“He was quite well-informed, from what I could discern.” Pal learns against the table where the kettle sits, drumming his fingers absently on the surface. “Camilla and I petitioned our people to leave the Empire over ethical concerns regarding the Emperor’s rule. I’ve suspected for some time that I had no love for the Emperor, but I remembered enough to put it all together just a short time ago. The double knew all about it.”

Pal hesitates, and his gaze goes distant. “He…touched us. He peeled off Camilla’s skin like a piece of fruit—“ A sharp exhale. “Some others tried to help, but he just mowed them down with some of the most destructive necromancy I have ever seen. When the earth opened up to swallow us all—well, it was almost like this place saved us from him.”