The Dreaming Void

INIGO'S FIFTH DREAM

'—thus because the city is deemed to be a sole entity in its own right no human can «own» their residence in the traditional legal sense. However, in the fifteenth year after Rah's arrival, the newly formed Upper Council passed the first Act Of Registry. Essentially that means that any human can claim a residence within the city wall for their own usage. In order to register you simply have to find a house or maisonette or room which is unoccupied, stay in it for two days and two nights, then register your claim with the Board of Occupancy. This claim once notarized will allow you and your descendants to live there until such time as they choose to relinquish it. As there are no new buildings, and can never be, the most desirable and largest homes were claimed within ten years of Rah opening the first gate. These are now the palaces of our most ancient families, the District Masters, and as such can have up to five generations living in them, all of them first sons waiting to inherit the estate and seat on the Upper Council. The remaining available accommodation in the city today is small and badly configured for human occupation. Although even this is diminishing rapidly. Thus, while districts such as Eyrie are basically uninhabitable—

Edeard hoped he hadn't just groaned out loud from the terrible boredom. He was now as adept as any Makkathran citizen at veiling his emotions from casual farsight, but if Master Solarin from the Guild of Lawyers used the word thus one more time… It was a mystery how the old man could talk so long without a break. Rumour at the station was that Master Solarin was over two hundred and fifty years old. Edeard would be surprised if that were true. He certainly didn't look that young. His white hair had receded so far that the top of his skull was now completely bald, something Edeard had never seen before, though the remaining strands were long enough to reach down over his shoulders. And his limbs were horribly thin and frail, while his fingers had swollen to the point where he had trouble flexing them. His vocal chords, however, suffered no such malaise.

Along with his fellow probationary constables, Edeard was sitting at a bench in the small hall of the Jeavons station, listening to their weekly lecture on basic Makkathran law. In another two months they'd be facing a batch of exams on the subject, which they had to pass in order to graduate. Like all of them, he found Solarin a sore test of patience. A quick scan round showed Boyd was almost asleep. Macsen's eyes were unfocused as he longtalked the girls in the dressmaker's shop at the end of the street. Kanseen appeared to be paying polite attention but Edeard knew her well enough now to see she was as bored as him. Dinlay, though, was sitting up with rapt attention and even taking notes. Somehow Edeard couldn't quite laugh at that. Poor old Dinlay had so much to prove to his father and uncles he would undoubtedly pass his exams with high grades. That presented the rest of them with the very real danger that once they graduated, Dinlay would be appointed their squad leader. It would be something he took very seriously.

'—thus the precedence was set for the lower ancillary court to hear any application to evict when a civil malfeasance is suspected of taking place within the property itself. In practice a full hearing is unnecessary, and you may request a provisional eviction notice from the duty magistrate who acts as de facto high council to the lower court. And that I'm afraid brings this session to its successful conclusion. We will deal with the criteria for such application next week. In the meantime I'd like you all to read Sampsols Common Law, Volume Three, chapters thirteen through twenty-seven by the time I return. It covers the main parameters of weapons usage within the city wall. I might even enliven our time together with a small test. How exciting that will be, eh? Until then, I thank you for your interest and bid you farewell. Solarin gave them a vague smile and removed his gold-rimmed glasses before shutting the big book he'd covered with annotations. His ge-monkey placed it carefully in a leather shoulder bag along with the other books the lawyer used for his lecture.

Dinlay stuck his hand up. 'Sir?

'Ah, my dear boy; sadly I am in something of a rush today. If you could possibly write your question down and submit it to my senior apprentice at the Guild, I'd be most grateful.

'Yes, sir. Dinlay's hand came down and his shoulders slumped with disappointment.

Edeard remained seated as the lawyer walked slowly out of the hall, assisted by two ge-monkeys, wondering what Solarin would actually look like rushing somewhere.

'Olovan's Eagle tonight?

'Huh? Edeard shook himself out of his absurd daydream.

Macsen was standing over his desk, a smug expression on his face. 'Clemensa will be going. Evala said she's been asking about you. A lot!

'Clemensa?

'The one with the dark hair always tied up in a long tail. Big chest. Big legs, too, sadly, but hey, nobody's perfect.

Edeard sighed. It was another of the girls from the dressmaker's. Macsen spent most of his time sweet-talking them or trying to set them up with his friends. Once he even tried to match Kanseen with a carpentry apprentice — he wouldn't be doing that again. 'No. No. I can't. I am so far behind on my law texts, and you heard what Solarin said.

'Remind me.

'There's going to be a test, Edeard said wearily.

'Oh right. It's only the exam at the end which counts. Don't worry. Listen, I've got a friend in the Lawyer's Guild. A couple of gold shillings and he'll gift us the whole Sampsols.

'That's cheating, Dinlay said hotly.

Macsen put on a suitably wounded expression. 'In what respect?

'In all respects!

'Dinlay, he's just winding you up, Kanseen said as she got up to leave.

'I'm being perfectly serious, Macsen said, his face as innocent as a newborn.

'Ignore him, she said, and gave Dinlay's shoulder a gentle shove. 'Come on let's find some lunch before we go out.

Dinlay managed one last scowl before hurrying after Kanseen. He started to ask her something about the residency laws.

'Must be true love, Macsen warbled cheerfully as they turned out of sight.

'You're evil, Edeard decided. 'Pure evil.

'Only thanks to years of practice and dedication.

'You know he's going to be our squad leader, don't you.

'Yes. He'll get his appointment the day after the Eggshaper Guild announces its sculpted a ge-pig that can fly.

'I'm serious. His grades will be way above ours, plus his father and a whole load of family are already constables. Senior ones at that.

'Chae isn't stupid. He knows that'll never work.

Edeard wanted to believe Macsen was right.

'Um, Edeard, are you really not interested in Clemensa? Boyd asked.

'Ho, this is perfect, Macsen said, rubbing his hands together. 'Why, do you fancy your chances?

'Actually, yes, Boyd said with more courage that Edeard had credited him with.

'Good for you. She's a lovely girl. As randy as a drakken in a bloodfrenzy, I just happen to know.

Boyd frowned. 'How do you know?

'Evala told me, Macsen said smoothly. 'Her last boyfriend was dumped for not having enough stamina.

Boyd gave Macsen a suddenly entranced look. 'I'll come with you tonight. But you have to get Evala to put in a good word for me.

'Leave it with me, my fine friend. You're as good as shagged senseless already.

Edeard rolled his eyes and promised the Lady he'd be good for evermore if she'd just stop Macsen from being… well, Macsen. 'Come on, let's get something to eat before the constables grab it all again.

'Oh yes, Boyd said. 'Our helpful and welcoming colleagues. I hate the way they treat us.

'Only for another two months, that's all, Macsen said.

'You really think they'll show us any respect after we qualify. I don't.

'No they won't, Macsen agreed. 'But at least we can shovel shit on to the new probationees. I know it'll make me feel better.

'We're not going to do that, Edeard said. 'We're going to talk to them, help them with problems, and make them feel appreciated.

'Why?

'Because that's what I would have liked to happen with us. That way more people might just be encouraged to join up. Haven't you counted the numbers, not just at this station but citywide? There aren't enough constables in the city. People are starting to organize themselves into street associations to take on the gangs. That's going to undermine the rule of law.

'Great Lady, you really mean it, don't you? Macsen said.

'Yes, Edeard said forcefully, and let them sense his mental tone so they knew he wasn't joking with them. 'I know what happens when civil government means nothing. I've seen the violence that the barbarians use when a society leaves itself open to any bastard who knows how weak it is. And that's not going to happen here. Makkathran can't be allowed to tear itself apart from within.

'I don't know why you're worried about Dinlay being squad leader, Macsen said, equally serious. 'You're the one. Sir!

Edeard was still slightly self-conscious about wearing the constable uniform in public. Only the white epaulettes distinguished probationees from regular constables. The rest of it was actually real as Macsen put it. A smart dark-blue tunic with silver buttons up the front; matching trousers with a wide regulation leather belt containing a truncheon, two pepper-gas phials, a pair of iron handcuffs with a fiendishly tricky six-lever lock that was just about impossible to pick with telekinesis, and a small first aid pack. Under the tunic was a white shirt, that Sergeant Chae made very sure was indeed an unblemished white each morning. Boots were up to an individual, but they had to be black and at least ankle-high (but not over the knee); they also had to shine from polishing. The domed helmet was made from an epoxied drosilk mesh, with padding on the inside to protect the wearer's skull from a physical blow. Like the others, Edeard had bought his own drosilk waistcoat which was supposedly tough enough to resist a bullet. Macsen had gone one further, and bought drosilk shorts.

In theory the cost wasn't too bad. But in practice every constable needed two tunics, and at least three shirts. Then there was a constant supply of flaked soap for the dormitory's ge-chimps to wash everything. Edeard gained considerable kudos when the others found how good he was at instructing the ge-chimps with laundry tasks. After the first week Chae stopped trying to find fault when they turned out in immaculate uniforms each morning.

The daily routine hardly varied. In the morning they would have various physical and telepathic teamwork training sessions, followed by lectures. In the afternoon they would be taken out on patrol under the alarmingly vigilant eye of Chae. Sometimes their division captain, Ronark, would accompany them. Evenings were theoretically all their own. Study was advised at least during the week.

Edeard always hated it when Ronark did come out with them to 'check on progress'. The man was in his eighties, and was never going to rise any higher than his current position. His wife had left him decades ago, his children disowned him. That just left him the constables, which he believed in with a religious fervour. Everything was done according to regulation; variations were not permitted, and such infringements were subject to severe fines, restrictions and demotions. Jeavons station had one of the lowest recruitment rates in the city.

Nobody paid any attention to them when Chae led them out of the station at one o'clock precisely. Ronark was standing at his curving fish-eye window above the big double gate, observing the shift change, clocking the patrols in and out on his ancient pocket watch. Out on the narrow pavement, a squad was double-timing back to the station, its corporal red faced and panting as they tried to minimize their delay. Three ge-dogs scampered along beside them, happy at the run.

Probationary constables were not permitted genistar support. Thankfully, Chae kept a discreet silence about Edeard's ge-eagle, which now lived with two others in the station's rooftop aviary.

Jeavons was a pleasant enough district. It even had a small park in the centre which a team of city ge-monkeys kept in good horticultural order. There was a big freshwater pond in the middle, with exotic scarlet fish measuring a good two feet long — they always seemed sinister to Edeard who disliked their fangs and the way they looked up at everyone who stood by the rail watching them. But the park had a football pitch marked out, and he occasionally joined the games at weekends when the local lads ran a small league. He rather enjoyed the fact that Jeavons didn't house many grand families; its buildings were on a relatively modest scale, though the mansions along Marble Canal were regal enough. The carpenters, jewel smiths, and physicians all had their Guild headquarters there. It was also the home of the astronomical association, which had been fighting for Guild status for seven centuries, and was always blocked by the Pythia, who claimed the heavens were a supernatural realm, and astronomy verged on the heretical. Boyd, of course, was full of gossipy facts like that as they walked the winding streets; he probably knew the layout better than Chae.

Today Chae led them over Arrival Canal and into the smaller Silvarum district. The buildings here were oddly curved, as if they were once clusters of bubbles that had somehow been compressed. Squeezed-up insect hives, Boyd called them. None of them were large enough to be palaces, but they all belonged to wealthy families — the smaller merchants and senior Masters of professional Guilds. The shops all sold goods far beyond Edeard's dwindling coinage.

As they passed over the ornate wooden bridge Edeard found himself walking with Kanseen.

'So you're not going out tonight? she enquired.

'Nah. I don't have much money left, and I really need to study.

'You're serious then, about turning this into a career.

'Ask me again in a year's time. In the meantime I'm not going to blow it by being stupid. I need to graduate.

'All of us do, she said.

'Humm. Edeard eyed Macsen, who was lingering on the end of the bridge, exchanging some good-natured words with a gondolier passing by underneath. The gondola's benches had been removed, replaced by a simple slatted platform carrying a pile of wooden crates. 'For someone supposedly thrown penniless on the street, Macsen seems to have a lot of coinage.

'Didn't you hear? she said with a superior smile.

'What?

'His mother has been taken up by a notorious Master in the Musician's Guild. She's living in a nice little maisonette in Cobara district. Apparently he's a hundred and ten years older than her.

'No! Edeard knew he shouldn't be interested in this gossip, but such talk was Makkathran's second currency. Everybody had some piece of hearsay or rumour about the District Master families that they couldn't wait to share. And scandal was the hugest currency of all.

'Oh yes. He used to be in one of the travelling bands which tour round the Iguru and villages in the Donsori Mountains. She leant in closer to murmur. 'Apparently he had to stop touring some while ago because there were so many offspring in those villages. Now he just tutors apprentices at the Guild building and plays for the families.

Some little memory surfaced in Edeard's thoughts; late night talk in a tavern several months ago that he wasn't supposed to hear, and she had said notorious. 'You're not talking about Dybal?

Kanseen's smile was now victorious. 'I couldn't possibly say.

'But… wasn't he caught in bed with two of the Lady's novices?

'That's part of his myth. If he wasn't so popular with his satire songs they'd have thrown him out of the Guild decades ago. Apparently they're very upbeat. The younger members of noble families idolize him, while the older ones want him to wind up in the bottom of a canal.

'Yeah, but… Macsen's mother?

'Yes.

Kanseen seemed disturbingly pleased with herself, mainly because of his incredulous reaction. That was the way with her, always coming on just that little bit superior. He didn't buy it, that was just her way of coping with the probationary period, establishing a reasonable barrier around herself. It couldn't be easy being a girl in the constables; there certainly weren't many.

Chae started off heading directly for the plaza where the Chemist Guild headquarters was situated. The pavements between the buildings were a reddish brown in colour, with a central row of thick cones rising to waist height. They were filled with soil and planted with big saffcherry trees whose branches created a verdant roof between the bowed walls on either side. Pink and blue blossom was just starting to fall, forming a delicate carpet of petals. Edeard tried to keep searching the pedestrians for signs of criminal activity the way Chae kept telling them. It was hard. Akeem's memory had remained crystal clear and true on one aspect of city life: the girls. They were beautiful. Especially those of the noble families, who seemed to use districts like Silvarum to hunt in packs. They took a great deal of care about how they appeared in public. Dresses which had plunging necklines, or skirts with surprising slits amid the ruffles; lace fabric which was translucent. Hair styled to look carefree. Makeup skilfully applied to emphasize smiles, cheekbones, huge innocent eyes. Sparkling jewellery.

He passed one gaggle of maidens in their mid-teens who wore more wealth with the rings on one hand than he would earn in a month. They giggled coyly when they caught him staring. Taunted:

'Can we help you, Officer?

'Is that really your truncheon?

'It's a long truncheon, isn't it Gilliaen?

'Will you use it to subdue bad people with?

'Emylee is very bad, Officer, use it on her.

'Hanna! She's indecent, Officer. Arrest her.

'Does he have a dungeon to throw her in, do you think?

Third hands performed indecent tweaks and prods on private areas of his body. Edeard jumped in shock before hastily shielding himself, and turning bright red. The girls shrieked amusement at his behaviour and scuttled off.

'Little trollops, Kanseen muttered.

'Er, absolutely, Edeard said. He glanced back — just to make sure they were causing no trouble. Two of them were still checking him out. More wild giggles rang down the street. Edeard shuddered and faced front, hardening his expression.

'You weren't tempted, were you? Kanseen asked.

'Certainly not.

'Edeard, you're really a great bloke, and I'm glad to be in the same squad as you. But there's still a lot of the countryside in you. Which is good, she hastened to add. 'But any family girl would eat you for breakfast and spit out the pips before lunch. They're not nice, Edeard, not really. They have no substance.

Then how come they look so gorgeous? he thought wistfully.

'Besides, Kanseen said. 'They all want District Master first sons for husbands, or guildsmen or, if they're desperate, militia officers. Constables don't come close, not in status or money.

After the plaza they made their way along to the markets. There were three of them just a couple of streets away from the Great Major Canal which boarded Silvarum's northern side. Open areas not quite as big as the plaza, packed full with stalls. The first one concentrated on fresh food. A quilt of canvas awnings formed an undulating ceiling, stitching all the stalls together, whilst providing a strangely warm shade underneath. The still air was heavy with scents. Edeard stared at the piles of fruits and vegetables with mild envy as the stallholders called out their prices and promises of taste and quality. It had been a long time since he'd sat down to a truly decent meal like he used to eat at the Guild compound back in Ashwell. Everything at the station hall came wrapped in pastry; and none of the ge-chimps in the kitchen had ever been instructed in the art of making salad.

'Those are melancholy thoughts, Kanseen said quietly.

'Sorry, he said, and made an effort to be alert. Chae said markets were always rife with sneak thieves and pickpockets. He was probably right. Here, as always, the stallholders greeted them warmly, with smiles and the odd gift — apples, pears, a bottle or two; pledges of a good deal if they came back off duty. They liked the constables to be visible. It discouraged pilfering.

Edeard had been dismayed by the reception they received in some districts and streets as Chae led them right across the city. Sullen expressions and intimidating silences, unshielded emotions of enmity. People turning their backs on them. Third hands jostling when they were close to canal banks. Chae, of course, had walked on undaunted, but Edeard had been unnerved. He didn't understand why whole communities would be repelled by law and order.

They moved on to the second market, the one specializing in cloth and clothes. There was a dismaying number of young women strolling along, examining colourful fabrics, chattering happily among themselves. He kept a small shield up, and did his best not to make eye contact. Though there were some truly pretty girls that just begged for a second look. Macsen, had no such inhibitions. He chatted happily to any girl who even glanced in his direction.

'You never said which district you come from, Edeard said.

'I didn't, did I? Kanseen agreed.

'Sorry.

'You need to stop saying that, as well, she said, and smiled.

'Yes. I know. It's just that all of you are used to this. He gestured round. 'I'm not. There are more people here in this market than ever lived in Ashwell. For a moment he was struck by real guilt. He thought about his home less and less these days. Some of the faces had faded from memory. Not Akeem, that never would; but Gonat now — did he have red hair or was it dark brown? He frowned from the effort of remembering, but no clear image came.

'Bellis, Kanseen said. 'My family lives in Bellis.

'Right, he said. Bellis was on the eastern side of the city, close to the port, and directly over the Great Major Canal from Sampalok. They hadn't patrolled round there yet. 'You've never been back to see them.

'No. Mother didn't approve of my becoming a constable.

'Oh. I'm sor— Shame.

'I think she would have preferred me to take the Lady's vows.

'Nothing wrong with that.

'You really are from the countryside, aren't you?

'Is that bad? he said stiffly.

'No. I guess that's where the values this city used to have are kept alive, out there beyond the Donsori Mountains. It just gives me a shock to hear someone with convictions, that's all. You're rare in Makkathran, Edeard. Especially in the constables. That's why you make people uncomfortable.

'I do? he asked, genuinely surprised.

'Yeah.

'But… You must believe in values. Why else did you join?

'Same as half of us. In a few years I'll shift over to bodyguard work for a District Master family. They're always desperate for people with a constable's training and experience. Particularly one like me; female constables are veiy thin on the ground. And the noble ladies need protection as much as their husbands and sons. I can just about name my own price.

'Oh. The notion surprised him, he'd never considered the constables as a route to anything else, let alone something better. 'Who do I make uncomfortable?

'Well Dinlay for a start. He believes in truth and beauty just like you, and he's a lot noisier about it. But you're stronger and smarter. Chae's going to nominate you as squad leader.

'You don't know that.

She smiled. It made him realize how attractive she actually was; something the uniform normally made him overlook. But that smile was a match for any of the silly family girls swanning round the market.

'Put money on it? she challenged.

'Of course not, he said with mock indignation. 'That's bound to be illegal.

They both laughed.

'You two need a room? Macsen called over his shoulder. 'I know one that'll do cheap rates.

Kanseen gave him a forceful hand gesture.

He pulled a face. 'Wow, it's true; you can take the girl out of Sampalok, but you can't take Sampalok out of the girl.

'Arsehole, she growled.

'We're on patrol, Chae snapped. 'What does that mean?

'Professionalism at all times, the squad muttered dutifully.

'Then kindly remember that, and apply it.

Macsen, Kanseen, and Edeard grinned at each other as they moved on to the third market, which featured crafts. Stalls displayed small items of furniture, ornaments, cheap jewellery, and alchemic potions. There was even a section selling rare animals as pets. The awnings here were all a uniform orange and white striped canvas arranged in hexagonal cones with centre poles swamped by eaglevine. It was warm underneath, but the full power of the sun was held back.

Edeard stretched his farsight out across the Great Major Canal that ran the length of the city from the Port district to the Circle canals where the Orchard Palace was situated. Ysidro district was on the other side from Silvarum, wedged between the back of Golden Park and the Low Moat. It was where the Lady's novistery was sited.

'This a good time? his mind enquired.

'Hello, Salrana replied with a burst of good cheer. 'Yes, I'm fine. We're in the garden, planting summer herbs. It's so lovely in here. A gentle image gift came with her happiness. He saw a walled garden with conical yews marking out gravel paths. Vines and climbing roses painted the walls in bright colour. There was a broad lawn in the middle, which was unusual in Makkathran; it was trimmed so neatly Edeard wondered what kind of genistar they used to chew it down. A snow-white statue of the Lady stood at one end, almost as high as the walls. She was smiling down on the novices in their white and blue robes as they skittered about with wicker baskets full of plants.

'Nice. Why don't you use ge-chimps to plant the herbs?

'Oh Edeard, you have got to start reading more of the Lady's teachings. The purpose of life is to achieve harmony with your environment. If you use genistars for everything, you establish a barrier between yourself and the world.

'Okay. He thought that was stupid, but clamped down tight on the emotion for fear Salrana would sense it. She was developing quite an acute empathy these days.

'Where are you? she asked.

'I'm patrolling Silvarum's markets. He let her see the bustle surrounding him, showing the rich stall displays.

'Arrested anybody bad?

'No. They all run in terror from us.

'Oh, Edeard, you feel sad.

'Sorry. He caught himself and winced. 'I'm not. It's just boring, that's all. You know I'm actually looking forward to my exams. This'll all be over after I take them. I can be a proper constable then.

'I can't wait to see your graduation ceremony.

'I don't think it's that grand. The Mayor hands us a pair of dark epaulettes, that's all.

'Yes, but it's at the Orchard Palace, and all the probationary constables from the city are there, and their families are watching. It's a big event, Edeard, don't knock it.

'I wasn't really. Do you think you'll manage to get to it?

'Of course I will. Mother Gallian approves of formal functions like that. I've already told her you're graduating.

'Hey, those exams aren't easy, you know.

'You'll pass, Edeard. I ask the Lady to give you simple questions.

'Thanks! Can you get out this weekend?

'I'm not sure. It's difficult with the main service on—

Angry shouts up ahead made Edeard look round. His farsight could sense several minds inflamed with fury. Around them were minds were blazing with sour determination; they began to move faster and faster.

Shouts reverberated under the awnings.

'Stop them!

'Thieves. Thieves.

'Kavine is hurt.

'Thieves in the market!

Identical longtalk cries flooded into the aether. Jerky image gifts of faces clashed in Edeard's mind. Too many, and too poor to make any sense.

His farsight swirled round the shifting commotion, contracting on the centre. Men were running, their arms flailing wide as people swarmed round. Hands gripped long metal blades, swiping wide, keeping everyone away. Overtones of fear bubbled into the clamour of longtalk.

'That's us! Sergeant Chae shouted. 'Come on. Constables! Clear the way! Constables coming through. His longtalk was directed to warn people sauntering between the stalls at the same time as he shouted. He began to run. Edeard immediately followed, as did Macsen and Kanseen.

'Move! Move aside!

After a moment of shock, Boyd took off after them. Dinlay had frozen, his mind radiating dismay.

Edeard was running hard now, keeping close to Chae. People were jumping out of the way, pressing themselves against the stalls to open a path. Women were screaming. Children shouted, excited and fearful. The theft ahead was still kicking up a hurly-burly.

'Remember: act together, Char told them all with remarkably calm longtalk. 'Minimum of two at all times, don't get separated. Keep your shields up.

Edeard sent his ge-eagle streaking through the sky, heading towards the edge of the market where the thieves must surely emerge. Every street beyond the rippled roof of canopies had a covering of pleasant saffcherry trees, their pink and blue blossom clotting any view of the pavement and people below. His farsight was still concentrating on the criminals as they sped from the scene of the robbery. There were four of them, three wielding the blades, while the fourth was lugging some kind of box. From what Edeard could sense it was full of metal. And plenty of the stalls around him were displaying jewellery.

Chae drew his truncheon as they burst through a group of people gathered round a couple of overturned stalls. A man lay on the floor groaning and thrashing about, blood pooling beside him.

'Lady! Chae exclaimed. 'All right, stay back, give him air. He scrambled for his medical pack and knelt beside the fallen stallholder.

'A doctor? Chae's longtalk demanded, rising over the general clamour. 'Is there a doctor in the Silvarum craft market? Wounded man.

Edeard's farsight was still following the criminals. 'Come on, he yelled at Macsen and Kanseen.

'Where? Macsen demanded. 'I've lost them.

'They've just reached the edge of the market. Albaric Street. I can still sense them. He ploughed on through the clutter of bystanders.

'Edeard, no! Chae yelled after him.

Edeard almost stopped at the command, but he just couldn't ignore the fleeing thieves. We can still catch them. It would be their first real arrest. So far all they'd ever done in their four probationary months was clear drunks off the streets and break up fights. Never any real constable duty. He charged along a narrow passage between rows of stalls. Macsen and Kanseen were racing after him.

'Come back, Chae bellowed.

Ignoring the sergeant sent a flash of wicked glee along Edeard's nerves.

Stallholders were cheering the three probationary constables as they sped on through the market. Edeard and Macsen were using their longtalk to order people aside. By and large it was working. They were closing the gap on the fleeing thieves.

Edeard's ge-eagle swooped low over the saffcherry trees of Albaric Street, its wings skimming inches above the waving blossom. The four thieves were pounding along the pavement underneath, heading straight for the Great Major Canal. Their blades had been sheathed so as not to draw attention. Even so, the minds of people around them pulsed with curiosity and alarm.

'Where are they going? Kanseen demanded.

'Got to be the canal, Macsen replied. There was a lot of exhilaration flooding along his longtalk voice.

Edeard finally saw the end of the market up ahead; the striped canvas roof gave way to the hazy radiance of blossom-filtered sunlight. 'Can you locate any other constables? he demanded.

'Lady, it's all I can do to watch where I'm going, Macsen complained.

'What are you planning on doing? Kanseen asked, all apprehension and doubts.

'Stopping them, Edeard said. Wasn't that obvious? What was wrong with her?

'There's more of them. And they've got blades.

'I'll take them down, he growled. Her uncertainty flowed away from him, as if it was another landmark he'd left behind.

They were closing fast now. Albaric Street was almost deserted compared to the busy market, allowing the constables to race onwards, weaving round the occasional recalcitrant pedestrian.

The ge-eagle flashed over the last saffcherry tree. It showed Edeard the street ending abruptly at the edge of the Great Major Canal. The big waterway stretched away on both sides, cutting the city in half. Away to the west was the Birmingham Pool, intersecting the Outer Circle Canal, while eastwards the High Pool formed a junction with Flight Canal and Market Canal. There were only two bridges between Silvarum and the Padua district on the other side, one beside each pool. Like every bridge over the Grand Major Canal they were narrow and steep; most people preferred to use a gondola to cross the hundred and fifty yard width of water. Several were bobbing at a mooring platform where the street ended.

'Got them, Edeard exclaimed. 'They just ran out of street. His jubilant mood suddenly dropped as the four criminals sped down the wooden steps to the platform and hopped on to a waiting gondola. It looked scruffy and badly maintained compared to the craft that normally slid along the city's waterways, with dull scratched paint and a drab awning. There were two gondoliers standing on the back, both holding a pole. 'Oh Honious!

'What? Kanseen demanded, she was red-faced and breathing heavily, but still keeping up.

'Boat, he gasped back at her. 'Come on, we can still catch them. Right in front of him a very grand-looking old lady in a billowing black and white dress and her entourage of younger handmaids were leaving one of Albaric Street's high-class restaurants. His longtalk demands to move didn't seem to be registering with any of them. He dodged round the old lady, cursing. A third hand swatted at him as one might an annoying insect. He flashed her an exasperated look.

The ge-eagle spiralled up, watching the shabby gondola ease out from the mooring platform and into the multitude of craft flocking along the big canal. Downbeat the gondoliers might have been, but they knew their watercraft. With two punts available, and working in harmony, they were soon moving a lot quicker than anything else on the water. The four thieves flopped down on the benches, and started laughing.

Edeard, Macsen, and Kanseen came hurtling up to the canal bank, coming dangerously close to toppling down into the water as they stopped at the top of the mooring's wooden steps.

'Bastards! Macsen shouted at them.

One of the gondoliers raised his green and blue ribboned boater in mocking salute. They were already twenty yards downstream. Edeard knew with grim certainty they'd be going all the way down to Sampalok, and the wounded stall owner would be ruined. 'Help us, he called down to the gondolier who was left moored below. 'Take us after them. This gondola was a fancy craft, its black paintwork shining in the afternoon sun, the awning embroidered with a scarlet bird crest. Somehow Edeard just knew it belonged to the old woman behind.

'Not a chance, pal, the gondolier called back. 'This is Mistress Florell's private gondola.

For a moment Edeard considered shoving him into the canal, and commandeering the craft to set of in pursuit. Except he didn't have the first idea of how to use a punt pole.

'Somebody help, he called with his voice and longtalk. It drew a few interested looks from the gondoliers out on the canal. But no one even asked what he wanted.

A chorus of jeering carried over the water. Thirty yards away, the criminals were leaning over the gunnels to wave and gesture. Edeard stared at his tormentors with a rage that chilled his blood. He smiled back savagely. Some hint of his fury must have flashed out. Macsen and Kanseen swayed back. The jeering stopped.

Edeard reached out with his third hand and plucked the box from the man holding it. Hands grasped empty air in futility as lie lifted it ten feet above the gondola. The thieves exerted their own third hands, trying to prise it back. 'Is that the best you can do? Edeard taunted. They never even managed to unsettle his grip.

People on nearby gondolas watched in silence as the box drifted sedately through the air. Edeard's smile turned malicious as it landed softly at his feet. He crossed his arms and gloated. 'Don't come back to our district, he longtalked to the departing gondola. 'Not ever.

'You're fucking dead, you little shit, came the answer.

Edeard pressed his third hand down against the bow of the gondola, causing it to rock alarmingly. But it was too far away now for him to capsize. And the six of them hurriedly erected a strong enough shield to deflect him.

Macsen started laughing. His hand came down hard on Kdeard's shoulder. 'Oh Lady, you are the greatest, Edeard, the absolute greatest. Did you see their faces?

'Yeah, Edeard admitted with a malign grin.

'They won't forget today, Kanseen said. 'Heavens Edeard, you must have frightened the life out of them.

'Let's hope, eh. He smiled at his friends, very content with the way they'd bonded that little bit more from the shared event. A frilly parasol hit the side of his arm. 'Ow!

It belonged to the old woman they'd pushed past. 'In future, young man, you will display the correct courtesy due to your elders and betters, she snapped at him. 'You could have knocked me over the way you were charging about with complete disregard for anyone else. At my age, too; I would never have got up again.

'Er, yes, madam. Sorry.

'Mistress Florell! she said, her wavery voice rising an octave with indignation. 'Don't you pretend you don't know who I am.

Edeard could hear Macsen chortling behind him, it was muffled as if a hand was over his mouth. 'Yes, Mistress Florell.

Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. Edeard thought she looked at least as old as Master Solarin. 'I shall be reporting you to my nephew, she said. 'There was a time in this city when the constabulary had decent people in its ranks. That time is clearly over. Now get out of my way.

He wasn't actually in her way, but he took a step back anyway. She brushed past with a swirl of her tent-like skirt to descend the steps to the mooring platform. Her entourage followed with immaculately shielded minds. A couple of the handmaids flashed him amused grins. They all settled in the gondola.

'See, Macsen said, sliding his arm round Edeard's shoulders. 'That's our true reward, the respect of a grateful populace.

'Who is that? Edeard whined.

Which set Macsen off laughing again.

'You really don't know, do you? Kanseen said incredulously.

'No.

'Among other family connections, Mistress Florell is the Mayor's aunt.

'Oh. I suppose that's not good, then?

'No. Every Mayor for the last century is some relative or other to her. She basically decides who the Grand Council will elect.

Edeard shook his head and checked the gondola below. Mistress Florell had vanished under the awning. The gondolier gave him a wink, and cast off.

'Let's get back, Edeard said.

A cheerful Macsen bent over to pick up the box. He shot Edeard another look as he felt the weight. 'I can sense a whole load of necklace chains in here. Must be gold.

'I hope he's all right, Edeard said.

'Chae? Kanseen asked. She sounded slightly nervous.

'No. The stall holder.

'Oh yeah. Right.

High above the Grand Major Canal, the ge-eagle soared lazily on a thermal, keeping the shabby gondola in sight as it hastened towards Sampalok.

Most of the crowd had gone when Edeard and his companions returned to the scene of the crime. Several stall holders in their distinctive dark-green aprons were fussing round the stalls they'd righted, restoring the display of goods. Boyd and Dinlay were helping fix the awning directly overhead which had ripped free when the stalls were shoved over.

The wounded stall holder was still on the ground. A woman was tending to him, a doctor's satchel open at her feet as she knelt beside her patient. Two young apprentices were aiding her. Between them they'd bandaged the stall holder's chest, now the doctor was holding herself perfectly still, eyes closed, her hands pressed gently on the bandages as her telekinesis operated on the torn flesh underneath, manipulating blood vessels and tissue. Her distinguished face was puckered with intense concentration. Every now and then she would murmur some instruction to her apprentices, who would apply their telekinesis as she directed.

Edeard watched intently, trying to sense with his farsight as well. Old Doc Seneo had never used her third hand to operate with; though Fahin had always said the technique was in the Doctor's Guild tuition books.

'You three okay? Boyd's longtalk asked.

'Of course, Macsen retorted.

Boyd glanced over to where Sergeant Chae was talking to a group of stall holders. 'Careful, he mouthed.

Chae marched over, his face set in a furious mask. Edeard thought his boots were going to leave imprints in the grey-brown market pavement he was stamping them down so heavily. By some process Edeard didn't quite understand, he was now standing ahead of Macsen and Kanseen.

'I believe I gave you a direct order, Chae said in a menacingly level tone.

All Edeard's good humour at recovering the box faded away. He'd never thought Chae would be quite this angry. For once the sergeant was making no attempt to shield his feelings. 'But Sergeant—

'Did I or did I not tell you to stop?

'Well… yes. But—

'So you heard me?

Edeard hung his head. 'Yes, Sergeant.

'So you disobeyed me. Not only that but you put the safety of yourself and your colleagues in danger. Those men were gang members, and armed. Suppose they had pistols?

'We got it, Macsen announced defiantly.

'What?

'We got it back from the bastards, Macsen said loudly. He turned slightly so he was facing the gaggle of stall holders, and held up the box.

The burst of amazement emanating from the market folk surprised Edeard. It also silenced Sergeant Chae, though he continued to glare at the constables. Macsen walked over to the people closest to the wounded man. 'Here, he said, and proffered the box. One of the younger men in a green apron stepped forward. 'I am Monrol; Kavine is my uncle. This is what they stole from him. He turned the lock dial with several precise twists, and the lid popped open. 'It's all here, he said with a smile. He showed the open box to the market. 'All of it. They brought it back. The constables brought it back.

Someone started clapping. They were soon joined by the onlookers. Whistles of approval split the air, then the three constables were abruptly surrounded by the men and woman in green aprons. Their hands were shaken, their backs were pummelled. A beaming Monrol gave Macsen a hug, then moved on to Kanseen. Edeard, too, was swept up in his embrace. 'Thank you, thank you.

'Sergeant Chae, a deep voice boomed.

The stall holders fell quiet as Setersis came forward. Edeard had seen him a couple of times before, normally when he was complaining to Chae about the infrequency of constable patrols through the market. Setersis was the head of the Silvarum stall holders association, and through that had a seat on the city traders council; as such had almost as much political influence as,i Guild Council Master.

'Did I hear right? Setersis asked. 'Did the constables finally come to our aid?

For once Chae looked uncertain. 'We were able to assist. He slopped glaring at Edeard, and produced an almost sympathetic expression. 'I was about to ask the more reckless members of my patrol to report what happened on the chase.

'Reckless members, eh? Setersis grinned at the three probationary constables. 'Yes, you are young, aren't you? Good for you. If we had more constables with balls we wouldn't be in the sorry state we are. Your pardon, my girl.

'Granted, Kanseen said graciously.

'Come then, so tell me what happened on the chase. Did you manage to accidentally drop the scum into the canal?

'No sir, Edeard said. 'I'm afraid they got away on a gondola. They headed down towards the port. Something made him hold back from mentioning his ge-eagle was showing him the thieves had already passed through Forest Pool and were approaching Sampalok.

'None of the gondoliers would help us, Macsen blurted. 'We asked them.

'Ha! Fil-rats in human guise, Setersis grunted. 'Still, you did a good job. I can't remember the last time a constable returned stolen goods. He gave Chae a meaningful glance. The sergeant's lips tightened. 'You have my thanks. I'm sure my fellow stall holders will show their appreciation next time your patrol ventures into the market.

Edeard knew he was grinning like a fool. It didn't matter, so were Macsen and Kanseen. Then he finally caught sight of Dinlay, who looked like his closest family had just died.

Once the doctor announced Kavine would be all right, Chae declared that the patrol was over and they were going back to Jeavons station. He led them out of the market without another word. Edeard couldn't work out if they were in serious trouble or not; the sergeant's mind was perfectly shielded.

Macsen shot Boyd a direct longtalk query, which he shared with Edeard and Kanseen: 'What did Chae say?

'Nothing much, Boyd replied, equally furtive. 'He was yelling for you to stop. When none of you came back, he just concentrated on helping the stall holder. I had to hold the flesh together to slow the bleeding down. Lady! I thought I was going to faint there was so much blood. Monrol said they hacked him a couple of times with those blades to make him let go of the box. I wish I'd gone with you instead, but I just hesitated for that first second. I'm sorry.

'Don't be, Edeard said. 'The more I think about it, the more stupid I was. Chae was right.

'What! Macsen exclaimed out loud. He glanced at Chae, but the sergeant didn't seem to notice.

'There was four of them, and they had blades; six if you count the gondoliers. We could have been killed, and it would be my fault.

'We got the box back.

'Luck. That's all. Pure luck. The Lady smiled on us today. She won't tomorrow. We have to act like proper constables; stay together, work as a team.

Macsen shook his head in dismay. Edeard gave Kanseen an apologetic shrug.

'I went with you, she told him quietly. 'I got just as carried away. Don't try to claim this is all your fault.

He nodded. Up ahead, Chae was still marching on, not looking round, his back rigid. Beside him, Dinlay was avoiding any communication with his friends. When they'd walked back to the market from the Great Major Canal, the three of them had been triumphant; now that whole mood was badly inverted. Right there, Edeard felt like turning round and heading off out of the city. It was going to be awful back at the station, he just knew it.

'That's not the kind of attitude the returning hero is supposed to wear, Salrana told him, her longtalk conveyed a lot of concern.

Edeard tipped his head up to give the sky a sheepish smile. 'I'm sorry. We did it, though, we actually chased off some thugs from a gang.

'I know! I farsighted you the whole time. You were terrific, Edeard. I wish I'd chosen to be a constable.

'Our sergeant doesn't share your opinion. And what's worse, he's right. We didn't behave properly.

'Have you told the stall holder that?

'That's not the point.

'Yes it is, Edeard. You did good today. It doesn't matter how you did it. You helped someone. The Lady saw that, and she'll be pleased.

'Sometimes you have to do the wrong thing— he mouthed silently. Some good cheer returned as he tried to imagine what Akeem would have to say about all Chae's rules and procedures. It would be short and very succinct, he knew.

'What? Salrana asked.

'Nothing. But thank you. I'm going to go back to the station now and do whatever it takes to put things right with my sergeant'

'I'm always so proud of you, Edeard. Talk to me tonight, tell me what happens.

'I will. Promise.

When they got back to the station Chae's temper seemed to have vanished. Edeard was expecting to be shouted at as soon as they passed through the big gates. Instead Chae stood there with a genuinely weary expression on his worn face; for once his shielding had slipped enough for Edeard to sense just how tired his thoughts were. 'Small hall, he told the squad.

The others dutifully trooped into the building. Edeard waited until they were through the doorway.

'It was my fault, he told Chae. 'I encouraged the others to follow me. I didn't listen to you, and I ignored procedure.

Chae studied him, his own mind becoming inscrutable again. 'I know. Now would you like to guess what will happen if Setersis hears I gave you all a bollocking?

'Er, he'd probably take our side?

'He would. Now grow up fast, lad; learn how things balance in this city. Come on, I need to talk to all of you.

The other constables rose to their feet when Chae came into the small hall. Dinlay saluted smartly.

'Pack that in, Chae said. His third hand shut the hall doors. 'Sit down.

The squad exchanged mildly perplexed looks. Except for Dinlay who was still keeping himself apart.

'So how do you think we did? Chae said.

'Wrong procedure, Kanseen ventured.

'Yeah, wrong procedure. But we saved a stall holder's life. Some gang scum got a nasty surprise. And we recovered the stolen merchandise. Those are all the plus points. The constables will be popular in Silvarum's markets for a couple of weeks. That's good, there's nothing wrong with that. I'd even go so far as to say the rule of law was upheld. Edeard?

'Sir?

'Did your eagle follow them back home?

'Er, yes, sir. I watched them go into Sampalok. It's a building not far from the Grand Major Canal. They haven't come out yet.

'So we know which building they probably live in. What do we do about that? Do we put together a big squad and go in and arrest them?

'Probably not.

'Why? They've broken the law. Shouldn't they be brought before a court?

'Too much effort for a minor crime, Macsen said.

'That's right. So bring the eagle back, please.

'Sir. He sent a command through the sky above Makkathran, and felt the eagle soar round, dipping on wing vertically back to the ground. It began to flash back over the big canal.

Chae was giving him an odd smile. 'And you really can longtalk that far, can't you?

'Sir?

'All right. Now, I'm not mad at you, any of you. So just relax, and for the Lady's sake try to listen to what I'm about to tell you. What you did today was what you joined up for, preventing criminal activity and protecting the people of this city. That's good, it shows you have a sense of duty, and loyalty to each other. Technically, it's my duty to get you all through the next two months; then you're on your own, and I start with the next batch of hopeless youths. My responsibility to you ends then. But what I have got to try and instil in you before you go out by yourselves is a sense of proportion, and maybe even some political awareness. Let's think about this. Those gang members are going to be a little shaken by Edeard's strength, and furious that they came back empty handed after taking so much risk. Next time they go out, they'll want to make sure their crime produces some results. So they'll go the extra mile to make sure. Boyd, what would you do in their shoes? How would you make certain?

'Take a pistol?

'Very likely. So whatever constable patrol tackles them, is going to get shot at.

'Hold on, Edeard said. 'We can't let that stop us. If we become so afraid of cracking down on the gangs that we do nothing, they've won.

'Correct. So?

'Next time, we chase them out but that's it, Macsen said.

'Good option. Though actually your response was about right. 1 didn't behave too well out there, myself — mainly because I was worried about you lot running off like that. There's an old natural law that says for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. If those gang members come into a market in broad daylight and use a blade on a stall holder, then they must expect a reaction from the constables. They were the ones who overstepped the mark on this occasion. But that still doesn't mean three of you can go chasing off after four of them. With or without blades and pistols, you were outnumbered. That has «tragedy» written all over it. So that was wrong. It was also wrong to leave a member of the public injured and unattended. You didn't stop to assess, which is the most critical thing to do; you also let raw instinct override my orders, which is the greater crime no matter how much you thought yourselves in the right. I'm supposed to be training you to respond to situations in a professional manner, and I clearly haven't drilled it in hard enough. Now I'm quite prepared to write today's lapses off to first-time excitement and the general confusion. You need experience more than you do theory, so nobody's getting disciplined and there'll be no recriminations. But understand this, it must not happen again. Next time we encounter a criminal act in progress you follow procedure to the letter. Do I make myself clear?

'Yes, Sergeant, they chorused.

'Then we understand each other. So take tonight off, get yourselves down to the Olovan's Eagle for a drink or ten, and be back in this hall for another dose of theory first thing tomorrow morning. I'll also go against my own policy to tell you something: unless you completely screw up your graduation exams you will all pass your probation.

'I was useless, Dinlay complained. 'I just froze. I was just so useless. He gulped down more of his beer.

Edeard looked over at Macsen who simply shrugged. They'd been in the Olovan's Eagle for an hour, and Dinlay had said very little else. It was a small miracle they'd got him to join them in the first place. He hadn't said ten words since Chae dismissed them from the small hall.

'You froze for a couple of seconds, that's all, Kanseen said. 'That means you were close to Chae when he ordered us all to stop and help the stall keeper. You couldn't do anything else.

'I should have ignored him like you did. I didn't. I failed.

'Oh sweet Lady, Kanseen grumbled and sat back in her own chair. She was wearing a blue and white dress with orange flowers. It wasn't the most stylish garment Edeard had seen in Makkathran, nor the newest, but she looked good in it. Her short hair still set her apart from all the other girls, who wore theirs fashionably long. But he rather liked it this way, it suited her, setting off a flattish nose and thin dark-green eyes. Now he'd known her for a few months she wasn't quite as intimidating as she had been at the start. Not that he thought of her as anything other than a colleague and friend.

'Nobody failed, Edeard said. 'This afternoon was chaos, that's all. And you helped Chae with the stall holder.

'I froze, Dinlay said wretchedly. 'I let you all down. I let my family down. They expect me to be the station captain within ten years, you know. My father was.

'Let's have another drink, Macsen said.

'Oh yes, that'll solve everything, Kanseen said sourly.

Macsen gave her a wink, then shot a longtalk order to one of the tavern waitresses. Something else must have been said. Edeard caught her flash him a mock-indignant smile.

How does he do that? It's not what he says, it's his whole attitude. And why can't I do it? Edeard sat back to give his friend a critical examination. Macsen was sitting in the middle of a small couch with Evala on one side, and Nicolar on the other. Both girls were leaning in towards him. They laughed at his jokes, and gasped and giggled when he told them what happened in the market, an extravagant tale of thrills and bravery Edeard didn't quite recognize. He supposed Macsen was quite handsome, with his light brown hair and flat jaw. His brown eyes were constantly filled with amusement that bordered on nefarious, which was an additional attraction. It helped that he always dressed well whenever they went out. Tonight he'd pulled on fawn-coloured trousers cut from the softest suede, belted by woven black stands of leather. His sky-blue satin shirt just showed under a dark-emerald frock coat.

See, I'd never have the courage to wear a combination like that, but he carries it off perfectly. The epitome of a grand family's junior son.

In fact the rest of them looked quite drab in comparison. Edeard used to be quietly pleased with his own black jacket, tailored trousers, and knee-high boots. Now he'd been relegated to the poor friend who Macsen's girls felt sorry for and tried to pair up with their own charity case girlfriend. On which note… Edeard tried not to stare over at Boyd who was sitting on the opposite side of their table, his face bewitched. Clemensa was next to him, chattering away about her day. She was easily the same height as Boyd, and must have been close in weight, too. Edeard couldn't help the way his eyes always slipped down to the front of her very low cut dress every time she bent over, which was suspiciously frequent.

The waitress brought over the tray of beer Macsen had ordered. Dinlay immediately reached for his tankard. Edeard fumbled with the money pouch in his pocket.

'Oh no, my round, Macsen said. His third hand deposited some coins on the empty tray. 'Thank you, he said sincerely. The waitress smiled. Evala and Nicolar pressed in closer.

Edeard sighed. He's always so polite, as well. Is that what does it?

'Boyd, Macsen called out loudly. 'Close your mouth, man, you're drooling.

Boyd snapped his jaw shut and glared at Macsen. A bright flush crept up his face.

'You pay him no heed, Clemensa said. She brought a hand up to Boyd's cheek, turned his head and kissed him. 'A girl likes it when a man pays attention.

Edeard thought Boyd might faint with happiness.

'Got to go, Dinlay muttered. 'Back in a minute. He stood up and swayed unsteadily, then headed for the archway at the back of the saloon where the washrooms were.

The fact that there were toilets on an upper floor was one of the many revelations about city buildings which had taken Edeard a time to get used to. But then a tavern which sprawled over many floors was also a novelty. As was the pale-orange light radiating out of the ceiling that was nearly as bright as daylight. The first night they'd visited the Olovan's Eagle he'd wondered why there was no straw on the floor. Life in the city was so civilized. Sitting here in the warmth, with a window showing him the lights outside stretching all the way to the Lyot Sea, good beer, comfortable with his friends, he found it hard to fit this with the crime and gangs who cast such a shadow over the streets outside.

'What are you doing? Kanseen hissed at Macsen. 'He's had too much to drink, already.

'Best thing for him. He's not a fighting drunk. Another couple of pints and he'll fall asleep. Next thing he'll know it's tomorrow and we'll be so busy he won't have time to brood. Tonight's what we need to get him through.

Kanseen looked like she wanted to protest but couldn't think how. She looked at Edeard.

'Makes sense, he admitted.

Macsen placed another order with the waitress.

'My liver has to sacrifice its life so we can get Dinlay through graduation, Kanseen complained.

'In the constables we stick together, Edeard said and raised his tankard. 'To the memory of our livers. Who needs 'em?

They drank to that.

'Don't worry, Macsen said. 'I've made arrangements. Our beer is watered. Dinlay's has two shots of vodka in each pint.

Even Kanseen had to laugh. She tipped her tankard to Macsen. 'You're so…

'Beautifully evil? Edeard suggested, giving his tankard a mortified stare. This is watered? I couldn't tell; it tastes the same.

'Spot on, she said.

'I thank you. Macsen put his arms round the shoulders of the girls and pulled them in; kissing Evala first, then Nicolar.

'Not just tonight we've got to worry about, Boyd said.

'Does our Boyd need to worry about tonight? Macsen asked Clemensa.

She gave Boyd a hungry look. 'He certainly doesn't. After what you did today, you're all heroes in my book. That needs a lot of rewarding.

'He's going to want to prove himself, Boyd said. 'Nothing the sergeant said is going to hold him back. Next time we come across a fight or a robbery, Dinlay will be at the front and aching to take on the bad guy.

'I figured that too, Edeard said.

'We'll have to be ready, Kanseen said. 'We can't hold him back, that would make it worse. But we can be up there with him.

'Everyone together, Macsen said. He raised his tankard. 'No matter what.

'No matter what, they toasted with a roar.

Edeard still couldn't taste the water.

The four ge-monkeys from Jeavons constable station walked slowly along the street, looking like pallbearers as they carried a comatose Dinlay home to his dormitory bed.

Kanseen kept looking back to check. 'Do you think he'll be all right?

'Not really, Edeard said. 'If Macsen was serious about the vodka, he's going to have the hangover from Honious tomorrow morning. He turned to inspect the ge-monkeys himself. Using them wasn't the ideal solution, but it was better than him and Kanseen hauling Dinlay along. Boyd and Macsen had stayed on at the tavern with the girls. There were private rooms upstairs which they'd no doubt be using that night. Edeard was trying to keep his envy in check.

'Macsen! she exclaimed.

'He's not so bad. Actually, I'd rather have him by my side than Dinlay.

'Some choice.

'And you're preferable to all of them. All that beer and now the balmy night air were making him light-headed. That must have been why he said it.

Kanseen said nothing for a while as they walked back along I lie long, nearly deserted street. 'I'm not looking for anyone right now, she said solemnly. 'I just broke up with a man. We were engaged. It… ended badly. He wanted a nice traditional girl, one who knew her place.

'I'm sorry. But I have to say it's his loss.

'Thank you, Edeard.

They walked on a while, shadows shifting as they passed under t he bright orange light patches on the outside of the buildings.

'I don't know what it is about you, she said quietly. 'I'm not just talking about how strong your third hand is. You stand out. You're what I imagine the sons of noble families are supposed to be like, or were like before they got so rich and fat.

'Nothing noble about me.

'Nobility doesn't come from a bloodline, Edeard, it comes from within. Where was your village?

'Ashwell, in the Rulan province.

'Doesn't mean anything, I'm afraid. I don't know any geography beyond the Iguru Plain.

'Ashwell was a long way past there, right on the edge of the wild lands. I'll show you on a map if I can find one. It took a year for us to travel here.

'Gift me.

'What? Oh. Edeard concentrated, trying to find a recollection that would do his home justice. Spring, he decided, when the trees were bursting into life, and the sky was bright, and the winds warm. He and some other children had gone outside the rampart walls and taken the long route round to the top of the cliffs where they looked down on the cosy buildings sheltering below.

He heard a soft pull of breath, and realized how heavily involved in the memory he'd become, lacing it with melancholy.

'Oh Edeard, it's so beautiful. What happened? Why did you leave?

'It was attacked by bandits, he said stiffly. In all the time he'd spent in the station dormitory he'd never told his new friends the truth about Ashwell. All they knew was that he'd lost his family to bandits.

'I'm sorry, she said. For once she dropped the veil round her thoughts, allowing him to sense the sympathy. 'Was it very bad?

'Salrana and I survived. And five others.

'Oh Lady! Edeard. Her hand held his arm.

'Don't worry. I've come to terms with it. Except for losing my Master, Akeem. I still miss him. The emotional currents welling up in his thoughts were both unexpected and alarmingly strong. He truly thought he'd put all this sentiment and mourning behind him. Now all he'd done was picture his old home, and the feelings were rushing back as strong as the day it had happened.

'You should talk to one of the Lady's Mothers. They give excellent council.

'Yeah. Maybe. He made his legs work again. 'Come on, I have a notion Chae isn't going to be too gentle with us tomorrow.

The ge-monkeys laid Dinlay out on his mattress and pulled a thin blanket over him. He never woke, just groaned and shuffled round a bit. Edeard couldn't be bothered to take his friend's boots off, he was suddenly incredibly tired himself. He barely managed to remove his own boots and trousers. The dormitory's ge-chimps scampered about, collecting his clothes for laundry.

Of course, now he was actually lying down, his mind was too restless to deliver the sleep his body craved. He sent a thought to the main ceiling's rosette pattern of illumination, and it dimmed to a nebula-glow. That was about the only reaction the city buildings ever did have to human thought. The ge-chimps quietened down. Faint sounds from downstairs whispered through the big empty room, the usual comings and goings of the night shift officers. Edeard had never really got used to the way walls in the city curved. Back in Ashwell, walls were laid out in straight lines; the nine sides of his old Guild courtyard were considered pretty adventurous architecture. Here in the dormitory, the oval bed alcoves were almost rooms in their own right, with arching entrances twice Edeard's height. He liked to imagine the dormitory was actually some kind of aristocratic bedroom, and that maybe the race which created Makkathran had more than two genders. Hence the six beds. That would make the station an important building. He couldn't quite assign a use for the honeycomb warren of little rooms below ground which were used as prisoner cells and store rooms. As he thought about it, he let his farsight drift down through the translucent grey panorama of the station's structure. The image was such that it seemed to surround him, engulf him. Gravity pulled at his mind, and he sank ghost-like through the floor of the basement. There were fissures in the ground beneath, smooth fissures that looped and bent as they wound deeper and deeper. Some were no wider than his fingers, while others were broad enough to walk through. They branched and intersected, forming a convoluted filigree that, to his quixotic thoughts, resembled the veins within a human body. He felt water pulsing through several of them, while strong winds blew along others. Several of the smaller fissures contained threads of violet light which appeared to burn without ever consuming the fissure walls. He tried to touch them with his third hand, only for it to slide through as if he were grasping at a mirage.

His farsight expanded, becoming tenuous. The fissures spread away from the station, burrowing under the street outside, knitting with other extensive hollow filigrees which supported the surrounding buildings. Edeard gasped in wonder as his farsight grew and grew, the more he relaxed the more he could perceive. Slivers of colour shone through his mind, as if this shadow world was growing in texture. He couldn't even sense the dormitory any more. The station was a small glowing jewel embedded in a vast whorl of similar multichromic sparks.

Makkathran.

Edeard experienced the wonder of its thoughts. Immersing himself in a melody where a single beat lasted for years, chords so grand they could shake the very ground apart if they ever gained substance. The city slept the long sleep of all giants; untainted by the pitiful frantic tempo of parasitic humans crawling through its physical extremities.

It was content.

Edeard bathed in its ancient serenity, and slowly fell into a dreamless sleep.