‘Nor have I. We need to work together.’ He rubbed a hand through his stubbly grey beard. ‘Now. This escape will need to be convincing.’ He thought for a moment, then stood up and went out, and Carys finished the wine in one gulp. Picking up the crossbow, she loaded it quickly and swung it under one arm. Then she picked some bread off the tray and crammed it into her pocket. When he came back she was waiting by the fire.

He looked pleased, and she knew he had his own plans ready. ‘The Watch must watch each other first.’ That had been Jellie’s first lesson – all her life she had seen it; even in school child had spied on child, reported anything, competed for the honour of it. She’d been one of the best. Now they’d be watching her, but that was all she had expected.

‘We’re ready. Here are the keys.’ He handed her a small ring. ‘I’ll show you a postern gate which will be guarded by one man – shoot at him and he’ll fall. It would be helpful if you missed; I’m short of men as it is.’

She took the keys. ‘How did I get these?’

‘You’ll have to serve up that story. After all, you’ve been trained for it.’ He coughed again, a raw bark. ‘I’ll be glad to get out of this rat-hole. The smog gets to you.’

‘You’re leaving?’

‘I hope so. I hope to buy promotion to some comfortable village. Somewhere the sun shines.’ He laughed, harshly. ‘When I get the money.’

Their eyes met. She smiled wryly. ‘Thanks for the food. Now show me the way.’

Galen pulled himself up as the key rattled in the lock. With both chained hands he pushed the long hair from his face, and winced as the light fell over him.

‘Galen!’

She was inside in seconds, crouched by him. He stared at her. ‘Carys!’ Then, convulsed by fear, he grabbed her. ‘Is Raffi here? He’s not been caught?’

‘No. No, he’s fine. Keep still!’ She was unlocking the chains; they slithered off and he rubbed his bruised wrists with relief.

‘But how did you get in here? What’s been happening?’

‘I’ll explain outside.’ She tugged the chains through the straw and grabbed his arm. ‘There’s no time now. Follow me close; don’t speak. Do what I do. Please, Galen!’

He looked at her as if he would say something, then nodded. She helped him up, but he pushed her off. ‘I can manage.’

‘Good.’ She put her head round the door. ‘Come on. This way.’