We talked right in front of Thai Dei, like he was deaf. Or like we didnt care squat what he heard.

Uncle Doj brought a couple other Nyueng Bao. They surrounded another chunky boy, this one a wide little Taglian. He seemed more prisoner than companion though no weapons were in evidence.

It amazed me that Uncle Doj could climb to the ramparts without breathing hard. Maybe he used some wild sorcery that stole Wheezers breath.

That sounded like something out of the Gunni myth book. What have you got, Uncle? I stared at the squat Taglian. He was indifferent to my gaze.

An outsider. The Speaker sent Banh and Binh to watch the black men, who wanted to attack the Shadowmaster himself. But they ran into others from the outside pursuing a similar goal. This one left his party and joined those running for the wall when the flares went up. The outsider group may have been betrayed intentionally so this one could become separated in the confusion.

I continued to study the outsider. He was a Gunni, more stockily built than anyone in these parts. Maybe he worked at that. He seemed possessed of a powerful arrogance.

I asked, Is there anything special about him? Uncle Doj seemed strongly interested in him, too.

He bears the mark of Khadi.

That took a moment. Oh. Yeah. In the books from the catacombs. Khadi was an alternate or regional name for Kina. There were quite a few of those. If you say so. I dont see it myself. Point it out.

Uncle Dojs eyes narrowed. He drew a deep breath, exasperated. Even now you refuse to reveal yourself, Soldier of Darkness?

Even now I dont have any fucking idea what youre raving about. I am tired of hearing it. I was developing suspicions, though. Instead of sputtering and fussing and offering cryptic grumbles why dont you say something I can understand? Pretend Im what I say I am and cant call down the lightning to part your hair. Who is this guy? Who do you think I am? Come on, Uncle. Talk to me.

He is a slave of Khadi. Uncle Doj glared at me, daring me not to understand that. He did not want to be more explicit.

That made no sense to me. But I am not a superstitious man. Did he believe his one mouth had the power to raise the she-devil alone? Kina must be one badass bitch, I told One-Eye. Shes got Uncle drizzling down his leg. You. You got a name?

I am Sindhu. I am of the staff of the warrior woman you call Lady. I was sent to observe the situation here. He continued to meet my gaze. His eyes were colder than any lizards.

Sounds reasonable enough. If taken with a block of salt. Lady? This is the Lady who was second in command in the Black Company?

That Lady. The goddess has smiled upon her.