‘It fell to an Eleint, descending from the sky, to halt my… my largesse.’

‘All on this day?’ Abruptly, Lanear laughed, only to stifle the sound. ‘Forgive me, Endest. I was, for some time here, musing on the span of a single bowl’s pleasure. The world is a place of many rooms indeed, but in this one, I knew the luxury of peace.’ She slowly set the mouthpiece down on to its silver tray. ‘Where, I ask a third time, is Cedorpul?’

‘I am informed, High Priestess, that with grievous outrage and indignation, Cedorpul has set out upon the trail of Warlock Resh and the Warden officer who accompanied him through the Gate of Darkness.’

‘Alone?’

‘So I understand. I knew a fever following my audience with the dragon. All I can report is what I was subsequently told.’

‘A fever. Yours or hers?’

He shrugged.

‘Will you lead me to where Silchas Ruin has taken the assassin?’

‘Of course, High Priestess. But one other matter awaits us.’

‘And that is?’

‘The child upon your lap,’ Endest replied.

Startled, Orfantal fled the chamber.

* * *

Kellaras had not participated in the rough handling of Caplo Dreem. Instead, he and the other Houseblade had but followed Silchas Ruin as the lord dragged the unconscious assassin by one ankle down stairs and along corridors, to a wing of the old palace where waited scores of empty cells. For all Ruin’s outrage, the traverse had seemed cruel, but cruelty was gathering in this last remaining brother.

Selecting a cell, Silchas pulled Caplo inside, and then ordered the Houseblade to affix shackles to the man’s ankles and wrists. This action stirred Caplo to consciousness and he blinked up at the young woman, watching as the thick iron rings clicked shut one by one. His dark eyes tracked her retreat when she was done.

Silchas Ruin faced the prisoner, and made to speak, but Caplo lifted a hand with a weak gesture that rattled the links, and said, ‘My apologies, milord, for the slain guard. Impatience is a twitching blade and no thought slowed my hand. For what it is worth, it is the only crime for which I accept your purview.’

Silchas grunted. ‘An assault upon the sacred precincts of Mother Dark?’

‘She claims less of it than you think.’

‘And Draconus?’

Caplo glanced away. ‘A hard man to kill. Did I not say as much before passing out? My mumbled… confession. Let it not be said I shied from the truth.’

‘He will not demand your head, assassin?’

‘I doubt it.’

‘Why not?’

‘He’s busy.’

Silchas scowled, crossing his arms. After a moment, he cast Kellaras a beleaguered look. ‘Step forward, captain, I beg you. Convince me against persisting in wasting everyone’s time. Better yet, separate this man’s head from the rest of him.’