Brishen, returning from the Temple, is met by Envoy. Envoy informs Brishen of what she's learned about Amaranth in the Old Cemetary, and of the other "loonies" walking around. The two talk (and use hand-sign for privacy), and Envoy shares with Brishen what she was taught about rulership. Envoy offers to help Brishen's Savanite slaves to escape, rather than being turned over to the Temple, but does not reveal just how she plans to do so, so that Brishen can maintain "plausible deniability". She also leaves open the offer to help Brishen "disappear" as well.