Lilla gave a mirthless chuckle and stood still. ‘Katāros destroyed the proof we had. But it all fits. We should have seen it sooner.’

‘And now Alethea is dead,’ Gerutha moaned. ‘If only I hadn’t told him—’

‘None of that makes any difference now,’ Lilla said coldly. But seeing Gerutha’s pained expression she added, ‘Anyway, you weren’t to know, Grusha. How could you?’

‘We do now, though. And we owe it to her – and to all the others – to see that he’s stopped.’

‘Yes, but how? Whoever we tell, what can we say but that some old beggar got herself murdered, and might or might not >have been able to identify the fire-maker’s killer?’

‘You have to try. Go higher than Katāros. Go all the way.’

‘You mean the emperor?’

‘Why not?’

‘Why would he believe me?’

‘Because you’re persuasive. He owes you and he knows it.’

‘What has that to do with anything?’

‘It will get you a hearing at least.’

‘He’ll just think I’m settling a score against my tormentor,’ she added bitterly.

‘Maybe. Or maybe he’ll see the reason in it. It’s up to you to convince him.’

‘He won’t see me now. He’s busy with the defence of the city.’

‘But this is about the defence of the city!’ exclaimed Gerutha. ‘What could be more important?’

Lilla shook her head. ‘Katāros controls access to him. I can’t reach him.’

The two women stood in silence, for the moment con-founded.

‘What about Domnicus?’ said Gerutha at length.

‘What about him?’

‘He has access to the emperor at least once a day when the imperial family take the eucharist. Katāros never attends.’

‘Perhaps. . .’ Lilla considered this. ‘Aye. If it’s the best we have. . . Let’s go to him.’

There was a noise in the other chamber. Gerutha shot Lilla a searching look then went to the silk drape separating the two rooms. There was a shuffle of feet on the other side and Gerutha threw it open. Across the room, setting down a tray on the ivory table with her back to them, was Yana.

‘How long have you been there?’ demanded Gerutha.

The girl spun round and gave a little yelp of surprise. ‘Oh, you’re here already! I went to fetch some refreshment for your return.’

‘You took your time. I’ve been back a while.’

‘It’s a long way to the kitchens.’ Yana shrugged, and picking up the tray, she crossed to the bedchamber. ‘My lady?’

Lilla plucked a goblet from the tray and held it out for the girl to fill. Yana picked up the jug but her hand stopped halfway to the glass.

‘Well, go ahead and pour, girl.’

But Yana didn’t move. She was staring, mouth open, past Lilla and the rustling curtains. ‘Ships,’ she muttered.

‘What?’ Lilla spun around and saw for herself.

The Egyptian fleet had come.