Felisin could not recall ever having seen the captain before. He made a point of remaining aloof, isolated here within his tower. The man was thin, devoid of fat, the muscles on his bared forearms like twisted cables under pale skin. Against the present fashion, he was bearded, the wiry black ringlets oiled and scented. The hair on his head was cut short. Watery green eyes glittered from a permanent squint above high cheekbones. His wide mouth was bracketed in deep downturned lines. He stared steadily at Beneth, ignoring Felisin as if she was not there.

Beneth pushed her down in a chair close to one wall, on Sawark’s left, then sat himself down in the lone chair directly facing the captain. ‘Ugly rumours, Sawark. Want to hear them?’

The captain’s voice was soft. ‘What will that cost me?’

‘Nothing. These are free.’

‘Go on, then.’

‘The Dosii are talking loud at Bula’s. Promising the Whirlwind.’

Sawark scowled. ‘More of that nonsense. No wonder you give me this news free, Beneth, it’s worthless.’

‘So I too thought at the beginning, but—’

‘What else have you to tell me?’

Beneth’s eyes dropped to the ledger on the desk. ‘You’ve tallied this morning’s dead? Did you find the name you sought?’

‘I sought no particular name, Beneth. You think you’ve guessed something, but there’s nothing there. I’m losing patience.’

‘There were four mages among the victims—’

‘Enough! Why are you here?’

Beneth shrugged, as if tossing away whatever suspicions he held. ‘A gift,’ he said, gesturing to Felisin. ‘Very young. Docile, but ever eager. No spirit to resist – do whatever you want, Sawark.’

The captain’s scowl darkened.

‘In exchange,’ Beneth continued, ‘I wish the answer to a single question. The slave Baudin was arrested this morning – why?’

Felisin blinked. Baudin? She shook her head, trying to clear it of the fog that marked her waking hours. Was this important?

‘Arrested in Whipcord Lane after curfew. He got away but one of my men recognized him and so the arrest was effected this morning.’ Sawark’s watery gaze finally swung to Felisin. ‘Very young, you said? Eighteen, nineteen? You’re getting old, Beneth, if you call that very young.’

She felt his eyes exploring her like ghost hands. This time, the sensation was anything but pleasing. She fought back a shiver.

‘She’s fifteen, Sawark. But experienced. Arrived but two transports ago.’

The captain’s eyes sharpened on her, and she watched, wondering, as all the blood drained from his face.

Beneth surged to his feet. ‘I’ll send another. Two young girls from the last shipment.’ He stepped close to Felisin and pulled her upright. ‘I guarantee your satisfaction, Captain. They’ll be here within the hour—’

‘Beneth.’ Sawark’s voice was soft. ‘Baudin works for you, does he not?’