"We're acquainted. I can tell he has secrets, but so do you and Autor. I've enough secrets of my own without prying at others'," Sherral says. "I know he has zero interest in either crossing me or doing me harm, after all."

The gladiator is dealing with his admirers in very pleasant fashion, all smiles and friendly remarks. He's rehearsed this kind of thing, it would seem.

"Either are liable to yield useful information. The bridesmaids maybe more so, though," Sherral says, after a quick glance at both. "Amondsham's business practices are far less interesting than the standing of the Telanes."