You always know where it is.

“I do not care for this country.” Morveer stood from his swaying seat and peered out across the flat land. “This is good country for an ambush.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Monza growled back. Hedgerows, the odd stand of trees, brown houses and barns alone or in groups away across the fields—plenty of hiding places. Scarcely a thing moved. Scarcely a sound but for the crows, the wind flapping the canvas on the cart, the wheels rattling, splattering through an occasional puddle.

“Are you sure it is prudent to put your faith in Rogont?”

“You don’t win battles with prudence.”

“No, one plans murders with it. Rogont is notoriously untrustworthy even for a grand duke, and an old enemy of yours besides.”

“I can trust him as far as what’s in his own interest.” The question was all the more irritating as it was one she’d been asking herself ever since they left Puranti. “Small risk for him killing Faithful Carpi, but a hell of a pay-off if I can bring him the Thousand Swords.”

“But it would hardly be your first miscalculation. What if we are marooned out here in the path of an army? You are paying me to kill one man at a time, not fight a war single—”

“I paid you to kill one man in Westport, and you murdered fifty at a throw. I need no lessons from you in taking care.”

“Scarcely more than forty, and that was due to too much care to get your man, not too little! Was your butcher’s bill any shorter at Cardotti’s House of Leisure? Or in Duke Salier’s palace? Or at Caprile, for that matter? Forgive me if I have scant faith in your ability to keep violence contained!”

“Enough!” she snarled at him. “You’re like a goat that won’t stop bleating! Do the job I pay you for, and that’s the end of it!”

Morveer pulled up the cart suddenly with a haul on the reins and Day squawked as she nearly fumbled her apple. “Is this the thanks I get for your timely rescue in Visserine? After you so pointedly ignored my sage advice?”

Vitari, sprawling among the supplies on the back of the cart, stuck up one long arm. “That rescue was as much my doing as his. No one’s thanked me.”

Morveer ignored her. “Perhaps I should find a more grateful employer!”

“Perhaps I should find a more obedient fucking poisoner!”

“Perhaps…! But wait.” Morveer held up a finger, squeezing his eyes shut. “But wait.” He puckered his lips and sucked in a deep breath, held it for a moment, then slowly blew it out. And again. Shivers rode up, raised his one eyebrow at Monza. One more breath, and Morveer’s eyes came open, and he gave a chuckle of sickening falseness. “Perhaps… I should most sincerely apologise.”

“What?”

“I realise I am… not always the easiest company.” A sharp burst of laughter from Vitari and Morveer winced, but carried on. “If I seem always contrary it is because I want only the best for you and your venture. It has ever been a failing of mine to be too intransigent in my pursuit of excellence. There is no more important characteristic than pliability in a man who must, perforce, be your humble servant. Can I entreat you to make with me… a heroic effort? To put this unpleasantness behind us?” He snapped the reins and moved the cart on, still smiling thinly over his shoulder. “I feel it! A new beginning!”