‘I would not risk damaging my reputation by peddling fakes,’ Solomon Firststar said.

‘Then, since I know nothing about the trade in bear stuff, I confess that I’m baffled,’ Ysbel said, hoping to cut this game short.

‘Oh, it’s simple enough,’ Solomon Firststar said. ‘It was not a fake, but a copy. I’m sure you understand the difference.’

‘And what was it a copy of?’

‘A carved panel.’

‘A bear carving.’

‘Exactly so.’

‘What kind of carving?’ Goodwill said.

‘A map of bear cities decorated with all manner of fanciful creatures, in part of what is now the coast of the Union,’ Solomon Firststar said, matching the bailiff’s implacable stare.

Ysbel said, ‘If the original of the map was made by bears, who made the copy?’

‘A very good question,’ Solomon Firststar said. ‘Both its provenance and the artisan who made it are unknown, and it is rather crude in execution, but the images of three of the cities depict pyramids typically built by a so-called philosopher sect which flourished just before the fall of bear civilisation. Carved panels from that era are not uncommon, but this is the only map I have ever seen.’

‘So it is rare, and may have historical value,’ Ysbel said. ‘Is that why Trina Mersdaughter was interested in it?’

‘You will have to ask her. She did not confide in me,’ Solomon Firststar said.

‘I will,’ Ysbel said, and thanked him for his help.

‘It would also be helpful if you ensure that none of your other guests leave,’ Goodwill said. ‘I may need to interview them again.’

Solomon Firststar said to Ysbel, trying to make a joke of it, ‘Our friend mistakes me for a warden.’

Goodwill would not let it go, saying, ‘You have obligations above and beyond those to your guests. Beginning with the two innocents who were killed.’

Solomon Firststar ignored that, telling Ysbel, ‘I will have one of my servants take you to Trina Mersdaughter’s yacht. I am always happy to co-operate with the bureau.’

‘I’m sure you are,’ Ysbel said.

As she and Goodwill stood up, the bailiff said, ‘The sculpture behind you is unusual. Made by bears, I believe.’

‘It is a fetish,’ Solomon Firststar said. ‘Bears used them to curse their enemies. They dipped a nail or knife in their own blood, hammered it in and made a wish.’

They were all looking at the thing. The nails and knife blades gave its outline a glinting black aura and two white shells had been set above a gaping knot hole, suggesting eyes and an agonised mouth.

‘Are you not worried that it might bring you bad luck?’ Goodwill said.