“The feeling is mutual,” Ionkovo said, “although we perhaps imagine difference circumstances for the conversation. But your guards will have their hands full in a moment. I have come, Colonel, to once again offer you my help.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Directory President Maurisk has finally decided to deal with his opponents once and for all. Tonight the long knives come out, and there’s a blade intended for you. Answer my question, and I will delay them sufficiently for you to retreat and fight another day.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Marcus’ heart beat faster. He had the arrest list ready. Could he have moved so quickly? “The Deputies wouldn’t stand for it. Neither would Janus.”

“Maurisk believes he has General Vhalnich in hand. Whether he does or not . . .” Ionkovo gave an exaggerated shrug. “It will be all the same to you, however.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Then you will die. Tonight.” Seeing Marcus’ eyes flick to the sword again, Ionkovo laughed. “Oh, I won’t need to dirty my hands.”

“I—”

There was a knock at the door, loud and frantic. Ionkovo frowned. “Time’s running out, Colonel. You have to decide.”

“You haven’t asked me your question,” Marcus said, buying time.

“I think you know what it is.” Ionkovo leaned forward and spoke in a hiss. “Where are the Thousand Names?”

That’s what I was afraid of. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Of course not.” Ionkovo rolled his eyes. “I must say—”

The door broke open with a shattering crash, bits of the lock spraying across the room. Uhlan stood in the doorway, Raesinia at his side. Ionkovo looked them over, lazily. When he reached Raesinia, his face froze.

“Here.” A slow smile spread across his expression. “You had her here. Oh, well done, d’Ivoire. Very well done.”

“Colonel, down!” Uhlan raised a pistol.

Marcus sprang sideways, landing on the bed and clearing the line of fire. Uhlan pulled the trigger, but Ionkovo was faster still. He leaned backward from his seat on the trunk, letting himself fall into a reverse roll that ought to have ended with him sprawled awkwardly against the wall. Instead he hit the stark shadow cast by light from the corridor and fell into it, the dark surface rippling like water. A moment later the pistol roared, and the ball punched a splintery hole in the woodwork.

Uhlan lowered his smoking pistol, staring at where Ionkovo had disappeared. Raesinia pushed past him and ran to Marcus’ side.

“Are you hurt?” she said.

Marcus groaned and sat up. “Fine, thank all the saints. But I think we’re in trouble.”

“I’m sorry to have broken down your door, sir,” Uhlan said, emerging from his paralysis. “She insisted.”

Marcus looked questioningly at Raesinia, who looked away.