"I've long stopped trying to make sense of the minds of madmen," Tolten said, Not that he knew whether or not the men involved in this place were madmen, but he figured it stood to reason.

At least there was organization. The young king was thankful for a set routine and obvious authority figures - it kept it easier to keep himself out of trouble. And it was always good to know precisely who the enemy was, rather than be taken by surprise. And the announcements were helpful...

"Tonight, my lady," Tolten agreed with another deep inclination of his head. "I truly cannot thank you enough. Ah...until later, then."

And perhaps in the meantime he could find some way to repay her....