Pausing only to murmur a word of gratitude to Steiner as he strode forward, he greeted Garnet with warmth equal to her own. A slight dip of the head, a small smile, his was smaller than hers, but that was to be expected in a man's response.

"The pleasure is all mine," he told her. "Indeed, I consider it quite productive and would be pleased to tell you what came of it. But first, Regent Fabool and his lady wife bade me convey their warm regards to you." He glanced aside to Steiner and added, "And I am certain that you would care for some privacy to herald the return of your good knight. I would not intrude on your time if it is an inconvenience."