Makorin stepped into the count’s room as if already looking for an escape route. “My lord,” he finally began, “I regret to inform you that the plan has failed.”

“Thank you for the warning,” the count growled as he rubbed the bandage on the back of his hand. “I might never have found out without you.”

The visitor winced a bit at the rebuke, and continued, “Also, the Baroness has rescinded our welcome—.”

“Really?” Velandro responded dryly. He pointed to the open bags lying in the corner. “Get the servants in here to finish packing up.”

Makorin smartly turned to leave on his errand. The Count interrupted, “One moment. What about the thief you hired for this job?”

“I recruited a local woman who seemed to have a talent for burglary; Lirya something-or-other. She never met the assassin I hired to convey her ‘final payment’. I believe that she was captured.”

Velandro choked back another snide remark about the timeliness of Makorin’s report, and let him continue.

“I took care to avoid letting her know anything that would connect her to us. Most likely, she’s dead by now, unless Malyenne is still playing with her.”

Velandro nodded. “Probably.” He looked thoughtful. “However, before we leave, ask our remaining friends on Rylaris’ staff to find out for certain.”

“Yes, my lord. I don’t see how that information will be useful, though.”

“You never know. Perhaps even you will turn out to be useful, before this is over.”