Camille answered my summons from behind glass. The Vane diplomatic residence stood inside Blackthorn's east compound, surrounded by a low iron fence and three centuries of treaty language.

White Moon guards could see the front door. Blackthorn guards could see the si

The command room had four maps and not enough wall. Blackthorn territory covered the largest table. White Moon routes covered the second.

Northwatch casualty reports covered half the third before I had been inside five minutes. The border breach was no longer a warning.

The silver key opened the lower lock. The iron key opened the upper. We tested both under six witnesses. Marin. Two neutral recorders. The armory keeper. One Blackthorn captain. One White Moon officer.

No one touched the keys until the evidence bags were opened on a clea