Though the Mar showed no sign of understanding Atreus, he accepted the letter and examined the seal, narrowing his eyes at the royal crown pressed into the golden wax. He glanced at the golden brocades in Atreus's cape, then bowed.

"I am Jyotish, chamberlain to Queen Rosalind," said the Mar, now speaking an archaic form of Realmspeak known as Thorass. The language was so outdated and heavily accented that Atreus had to guess some words from the context of others. "I will arrange an audience with Her Radiance."

Jyotish returned the letter and stepped aside, waving Atreus toward a huge pair of mahogany doors. As they started up the stairs, the sentries quickly crossed their glaives in front of Yago. The ogre scowled, then jerked the weapons from the guards' hands and tossed them into the courtyard. The guards cried out and reached for the swords, and Jyotish whirled on Atreus. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I go where Atreus goes," Yago said, paying no attention to the sword tips now pointed in his direction. "I'm his bodyguard." "Bodyguards are not permitted in the Grand Audience

Chamber." Jyotish spoke directly to Atreus, as though Demanding that he bring his pet under control. "No man may take his own guards into the queen's presence." Atreus nodded. "Of course. I should have thought of that myself." He turned to Yago and said, "Why don't you wait here?"

A growl of displeasure rumbled deep in Yago's throat, but he was too good a soldier to argue the matter in front of others. He stepped back into the courtyard. "Give a yell if you need me."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," said Atreus. "There's no reason to expect trouble."

"That's when it's most dangerous." Yago snarled down at Jyotish, displaying his orange fangs, then spread his feet and folded his arms. "I'll be listening."