Jack of Ravens

5

Church led the others out of the Palazzo Ducale into the swarming Piazza San Marco where Niamh waited. Tom took the Anubis Box from Jerzy and gave it a perfunctory examination as they lost themselves in the crowd.

‘Is that what you saw?’ Church asked.

Tom nodded. ‘It’s vital to the enemy.’

‘But you don’t know why?’

‘Am I expected to do everything around here?’ Tom snapped. ‘Let someone else shoulder the weight for a change.’

Since joining the group, Tom’s fractious nature had managed to put both Lucia and Jerzy on edge, but the Rhymer’s gift of prophecy more than made up for his personality flaws. For the first time Church felt they had gained a little parity with the Army of the Ten Billion Spiders.

‘Come,’ said Lucia. ‘I grow weary and would rest. Controlling the vermin in such large numbers is exhausting.’

They headed away from the crowded piazza into the deserted adjoining streets.

‘The boat is waiting,’ Niamh said, ‘and then perhaps you will discover whether it was worth risking your lives for this box.’

‘We’ll investigate its merit when we’ve got time,’ Church said.

‘Perhaps a look inside would help,’ Niamh noted tartly.

‘I would not advise that, my lady.’ Will stepped from the shadows, the tip of his rapier moving fluidly to Church’s throat. ‘Mine, I think.’ He took the Anubis Box.

The sound of running feet drew nearer. Don Alanzo and three guards were pushing their way through the crowd. Will backed away slowly, preparing to run.

‘You saved my life,’ Lucia interjected. ‘Let me now save yours.’ Will eyed her suspiciously. ‘We have a boat-’

‘Why should I trust you? Anyone who desires this box cannot be wholly pure of heart.’

‘We have to get it out of the hands of our enemies,’ Church said.

‘An Englishman?’ Will was surprised by Church’s accent. ‘Then you stand against Philip of Spain.’ He thought rapidly before nodding. ‘Lay on. But the box remains with me, and my sword will make sharp argument with any who disagree.’