‘There are ways. Some I brought with me. There are places to buy in the city, but they’re brief, furtive, dirty. Knife-in-the-back. Not safe.’

Carys took some fruit and ate it hungrily; Galen was slower, and silent. There was clean water to drink, flavoured by a sweet sugar that made Raffi realise his thirst.

It was only when the plate was empty that the Sekoi said, ‘And how is dear Alberic?’

Galen looked up. ‘How do you know so much about us?’

It purred again, the long fingers brushing its neck-fur. ‘The Order have many secrets, keeper; so do we. Certainly I knew Alberic would send someone after me. He knew I would bring his gold here. And as I said, the owls told me you were in the district.’ It smirked, showing small sharp teeth. ‘I gather I’m not your main interest though. Did I just hear the word “Crow”?’

Galen gave Carys a vicious stare. ‘It appears you did.’

The Sekoi shook its head sadly. ‘You’re foolish, keeper, ever to have come here. Nothing of the Makers is left. We’d know.’

Raffi looked at Galen, but the keeper’s face was hard. ‘I think you’re wrong. Tomorrow, I want you to take us where we might find some of the Order.’

The Sekoi scratched the fur over one eye. ‘The Order!’

‘There must be someone left.’

It seemed to be thinking. ‘Maybe. It will be dangerous.’

‘Good.’ Morosely, Galen watched the sun sink into a red cloud. ‘All the better.’

Journal

Carys Arrin

Date unknown

Galen meditates. For hours. His prayers are all that keeps him going. I don’t feel glad that I found out about this. It makes things easier for me, and explains a lot, but…

Well, I feel sorry for him.

I must be getting soft.

Chapter 19

19

You will find that the Sekoi can often be bought – their greed for gold is well known. What they do with it and where they hide it have never been discovered. Their story-telling is some form of hypnosis and may affect the unwary. Keep away from them. They are of no importance.

Rule of the Watch

WHEN RAFFI WOKE, the Sekoi was sitting next to him, its long hands curled under its chin. ‘At last,’ it said. ‘You’re awake.’

Carys was pacing, impatiently; Galen saying the morning litany cross-legged in one corner of the roof. As he stood up, the Sekoi said, ‘I’m afraid I have no breakfast for you. Should we leave now?’

‘Wait.’ Galen took the last of Lerin’s food from the pack and shared it round. The Sekoi took a small piece of cheese and nibbled it daintily, pulling a few faces. It swallowed, bravely.

‘Exquisite.’

‘Stale,’ Raffi muttered.

‘Really?’ The creature’s fur was fine over its face; Raffi noticed the yellow brightness of its eyes. Abruptly it said, ‘I should tell you that the Watch know you’re here.’

Galen almost choked. ‘Here?’