Page 74

“I asked why a man with an injured wrist was fastening winter tack.”

“You treated him.”

“Yes.”

“Without informing the household healer.”

“He would not have gone to the household healer.”

“That is a separate matter.”

“It is the same matter to the injured man.”

I step away from the neptherium. “You did not come here to discuss his wrist.”

“No. I came because you are preparing to travel toward the mining post.”

“I am conducting an inspection.”

“Take me with you.”

The request is so direct that it approaches a command.

“No.”

“You have not heard my reasons.”

“They are irrelevant.”

“I know the northern trail.”

“So do my guards.”

“You know the military road. I know the paths used by Lowtown gatherers, charcoal burners, and smugglers.”

“You admit knowledge of smuggling routes?”

“I was Lowtown’s healer. People injured on those routes came to me. They did not always lie convincingly.”

“The terrain is dangerous.”

“That is why knowledge of it is useful.”

“You are not trained for armed conflict.”

“I am trained to keep wounded people alive.”

“My guards carry field supplies.”

“Bandages and spirits are not healing skill.”

I move closer. Fiona must lift her chin to hold my gaze, but she holds her ground.

“You have been in this household for two weeks,” I say. “That does not grant you authority over Morwen’thir operations.”

“I did not claim authority. I claimed usefulness.”

The distinction irritates me because it is accurate.