"Do you deny there is a fully operational kitchen under your foundation?" "I wouldn't call it fully operational. The jam shelf still collapses sometimes." The gavel slammed. "This is not a joke, sir."

"What we are doing," he announced to Clement, who had drifted over with two mugs of tea, "is making people whisper to plants." Clement handed him a mug. "I see. And what will the plants do with these...messages?" "That's their business."

"You built a cathedral." Senty shook his head. "I just — we just — built a basement." Clement smiled. "Same thing, cousin. One's just underground for a while."