“I . . . No. Sevaka’s plight is sure to set her off-balance. She might even feel she owes us.”

The curl of Josiri’s lip made Malachi’s skin crawl. “I hate this city.”

“It’s how things are done, Josiri. A favour for a favour, on and on and on, into eternity. I don’t like it, but we have to play every advantage. There’s too much at stake. For Viktor. For you. Even for the Southshires.”

Josiri walked in silence for a few steps. “Which is why however today plays out, I need to leave.”

“What?” The word croaked from a dry mouth. “If you go home, there’s no telling what Makrov will do. Your status as an Akadra won’t protect you away from the city.”

“I thought I could wait this out, but I can’t. I have to know what’s become of Calenne. Last night brought that home to me.”

Now it was Malachi’s turn to walk in silence through the swirling crowds and the silent, watchful kraikon. How could he convince Josiri to stay? Indeed, did he have any right to, or was he clinging to a rare like-mind as old friends were stripped away? Kasamor. Viktor. Rosa. All gone.

As he walked, he became aware of a new sound rising behind those of the streets. Voices – no few of them – caught in a rumble of opposing conversation. Then buccinas, rising crisply above. A parade? He recalled nothing being brought to his notice, but Viktor had won a great victory. Patriotism birthed strange spontaneity.

“I can offer little help if we can’t persuade the Council to offering its blessing,” he said at last.

“I know. A horse, provisions and a sword. That’s all I ask.”

Fresh gloom settled on Malachi’s heart. It was hopeless. Josiri was riding south into death. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“Hope is a poor coin. I’ll rely on it only when all else fails.” He growled. “Raven’s Eyes! How much further is it? We should have taken your carriage.”

Malachi forced a smile. “Spoken like a man never deadlocked on market day. It doesn’t take much to bring Tressia to a standstill.”

He bent his meandering thoughts on the hours to come. Council first. Then, if a stop at the Essamere chapterhouse didn’t turn up news of Rosa, he’d head to the constabulary barracks and have Captain Horden get word out.

“She can look after herself,” he muttered. “She can.”

The road widened out into the plaza. A very full plaza. A crowd thousands strong had gathered beneath the steps of the palace. A dozen kraikons stood at the boundary fence; as many again lurked in the confluence of nearby streets. Something about the sight niggled at Malachi’s thoughts, but there was so much wrong with that gathering.