Your house—”
“Is no longer at your disposal,” Mradvior said coldly. “You go quietly or you go by force. The lady has already been loaded on a wagon. Will you ride with her?” Before he could stop himself, Gavril began laughing. Mradvior looked at him strangely, but Gavril could not stop the laughter as he put on his cloak and gloves.
“And my sword?” he asked when he’d finally regained his breath. “Let it be returned to me.”
Mradvior eyed him with something close to pity. “You plead for it, but not for the life of your cardinal or your men. Truly you are caught in its spell.” “I—I need it.” Gavril swallowed the last dregs of his pride. “Please, lord count. I can bear to lose anything but Tanengard.”
“I think you mean what you say,” Mradvior said in wonder.
“Of course I mean it! I must have it with me! Please!” Mradvior sighed. “I will ask. If Nonkind break into the old palace, you will need defense against them.”