'Fortunate then that our order is here to show the Nevans the way'

'I have never believed in fortune,' Miriya said distantly. 'Faith is enough.'

'Not enough to find Vaun.’ replied Cassandra in a morose voice. 'He tricked us, played us for fools.’

Miriya looked at her squadmate. 'Aye. But do not punish yourself, Sister. Canoness Galatea will wish to reserve that pleasure.’

'You know her of old, yes?'

A nod. 'She was once my Sister Superior as I am yours. An unparalleled warrior and a true credit to the legacy of Saint Katherine, but perhaps a touch too inflexible for my liking. We would often disagree on matters of our credo.’

Cassandra could not keep the fear from her voice. What do you think will become of us?'

There will be a cost for our lapse, of that you may have no doubt.’ Inwardly, Miriya was already rehearsing the plea she would enter, offering to fall on her sword and take all the blame for Vaun's escape rather than drag Cassandra, Portia, Isabel and poor Iona down with her.

Her Sister gripped the edge of the stone battlements tightly, as if she could squeeze an answer from them. 'This apostate torments me, Sister Superior. By the Throne, how could he have simply vanished into thin air? The escape pod Vaun stole from the Mercutio was found on the commerce station, witnesses saw him there. But the only ship he could have been on was that rattletrap scow we boarded.’ She shook her head. 'Perhaps... perhaps he hides still on the orbital platform? Waiting for a warp-capable craft to leave?'

'No.’ Miriya pointed at the ground. 'Sub-orbital craft are plentiful on the station. Vaun took one and made planetfall. He came here. It is the only explanation.’

'To Neva? But that makes no sense. The man is a fugitive, his face is infamous on every world in this system. Any rational person would find the first route out of this sub-sector as fast as possible.’

'It makes sense to Vaun, Sister. The witch's arrogance is so towering that he believes he can hide in plain sight. Mark me well, I tell you that Torris Vaun never had any intention of escaping from Neva. He wanted to come here.’

Cassandra shook her head. 'Why? Why take such a risk of discovery?'

The sun dropped away behind the Shield Mountains and Miriya turned from the balcony. When we learn the answer to that, we will find him.’ She beckoned her Battle Sister. 'Come. The Canoness will be waiting.’

The boat rode in the swell, making good speed across the narrows, the lights of Noroc long since vanished over the stern. The first mate rose into the untidy flying bridge and gave the sailor on watch a jut of the chin, like a nod.

'Asleep.’ he whispered, and the sailor knew who he meant. 'Fast asleep but still I'm adrift around him.’