Bruce finished his tea, left the counter, and crossed the square to the fountain. Caelen faded into step beside him so smoothly it looked choreographed.
"The letter to Dulen Varr?" Bruce asked.
"Dispatched three days ago," Caelen replied, his voice perfectly modulated to the sound of the falling water. "Expect a reply in three to four weeks, assuming Dulen moves at his usual glacial pace. Also, my employer sends her regards regarding Dain Verse. She has decided the best way to honor his non-interference is to aggressively maintain her current political hostility toward him. Changing her posture would only draw Sisel's attention. His favor does not obligate her on paper."
"That is ruthlessly practical," Bruce said, genuinely impressed. "Thank her. And Caelen—one piece of operational intel for her. I just passed a letter to Grave. Wren requested a face-to-face meeting. They want to see him."
