"Yes. You'd know if it wasn't." Maybe. Maybe not, Benedict's effort is as evident as the distraction. Isaac watches him watch the light, "And if Bastien survived his career for any time at all, I trust he worked with a mage."

Against, maybe – but that presents a slimmer margin for error. Isaac is not subtle and restrained in the manner that a bard requires; he's seldom had to be. The board isn't level. Even Mme. de Fer trades upon force.

"My second Circle collected losers at the Game," A shrug. "Winners, I suppose. We lived."

Recalls Benedict's mother kept him clear of politics. Pity, there's some potential there; the whole of the Gallows must underestimate him.