He looked ruefully at the flask and began to raise it, but Chloe’s hand closed over his.

‘Enough drinking,’ she said. ‘I need you, Amos. I need you strong. Did you think of saying anything to Dion?’

‘What could he do? Denounce the first consul of Phalesia? Dion’s a foreign king, and I have no proof.’

‘What about Sophia . . . Do you know where she is? Does she know the truth?’

He shook his head. ‘Your father was interred long before she came home. She’s working as a novice priestess, last I heard.’ He turned to face her. ‘So what happens now?’

‘I have a boat, but I don’t know the way to Phalesia.’

He smiled wryly. ‘You’ve come to the wrong man if you’re after a sailor. But I can trade your boat in return for passage on one of the larger galleys. And then?’

‘I think my sister is in danger. I have to find her. That’s my first priority.’

‘Nilus won’t be happy to see you. Or me.’

‘That’s why you’re going to keep your sword sharp.’ She met his eyes. ‘I need you to be sharp, too. Can you do that for me?’

‘Yes, Chloe.’ He smiled. ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you. I’ll get us passage, this very night, and I’ll sort myself out. I promise.’

Chloe cursed as she passed yet another tavern and found Amos sprawled outside with half his body in the gutter. She looked up at the sun blazing high in the sky, then crouched by his side.

‘Get up!’ She slapped his cheeks. ‘Amos! Get up!’ She shook his shoulders until first one bleary eye and then the other opened. He groaned and raised himself before breaking into a coughing fit. Wiping his eyes, he sat with shoulders slumped and looked up at her.

‘What time is it?’

‘Mid-morning. You said the captain would depart at noon. I’ve been looking for you for hours!’

Amos sat dejectedly, breathing hard as he tried to summon the energy to stand. He reached into his tunic pocket, taking out the flask, but Chloe kicked it out of his hands, sending it skittering down the street. Gripping him under the armpits, she yanked him until he was standing. He put a hand to his head as he weaved from side to side.

‘Get moving.’ Chloe pushed and prodded until he took his first steps. She didn’t relent until he was managing a brisk pace.

‘Which boat is it?’ she asked when they reached the harbor. ‘It had better still be here.’

Amos looked worried as he shielded his eyes to scan the docks. Finally he pointed. ‘That one.’ He swore. ‘It looks like they’re getting ready to depart.’

‘Run!’ Chloe cried.