Page 104 of Cast in Conflict

“Ah. What he told you is materially true: people change. Life changes them. Fearful people become more fearful—or less—as they gain experience. Candallar fled the High Halls when he was declared outcaste.”

“We don’t know why he was declared outcaste.”

“With your friends at Court? You should be able to find out.”

“Do you know?”

“No. I believe the cohort might, but their information sources are not as good as yours, given their long absence, and the information they’ve received has been conflicting.”

She wondered what Bellusdeo and Emmerian were doing.

“Talking.”

“About what?”

Helen tsked, and Kaylin fell silent. “I’m worried about Bellusdeo.”

“I know. So am I. Mandoran is more concerned about her welfare than he is about the cohort, which is why Sedarias is incensed.”

Kaylin could understand that, as well. She didn’t approve, but it wasn’t her job to approve or disapprove.

“I find it odd that here, Barrani and Dragon can become friends in a fashion familiar to you. Odd, but gratifying.”

“Fine. You can’t tell me about Candallar, and Karriamis won’t. Your previous tenant died before I arrived to apply for a room.”

“Yes.”

“How long had he been dead?”

Silence. Kaylin thought Helen wasn’t going to answer. “Years. I’m afraid a more accurate measure would take—Excuse me.”

“Helen?”

“I have either a fire—or worse. I’m sorry, dear. I’ll be back.”

15

“I have no idea why I ever thought this was a good idea,” Kaylin said as she left the patio table, Severn in her wake.

“Which part?”

“Any of it!”

“They had nowhere else to safely go.”

“You mean the cohort?”

“Any of them. The danger to Bellusdeo wasn’t physical—or not purely physical. But she had nowhere to go, either.”

“I just—”

“Wish everyone could get along?”

She nodded.

He shrugged. “We’d both be out of jobs if that was a realistic possibility. And on most days you love your job.”

“I want to leave my job outside of my home.”

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