The guard on the other side looked at Bruni’s letter of writ, which allowed us both passage. I held her arm tighter as the guard took the letter, but he handed it back with a bored look on his face. I don’t think he even read it. Briefly, I considered writing myself license to do more, to enter Dashski’s personal garden or his residences. It would be some luck if the guards at the next few gates were as lackadaisical.
But Bruni gripped my elbow and practically dragged me to the silk stand. “I got a surprise,” she told me.
“That was fast,” I said, furrowing my brow.
“Oh, it wasn’t related to our current endeavor. Actually, Calder’s been planning it for some time, and I didn’t tell you because I figured you might need some cheering up!” She was speaking fast. I could tell from the change
