Jhestal, on the other hand, shook his head sadly, as if disappointed with a promising student. ‘A Resht cur, born with golden armour? My, my, are you a miracle! Maybe, after we are done, the Saptarishis might want to look at you, eh? Or are you perhaps another invention of what the Usurper calls ‘science’? An aberration. A mutilation of our very nature? Which do you think more likely, Dimvak?’

Karna hissed through gritted teeth. The truth clearly seemed implausible to Jhestal. ‘Have someone from Hastina brought here,’ he said in a calm voice. ‘They can identify Prince Duryodhan. Or summon the Emperor himself; he saw us at the Panchalan swayamvar. Or Lord Shishupal…’ Karna remembered the image of his dead nephew atop Shishupal’s shoulders and quickly shook it off. ‘Ask him! He knows us!’

‘How convenient that Lord Shishupal is away in the North on a diplomatic mission. You already knew that, didn’t you? And you think the Emperor has time to visit prison cells to personally talk to vermin like you? He is the God-King, blessed by Xath and Yama. He leaves the sanitisation of the Empire to us, his servants. But then again….’ Jhestal scratched his gaunt chin, ‘I suppose he is right, Dimvak. We cannot hang them before we have verified his claims. If he is who he says he is, then he is entitled to immunity from criminal prosecution. Is that not what you Northerners call it?

It worked! Karna was shocked. ‘Aye…’

‘But not civil remedies, correct?’

Karna had no idea what that meant. Jhestal seemed to read his mind. ‘Ah yes, law isn’t the strong suit of spies, is it? The law, as it stands, allows me to take possession of your wealth till the truth is revealed, as surety for good behaviour. Your Union invented the concept. A bail bond, they call it.’

‘What do you think I possess that you can take? Duryodhan had some rings…’ Karna stopped, cursing himself for being so naïve.

Jhestal’s eyes, glinting with a malice Karna was all too familiar with. The priest turned to Dimvak, who dropped a few gold rings onto the brazier, where they slid down among the coals. Karna’s breath caught in his throat. He gave a strangled gasp.

‘You did confess to illegally entering the Empire.’ As Jhestal spoke, Dimvak walked towards Karna. ‘You are new to this, are you not?’ Jhestal gave a sad smile. ‘Anyway, till we verify your claims, we will need something from you. It is a time of War. The Empire needs all the gold it can lay its hands on, and confessed spies can hardly expect to keep their possessions in such times.’

Dimvak held Karna’s face and stuffed a rag between his teeth, then returned to the brazier.

‘That should make it easier,’ Jhestal said. ‘Begin.’