He gave her a bitter glare. ‘You’ll find out.’

They crossed a maze of small lanes, following the splashing sound; then turned into an open space among tall buildings, whose tops were lost in dark smoke. The fountain was astonishingly hot, the water steaming from spouts and holes among stones that had once been white, but were now streaked with soot. Carys and Raffi drank and washed their arms and faces, while Galen kept watch, eyeing the narrow streets intently. The water was pungent and sour, despite the green lichens that grew out of it.

When they’d finished and were pulling their coats on, Galen said, ‘Now listen to me. We’re making for the old citadel and the ruins of the palace. They should be somewhere to the south, deep within the city. It may take us days. The further in we go, the more dangerous it will be. Watchpatrols for sure, but I suspect they’ll keep to the wider streets. Even the Watch will be wary of the others here.’

‘Is there anyone?’ Carys muttered, looking at the dim openings.

‘Don’t be a fool. There are thieves, footpads, murderers, all the dregs of the world. And madmen – this place is haunted by them. Other creatures too – beasts swollen and warped by the great Destruction, made savage by the dark. It’s not called the Evil City for nothing.’

Carys pulled a face, then checked her crossbow. Galen drew Raffi aside. ‘Sense-lines. As many as you can.’

Raffi nodded, unhappily. ‘The trouble is, the buildings – or the dark – something’s confusing me. There are too many echoes here.’

‘Try! We’re depending on you now!’

Carys was watching them. Galen picked up the pack and slung it on. Then he stood upright, a tall shadow in the steamy gloom. ‘Keep close. And keep silent.’

They set off into a narrow alley that stank of decay and skeats – the packs of small wild dogs Raffi had seen once before. Halfway down, it was blocked with fallen timbers; crawling under these they found themselves at a crossroads. Six black lanes led away into gloom like the spokes of a wheel. Everything was silent.

With a quick glance at Raffi, Galen strode into the furthest left. A very quick glance. But Carys had seen it.