I return to my quarters to find Maguerite is gone. It’s hardly surprising. As the two highest ranking servants, it’s just the two of us in our room. The price of that is that we’re almost always busy. I sit on the floor and being working with the crystal. I prefer to work with minds this way, just pure memory with no personality to filter or obscure anything from me.

The aethernaut’s memories are interesting, but a project for later. For now, I find the information I need on Maxwell. My Mistress will be pleased to hear good news.

She has moved from the gardens to the dining hall. With a start, I realize I have not eaten since breakfast yesterday. More worries for later. I wait by the door while one fo the serving girls announces me.

“You may go on in, Sorcerer Aldain,” the girl says to me. I don’t even know her name. The turnover rate among the lowest servants is so high there’s no real point in getting to know them.

I step in. My garb this time is much more fitting. Before coming, I’d changed into an outfit my Mistress gave me as a gift. All rich navy blues with gold trim. It should please her and let her know that I do remember her fondness for nice things. She smiles at me as I come in and bow.

“Rise,” she commands and I straighten. “Blue and gold suits you well, Sorcerer. I am glad I got it for you.”

“Your gifts are always wonderful, my Lady. I have never been less than fully happy with any of them.”

Again she smiles. She gestures to the seat on her right, the place of honor.

“Sit, Aldain. I had a place prepared for you. I know how you tend to get caught up and skip meals. Tell me what you’ve accomplished.”

I sit. She eats as I give my report.

“Mistress,” I begin. “I have ripped the aethernaut’s mind. It was unusually easy; he’s obviously a rookie. I know where to find Maxwell.”

“Wonderful.” As she speaks, I eat. “When we come back into the world, you will act as my proxy. Find him. Kill him. Tell no one else of his whereabouts. The fewer places the information lies, the less likely it is to be found.”

She pauses, takes a sip of wine, continues.

“In fact, let no one know even that we have found Maxwell. Do not mention the aethernaut; only you, Maguerite, and I should even know he ever was here. Have Maguerite modify his memories and return him to his vessel.”

“As you speak, Mistress, so shall I make it so.”

The rest of the meal continues in silence. As I finish, my Mistress speaks to me again.

“You have three days to prepare, Aldain. This one means a lot, to both of us. Do not fail this task.”

I nod, stand, bow. “Rest assured, Maxwell will die by my hand.”