I doubted that. So did Raven. But when I finished my needlepoint, Raven said, Get your sword, Croaker. He had the hunter look. I did not want to go out again, but even less did I want to argue with Raven when he was in that mood. I got my swordbelt.

The air was colder. The wind was stronger. The snow-flakes were smaller and more biting when they hit my cheek. I stalked along behind Raven, wondering what the hell we were doing.

He found the place where Otto was knifed. New snow had not yet obliterated the marks on the old. Raven squatted, stared. I wondered what he saw. There was not enough light to tell anything, so far as I could see.

Maybe he wasnt lying, he said at last. He stared into the darkness of the alley whence the attacker had come.

How do you know?

He did not tell me. Come on. He stalked into the alley.

I do not like alleys. I especially do not like them in cities like Roses, where they harbor every evil known to man, and probably a few still undiscovered. But Raven was going in.... Raven wanted my help.... Raven was my brother in the Black Company.... But, damned, a hot fire and warm wine would have been nicer.

I do not think I spent more than three or four hours exploring the city. Raven had gone out less than I had. Yet he seemed to know where he was going. He led me up side streets and down alleys, across thoroughfares and over bridges. Roses is pierced by three rivers, and a web of canals connect them. The bridges are one of Roses claims to fame.

Bridges did not intrigue me at the moment. I was preoccupied with keeping up and trying to stay warm. My feet were hunks of ice. Snow kept getting into my boots, and Raven was in no mood to stop every time that happened.

On and on. Miles and hours. I never saw so many slums and stews....

Stop! Raven flung an arm across my path.

What?

Quiet. He listened. I listened. I did not hear a thing. I had not seen much during our headlong rush, either.

How could Raven be tracking Ottos assailant? I did not doubt that he was, I just could not figure it.

Truth told, nothing Raven did surprised me. Nothing had since the day I watched him strangle his wife.

Were almost up with him. He peered into the blowing snow. Go straight ahead, the pace weve been going. Youll catch him in a couple blocks.

What? Wherere you going? I was carping at a fading shadow. Damn you. I took a deep breath, cursed again, drew my sword, and started forward. All I could think was, How am I going to explain if weve got the wrong man?