Marta

Three of them were in the servants' hall getting their banquet story straight, and scattered the second they saw me. When everyone scatters a different way, that's not gossip, that's orders.

• Head Butler HydenDid you write down the names?
  MartaI did. Shall I tuck it in your drawer, Steward, or keep it myself?
• Chancellor OrfevreA diligent hand keeps a house safe.
  MartaYour compliments always come with a price tag, my lord. I always decline.

Word is there's silver stamped with our house crest circulating in the market. And our house hasn't paid out a single coin today.

• Sir RoidenWhich stall.
  MartaThe old thread-seller, third alley over. He'll clam up if you go, my lord, so I'll go back myself.
• Head Butler HydenI'll check it against the ledger. Silver doesn't lie.

There was exactly one bare patch on the garden bench, no snow on it at all. Just about the size of someone sitting there.

• Head Butler HydenThe garden key didn't leave its ring last night.
  MartaExactly. Which means someone got in without one.
• KlausIt's on the patrol route.
  MartaDo you patrol sitting down now?

First time I've swept the archive in ten years, and there were fresh handprints right on top of ten years of dust. I went in to sweep, not to count handprints.

• Head Butler HydenThe archive key hangs from my belt alone.
  MartaThen that hand got in without a key, is what you're telling me, Steward.
• Chancellor OrfevreA diligent maid is a blessing on any house. Though sweeping only the floor tends to be the way to a longer life.
  MartaMy broom only reaches the floor. Your Excellency's shoes are always spotless, though.

I've taken in the banquet dress a third time already. She's not losing weight, she's losing sleep.

• KlausI'll add an extra round to the night patrol.
  MartaDon't add a round. Just hold your lamp up a moment when you pass.
• Sir RoidenSo the maid works it out with a needle, and the knights standing outside the window never noticed at all.
  MartaThe knights just need to watch the door. The inside is my business.

These past few days the dawn dirt's been tracked all the way to the threshold. My broom knows exactly whose feet walked that ground all night.

• KlausI'll knock the dirt off my boots from now on.
  MartaDon't. That's the only way I can tell whether you're sleeping at all, Sir Knight.
• Head Butler HydenI suppose I'll need to lay down another mat at the entrance.
• Sir RoidenA man who drills unordered is usually a man who can't sleep.
  MartaIf you know that, my lord, perhaps send him off to bed for once.