Renn came back with three pieces of news. Merrow's relay had been secured. His steward had tried to leave through the kitchen yard. And the steward hadn't got very far. James looked disappointed that someone else had caught him.
Renn stopped in front of Elizabeth. "I've sent to Fort Halden and to the nearest Crown post. Separate messages. I used your presence and the attack on you as priority authority."
"Good. How long?"
"For an acknowledgment, less than an hour if the relay chain is clear."
"And Crown officers?"
"Morning at the earliest."
Elizabeth looked toward the east wing. "The prisoners stay here tonight?"
"Under Academy protection."
"Not Merrow's."
"No."
"Good."
Renn looked along the wall at the three of us, and his eyes stopped on James. "Sorel told me."
James sighed. "Of course she did."
"You used Spatial."
"Yes."
Renn's jaw tightened. "I told you no Spatial unless it was necessary."
Sorel turned her head. "You told him what?"
