‘We have numerous friends in Kilp’s service. One noticed that this man Marral had become a new favourite, often closeted with the Governor on secret business. So we had him followed, and quickly learned that he goes to and from the Islet, but much more significantly, goes a very particular way that avoids all Charter Stones. Once we heard that, I cast various spells on his footprints, places he had passed and so forth, and by this means discovered he is tainted with Free Magic. As is Kilp’s house, at least those parts I can easily investigate. I suspect that the creature either inhabits Marral, as some such things can wriggle within a mortal body, or he is transporting it in some container that keeps its true nature and force hidden, so leaving few signs. A casket of lead or gold, perhaps a bottle of green glass … in any case, Marral went to the Islet yesterday and has not yet returned. It seems likely that he has taken the creature to its lair or holt upon the Islet. If you go there, it will be unable to resist the temptation to reveal itself to you –’

‘Like a dog taking the scent of a fox,’ said Clariel. ‘Perhaps with similar results for the quarry. I have no desire to confront any Free Magic creature. Nor do I want to be involved in any politicking or anything that might stop me getting out of the city and back where I belong!’

Kargrin’s eyes narrowed.

‘It is your duty,’ he said. ‘You are of both the Abhorsen and the royal blood.’

‘My blood is of no consequence,’ said Clariel. ‘I simply want to be a hunter, a Borderer in time.’

‘Your heritage is of great consequence, whether you wish it to be or not,’ said Kargrin. ‘And we do need your help. The creature hides most cunningly and we have not been able to draw it out. Who knows what its plans are, underlying Kilp’s own treason?’

‘It is not my affair!’ protested Clariel. ‘As soon as I can, I am going back to Estwael and the Great Forest!’

‘Hmmm,’ said Kargrin, fixing her with his piercing gaze. ‘You say you came to the city in obedience to your parents. Yet now you say you will leave. If this is so, why did you come and what holds you back?’

‘I suppose I have the habit of doing what they ask and … I didn’t realise how much I would hate …’

Clariel threw her hands up as she tried to find the right words, as if she might somehow pick meaning from the air. ‘Hate it here. The city oppresses me, the noise, the closeness of everything, the … the torrents of people in the streets. I have no money of my own …’

She stood up, ignoring the wave of dizziness, bunched her fists together and brought them down on the table.