Chapter 11 Summary

Kris tells Talia that it is almost Midsummer which means her internship is half over so he asks for her evaluation. Though she has had a horrid time, Talia is grateful that she did not lose her control and shields at Court. Talia's feelings for Kris have mellowed into something similar to what she has with Skif, but she worries that he may be infatuated with her because he often looks at her with a shadowed expression. When the courier arrives with news and laws from Court, it is Skif. He also shares gossip, such as the Collegium being full because twenty were Chosen this spring, and the rumors at Court focus on Elspeth's unfitness for the Crown and her dependence on the Heralds, especially Talia.

As they share stories of the road, Talia excuses herself because she is uncomfortable since Skif's Companion...