'Of course.' Better than I expected. One less thing to worry about, at least, from this vast tangle of worries. 'Unless you count the natives,' added Vurms, as though it was of no importance.

Glokta paused. 'And what will they eat, if the Gurkish lay siege to the city?'

Vurms shrugged. 'I really hadn't thought about it.'

'Indeed? What will happen, do you suppose, when they begin to starve?'

'Well…'

'Chaos is what will happen! We cannot hold the city with four fifths of the population against us!' Glokta sucked at his empty gums in disgust. 'You will go to the merchants, you will secure provisions for six months! For everyone! I want six months' supplies for the rats in the sewers!'

'What am I?' sneered Vurms. 'Your grocery boy?'

'I suppose you're whatever I tell you to be.'

All trace of friendliness had vanished from Vurms' face now. 'I am the son of a Lord Governor! I refuse to be addressed in this manner!' The legs of his chair squealed furiously as he sprang up and made for the door.

'Fine,' murmured Glokta. 'There's a boat that goes to Adua every day. A fast boat, and it takes its cargo straight to the House of Questions. They'll address you differently there, believe me. I could easily arrange a berth for you.'

Vurms stopped in his tracks. 'You wouldn't dare!'

Glokta smiled. His most revolting, leering, gap-toothed smile. 'You'd have to be a bold man to bet your life on what I'd dare. How bold are you?' The young man licked his lips, but he did not meet Glokta's gaze for long. I thought not. He reminds me of my friend Captain Luthar. All flash and arrogance, but with no kind of character to hang it on. Prick him with a pin, and he sags like a punctured wineskin.

'Six months' food. Six months for everyone. And see that it's done promptly.' Grocery boy.

'Of course,' growled Vurms, still staring grimly at the floor.

'Then we can get started on the water. The wells, the cisterns, the pumps. People will need something to wash all your hard work down with, eh? You will report to me every morning.'

Vurms' fists clenched and unclenched by his sides, his jaw muscles worked with fury. 'Of course,' he managed to splutter.

'Of course. You may go.'