I suppose I should have expected my grandfather to be waiting for me in my office. But when I saw Rutorith standing outside the open doors, the sight of Henemordonin waiting within, I actually quailed. It was an old reaction, one I couldn't afford to take hold inside me. Desperate times pushed me to stride past Rutorith without a glance and down the three steps into the large space.

"You have your own office," I said, keeping my tone light as I brushed past my grandfather. "But ...