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now I’m engaged in a bitter campaign to exterminate revenant Instrumentalities in the End of Connec. They refuse to go easily.”
    “As with the thing Helspeth defeated.”
    “I’ll do what I can about that.”
    “And when Boniface goes?” Helspeth asked, voice stronger now. “Will you be free then?”
    “No. Bellicose of Viscesment will be the next Patriarch. To reunite the Church. I’ve sworn to stand behind him. In case the Collegium try to renege on the Church’s promises. It’s a pity Boniface became Patriarch so late. He might have earned a place in history, given more time. He’s the best Patriarch I’ve known.”
    “Bellicose won’t last long, will he?”
    “Boniface may outlive him. His health is fragile.”
    The hammering on the door began. Helspeth said, “That took longer than I expected. You’re starting to scare them, Katrin.”
    “They’ll have a reason after this. Captain-General. What will it take to bring you here? Will Boniface or Bellicose let me buy you?”
    Hecht managed not to eye the Princess Apparent. “Not as things stand. They both have uses for me.”
    “If you did serve me would you be just as loyal?”
    “Yes. My integrity is what I’m selling. Those people out there do seem to be getting impatient.”
    “They’ll regret it.” The Ege steel rang out.
    For the ghost of an instant the tips of Princess Helspeth’s left hand fingers brushed the back of Hecht’s right. The effect was electric. He jerked. Helspeth gasped. Katrin paid no mind. The door had begun to open. She was headed that way in a blistering rage.
    *   *   *
    The Ninth Unknown was in a serious mood. He made no noise to attract the lifeguard outside Hecht’s bedchamber. He whispered, “Wake your dead ass up, boy. We’ve got problems.”
    Hecht surfaced from a dream featuring Helspeth and him engaged in activities that could compromise the Grail Throne itself. The old man had a hand over his mouth. That was not necessary. Hecht whispered, “What?”
    “Boniface had a stroke. You need to get back to Brothe.”
    “I’m stuck here till after the wedding.”
    “There might be a coup. Bellicose hasn’t reached Brothe yet. And neither Muno nor I can get close enough to prop up Boniface’s health.”
    “Damn!” Hecht swore softly. The timing was awful. “Can you disguise yourself?”
    “What?”
    “You can manage not to be seen at all. I know. Can you pass as someone you’re not?”
    The old man frowned his question in the weak light of a lone candle.
    “Can you deliver letters without giving yourself away?”
    “I’m listening.”
    “I can send orders to the garrisons near the city. And my people in the Connec. If you take the long strides in between, my forces can be in place ahead of time.”
    “Send for pen and ink. I’ll find a way.” Februaren turned sideways and vanished.
    Hecht summoned the duty lifeguard. “I need quills, ink, paper, and sand. Right away.” He had wax and a candle.
    Armed with the appropriate tools, he began writing orders.
    Cloven Februaren reappeared. “Too bad you didn’t have more time with the Construct. You could handle this in person.”
    “Wouldn’t be smart to let people think I could be two places at once.”
    “Good point. Better than good. What were you and the Ege chits doing in that quiet room?”
    Hecht forgot his promise first time he was asked. “Katrin wants to hire me to lead a Grail Empire crusade into the Holy Lands.”
    “My. My, my. The Palace is going mad, wall to wall, wondering what went on in there. No one thought of that.”
    “It caused some excitement?”
    “King Jaime and the Council Advisory are livid. They’re blaming Princess Helspeth. Only Jaime has said anything within Katrin’s hearing. She’s dismissed everyone she saw when she stepped out of that quiet room.”
    “Good for her. I hope she goes for a clean sweep. Have you learned anything about the Night thing Renfrow reported? Or my purported