Chapter 9 Summary

Fitz awakens in the middle of the night and is hungry. He goes to the kitchens where he encounters a woman who appears to be a handmaiden with an ill dog. Fitz helps the dog by removing a bone from its throat. In the process, Fitz realizes that the woman is really Lady Grace. He also recognizes from her speech that she is not from a highborn family. Fitz takes the opportunity to appeal to Grace's desire to be seen as royalty by her people. He beseeches her to speak with Kelvar and counsel him to operate and maintain the watchtowers. Lady Grace leaves the kitchens apparently happy that her dog has been saved and excited by Fitz's plan.

Fitz is awakened in his chamber after what seems like only a few minutes of sleep. A messenger has come to summon him to...