Redsand Canyon muqaddima

his presence had sent the leaves all out of order. the imperator stepped back as the young palace-wolf arranged them once more. 

"east, beyond the sparring arena." he would not offer to accompany her. it was not dislike of the girl, it was awareness of her rank in akashingo and the whispers that might persuade.

the imperator's wife had only just left, and now he walked alone with a young pleasure-servant.

very few knew the ways of akashingo. arsenio and tamar were no longer part of this place. it was him alone. and yet he could not abide it.

"it is often patrolled. you will be safe there alone."