Ernak smiles as the last fortunes are read, though the chatter on their meaning turns that smile into a more puzzled expression. This confused but happy face sinks, however, as Master Shyamal hints at bad news, and it turns into an outright frown as Linzi reads the letter aloud.

"I'll need to check on my parents as well: what's bad for Korvosa is usually worse for its Shoanti," Ernak says grimly, "I guess this is war between the Sable Company and the queen's Gray Maidens then? And who knows what the Guard are thinking. Bah!" Ernak throws up his hands in frustration before furrowing his brows as he tries to make sense of the situation. Finally, he states more positively, "My thanks again, Master Shyamal, for pulling us out of that fire then. My debt to your kindness grows."