She was not great company. She had spent ages turned inward. She could be amiable and animated for brief periods but did not know how to keep it up. Neither did he. Sometimes it seemed they were moving in parallel rather than together. But she would not let him go just because they werent soulmates. She had uses for him.

She had been bustling around the temple all day. He did not know why. He felt no urge to find out. He was depressed. He came to this spot when his mood was at low ebb.

The imp Frogface materialized. Why the long face, Cap? Why not? You got me there. Whats happening in Dejagore?

Got me there, too. Ive been busy.

Doing what?

Cant say. The imp aped his morose stance. Last time I was there your boys was doing fine. Maybe fussing and feuding a little more than before. Old One-Eye and his sidekick dont get along with that Mogaba, not even a little. They been talking about doing a fade and letting him go to hell his own way.

Hed get wiped out if they did.

He dont appreciate them enough, thats sure.

She says were going down there.

Well. Then you can look for yourself.

I dont think thats what shes got in mind. She call you in?

Came to report. Interesting things happening. You could ask. She might tell you.

Whats she doing?

Fixing the place up so it dont look like somebodys been living there. That Festival thing is coming up. Them weirdos will be getting here real soon.

Croaker doubted he would get a straight answer but he asked anyway. Hows Lady?

Fine. Keeps on, shell be running the whole show in six months. Got every poobah in Taglios so confused shes doing any damned thing she pleases.

Shes in Taglios? He hadnt known that. Catcher hadnt told him. He hadnt asked.

Has been for weeks. Left that Blade character in charge at Ghoja and went up to the city and started taking over.

She would. She isnt the kind to wait for things to happen.

Tell me about it. Whoa! I hear the boss calling. Better get on over there. Pack up your things.

What things? He did not have much but the clothes he wore. And those were rags.

Whatever you have to take with you. Shes leaving in an hour.

He did not argue. That was as futile as arguing with a stone. His wants and interests did not count. He had less freedom than a slave. Take it easy, Cap, the imp said. And vanished.

They rode till Croaker collapsed. They rested, then rode again. Soulcatcher ignored such niceties as restricting travel to daylight hours. She permitted a third halt only after they entered the hills northwest of Dejagore. She spoke seldom except to her crows, and to Frogface briefly after they arrived, while Croaker was sleeping.