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Chapters (39)
  1. Dedication
  2. Act I
  3. Act I, Scene I
  4. Act I, Scene II
  5. Act I, Scene III
  6. Act I, Scene IV
  7. Act I, Scene V
  8. Act I, Scene VI
  9. Act I, Scene VII
  10. Act I, Scene VIII
  11. Act II
  12. Act II, Scene I
  13. Act II, Scene II
  14. Act II, Scene III
  15. Act II, Scene IV
  16. Act II, Scene V
  17. Act II, Scene VI
  18. Act II, Scene VII
  19. Act II, Scene VIII
  20. Act II, Scene IX
  21. Act III
  22. Act III, Scene I
  23. Act III, Scene II
  24. Act III, Scene III
  25. Act III, Scene IV
  26. Act III, Scene V
  27. Act III, Scene VI
  28. Act III, Scene VII
  29. Act III, Scene VIII
  30. Act III, Scene IX
  31. Act III, Scene X
  32. Acknowledgments
  33. ‘Ghoulish Song‘ Excerpt
  34. First Verse
  35. Second Verse
  36. ‘Ambassador‘ Excerpt
  37. Chapter 1
  38. Chapter 2
  39. Copyright

“I have not,” Thomas said, “though I am impressed that the Captain of the Guard himself investigates such a minor concern. Your attention to even the most trivial duties is commendable, and I am very glad to see you. The proprietors of this alehouse have stiffed us payment for performing here, and I wish to register my own complaint.”

“Noted,” said the Captain, though he did not sound like he had actually taken note. “I am also given to understand that goblins put a mask on an unChanged child yesterday, in front of a crowd of witnesses. Goblins have masked an unChanged citizen of Zombay.”

“That would be a terrible thing,” Thomas said, gravely and seriously. “I am deeply stricken that anyone would think simple Tamlin performers, such as ourselves, could be capable of such an irresponsible deed.”

The Captain took a step forward. Rownie shuffled back a bit, underneath the wagon.

“The Lord Mayor would be very interested in the whereabouts of any unChanged actor,” the Captain said. “Even a child, even someone who has only worn a mask once. In exchange for such information, the Lord Mayor could provide you with a special license to perform within the proper limits of the city.”

“That is very generous,” said Thomas. “Very generous. We would, of course, be delighted to help the Lord Mayor with his interests.”

Rownie braced himself for more running. He knew how to get away from the Guard. He knew how to zig and zag in Southside streets and escape from those who only ever marched in straight lines. His legs hated the thought of running again, but he braced himself anyway. He would run if he had to. He would make himself run.

Thomas went on. “If we hear the slightest rumors about unChanged actors, we will of course find you immediately.”

Rownie took a breath. He had been holding it. He hadn’t noticed. He wouldn’t have to run. The old goblin wasn’t about to turn him in.

“Do so,” said the Captain. “I have further business here, but my officers will happily escort you to a proscribed area at this time.”

“Certainly, sir,” said Thomas, with politeness and courtesy. “Certainly.”

The Guard-boots made precise turns, and surrounded them. Rownie heard Thomas climb up into the driving seat. A gearworked mule unfolded itself at the front of the wagon. Rownie could see coal glowing red in its belly.

They use coal, he thought, horrified.

The mule began to trot. Rownie’s hiding place was moving, and now he had nowhere to go. There were Guard-boots in every direction he looked.

A hatch opened in the wagon floor above him. Several pairs of hands reached down, caught him, and pulled him inside.

Act II, Scene II

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GEARWORKS CLANKED. Wooden wheels clacked. The wagon lurched forward, and the hatch in the floor fell shut. Rownie rolled away from the hatch and the grasping hands. They let go of him.