asked. "Can't you make a connection between them and Lavant?"

"I wish we could, but they have all disappeared. The temple is in turmoil over all this, and of course, the Grand Trabbar is screaming longest and loudest for justice on Uncle Kovrim's behalf."

"Of course," Xaphira replied.

Emriana's brother didn't say anything for a long time. Finally, as the silence grew uncomfortably long, the girl asked shyly, "How did you get into and out of the warehouse without me seeing you?"

Xaphira laughed and said, "You're going to be quite the little sneak when you get some more seasoning. It wasn't easy, but I've learned a few tricks that you don't know about yet."

"And aren't going to learn about any time soon," Ladara said firmly, stirring from her spot beside Hetta. "You are only sixteen, and you have no business sneaking out like that all the time. Do you understand me?"

Emriana opened her mouth to protest, but then she caught a look from her grandmother out of the corner of her eye and she repressed a smile.

"Yes, Mother. I won't do it anymore."

To herself, Emriana thought, As far as you know.

She stole a glance at Aunt Xaphira, who was hiding a smile of her own.

The girl's thoughts were interrupted as a figure appeared in the sitting room doorway. It was Uncle Kovrim, ushered in by one of the servants.

"Kovrim, welcome," Hetta said, smiling and rising to greet their guest.

The priest wore a dark frown as he said, "I wish my visit were for a happier purpose, but I've got unfortunate news."

Vambran sat forward in his chair.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Grozier Talricci and Bartimus the wizard escaped custody during the night. They were helped by someone on the outside, someone very good at getting in and out of the watch headquarters where they were being held."

"Junce Roundface," Vambran growled, standing. "This isn't over, yet. We have to find them"

"Why you?" Ladara asked quietly. "Why do you have to be the one to do this?"

"Because whoever is behind it has made me live with unnecessary guilt for twelve years, and I owe them a little payback."

"It won't be easy," Kovrim said. "They know we're looking for them, and they have powerful magic at their disposal to aid in staying hidden."

"Perhaps," Vambran said, "but we have to try. Junce Roundface is working for someone even more powerful in this city. Apparently, they all are."

"Someone who wants to start a war," Xaphira said.

Emriana looked at her family, from face to face. They all wore the same grim expression.

They're all thinking the same thing, she realized. House Matrell is still in danger.