“Officially, the government of Karrnath has no knowledge of her activities or even her existence,” he said. “However, it will become known through certain unofficial channels that she played a prominent role in tracking down and bringing to justice a desperate war criminal whom Karrnath had been seeking for some time—and whose existence, of course, the government of Karrnath will also deny. Unfortunately, she lost her life in the process, but—still unofficially—her death was entirely befitting a paladin of the Silver Flame. Tarrel, I assume that you will be able to locate those unofficial channels without further assistance?” Tarrel nodded.
“Her ashes have been recovered,” Haldin went on, “and have already been presented to the Church of the Silver Flame here in Korth. I understand they will be returned to Thrane with full honors. The Karrnathi ambassador in Flamekeep has been instructed to convey to her father the unofficial condolences of King Kaius himself.”
The gnome paused again and coughed softly. Picking up a small bell from a table beside his chair, he rang it.
“I must apologize,” he said. “All this talking makes my throat quite dry. I trust that some brandy would not go amiss?” A uniformed servant brought in a tray bearing a decanter and five glasses, serving them all. Haldin sipped at his glass and grimaced.
“It is only Zil, I’m afraid,” he said. “The Cyran is almost impossible to acquire these days.”
“Try the Black Dragon in Karrlakton,” suggested Mordan. “They seem to have no trouble getting hold of it. Tell them I sent you.” Haldin’s face brightened like a summer sunrise.
“I shall indeed,” he said, beaming.
“Now,” he said, after they had drunk, “as I said earlier, you are all free to go. Tarrel and Lady d’Cannith, I understand that both your houses have been enquiring after you with some concern. I trust that you will be able to set their minds at ease.”
“And myself?” asked Adalrik d’Cannith, with an ironic smile. Haldin smiled back.
“Yes, my lord, your house is most eager to effect your return,” he said, “and that matter has necessitated some delicate negotiations. You will not be surprised that House Cannith has made clear its displeasure at your recent activities—I believe the word
“However,” Haldin went on, “the—involuntary—nature of your captivity is regarded as a mitigating factor. As is the fact that—no doubt deliberately—you made sure that your work did not progress beyond the most elementary stages, giving nothing useful to your captor.” Adalrik’s face was inscrutable.
“Given the circumstances, the Ministry of the Dead has requested House Cannith to permit you to remain with us as an expert informant, so that the extent and ramifications of your research can be assessed. I cannot say yet what their answer will be, as the dragonmarked houses have always maintained neutral stance in international affairs, which might be jeopardized by their allowing one of their members to work with the government of a single nation. The Ministry has, of course, stressed that your work will only be used for peaceful purposes, such as ensuring that no similar research is under way or can be completed at any Karrnathi facility. This is in line with the government’s stated policy of removing undead from front-line service where practicable, and ceasing all further research into the creation of undead troops.”
“And until they decide, I am free to go?” asked Adalrik.
“That is correct,” said Haldin. “Although your personal assistance would be valuable, we already have your notes and the materials from your workshop. House Cannith has not requested that you be detained—no doubt because they do not know that you, or your charming cousin, are currently our guests. If such a request were to be received, it would be quite problematic, I suspect. Since the dragonmarked houses are carefully neutral in their dealings with national governments, it follows that the governments must observe the same neutrality in their dealings with the houses. I am sure that House Cannith would think carefully about any demand from the Karrnathi government to hand over one of our citizens who had sought sanctuary with them.”
Dria looked at Adalrik with concern.
“I’ll have to tell them something,” she said. Adalrik smiled with the half of his face that was still human.
“I know,” he replied. “Tell them the truth. I wouldn’t want you getting into trouble on my account. And if they send you after me again, I’ll try to be harder to find.”
Haldin raised his glass.
“That is all I have to say,” he concluded. “Except to give you my personal thanks, and to toast our successful completion of a very difficult operation. To all of us!”
The four returned the toast, and Haldin rang the bell again. After a few moments, a procession of servants brought in everyone’s weapons, and the other belongings that had been taken from them when they arrived at the Ministry.
