'Very well, Practical Vitari, if you really can't resist me. You'll have to go on top, though, if you don't mind.'

'Ha ha. The Gurkish ambassador is here.'

'The what?'

'An emissary. From the Emperor himself, I hear.'

Glokta felt a stab of panic. 'Where?'

'Here in the Citadel. Speaking to the ruling council.'

'Shit on it!' snarled Glokta, scrambling out of bed, ignoring the stabbing pain in his leg as he swung his ruined left foot onto the floor. 'Why didn't they call for me?'

Vitari scowled down at him. 'Maybe they preferred to talk to him without you. You think that could be it?'

'How the hell did he get here?'

'He came in by boat, under sign of parley. Vissbruck says he was duty bound to admit him.'

'Duty-bound!' spat Glokta as he struggled to pull his trousers up his numb and trembling leg, 'That fat fucker! How long has he been here?'

'Long enough for him and the council to make some pretty mischief together, if that's their aim.'

'Shit!' Glokta winced as he shrugged his shirt on.

The Gurkish ambassador was, without doubt, a majestic presence.

His nose was prominent and hooked, his eyes burned bright with intelligence, his long, thin beard was neatly brushed. Gold thread in his sweeping white robe and his tall head-dress glittered in the bright sun. He held his body awesomely erect, long neck stretched out, chin held high, so that he looked always down at everything he deigned to look upon. Hugely tall and thin, he made the lofty, magnificent room seem low and shabby. He could pass for an Emperor himself.

Glokta was keenly aware of how bent and awkward he must look as he shuffled, grimacing and sweating, into the audience chamber. The miserable crow faces the magnificent peacock. Still, battles are not always won by the most beautiful. Fortunately for me.

The long table was surprisingly empty. Only Vissbruck, Eider, and Korsten dan Vurms were in their seats, and none of them looked pleased to see him arrive. Nor should they, the bastards.

'No Lord Governor today?' he barked.

'My father is not well,' muttered Vurms.

'Shame you couldn't stay and comfort him in his illness. What about Kahdia?' No one spoke. 'Didn't think he'd take to a meeting with them, eh?' he nodded rudely at the emissary. 'How lucky for everyone that you three have stronger stomachs. I am Superior Glokta and, whatever you might have heard, I am in charge here. I must apologise for my late arrival, but no one told me you were coming.' He looked daggers at Vissbruck, but the general was not interested in meeting his eye. That's right, you blustering fool. I won't forget this.