“You can. I have two further tasks. One more suited to your own skills than to your cousin’s.” The lady set an oilcloth bundle atop the altar. An oblong package, with a folded sheet of paper tucked beneath the string. “The note holds the location where these books are to be concealed. They must not be found without a determined search.”

Apara frowned. The words were plain enough, but not the intent. That was the problem with speaking so obliquely, but that was often the way when accepting commissions from the nobility. The ritualistic approach brought distance, as if it left the petitioner’s hands unsullied by the crimes undertaken on their behalf. The rich could afford their pretensions. Apara could not.

“I don’t understand,” she said.

“You don’t need to understand, only obey.”

“Of course, lady. It shall be done. And the other task?”

“I fear for an acquaintance.”

“As you feared for your son?”

A pause. “Indeed. These are dangerous times. Have your cousin stand ready.”

“Of course, lady. And the payment?”

She chuckled. “Your task is your generous gift, to assuage my disappointment at the loss of the ring. Your cousin’s work will attract the usual fee upon completion.”

That wasn’t good. Payment in arrears invited no payment at all. “But the Parliament of Crows . . .”

“. . . will understand my reluctance, should I make your cousin’s lapse known. I would prefer it not come to that.”

Apara’s brow pricked with sweat. The Parliament had a reputation to uphold. She’d warned Nikros against keeping the ring.

“It shall be as you wish, lady.”

“I know you won’t let me down again, Apara.” The lady rose. “Keep your curiosity in check. The secrets within those pages lead only to the pyre. It would break my heart if you lost your way.”

The afternoon had passed in a slow but steady ramble beneath creaking tavern signs. With the sun long beneath the horizon, Rosa left the last behind. Her heart ebbed. Her shoulders were burdened by the arm of a decidedly unsteady Sevaka Kiradin.

“Jus’ one last toast.”

Sevaka stumbled sideways. The motion began with her arm slipping from Rosa’s shoulders. It ended with her sitting in the gutter, wearing a bemused frown.

Rosa sighed and helped her upright. There had been plenty of toasts already. To Lumestra, to the Republic . . . and of course, to Kasamor. To Kasamor most of all.

“One more and I’ll be carrying you home.”

“’m fine.” Sevaka waved the concern away. “Jus’ getting my second wind. And it’s not my fault you’ve not kept up.”

“I’ve matched you drink for drink.”

“Oh? Then why are you still so . . . so . . . you know.”

Rosa wondered herself. Had done for the last hour and more. Likely she was more drunk than she felt. It took her that way sometimes. It wasn’t as if Sevaka made much of a witness.