He removed a velveteen pouch from beneath his heather mantle of state, and handed it to her. She loosed the drawstrings, and the scent of bayberry drifted to her. Inside, she discovered with joy, were the items the Weapon had confiscated from her, except for Joy Overway’s brooch. She removed the moonstone which ignited in a silver blaze at her touch.

Zachary squinted through the intense light. “Curious. That stone would not light for anyone else, not even the Eletian.”

Karigan dropped it into the velveteen pouch and reluctantly passed it back, but the king shook his head.

“You are to keep those things, they are yours. Captain Mapstone says your stories are true, and by the special nature of her ability, I believe her. Your trinkets are your tools. Use what is available to you. I see no threat to me from you.”

Karigan relaxed and clasped the pouch in both hands. “Thank you,” she said with a relieved breath.

Zachary nodded, and patted his knee. Finder jumped into his lap, tail wagging furiously. The king absently stroked Finder and gazed at nothing, his eyes unfocused. Eventually he said, “The sequence of events that have led you here are quite remarkable. A schoolgirl who can’t even play a decent game of Intrigue. The daughter of a wealthy merchant . . .”

Karigan stiffened again, anger prickling inside. “Sire, for one thing, I don’t know exactly how you get your information except from people who risk their lives to deliver it to you. By chance, I was one of those people. Yes, a schoolgirl. Yes, a merchant’s daughter. My life was threatened, I was held captive, and I went through a lot to get here. I am tired of being treated like some criminal for doing my best for Sacoridia.

“I might suggest, Excellency, that you leave behind your stone walls and see those whom you rule. Take a look at your realm. The North Road is in terrible condition. How do you expect healthy commerce up north when merchant trains can hardly make it down the road? And what about the outlaws who attack caravans, homesteads, and the village of North?

“Take a look at the people who live in the borderlands in fear of groundmites, not to mention any strange creatures that might come from Blackveil Forest. The eagle, Softfeather, told me to tell you there is a breach in the D’Yer Wall. Your people, Excellency, are crying out for protection from you, and fewer taxes, and—” Karigan stopped and swallowed. Speaking her mind to Dean Geyer was one thing, but speaking it to a king was another. The dean could suspend her, but the king could do much worse.

Zachary laughed. He laughed! Finder sat up and barked. A light ignited in the king’s eyes. “Many people hate me and my policies,” he said. “It is refreshing to hear a new voice, though. You will make a fine Green Rider.”

“I’m not—”

“Dismissed.”

“But—”

“Dismissed until tomorrow night’s ball. I expect you to be there. In fact, I command it.”

Karigan opened her mouth to protest again, but the firm hand of a Weapon on her shoulder prompted her to clamp her mouth shut. She stood up on shaky legs and bowed awkwardly, but she wasn’t sure the king even knew she was still there. He continued to stroke Finder’s back, his thoughts haunting some faraway place.

Karigan left the throne room as fast as possible without running. When she cleared the huge double doors, she brushed into some crusty old man wearing a bear pelt. She mumbled an apology, and rushed away, intent on leaving the king far behind.

Karigan burst into her room, and caught Captain Mapstone in mid-pace. “Finally,” the older woman said. “Tell me what happened.”

Exhausted by her afternoon with the king, Karigan dropped down on her bed and groaned.

“I see I won’t get anything from you until you’re nourished with some food and drink.” She tracked down the food herself, bringing it to Karigan faster than anyone else could have.

Between mouthfuls of pastry and sausage washed down with cold cider, Karigan told all that transpired in the throne room. By the time she finished, the captain was pacing again.

“Tell me again what you said to the king about his policies.”

Karigan heaved a tired sigh and repeated that part of the story. Captain Mapstone paused, her expression bemused. She rubbed her chin, and smiling, said, “You told him to . . . You told him to . . .” Tickled by the thought of some common girl standing up to the king, she fell into convulsive laughter.

Karigan scowled. It wasn’t unlike the king’s own response, and one she hardly expected from Captain Mapstone.

Captain Mapstone wiped tears from her eyes. “You’ve got spunk, girl. I wouldn’t be surprised if you made it to Sacor City in one piece on pure spunk alone.” She scraped the chair out from under the table and dropped wearily into it. Her expression turned stern again, yet her eyes still danced in amusement. “I haven’t laughed like that in a hundred years. And don’t you let on to the others that I did either.” She sighed. “It wouldn’t fit their image of me.”

Karigan crossed her arms. “I don’t find it particularly funny.”

Captain Mapstone gazed at her levelly. “Considering the king didn’t lop your head off himself, you shouldn’t complain. I’m not sure I comprehend his behavior either, though I’ve known him since he was a boy. I was certain he would want to hear more from you. Why play Intrigue?”

“Does this mean I can go home now?”

Captain Mapstone shook her head. “The king expects you to attend the ball tomorrow evening. That’s another curious thing. Why invite you?”