“Impressive isn’t he?” grinned Vand. “I have more of them. Some were lost in the destruction of Vandegar so long ago, but six remain. They are sworn to protect me.”

Xavo fidgeted openly. He knew that Vand would attribute his unease to seeing the demon, and that was fine with the mage, but his mind was on his lover. If the sea captain were tortured, Vand would learn that Lady Mystic asked about the ship’s destination. He would know who the spy was, and that would result in her death.

“Can we be sure that the captain is the spy?” Xavo asked as he turned back to face the Emperor. “Even if he knew the destination of Clarvoy, how could he transmit that information in time to ensure that someone was waiting for Clarvoy?”

“A valid question,” nodded the spymaster as he rubbed his healed arm and flexed it. “It would take a mage with the knowledge of the air tunnel to send word to the mainland.”

“Were there such mages on your ship?” asked Xavo.

“There is always one on the ship,” the spymaster frowned, “but I strive to use mages that I can trust. I am sure of the loyalty of the mage who was present onboard the ship. Why do you ask?”

“Because even if the captain was willing to part with the information regarding your destination,” answered Xavo, “he would need the mage to deliver it.”

“It could be any mage on this island,” retorted Clarvoy. “Once the captain knew that I was headed for Meliban, he could have told someone here. He could even have told you,” Clarvoy added accusingly.

“Hardly,” smiled Xavo. “I was in this room when you arrived, and when you left. I never left the Emperor’s presence during your return to the island. Not only that, I resent your accusation. As you have, I have displayed my loyalty to the Emperor on many occasions. I do not question your loyalty; do not dare to question mine.”