Malachi twisted in the chair, striving to identify the speaker. There, in a booth by the crooked stairs. Nearer his own thirty-five summers than Rosa and Kasamor’s lesser tally. No intoxication in her face, nor in her husky voice. He’d seen her before, at council. Not in the Privy Council chamber, but attending Lord Tarev. His daughter . . . but what was her name?

The woman stood. Like Rosa, she’d forgone a bare-shouldered dress for a close-fitting blouse, jerkin and trews. Practical garb for a practical woman – especially when slumming it on the dockside.

“I lost my mother and a sister at Zanya. You want to toast a Trelan, do it in the gutter where you both belong.”

Kasamor jumped down and slammed his tankard onto the table. Malachi’s memory snapped into place. Aske Tarev . . . that was the woman’s name. But not for much longer, if something wasn’t done. Malachi rose a trifle more unsteadily than he’d have liked and blocked Kasamor’s advance.

“Then your kin sacrificed to make the Republic whole,” he told Aske. “Our divisions died with Katya Trelan. Let them remain in the past.”

“Malachi Reveque, ever the conciliator,” sneered Aske. “You don’t speak for my family.”

Kasamor growled. “And you owe my betrothed an apology. Must I tear it from you?”

Malachi set a hand against his chest. “Ignore her.”

To his relief, Kasamor halted.

There were too many swords in the Silverway. Kasamor could only count on Rosa’s in addition to his own. Judging by the stony faces at Aske’s table, she had three supporters. As to the rest? Most of the clientele wouldn’t risk getting caught up in a noble’s brawl. Probably. But you could never be sure once the blood was up.

“Rosa?” said Kasamor.

Alone of the three, Rosa still sat in her chair. Her crossed legs and propped elbow gave the impression of a woman taking her ease. However, her eyes darted back and forth, weighing up the odds.

“This would be better discussed outside. I like this tavern. I wouldn’t want to see it damaged.”

Translation: Rosa didn’t care for their prospects if it came to a straight fight. Malachi wasn’t sure how he felt about that. The chances of walking away from a tavern brawl were much higher than a back alley duel. The latter would spare Malachi and Rosa from injury, but it might cost Kasamor his life.

“Well?” Kasamor folded his arms and levelled a stare at Aske.

There was no amusement in his voice, no trace of the boisterous suitor of earlier. His smile belonged to a wolf. Malachi shuddered. This was the side of Kasamor the Hadari saw.