Dont bother. He adjusted his chair so he could watch the square. Later, after he had accepted tea from Elmo and finished it-concealing his face by turning away-he mused, Raker eliminated. His vermin in panic. And, sweeter still, the Limper embarrassed again. Not a bad job.

Was that true? I asked. About Elm?

Every word, in a fey, merry voice. One does wonder how the Rebel knew the Limper was out of town. And how Shapeshifter caught wind of the trouble quickly enough to show up and quash the uprising before it amounted to anything. Another pause. No doubt the Limper will ponder that while he is recuperating. He laughed again, more softly, more darkly.

Elmo and I busied ourselves preparing breakfast. Otto usually handled the cooking, so we had an excuse for breaking routine. After a time, Soulcatcher observed, Theres no point to you people staying here. Your Captains prayers have been answered.

We can go? Elmo asked.

No reason to stay, is there?

One-Eye had reasons. We ignored them.

Start packing after breakfast, Elmo told us.

Youre going to travel in this weather? One-Eye demanded.

Captain wants us back.

I took Soulcatcher a platter of scrambled eggs. I do not know why. He did not eat often, and breakfast almost never. But he accepted it, turned his back.

I looked out the window. The mob had discovered the change. Someone had brushed the snow off Rakers face. His eyes were open, seemed to be watching. Weird.

Men were scrambling around under the table, fighting over the coins we had left behind. The pileup seethedlike maggots in a putrid corpse. Somebody ought to do him honor, I murmured. He was a hell of an opponent.

You have your Annals, Soulcatcher told me. And, Only a conqueror bothers to honor a fallen foe.

I was headed for my own plate by then, I wondered what he meant, but a hot meal was more important at the moment.

They were all down at the stable except me and Otto. They were going to bring the wagon around for the wounded soldier. I had given him something to get him through the rough handling to come.

They were taking their time. Elmo wanted to rig a canopy to shield Otto from the weather. I played solitaire while I waited.

Out of nowhere, Soulcatcher said, Shes very beautiful, Croaker. Young-looking. Fresh. Dazzling. With a heart of flint. The Limper is a warm puppy by comparison. Pray you never catch her eye.

Soulcatcher stared out the window. I wanted to ask questions, but none would come at that moment. Damn. I really wasted a chance then.

What color was her hair? Her eyes? How did she smile? It all meant a lot to me when I could not know.