On the run, Dolce scoops up a satchel off the ground. It’s ragged and patchwork, which means that it’s not standard issue. The strap is torn, which means it’s been dropped. It was laying in a hallway, which means the owner didn’t have a chance to come back for it. He has no idea what’s inside, but he can think of no more precious treasure to rescue from the burning palace.

Also he and Vasilia are wearing a pair of dashing hats. She may have scooped them up. They might be some of Cyanis’ spares, the ones she felt weren’t right for the moment. But how else is Nero to know that a pair of pirates are plundering her precious possessions?