would rather be of real help to you,’ I muttered disconsolately as I turned away. ‘FitzChivalry!’ There was a sharp note to Verity’s voice, one I had not heard since I was a boy. I turned back to it with dread. ‘You overstep yourself,’ he told me bluntly. ‘My queen keeps these fires going and sharpens my chisels for me. Do you put yourself above such work?’ At such times, a brief answer suffices best. ‘No, sir.’
