This is actually something I noticed a while back: In Taltos (page 20), Vlad says "My boots when clack clack against thin air, which was a bit unnerving." when talking about walking across the Castle Black's courtyard. However, in chapter four of Yendi (page 204 in the 'Book of Jhereg' omnibus), we get: "Walking in Morrolan's courtyard feels exactly like walking on flagstone, except your boots don't make any noise, which is a bit disconcerting until you get used to it." The possible explinations are that either there are multiple courtyards, and Vlad doesn't always teleport to the same one. (doubtful considering he likes to talk about the main doors of the castle a lot) Or, the courtyard varries based upon Morrolan's mood, or maybe just whatever the visitor will find the most disconcerting. I figure there's a chance this will be resolved in 'The Lord of Castle Black', but based on recent experience, I think its more likely that Steve will take his giant Yendi Chisel, put it into this Crack, and bang on it some with his Authorial Hammer. "Castle Black's Courtyard? Huh? Castle Black doesn't have a courtyard." or "Castle Black's courtyard is made of black flagstones hanging in the air with the rest of the castle." Jag