“Oh yes,” Curdle said while looking at the water. “You may find the city has changed somewhat. Because the knowledge of a working Forge Born could prove most dangerous to our cause.”

“I’ll say it has,” Deglan muttered. “What damn cause?”

“To stop Torcan Swinehelm, of course.” Curdle looked over. “Would you take some fishing tips from a stranger?”

Deglan looked back at the hobgoblin’s friendly face for a moment. “I would be interested in any help you could give me.”

Curdle nodded pleasantly. “First. When you cast, try and disturb the water as little as possible.”

“Never my style,” Deglan said. “What do you know about Swinehelm?”

“A great deal. And now much more, thanks to you. That he was marching on Black Pool was unknown to me. Thankfully I was able to send word to a contact there. The city is forewarned, but I fear it will offer little resistance.”

“The Wisemoot was mere hours ago,” Deglan scowled at the hobgoblin. “How could you already ha--?” Realization struck him. This hobgoblin knew more than a few seers’ tricks.

“But I only know a little about catching fish,” Curdle said with cheerful self-deprecation.

“I learn best by observation,” Deglan said. “Let us sit here quietly and maybe I will pick up some skill.”

“Yes,” Curdle agreed. “We will improve our chances of success if we do not frighten the fish with our talk.”

“Alright, answers! How did the Flame Binder escape?”

“Torcan broke him out…with help.”

“From inside Toad Holm!” Deglan knew it. “All these goblins now living in the city, no wonder. You are taking a risk, my pale friend. Red Cap spies find out you conspire against them… nothing they hate worse than a traitor. How many of the hobgoblins on the council does Torcan have?”

“None.”

“None?” Deglan could not help from use his tongue. “Impossible.”

Curdle put a calming hand on his arm. “Have patience. You will catch one.”

Deglan glanced around sheepishly, then set his focus back on the water.

“As you say,” Curdle’s voice was calm. “Red Caps hate traitors…and hobgoblins worst of all. Our lives were forfeit the moment we pledged allegiance to Toad Holm. None of us would dare help Torcan to victory. The Red Caps do not issue pardons, Deglan.”

“Then that would mean…” Deglan could not believe it. “No…you lie!”

“I am sorry, my friend.”

Deglan stared at the water, as gaped-mouthed as the fish that eluded his hook. All this talk of traitors and they were his own people? That was madness! The Red Caps’ hatred for gnomes was two thousand years deep. There could be no common ground, nothing that would unite them in such a plot. They might have turned into spineless lickspittles, but treasonous spies? Deglan looked over at Curdle and shot to his feet.