Count Henri Vorvolk was a close friend and near-age-mate of Emperor Gregor, being only a few years younger than him (Miles referred to him as the "nucleus of a new generation of cronies"). Henri was still an upper-classman at the Imperial Service Academy shortly after Gregor became Emperor, and during Miles' treason trial, he was taken out of class several times, and later served as one of the witnesses Gregor called to observe Miles' testimony. He worked in the Barrayaran Imperial Accounting Office, and his office in Vorhartung Castle was down in the former dungeons, with no head-room.