The man in the window sniffed, wiped his nose on his sleeve. ‘You hereby declare this collection as the sum of your ordnance, and consent to a search of your person prior to entry as well as at any point during your stay with us. Any breaches of policy will be dealt with in the harshest terms. Yes?’

A little unnerved, Chel nodded. ‘Yes.’

‘Wait here.’

A narrow door opened in the wall behind the man, and for a moment Chel caught a glimpse of a glittering armoury, row after row of boxes groaning with weapons mundane and exotic. His own box disappeared through the door, and it slammed shut.

‘Here.’ The man was proffering something, a wooden token, smooth with use, engraved with a symbol Chel didn’t recognize. ‘Don’t lose it. Lost tokens are your own responsibility, unclaimed effects will be adopted by the estate after a lunar cycle. Next!’

Chel shuffled away, feeling somehow robbed. Lemon was waiting beyond the door, staring at her own token. She looked diminished without her tools.

‘Aye, now these boys know their business. Weapons at the door, keep it simple.’ She looked over at his token. ‘What did you get?’

‘No idea. Looks like … a drunk bird, falling into a pond?’

She reached over and turned it in his hand, righting it, apparently. ‘It’s the unshattered anvil. Very auspicious.’

‘For who?’

She shrugged. ‘Whoever runs this place, presumably.’

They looked up at a shout. A grim-faced Rennic was trudging back from the line of gate guards, a short, pointed dagger dangling guilty in his hand.

‘They catch you out, boss?’

‘Forgot one,’ he muttered as he passed.

‘Should be grateful, eh? Shows they’re thorough!’

***

A silk-wrapped major-domo met them at the top of the wide, ornate stairway to the main door, her face as smooth and gleaming as her robe. ‘Good evening, masters, and welcome to the Bridge House. Have you visited before?’

Loveless shot a quick look at the rest of them, then nodded. ‘Yes.’

If the major-domo was repelled by their ragged appearance, she gave no sign. ‘What can we offer for your visit? Do you have need of our conference chambers? Accommodation for a prolonged stay? Companionship? I can—’

Tarfel appeared over her shoulder, eyes wide and nostrils flared, although Chel couldn’t tell if it was anger or excitement that animated the prince. ‘Ah, here they are!’

‘These are your company, master?’

‘Indeed, indeed. This lady is company treasurer, and will see to the collateral. Remember, your finest service!’

‘Of course, master, the Pearl Terrace awaits.’ The major-domo turned back to Loveless. ‘You may present your collateral to my colleague.’ With a measured tilt of her head, she indicated a woman behind a tall wooden desk inside the door, then withdrew, ready for the next approaching group.

‘We could grab him now and make a run for it,’ Rennic growled. ‘Let’s hear him squeal with my boot in his teeth.’