The Crownhall carriage came up the path at the second bell, and it came slowly, as if the driver wanted everyone on the wall to see it.
It was black, with grey-blue trim and a crest on the door. The crest had been painted over once and then painted again.
Two riders came behind it. Calen did not know either of them, and he did not look at them for long. He was looking at the carriage door, where a woman in a long grey coat had put one hand on the frame and was waiting for someone to open it.
Captain Hoff opened it himself. He did not hurry.
Director Hesta Morrow stepped down into the Keep yard as if it were a room she had been told was hers. She was tall and straight, with white hair pinned flat under a grey hat. She looked at the wall, then at the gate, then at the notice still nailed to the post. Her mouth moved very slightly at the sight of it, as if she were pleased with her own handwriting.
Tiber Vance came down after her.
He was younger than Calen had expected, and neater.
His coat was grey-blue, cut close at the shoulders. His hair was short. He carried a sword in a plain scabbard on his left hip.
