Quinten opened his mouth and then closed it.

"I thought so. How did you know Eric was found under a tree? Tell me.

Now."

"I'm not sure. Truly. I knew it somehow. Let me see. Who? Ah, yes.

The King told me. Through Sylvan. He came to see me one day. This was shortly after you returned the egg to the King."

"I didn't return it. It was never his. He ordered me to fetch it for him. Eric had found it down south. So that's it? Sylvan told you?"

"Yes, I think so. We spoke briefly. Eric was my friend, too, and I had asked about his death. Sylvan said he had been found under a large tree in the forest."

“Interesting, said Grace, and she looked at Brian for a moment.

“Brian, would you be okay watching over Daniel at least until Glenda arrives? I can't linger here. Maybe a day. I would feel better knowing you were there with him. Do you remember him from Acron?"

Brian shook his head. "No. Not at all. But that's why I'm here, Grace. Me and Jason. To watch over them for a time. Don't you fret.

Perhaps you should introduce us?"

"My thanks. You're a good friend, Brian. You too, Jason."

Quinten leaned forward. "If you could, Grace. I would like to learn more about this egg. I have the King's ear, and I'm certain he wouldn't mind me knowing. Are you able to share anything?"

Grace pretended to ponder the question before shaking her head. "No."

A little later, they all left Quinten's quarters. Grace grabbed her comrades and pulled them into a quiet corner.

“I cannot and will not trust that man. Share nothing with him,"

Grace said in low tones, watching the approaches.

Brian nodded and, after a moment, so did Jason. “What happened with the egg, lass? When you handed it to the King? This whole matter has bothered you deeply."

“I can tell you a little. The only things I learned were from the King when I brought it to him. Here's what happened. This was before I knew more..."

*

Grace slipped into the King's study and found it empty. A magic light was dimmed up on the ceiling and spread shadows around the room. She could smell the wood and oils and the aged, dusty smell of the various tomes and scrolls in the bookcases. The desk was cleared and the drapes at the window were partially closed, allowing a sliver of vision out into the night sky.

She placed herself in the nearest corner, behind the door and next to the bookshelves. She leaned backward and crossed her arms. She was early for the scheduled meeting. The King and his intelligence head would soon be here. She had wanted to be first. She had an uneasy feeling about everything.

Yesterday, she had delivered Daniel and his ladies to the Academy.

Quinten had seemed more a paladin to her than ever before. Smugger and set in his One God way and it gave her a disquieted feeling.