The Temporal Void

Inigo's Ninth Dream

Edeard hadn't visited the House of Blue Petals for nearly a month. Now, with the court case winding down, he stood on the street facing it as the sea breeze gusted along Upper Tail Canal. Finally, the winter was ending, with the onset of spring conjuring some much-needed warmth across the Lyot Sea. A light drizzle swept through Edeard's concealment to dampen his face. He continued to stare at the building with its long oval windows, frowning at the vague feeling of disquiet stirring in his mind. Men went in and out the same as they always did. The doormen stood like muscular statues on either side of its three tall doors. Even the piano music drifting out across the street was pleasingly familiar.

When he pushed his farsight through the sturdy walls, he detected nothing out of the ordinary. The bar was full of eager clients, with the stewards mixing their drinks which the ge-monkeys delivered. The madam made her rounds. All around the gallery, the girls pouted and batted their eyes, radiating faux longing. Up on the third floor, Ivarl's mind was its usual tight knot of suppressed thoughts. He was in his office as always, with several people in respectful attendance.

It was all perfectly normal.

So what's wrong?

One day he would really have to make sense of these sensations which occasionally haunted him. But this was hardly as bad as the night Ashwell was attacked. He would just have to be alert, that was all.

The two sailors walking up the steps never knew they were shadowed, putting any nerves down to the questing gaze of the uniformed doormen. They were waved through. Edeard followed them across the threshold.

The decor had changed slightly. Ivarl had bought some large coloured-glass globes over two feet in diameter, their swirling patterns of amber and aquamarine clashing in gentle curlicues. Ten of them stood on ornate wooden pedestals around the walls of the bar. Edeard gave them a mildly disapproving glance, and slipped further into the room.

A dog barked loudly.

Edeard froze. He hadn't realized the animal was there, its mind was similar to the ge-monkeys. It was a beagle, chained up to one of the big iron door hinges. Even as he reached for its mind to quieten it down, the doormen were slamming the doors shut. Huge metal bolts, three inches thick were rammed home, locking the doors tight.

He whispered: 'Oh crap, as people started shouting. Several clients were in a panic, scurrying round to find some route out. He had to flatten himself back against the wall as one militia officer ran past demanding to know what was going on. A group of the uniformed doormen had clustered together around the bottom of the stairs. They were brandishing revolvers.

'Gentlemen, your attention please, Ivarl shouted. 'Quiet!

Edeard looked up as the bar fell silent. Ivarl was standing on the gallery, both hands on the rail looking down, his irregular lips open in a brutish smile. Edeard almost let out a cry of dismay. Tannarl, was standing beside him, surveying the upturned faces with that superior leer of his. Edeard had met Ranalee's father only once before, at a fabulous ball the Gilmorn family had thrown in their mansion. As they'd shaken hands he'd seen where Ranalee got her hauteur from.

Lady, but I'm an idiot.

'I'd like to welcome my newest guest to this House, Ivarl announced loudly and smugly, he held up a pair of socks Edeard recognized — they'd been left behind in that lodge on the Iguru, that was what the beagle must have scented. 'And I extend the full use of the bar to you… Waterwalker.

The clients gasped in consternation, looking round to spot Edeard.

'Everyone else is now entitled to a free night with my girls. Please make your way up the stairs. Quickly gentlemen, thank you.

As the doubtful clients did as they were told, Tannarl produced a large pistol which he checked casually. Several of Ivarl's lieutenants had also appeared on the gallery, equally well armed. There was no way Edeard could get up the stairs unnoticed, the group of doormen at the bottom were pressed close together, and using their third hands to form a barrier. Every client was scrupulously checked over before they were allowed up.

When Edeard used his farsight to probe down, he couldn't find any tunnel directly underneath the House of Blue Petals. It would be easy enough for him to smash through one of the doors, but to do that he'd have to drop his concealment. And that was what this was all about, he realized. Ivarl must be desperate to know how Edeard gathered information. Right now he simply suspected.

Edeard looked at the pistols lining up around the gallery. Again, he could protect himself, but at the cost of concealment. He couldn't decide if he'd be safer standing under the gallery, or moving round when they started shooting.

The last of the clients scuttled up the stairs.

'I know you're here, Ivarl called down. Tannarl aimed his pistol down into the bar, and fired. The noise was thunderous. Edeard flinched as the bullet smacked into a high backed chair, blowing a big chunk of wood out of the back. He'd never seen a bullet that powerful before.

Ivarl laughed, and pointed his own pistol down. Edeard scuttled to the side of the bar and crouched down. The barrage of shots which followed sent splinters and clumps of cushioning feathers flying through the air. Some of the lieutenants had a grand time shooting abandoned glasses on the tables.

Ivarl held his hand up and the firing stopped. 'Ready to say hello, yet, my young friend?

Edeard looked across the floor. It was covered in debris now, and cushioning feathers were still fluttering through the air. He would never be able to walk across it without disturbing something. They'd see him instantly.

Ivarl began to reload his pistol, slotting unusually long bullets into the cylinder. 'They say you come from the country somewhere back west, he said casually. 'That probably means you're unfamiliar with parts of our city and how it works. Everyday stuff the rest of us take completely for granted. For instance, did you know that if there's a fire the walls simply repair themselves? In a month, you'd never even know anything happened.

Edeard eyed the back of the bar. He might be able to make it to the rear storeroom without making too much commotion.

One of the wooden pedestals began to tilt as a third hand pushed it. Then it fell over, sending the colourful globe crashing down. The glass smashed. Liquid splashed out. Edeard gave it an alarmed look, he hadn't known the globes contained anything. That was when he realized the liquid was actually Jamolar oil, used in lanterns everywhere on Querencia except Makkathran, where there was no need. The remainder of the globes were shoved over, smashing to flood oil out across the floor. He watched it spreading towards him with growing alarm. This was getting serious, he wasn't sure his shield could cope with fire and these bullets. The oil was getting very close to the nearest stove.

Ivarl finished loading his pistol, and snapped the chamber back. 'Come out come out wherever you are.

Edeard looked above the gang lord. The ceiling which vaulted across the whole bar was inset with broad lighting rosettes whose lips extended down to the walls in a scribble of slender volutes. Their pale-orange radiance was at its strongest. He ordered them off, and to remain off. The bar was plunged into darkness, with the flickering coal flames behind the stove grilles shedding tenuous fans of light. He leapt up and started sprinting for the door.

A pale silver light flared above and behind him, revealing his splashing footprints.

'Huh? Edeard twisted round to see both Ivarl and Tannarl encased in a glowing nimbus.

'You're not so special, Waterwalker, Ivarl jeered. 'You can't even walk on fire. He thrust his hand out. The glow brightened all along his arm, then tiny sparks were cascading from his fingertips, falling down from the gallery like a phosphorescent spray.

Edeard dropped his concealment. The oil ignited.

Flames soared up from the slick floor. A vicious blast of air knocked Edeard into the piano. The shield he'd flung round his body just managed to survive the impact, mitigating the blow. He didn't dare breathe as the flames surged round him, reaching far above his head.

Up on the gallery the girls were screaming as the fire licked up round the wooden railings. Thick smoke churned through the air.

'I see you! Ivarl shouted victoriously. He started shooting.

Edeard dived for the floor, ploughing up a thin wave of flaming oil which sizzled across his shield, barely an inch from his clothes and face. He was managing to ward off the worst of the heat, but his skin felt as if he was immersed in acid. His leather coat was smouldering. Still he didn't dare draw a breath. Bullets punched into the floor beside him, scattering razor-sharp splinters. Up on the gallery, the squealing girls were fleeing down corridors. Terrified clients shoved them aside in their own haste to reach safety. Ivarl and his lieutenants remained steadfast, their shields protecting them from the worst of the flames. They fired away manically with their pistols.

Bullets started to strike Edeard as his attackers drilled through the fire with their farsight. They were like hammer blows on his back, sending pulses of agony along his spine to explode in his brain. He couldn't sustain his shield much longer. He desperately needed air.

His thoughts pushed down hard into the floor, willing escape, pleading Help me! and the floor miraculously changed. He started to fall. There was nothing below him. A bullet hit the shield at the back of his head. He screamed, and blacked out.

Edeard woke to a uniform pain that throbbed horribly. Even before he was fully conscious, he threw up. After that, he simply lay where he was in the hope the pain would fade. His hands and cheeks were sore where the heat from the flames had penetrated his shield. He could feel bruises all over his back. Bright light made him blink sticky tears from his eyes.

Slowly he began to shuffle round and sit up, wincing at every move. It was very quiet. He managed to focus. What he saw made little sense.

He was lying on the floor of a great tunnel. Not as wide as those which mirrored Makkathran's canals, but perfectly circular. Nor was there any water trickling along the bottom. The walls were as smooth as glass, which is what they could well have been made from. He couldn't be sure, for they glowed with a painful intensity. A proper white light, too, not Makkathran's usual orange. In fact this whiteness had a shade of purple blended in, which was why his eyes wouldn't stop watering. Up the curve of I he wall, was a line of scarlet points which shone with equal intensity. They stretched out on either side of him as far as he could see. And that was the problem, he couldn't see any kind of end to the tunnel, not in either direction.

Edeard clambered to his feet, wincing as he gingerly probed his back with his fingertips. His coat was ruined, the leather was hard and cracked, with some strips flaking off as if a knife had been slashing at him. His boots were also in a bad way, the drosilk resin soles had blackened and turned soft. Where he'd lain on the tunnel it was smeared with patches of oil. He eased himself out of his coat, and patted the drosilk waistcoat underneath. The weave had several loose dints. It had probably saved his life he admitted. When he touched the back of his head he gasped at the pain from the lump.

'Thank you, he said out loud to the city, and slowly sank back down again. He knew he was going to have to rest up for a while. His farsight couldn't reach further than a few inches through the tunnel wall. By now he'd decided he was in one of the very deep tunnels which lay a long way underneath the usual canal tunnels he used. If so, then he was really alone in a way he'd never been before. Nobody had been down here since the city was built, and he still didn't know what kind of creatures those might have been. Whoever they were, they'd certainly built very well, though why they would want to build a lighted tunnel like this was beyond his comprehension. But then, that was true of the whole city.

He tried to relax, though it was difficult. Without the city's usual background babble of longtalk which he always ignored, the isolation was quite crushing. He was also angry at himself for what happened in the House of Blue Petals. Of course Ivarl would figure things out eventually. Concealment was not a secret in this city, not among the Masters, and quite a few others. And that ability Ivarl had, the glow that surrounded both him and Tannarl, the sparks, that was something Edeard had never heard of before. Now though, he wasn't entirely surprised, not since that final night he'd spent with Ranalee.

Like all the Grand Family daughters, Ranalee was a lovely-looking girl. She had raven hair which she (well, her maids, anyway) brushed straight every morning so that it would fall halfway down her back. Her face was also long, with narrow eyes, and a cute little nose. Again, all nice features, except in combination they gave the impression of coldness. That seemed to be another eternal feature of Makkathran's aristocracy, the richer or more powerful the family, the less laughter was to be found in their lives. However, she was fiendishly enjoyable in bed. And, truth be told, he was rather excited at the way she spent a couple of weeks manoeuvring Kristiana out of the picture. That single-minded possessiveness when focused on him alone made her even hotter.

He certainly didn't object when she announced they would be spending the weekend at a family-owned lodge out on the Iguru. Macsen and Boyd enviously wished him luck. He'd often wondered afterwards if they were being prophetic.

The lodge was a work of art, made from carved timbers and decorated with a tasteful excellence which only the Gilmorn money could provide. He enjoyed the very human architecture after the city's relentless non-human appearance. They took 'almost no one' with them, as Ranalee defined the five servants who were there to cater to her every whim. At night she dismissed the staff to their cottage. 'Outside their farsight range, she explained with relish, 'because we won't be able to keep a seclusion haze going. He was led into the main bedroom with its huge normal bed, one with a wooden frame and springs and a feather mattress; the first he'd slept on since Plax, he realized with a fond recollection of Franlee. Ranalee made him wait while she attired herself in some of the most expensive lingerie produced by the city's couturiers. Never before, Edeard thought, had so much money been so incredibly well spent. It must have been the wine and being graced with such a vision that left him so vigorously aroused. Ranalee exploited that state and her own sexuality quite ruthlessly. Sweet little Franlee would have been appalled by their behaviour.

'I like that you're so receptive, Ranalee told him as they lay side by side on the lavender-scented sheets. Ranalee, he'd discovered, wasn't the kind of girl who wanted to cuddle afterwards. Candelabras in each corner of the room produced a mild yellow light, enabling him to see the expression of distant satisfaction on her face as she stared up at the bed's embroidered canopy. 'On every level, she added.

'Yes, he said, not quite sure what she was saying.

'1 have a proposition for you. I'm sure Kristiana and others have made it, but I have the contacts and ability to make it work better than they ever could. And in addition, you wouldn't be entirely dependent on Gilmorn money, which for someone like you would be quite important, I imagine.

'Uh, what kind of proposition? Edeard was still reliving the last couple of hours. He'd never been so ferocious before, it was an abandon she had demanded and responded to in kind. The exhilaration had been overwhelming, making him desperate for it never to end.

She turned her head to give him a shrewd stare. 'I marry you, and arrange for rewarding contacts with all those desperate third and fourth daughters.

'Marry? he blurted. They'd known each other for a few weeks.

'Yes. I am a second daughter, you know.

'Er, yes. That's very flattering, Ranalee, but I'm not quite sure, er, what I want.

'Well it's about time you seriously started thinking about it. You have value now, you should capitalize on it.

Edeard wondered if he had misheard something. 'Capitalize?

'Well face it, for all you're popular and interesting, you'll never be Mayor.

'Why not? he asked indignantly.

Ranalee laughed. 'You're not one of us, are you? You don't belong to a Grand Family.

'The Mayor is elected by the city.

'Dear Lady, are you joking?

'I can make it to Chief Constable. As a Grand Council member I'd be eligible to put my name forward.

'With our family backing, you probably could get that far. But when did the Chief Constable ever make Mayor?

'I don't know, he admitted.

'Never.

'Oh.

'So don't be so silly. I'm talking about the future.

'All right. He was stung by the crack about him not being able to achieve much on merit. 'What's the proposition?

'I told you. I'll be your gatekeeper.

'I'm… sorry, I don't get any of this.

She rolled on to her side, and reached down between his legs. 'Exploit your potential. That's what the families truly value. These, to be precise. Long-nailed fingers closed around a very sensitive piece of anatomy.

'Potential?

'Lady, you're ignorant. I just didn't realize how much. How do you think families like mine achieved our position?

'Some of it was luck, being in the right place at the right time in history, some of it was down to hard work, your family especially. Your ancestors took huge risks exploring new markets with their ships.

'Crap. It's breeding.

'Right.

'You doubt me? The one thing the families cherish more than anything is a strong psychic ability. That's what we use to maintain our position; farsight that can see what our rivals are up to inside a seclusion haze, a third hand strong enough to protect ourselves, and a few other useful little talents, too. We prize that trait above all others in a mate. That's what every family bloodline nurtures. And now you've walked out of the wilds and into the city, a simple country boy with more strength than a dozen family sons put together. We want you, Water-walker. We want what these contain. Her fingers closed tighter, nail tips sharp on his scrotum.

Edeard kept very still. His tongue licked round his lips as she held him on the threshold of pain. 'Okay, I get it now.

'Good boy. So I marry you. She smiled and stretched provocatively. Her voice purred, echoing round inside his skull. 'You get this magnificent body whenever you want and in whatever fashion you desire. And you've already discovered how fantastic that will be for you. I'm everything a man dreams of. Aren't I? The way she spoke it was a taunt, a challenge.

'Yes. He couldn't lie to her. That same husky voice had goaded him throughout the night. It spoke directly to some animal deep inside, awaking the most shameful desires. Yet she was the one suggesting them, rejoicing at how bad their bodies could behave. The notion of every night for the rest of his life spent like this one was igniting a fever inside him. He would fight every bandit on Querencia to make it happen.

'I will yield to you, she promised meekly. 'You will father a host of lovely little girls in me. They will run round the mansion and live a life of luxury and make you so unbelievably happy while you clear the scum out of the city and ascend to the Chief Constable's office. That's by day, she vowed tantalizingly.

'And by night?

Ranalee's smile mellowed, she eased her grip a fraction. Her lips were now so close they brushed his ear. 'I will bring a multitude of the city's minor daughters to our bed. Now her hand crept up to hold his stone-hard member. Edeard smiled in utter bliss as she directed his imagination to the satisfaction his masculinity could achieve for him. 'Each of them yearning for you to sire a daughter. They will pay to receive your fulfilment again and again.

'Yes, he groaned ecstatically.

'Beautiful girls. Young girls. Girls like Kristiana married off to equal nonentities out in the merchant classes or the militia — our country cousins. They'll have the daughters who'll go on to marry the next generation of first sons. Every family will be in a fervour for them. She sucked in her cheeks thoughtfully, suddenly playful. 'Maybe I'll be able to negotiate a percentage of the dowry as part of your stud fee.

Edeard was suddenly bedevilled by an image of Mistress Florrel, which he must have allowed to slip out.

Ranalee laughed delightedly. 'Her! Yes, that's why she was so sought after, she is an amazingly strong psychic; I'm four generations down from her myself. And don't forget Rah, either.

'Rah!

'Why do you think every Grand Family claims to be descended from him? We actually are. A third hand strong enough to cut through the city's crystal wall, who wouldn't want that?

'I never knew any of this, he said softly. It all made such perfect sense now she'd laid it out.

'Within three generations your descendants will rule Makkathran. That's less than a hundred years, Waterwalker. And then you will be king in all but name. Think what you can achieve with such power.

'I will break them, he said, eager now she had opened his eyes to so many opportunities. 'I will destroy the gangs. The city will regain all it has lost since Rah's time. The Skylords will come again to carry us off to Odin's Sea.

'I will go there with you.

'Yes, together!

'As it is this night, it will always be for you. I pledge myself to that cause. Your pleasure will never end. She rose above him, face gleaming triumphant in the tranquil candle light. 'Now you will celebrate our union, she told him, her whisper filling the room in a crescendo.

Edeard's mind lost all focus as his flesh obeyed her demands. He was lost between ecstasy and delirium.

'You will give me our first daughter this night, Ranalee decreed.

Edeard laughed ecstatically. 'Let's just hope it is a daughter. Tears of joy were running from his eyes.

'It will be. They all will be. Every girl knows how.

'How?

'How to take care of an inconvenience like that. They must be girls.

'But the boys…

'There can be no boys. They have no value. The families practise primogeniture, apart for the odd embarrassment like the Culverits. So your daughters can marry directly into a family's main lineage.

'What? His thoughts were swirling as panic contaminated his physical delight. 'What?

'The embryos are not people, she crooned. 'Not at the stage where their gender becomes apparent. There isn't even any discomfort for me. Don't think of this any more.

'What? No!

'Relax, my beautiful strong Waterwalker. Do what you do best.

'No, Edeard shouted. He felt smothered, fighting for breath against a torrent of horror. 'No no no. He pushed. Pushed hard. Pushed with his third hand. Pushed himself away from such evil.

Ranalee wailed in shock as she flew through the air. Edeard was panting hard, trying to shake the miasma from his thoughts. He felt as if he was shaking off a nightmare. His heart was yammering in his chest. He searched round frantically to see Ranalee sprawled across the rug at the foot of the bed. She looked dangerous, her hair wild, a snarl on her lips as she stood up and faced him.

'What happened? he gasped, still fearful. He could barely resist the urge to continue, to bend her over the bed and take her — and from that to rule Makkathran through his offspring.

'I set you free, she growled.

Her voice seemed to clang around the inside of his head. He groaned at the intensity, jamming his hands over his ears.

'I showed you your real desires. Follow them. Liberate yourself.

'Stop it, he begged. He was curling up, struggling against his own treachery, the yearning to follow her path into the future.

'Inhibitions aren't for people like us. You have strength in your blood, as do I. Think what we can achieve together. Believe in us— That last she caterwauled at him.

The force behind the command almost sent Edeard tumbling from the mattress. Her mind was bright and hot. It finally made him realize it wasn't her voice he was battling. Somehow she was speaking directly into his mind. Insidiously potent longtalk had corrupted his own thoughts, forcing him to bend to her will as if he were no more than a genistar being ordered to clear up manure. He clenched his teeth, and concentrated, willing his third hand to contract around him, becoming hard enough to deflect longtalk. Pleading to the Lady to make him strong enough.

'Listen to me! Ranalee demanded.

Edeard could see her lips still moving, as her voice faded away. Every trick he'd learned in the city about shielding his emotions was woven together and reinforced by his telekinesis. He crouched on the mattress, hearing nothing, sensing nothing. Isolated.

Ranalee glared at him. Once his nerves had steadied, he glared back. His hands were trembling from shock and fear.

'You, he gulped down a breath. 'You tried… You wanted me to… Oh sweet Lady. The thought of what he'd only just managed to elude sent another shiver along his spine.

Ranalee regarded him contemptuously. She said something.

Edeard cautiously allowed her voice through the shield his third hand had created. But not her longtalk. Lady no! That he kept perfectly blocked. 'What?

'You stupid pitiful country peasant.

'Bitch, he spat back.

Her contempt matured into utter scorn. 'You think that isn't you? You believe you are noble and kind? Do you know how the dominance works? It plucks at the true strings of the heart. And I am a master of those passionate tunes; I play men for the simpletons they are. I recognize what lurks within, Waterwalker. You are all ruled by your ego and your lust, the real traits flowing in the blood. Everything I offered is a seed inside you. I simply give you the chance to let your true nature grow.

'I am not like that.

'How many family girls have you already bedded? You gave in to yourself on that quickly enough, didn't you? How many months have you and your pitiful squadmates spent in a lowlife tavern plotting and scheming to overthrow the gangs and make you Chief Constable? That is exactly what I offer you. Not in the way your childish daydreams imagine, I can give you all that for real, Grow up, Waterwalker. Your supposed virtue cannot bring you to power by itself, for that power is ultimately what you crave. The power to shape the city in your vision. That's right, is it not?

'Yes, he murmured. 'An honest city. One where people are not bred for advantage and profit.

'Sometimes you have to do what's wrong in order to do what's right.

He stared at her, stunned.

'Oh. A phrase even you've heard, then? Do you know who said it? Rah himself, as he forced his way through Makkathran's walls. He knew that only inside would his people have sanctuary from the chaos spilling out from the ships which brought us here. So he gave us the city. He took the city, and by doing so gave us order and stability that has stood for two thousand years.

'No, Edeard shook his head. 'I'm not… children shouldn't be born for that. They should be loved for themselves.

'They would be. And ours would be destined for greatness, too.

'It's not right'

'Really? And what if you only marry one girl, a nice sweet little thing who loves you dearly the way it is out in your backward villages? What do you think awaits those children of the Waterwalker? Me. That's what. Me, and all the others like me. The fewer children you have, the more valuable they become. The boys will be seduced by family daughters, the girls will be taken as trophy wives by our first sons. It will make most excellent sport. We will have the strength of your blood, one way or the other.

'Not like that you won't.

She tossed her head, regarding him with true aristocratic derision. 'You can achieve so much, Waterwalker. If Makkathran is to be remade as you would wish it, then it must change almost beyond recognition. I have no quarrel with that, for I would be atop that change. But radical change must come from within. You know how that has to happen now, your blood must spread wide, carrying with it your will.

'I can change things from where I am.

'No, she said harshly. 'Change imposed by an outsider is an external threat, the one thing that would pull all of Makkathran together. The families, the common man, even the gangs; they would unite to defeat you.

'Those groups, they want me to win, to get rid of the gangs and the corruption that allows them to thrive.

'They want you to get rid of the gangs, that's all. You can't do that, not without help from the established order, they're woven too tightly into our streets and canals for you to root out. The Councils and the Guilds won't help you unless you're committed wholeheartedly to supporting them. You don't have a choice. Your subconscious knows that. I saw your every feeble thought tonight.

'So you're the easy way?

Ranalee ran her gaze lecherously along his naked body. 'Lust for power wasn't the only craving you exposed. All men are the same in the end. I enjoyed that part as much as you did.

'I refuse to play this game with you.

'Idiot, she sighed in disgust, and held out an arm. Her third hand fished a long robe from the closet, which glided through the air to her. 'But then our children were never going to inherit their intelligence from you, were they?

Edeard clambered off the bed, feeling intolerably weary. He was also disgusted with himself, because he knew that part of the night had been true. Her insidious power had unleashed what lay within him.

'It might already be too late for you, she taunted.

He recovered his underwear. 'What do you mean?

She patted her stomach. 'I'm at the right time in my cycle, and you certainly delivered adequately. I'll be such a good mother. I'll even keep it if it's a boy. He can start breeding in a little over a decade. A rival to you. She smiled to deliver maximum hurt.

Edeard's heart fluttered. There was a phial of vinak juice in his luggage. He'd been so desperate to get her into the bedroom he'd never taken it. She hadn't given him time. All deliberate, he knew now.

Fool! She's right, you really are nothing but a backward peasant!

Ranalee caught his distress and laughed.

Edeard's third hand gripped her and shoved her up into the canopy above the bed. Her eyes bulged with shock as she found she couldn't breathe. Below her; Edeard pulled on his shirt, taking his time, not looking up. 'I lack your skill in killing unborns, he said calmly. 'So I'd have to eliminate you to make sure he was never born into the life you envisage for him, or her. He eased off a fraction, and Ranalee sucked down precious air. 'You're too weak, she hissed furiously.

'Sometimes you have to do what's wrong in order to do what's right. He let go of her.

Ranalee crashed down on to the big bed, bouncing hard on the mattress. She scrambled round, and found Edeard leaning over her. She shrank back in trepidation from the expression on his face and the timbre of his thoughts.

'You should never talk so casually about death and killing, he told her. 'Not to those of us who have killed, and will kill again.

'You'll die alone with your dreams broken, she cried defiantly.

'If you are pregnant you will inform me, and I will bring the child up myself. He pulled his boots on, and went out into tin-night, leaving his luggage (including socks) behind.

It had been a long miserable walk back to Makkathran. With only himself for company he was forced to face aspects of his psyche that he didn't much admire. Again and again he considered Ranalee's proposal. He suspected she might be right about how impossible it would be to rip the gangs out of Makkathran. Dear Lady, was this the proposal Finitan spoke of? li can't be. It can't.

How he longed for Akeem's wisdom. Just one last question for his old Master. When he pictured Akeem's kindly ancient face, his old Master was shaking his head in that amused dismay of his which had greeted so many apprentice follies, as if to say: you already know the answer.

When dawn did eventually break and Edeard begged a lift off a farmer driving his cart to market, he was resolved. He would take on Ivarl and the gangs on his own terms. That way he gave himself a victory over the darker nature resting in his soul.

Now, looking along the brightly lit tunnel that seemed to go on for ever beneath the city, Edeard knew he had another long, lonely trek home.

'I really am going to have to get help to deal with these bastards, he decided wearily. Neither the tunnel nor the city answered him. He shrugged and got to his feet again. It wasn't quite so painful as last time. He looked one way, then the other. There was absolutely no difference between them. Both ways saw the tunnel extend out to vanishing point. And the silence was starting to get to him. It was as profound as the time he'd used his third hand to defend himself against Ranalee's voice.

Talents, she'd said, useful little talents. Plural. Edeard had never heard of anything like the liquid light which Ivarl and Tannarl could manifest. And to think; when he'd hauled Arminel back to justice across the surface of Birmingham Pool he'd considered himself invincible. It made him wonder how many other nasty little surprises the aristocratic families kept among themselves.

He probed round with his farsight, trying to find exactly where he was. The tunnel was very deep. He examined the structure above him, searching for a clue of his fall, the direction he'd come from. Makkathran had altered itself again to let him though, but he couldn't detect any difference in the solid bulk overhead. When he focused, he thought he glimpsed something. His farsight swept back, and there he was. It was like an image of himself embedded in the city's substance. Falling, with his arms waving madly, his coat trailing smoke. As he studied the image, it moved slowly. If he focused on the substance above, it sinned to rise back, following, his own point of concentration.

When he changed direction, so did the image. Memory, he realized in delight. The city remembers me.

Edeard tracked the image of himself to the place where it dropped out of the tunnel roof. It was kind of funny to see himself landing splat on the floor, but it still didn't tell him which way to walk, just where the House of Blue Petals stood above. He reached out for the city's peaceful thoughts, and projected an image of Transal Street in Jeavons where he always used a disused cellar to go down into the canal tunnels. Do you have a memory of how to get there? he queried.

There were no images, which he'd only half expected anyway. Then he began to scrabble round for his footing because the tunnel was somehow tilting. The floor shifted down alarmingly fast, and Edeard slipped on to his back. He started sliding along the smooth surface, picking up speed as the angle kept increasing. It was already way past forty-five degrees, and building. The infinite line of red lights was flashing past. He instinctively knew what was going to happen next, even though it was utterly impossible. How can a tunnel possibly tilt?

There was never any answer. The only sound in the tunnel was Edeard's scream as he began to fall down the now vertical shaft.

When he stopped to draw breath he didn't bother screaming again, after all this was how he dropped down into the canal tunnels. It was just that he never had such an impression of speed before. Maybe if he shut his eyes…

He opened them hurriedly. That was too much, he had to match up what he was seeing with what his body felt. The red lights were now a solid smear he was going so fast. This was the freedom of the ge-eagles! A side tunnel flashed past, and In-gasped in shock. Before he could wonder where it led, another had come and gone. He managed a tentative laugh. No one had ever travelled like this. It was stupendous! This night crowned him king of the city, and Honious take Ranalee, Ivarl and all their kind. For they were the real ignorant ones.

There was only one truly frightening moment, when his body was twisted by whatever guided him and kept him clear of the tunnel walls, and he abruptly flipped out of the main tunnel into one of the junctions. He drew a sharp breath, but his worry soon faded. If the city wanted him dead he would have joined Akeem in Odin's Sea long time ago.

Eventually, his wayward flight ended as the tunnel shifted back to horizontal. Edeard wound up sliding for a long way on his arse until the tunnel floor was completely horizontal again. He looked up, and sent his farsight flowing through the bulk above. The top of the tunnel changed in that eerie and now thoroughly familiar way, and he fell up. Darkness engulfed him, and a minute later he popped up into the chill air and weak orange light of the Marble Canal tunnel.

The sight of it was immediately disheartening. Knowing he was going back up to the city streets brought his defeat into sharp focus. He couldn't tell anyone, couldn't turn to anyone. Worse, he didn't really know what to do next.

Maybe I should just leave. Ride away to Ufford, and Salrana and I will live happily out in the country where we belong.

It was so tempting. But if he didn't take a stand against the gangs, and the likes of Ranalee and her family, nothing would ever change. And ultimately the city's decay would bring the countryside down with it. The problem would belong to his children, and by then it would be even greater.

Edeard sighed, and started his trek home.

He spent the next day in his maisonette, longtalking Dinlay at the station, claiming he had a cold. Lian's trial was in its eighth day, but he'd already appeared in the witness stand. The prosecution didn't need him again. Dinlay wished him well.

One of his ge-monkeys was dispatched to the nearest doctor's house to fetch a soothing ointment, which he dabbed on his scorched skin. Then he apologized to Jessile and asked her not to come round for the evening, claiming he didn't want to pass on his cold. She commiserated, and got her family's cook to send round a hamper loaded with chicken soup and other treats.

What he wanted was to spend a couple of days resting up, thinking about his next move; certainly he needed to talk to Grand Master Finitan. Then at lunchtime on the second day Kanseen longtalked him.

The Cobara district had always delighted Edeard. It didn't have streets like the rest of the city. Instead, over a hundred great pillar towers rose out of the ground, all a uniform four storeys high, wide enough for each level to provide enough room for a family to live in. But it was above the towers where the architecture excelled. Each tower was the support column for a broad bridge spanning the gap to the next tower. Most towers provided the base for at least three such bridges, and many had more than that, webbing the district with an array of suspended polygon structures. That was where the district's true accommodation began, extending up to six storeys high from the low curve of each bridge platform. They formed triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons and, right in the centre of the district, the bridges made up the famous Rafael's Fountain dodecagon which housed the Artist, Botany, and Cartography Guilds. The fountain itself roared up from a big pool in the middle of the dodecagon, its foaming white tip rising higher than the arching crystal roofs.

Edeard walked past the fierce jet of water, his third hand sweeping away the stingingly cold spray that splattered round the edges of the pool. He was well wrapped up in his fur-lined cloak, with a black ear-flap hat pulled down over his hair, and a maroon scarf covering his mouth. Nobody recognized him through his seclusion haze, though he was very conscious of the ge-eagle slipping through the dull grey sky that was keeping pace with him.

After the fountain he took a left, heading towards the Millagal tower, with its red and blue striped walls, covered by a leafless network of gurkvine branches. Teams of ge-monkeys were out in force, clearing the last of the slush on the plaza which extended across the whole district beneath the thick shadows of the elevated buildings. Winter gave Cobara a strangely subterranean aspect, with only sallow slivers of sunlight reaching down through the elaborate structures above. In summer, the plaza was full of people and small markets and street artists and kids playing games. Today, they were all huddled next to their stoves in the rooms overhead, complaining about springs late appearance.

Edeard was glad there were few people about, his mood was still down. He arrived at the base of the Yolon tower, and went through the wide archway. A massive set of stairs spiralled up the central lightwell. He grunted at the sight of them, each curving ledge spaced just wrong for human legs. One day, he reflected as he made his calf-aching way upwards, he would just throw caution away and reshape every Lady-damned staircase in the city.

Three bridge cloisters radiated out from the top of the stairs. He took the Kimvula one, and was immediately heartened by the bustling atmosphere so high above the ground. The cloister was narrow in relation to the height of the walls on either side, five storeys of ogee arches and oriel windows. Nevertheless, it was wide enough for stalls to be set up along both sides. He unwrapped his scarf as he walked past them, it was warm inside the cloister, the winter sunlight shaded with a faint pink tinge by the crystal roof. People flocked round the various stalls, haggling with the owners. The air was scented with spices, and very dry. Someone, somewhere, was roasting honeyplumbs.

A third of the way down the cloister he turned into a narrow side corridor which led to yet another spiral stair. Sighing, he trudged up a further three storeys. The hallway on this floor was illuminated by the city's orange light radiating from the circles positioned above each doorway. He found the red door, with its ivy hinges painted purple, and knocked politely even though he could sense the minds behind the wall.

Dybal opened it. The old musician wasn't his usual self, he still wore a vibrantly coloured shirt, and his hair was immaculately braided, but the forceful good humour was subdued. 'Thank you for coming, he said. His eyes narrowed as he took in Edeard's blotchy pink face. 'Are you all right? You look like you've been burnt.

"I'm okay. I had an accident, that's all.

'Strange, that'll be the second accident I've heard of this week; there was a fire in the House of Blue Petals two nights ago. You shouldn't hang around that place, Edeard, it's been the ruin of many a poor boy.

'I'll remember, thanks.

Edeard was led into the parlour, which had a bulbous bay window looking out across the pentagonal space outside. Far below them, big nutpear trees grew in a series of troughs which curved out of the plaza floor. Their denuded branches shone bright white amid the shadows of the bridge buildings.

The rest of his squad were already there. Boyd and Dinlay standing close to a coal-burning iron stove, looking concerned and radiating worry. Kanseen was busying herself with a samovar of tea, her thoughts tightly shielded as always. Macsen knelt on the floor next to a chair where Bijulee was sitting, his arm on his mother's legs. She'd obviously been crying. Now she was dabbing at her face with a handkerchief, wearing a brave smile.

Edeard looked at the bruise that was darkening round her eye, and winced. His dismay suddenly turned to anger. 'Did you know them? he blurted.

She directed a fond smile at Edeard. Even with the bruise, she was still beautiful. 'No. I told them not to call you. I don't want you worried by this.

'Mother, Macsen said. 'It's our fault this happened.

'No, she insisted.

'What did they do? Edeard asked, almost afraid to know. He could see Macsen's hands clenching into fists.

'Nothing, Bijulee said. She smiled up at Kanseen who brought her a cup of steaming tea over. 'Thank you. They were just some thugs.

'Four, Macsen growled. 'Four thugs. He gave Edeard a significant look.

'They told me that actions have consequences, Bijulee said.

'And that Macsen should watch out. One hand caressed her son's head. 'They said you should find a different job. Then She indicated her eye. 'I never saw it coming. Me! I used to think I was city-smart. Lady, how stupid of me.

'Bastards! Macsen exclaimed.

'Cowards, Dinlay said.

'We've always known that, Kanseen said.

'Do you remember what they looked like? Edeard asked. 'Can you gift us?

'I'm afraid I can't, Bijulee said. 'It's all a bit of a blur. Maybe tomorrow when I've calmed down.

'Of course. I'm so sorry this happened. I don't know what Ivarl thinks he can achieve. The trial is only going to last another couple of days. Lian and the others are going to get decades in Trampello. What does he think he's going to get me to do by this?

'It's not your fault.

Macsen's jaw muscles clamped down. He continued to gaze up at his mother full of concern and adoration.

'Did anyone see anything? Edeard asked Dybal.

'No. It was the middle of the morning in the Bellis market. Hundreds of people were there, and nobody can remember anything. They do what they always do, and rush to help afterwards.

'I'm sorry, Edeard said again. He felt so useless. 'I'll do everything I can to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Dybal gave him a sad smile. 'I know you will. You're a good lad, Edeard, I appreciate that. I appreciate what you're trying to achieve, too. People need hope, especially now. Shame there's only one of you. This is a big city.

The squad got ready to leave. Edeard found Macsen's blatant hostility quite disconcerting; his friend was normally the most level headed of them all. 'Can I talk to you for a moment? Edeard asked Dybal.

The musician ushered him into a small room which held over a dozen guitars as well as a drum set. A desk overflowed with sheet music. Normally Edeard would have been fascinated by the instruments, today he took a shaky breath. 'I know this isn't a terribly appropriate time.

Dybal took off his blue glasses and polished them with his sleeve. 'I'll help you any way I can, lad. You know that. You're important. Not just because you're Macsen's friend.

'Thank you. Er…

'You'll find there's very little shocks me, if that's any help.

'Okay. I just wondered if you knew anything about longtalk dominance?

Dybal raised an eyebrow. 'The old lust slave serenade? You don't want to be messing with that kind of mischief, Edeard, no matter how pretty she is. Trust me, there can be repercussions. Anyway, from what I've heard, every mother and daughter in tin-city is forming a disorderly queue to drag you off to bed.

'I don't want to use it. I want to stop it being used against me.

'Ah. I see. Some of those family daughters not taking no I'm an answer, eh?

'I wish it was that pleasant.

Dybal studied his face closely. 'I'm sorry to hear that. First off, keep your mind tightly shielded. Which is a shame. You always seem a little more open than those of us born in the city, it helps make you so endearing.

'Right'

'This technique works through your own weakness. Parts of us should always stay buried, Edeard. Common decency is normally enough to keep those kind of thoughts suppressed, but once they've been kindled it's hard to put them aside again.

'I know, he said miserably.

Dybal's hand gripped his shoulder. 'Don't worry. Listen, there is no shame in possessing these thoughts, we all have them, some little vixen managed to sneak through your defences;n fired them up one night then that's a lesson learned, and a valuable one at that. The fact that it disturbed you this much a pretty clear sign that it's not part of your natural personality which is encouraging to me if not you. And I have faith enough in you to think you're strong enough to survive a crisis of conscience. But just in case: here's a recognition gift, it should help warn you if anyone tries that little trick again.

Edeard examined the burst of thoughts Dybal shot at him, memorizing the technique. 'Thank you.

'Now get yourself back on those streets, and generally kick the shit out of Ivarl and his cronies.

Nobody in the squad said much as they all walked back across four districts to the constable station in Jeavons. Edeard just knew there was going to be a big argument when they got there. Macsen was going to pick a fight no matter what. Bijulee had been too much. Which meant Edeard was going to have to do something, and he was now starting to feel bad about not trusting them with the real enormity of everything he'd discovered. If the next couple of hours went wrong, then everything they'd achieved would all be over.

There were a couple of other constables in the small hall, who took a fast scan of the suppressed emotions seething through the squad, and hurriedly made their exit. The thick wooden doors slammed shut. Edeard raised his eyebrow at that. Someone's third hand was adrenaline powered today.

He unbuttoned his cloak's neck clasp and sat at his customary bench at the top end of the hall.

'My mother! Macsen said brutally.

'Yeah.

'Yeah? That's all you can say? Yeah?

'Did you really think Ivarl wouldn't try to apply some pressure?

'Pressure! Lady-be-damned, that was my mother they used as a punchbag. My mother!

'It's his way of trying to get to me, Edeard said quietly, his hand went to his cheek of its own accord, stoking the tender flesh. 'You're the only friends I've got, my one vulnerability. He's bound to use that as hard as he can.

'Yes, Kanseen said so wistfully that Edeard shot her a curious glance. She shrugged. 'My sister was hassled last week. She was carrying Dium at the time.

'Why didn't you tell me? Edeard exclaimed bitterly.

'Trust, probably, Macsen said viciously.

'Oh… Edeard flung his hands up in dismay. 'In the Lady's name!

'We thought we were in this together, Edeard. We were with you at Birmingham Pool remember? Does that mean nothing too you?

'It means everything Edeard shouted. Finally he was too distraught to keep himself in check.

They all swayed back as his doubts and confusions blazed out. He made an effort, gritting his teeth and placing his hands palm-down on the old wood of the table. 'Sorry, he told their shocked expressions.

'Edeard, in the Lady's name, what's wrong? Boyd pleaded. 'What happened to you, to your face? And why won't you talk to us any more?

'He didn't trust us with the Myco warehouse, Macsen said harshly. 'Why should he trust us with anything else.

'You're such an arse, Kanseen snapped at Macsen.

'I do trust you, Edeard said, even to him it sounded like a bored recital. 'I got burned when I was sneaking around the House of Blue Petals. That's all. It's not as bad as it looks.

'You went there by yourself? Kanseen asked disapprovingly.

'Yeah. It's how I've been keeping track of Ivarl.

'That's dangerous, Boyd said. 'Edeard, you can't do that on your own.

Macsen let out a scornful grunt. 'He's the Waterwalker, he can do anything. He doesn't need us holding him back, do you?

Edeard sighed, this was worse than he'd steeled himself for. 'The warehouse raid was the most public thing we'd ever attempted. Ivarl had laid a trap, he was going to make us — me! — a laughing stock. The whole thing was set up to destroy my credibility. I just used some misdirection. There were over a hundred constables involved, and we didn't know half of them. If everyone had known, it would never have worked.

'We're not everyone, Macsen barked. 'We're your friends, your squad. Or so I thought.

'Hey, ease up, Dinlay said. 'It was good procedure.

'Yeah, well I expected you to take his side.

'What's that supposed to mean?

'Come on, Edeard said. 'We can't do this. Ivarl will be laughing at us.

'So his opinion is valuable to you, is it? Macsen said. 'Whereas mine — no contest.

'That's not—

'Don't get upset, Kanseen interjected. 'He's just angry.

'No shit? Macsen spat at her. 'Why do you think that is? I am a part of this fucking squad, this so-called team. I had faith in you, Edeard. Faith. Me, of all people, me! And how do you treat that? You just bloody use us to boost your own stature. The Waterwalker saves the day again. Well crap on that.

'I didn't use anyone. We were all on that raid together. I made you a vital part of it. Did you know there was going to be a robbery? Did you know where they were going to stash the platinum? Did you know there was going to be a switch?

'So what are you saying? I'm not worthy enough because I can't spy as well as you? Are any of us, because that's what this is about. Even Dinlay's pissed at the way you exclude us.

'I am not, Dinlay said, so quickly Edeard didn't even look at his friend's face.

'If all you want is a bunch of constables who'll run around and do your bidding, then fine, Macsen said. 'There are dozens of them in this station alone. But if you want to work with me, then you are coming down off your tower and start trusting us again.

'Screw you! Edeard said. 'You have no idea what we're up against. Not the faintest clue. I'm protecting you.

'I don't need your protection. And I know more about the gangs than you ever will, count iv boy. I grew up in Makkathran.

'I grew up in Makkathran, Kanseen said. 'Dinlay did, Boyd did. You had a nice cushy life on the Iguru.

'I did what? Macsen pushed his face out towards Kanseen.

'Stop it, now, Edeard said. 'I didn't include you in certain things because I was frightened.

They stopped arguing, and shot each other puzzled looks. Edeard rested his elbows on the table and put his head in his hands. He was worried there were tears leaking from his eyes he was so worked up. 'You're all I've got. I don't want us broken up. Not just because I depend on you. We have something here, and it's more than just kicking the crap out of Ivarl. We had hopes. I couldn't stand it if those were broken. I'd be left with nothing once more. I'd rather be dead.

Kanseen came and sat on the bench next to him as the others started to radiate concern. 'What is it? she asked, putting her arms round his shoulder. 'What's the matter, Edeard? We all trusted each other at the start. Nothing's changed, not really. Tell us.

Edeard lifted his head, and started straight at Macsen, letting his friend see all his anguish. 'Do you want to do this?

'Yes, Macsen said, now looking really worried.

'Really?

'Yes!

'Everyone?

Boyd and Dinlay nodded.

Kanseen squeezed his shoulder. 'Of course.

'All right, then. But I want you to swear on the Lady that you won't shoot the messenger.

'Hey, we're grown ups, Macsen said.

'No we're not, Edeard said. 'Not really.

'You're getting very depressing, Boyd said with a nervous smile. 'Just what do you want to tell us?

'What we're up against. The scale of the gangs. I want to make you understand.

'We do know, Edeard, Dinlay said sympathetically. 'They even tried to intimidate my sister Carna last Wednesday. Lady, they won't do that again in a hurry.

'Carna? Macsen said. 'She's the, er…

'My big sister, Dinlay said with a contented smile. 'Very big.

Edeard cocked his head at Boyd.

'Yeah, Boyd nodded dismally. 'Isoix had some more trouble.

'So? Macsen insisted. 'What's your big secret?

'I'll show you, Edeard said slowly. 'Sometime in the next few days. I'm not sure when, but be ready. When I call for you go to the Flight Canal end of Golard Street.

'You mean near the Black Horse? Macsen asked.

'Yeah, but don't go in there for the Lady's sake. And make very sure you're not followed.

'Easy.

'Actually it isn't. Ivarl uses ge-eagles to shadow all of us, but I'll take care of them. It'll be night, so that'll help you.

'He does what? Kanseen asked; just for a moment her mind betrayed real alarm.

'He watches us, Edeard said quietly. 'He has for the last month. I've been messing with the ge-eagles he uses, but I can't manage to protect you the whole time.

'Shit.

Edeard climbed to his feet. He gave Macsen a sorrowful look. 'I am sorry about Bijulee.

'I know. Macsen stuck his hand out.

Edeard shook reluctantly, still dreading what was to come. 'Remember, the messenger is just that.

'Got you.

Edeard went back to the court the next day to watch the prosecution and defence councils deliver their closing statements. He was interested that Ivarl couldn't be bothered to turn up to hear Lian be found guilty, nor was he there the following day when a twenty-five year sentence was handed out. After the judges loft the chamber, the constables from Jeavons station crowded round Edeard to congratulate him. Then they had to make way for Grand Master Sparbil of the Chemistry Guild who had been in the court for every day of the trial.

'Thank you, young man, Sparbil said, giving Edeard's healing face a close look. 'The loss of that material would have meant a considerable financial weakness for my Guild. I am in your debt.

'I was doing my job, sir, Edeard replied.

'I'm sure you were. But I remain grateful. If we can ever assist you, please just ask.

'I will. Thank you, sir.

'Finitan was right about you, I think you are of benefit to the city. A shame District Master Bise doesn't share that opinion, but don't worry, he is outnumbered in Council.

'Bise? Edeard knew the name, Bise was Sampalok's District Master. He'd never seen Bise turn up at the House of Blue Petals in person, but he knew the Master had extensive financial connections with Ivarl's organization.

'High politics, I'm afraid, Sparbil said with a grin. 'Not that there is anything high about it, of course. Our little voting bloc in the Council is full square behind you. Unfortunately, our opponents take the opposite view. But that's the way it is in Council. If they had come down on your side, I'd probably be against you by now. Same with the weather; if they vote for sun, I'll vote for rain.

'Uh, I see.

'Take my advice, don't put yourself forward as a candidate for Chief Constable for at least another two hundred years. That way you can remain out in the city where you'll still be in a position to accomplish something.

'Yes, sir. Edeard gave the Grand Master a formal bow, frowning at the man's back. The Grand Council is taking sides over me?

'A drink tonight? Chae asked. 'This victory is probably more significant for you than Arminel's was. It shows the gangs you're not going away. That needs to be celebrated properly.

'No thank you, I have a date.

'Ah, good for you, lad. Enjoy it while you can, while you're young. They turn sour when they get older.

'Who?

'Women. All of them.

'Is everyone in this city a cynic? Edeard asked that evening.

Jessile pulled a beer bottle out of the wicker hamper she'd brought. 'Who's cynical?

'Everybody, so it seems. Or maybe I'm just paranoid.

She smiled sweetly. 'You probably are.

'Thanks. Edeard took the bottle and flopped down on to the maisonette's heavy old couch. He felt exhausted, even though all he'd done was sit around in court all day. Victory should have perked him up, yet all it seemed to have done was raise another bout of questions and doubt. How he longed for things to be as they were before Birmingham Pool. Life had been so much simpler then.

'Put your feet on the stool, I'll pull your boots off.

He leant back and did as he was told. It was nice having Jessile around. After that final night with Ranalee he'd almost sworn off family girls for life. Except he remembered how genuinely nice Jessile was, almost the opposite of Ranalee. She was undemanding. Enthusiastic in bed. And discreet. At least she was now. Which was a good thing, he reflected. He was desperate to recover some of his public dignity after those months of excess following Birmingham Pool.

Her fiance hadn't been in the city for three days before he was sent back out again, much to her dismay. They hadn't even managed to set a day for the wedding. So in the meantime, she was happy to carry on seeing him — just not so visibly.

Two lonely people basically, he thought. There were few mornings when he didn't look out of the window, searching the brighter skies which would signal Salrana's return.

He glanced guiltily at the letter propped up in one of the maisonette's alcoves. It had arrived yesterday. Salrana had written it three weeks earlier. That was how long a letter took to reach

Makkathran from Tralsher province. In it she explained how she might have to stay on for a few more weeks. The Mothers were desperate for help, she said, and she couldn't let them down. There were so many people who looked to the Church for help in Ufford.

'Lian got twenty-five years, Edeard said as they sat down to supper. His ge-monkeys had been busy preparing the food the chefs in her mansion had packed in the hamper. 'The others got between three and eleven years.

'That's good, she said.

'Really? Have you noticed a drop in crime?

'Did you mention something about cynicism?

'Sorry.

'He's going to be another six weeks at least.

'Who? Oh. Right.

'I got a letter this morning. They're staying on in Reutte province to help another town. Eriach, I think.

'Yeah, it's on the western side of the Ulfsen Mountains.

'You know it?

'I passed it on my way here.

'Well, they've got bandit trouble now.

Edeard looked up from the asparagus and kafish quiche. 'What sort of trouble?

'Raids on hamlets, and the roads aren't safe. Honestly, the militia pushed them out of the estates around Tetuan and they just pop up again a few miles away.

'They have a habit of doing that. Frightening them away isn't good enough. They'll just come back later. If you want to be rid of them, you've got to push them back and back until they've nowhere to run to any more. Don't give them anywhere to hide. Then you can go in for the kill. He stopped. 'That might work.

'What?

'Nothing, just an idea.

'There's not even any certainty that Eustace will come back after Eriach. Suppose the bandits appear somewhere else? She started turning her silver vine ring, unconsciously rubbing the diamond.

He put his hand on hers, squeezing lightly. 'He'll be back.

'Thanks. I know.

'Did he mention if they have guns?

'Guns? No. He hasn't said. Do you think it's likely? He might get shot!

'Some bandits have guns. Not many, Edeard lied quickly, allowing her to sense a calm confidence in his thoughts. 'They just get hold of the odd pistol from farms, that kind of thing. To be honest, pistols have a very limited range anyway.

'Oh. She gave him a nervous smile. 'Don't scare me like that.

'Sorry. No sane bandit is going to tangle with a mounted militia squad. He'll be perfectly safe. You'll be married off by midsummer.

'I hate that he had to go. It's all politics. Mayor Owain only sent the militia so he can look strong and benevolent at the same time. That's what Daddy said. And I'll bet Owain's Guild merchants are there following the militia around, selling guns to the locals.

'See? Everyone's a cynic'

She grinned at him. 'I guess we are.

'Owain might have sent the militia for political gain, but it's been beneficial. Reutte needed help. The local sheriffs couldn't cope. Quite a few farming families have arrived in the city since New Year. I spoke with some of them; they were forced off their land.

'I know.

'He will come back.

'Thank you, Edeard. You're a lovely man.

After the meal they settled down to read a book Jessile had brought. Kadril's Voyage, which told of the legendary merchantmen captain who'd opened up the trade route to the south, finding a navigable route through the Straits of Gathsawal. Edeard enjoyed the tales of ocean life and fights against pirates, even though he suspected the author had enlivened the tales somewhat. They took it in turns to read to each other, slowly sipping red wine as the coal in the stove hissed and snapped. Edeard felt the tensions drain away from him. This was what he wanted his life to be like. Success in the courts, pushing the gangs from the streets, then home. Not back to the maisonette, but a true home, one with Salrana, maybe. He'd even seen a few vacant buildings in Cobara and Igadi that were possibles. They would need the room eventually, he hoped, for the children. Children who would know a city without the shadow of crime and the excesses of the families; playing in streets and parks where they were safe. And it could be done, his idea had been growing since supper, expanding in that lazy way that certainties possessed.

'You look a lot happier, Jessile murmured. She closed the book and leaned in against him.

'You have a soothing voice, he told her.

Her nose rubbed against his cheek. 'My voice, is it?

'Yes.

'I wish you had a piano in here. I'm quite an accomplished player, you know. Music would be extra soothing.

It was that casual grumble which made him smile so merrily. She really had no idea how little a constable earned; on his pay it would take months for him to buy a piano. 'We'd never get it up the stairs.

'Never mind. She kissed him, her thick hair brushing his face and neck. 'I bought a new satin chemise today. It's not very big, I'm afraid. Would you like to see me wearing it? Well… trying to wear it.

'Yes.

'Say please.

'Please, he croaked hoarsely.

She got up, showing him a truly immoral smile. 'Back in a minute. She picked up the hamper and disappeared into the bathroom.

Edeard took a breath to recover. He was beaming in anticipation as he rolled off the couch and ordered the light down to a cosy glimmer. At which point he became aware of Vilby walking over the bridge into Silvarum. 'Oh Lady, no! he groaned.

'What's the matter? Jessile called out.

'Er, I'm really sorry about this, but—

The squad was waiting where Edeard had told them, huddled together under an overhanging wall on Golard Street, where the pavement was only four feet wide. It was dark, with the nearest light coming from behind the undulations of a nebuly moulding on the wall two houses down.

'Saria was furious with me, Boyd was saying. 'It was her great-aunt's annual ball, half the District Master families were there. He was dressed in a splendid cerise frock coat, with a white shirt that was all lace frills. Silver buckles gleamed on his knee-length boots.

'Sounds like you're making social progress, Kanseen said. Her face wore a faint frown, she was glancing along the street as if searching for something.

'I didn't know he was going to call us away so suddenly.

'He was really worried about this, Macsen said. 'That's not like our great Waterwalker.

'Well you didn't help, Dinlay said. 'Not the way you were shouting at Edeard the other day. All those wild accusations…

'Hey, I'm entitled, Macsen said, raising a finger for emphasis and waving it right in front of Dinlay's face. 'That was my mother they attacked. And it's his fault.

'No it's not.

'Oh yeah, if he knows so much like he claims, then he should have warned us. If I'd known what was happening I could have stopped those thugs attacking my mother.

'We didn't tell him what was happening to us, Kanseen said. 'We're all to blame.

'He doesn't trust us. lie couldn't even be arsed telling us about the ge-eagles. We're his decoys, that's all.

Edeard dissolved his concealment, appearing beside Macsen's shoulder. 'No you're not.

'Ho Lady! Macsen jumped back in shock.

'Where in Honious did you come from? Dinlay demanded.

'I've been here all the time.

'You heard… Dinlay's thin face blushed hotly.

'Now do you understand? This is not a game. I want to change this city. I want your help to do that.

'And you think that's the way to get it? Macsen asked.

'If a couple of insults and a bad temper can put an end to this squad, then we were never going to achieve anything. We were just some kids thrown together with nothing special holding us. I'm hoping that's not true. I'm not pretending I don't have a weakness. I made an arse of myself chasing girls. I'm too frightened to tell you everything I know about Ivarl. I didn't know how to handle the warehouse raid so I went along with Ronark's suggestion. And I'm certainly not sure where we go from here, although I've got an idea. He shrugged. 'That's it.

Macsen glanced round the others, unhappiness shining though his shielded mind. 'All right, that's honest enough. Crap on inspiration, mind. But I'm willing to see what you want to show us.

'Me too, Kanseen said.

'Yeah, Dinlay said.

Boyd gave a soft chuckle. 'Count me in.

'Thank you, Edeard said.

'Do we get to learn the concealment trick? Boyd asked eagerly. 'I always thought it was a city myth.

'Oh you get to know it, Edeard said. 'You're going to need it. Ready for the gift?

'Yeah! the squad chorused.

After half an hour practising along the street, Edeard led them into the Black Horse tavern. They weren't perfect. Boyd's concentration kept slipping; Macsen's farsight wasn't half as good as ho always claimed, which meant he couldn't combine the ability with his third hand in a way that was truly effective. But Kanseen and Dinlay were surprisingly adept. Apart from the occasional lapse from Boyd and Macsen, when their ghost-like shape would flare out of nowhere, they remained invisible, certainly from casual scrutiny. The only way they knew where each other was standing was by a tiny direct longtalk, the kind of thing they'd practised a hundred times out on the streets. Edeard helped by dimming the tavern's lights around them, producing long deep shadows. They crept between them, passing unseen through the back rooms.

Edeard's nerves built with every step up to the second floor where the private rooms were. Macsen was playing along for now, but how he'd react to this… Without Macsen, the squad would be seriously weakened, and he was going to need their full strength if he was to have any hope of success over the gangs.

'Ready? Edeard asked outside the door.

'Yeah, Dinlay whispered.

Then Edeard heard a metallic click — a pistol's safety catch pulled back. 'Is one of you armed?

'Yes, Boyd said.

'Well, actually, all of us are, Dinlay said defensively. 'We thought we were going to be raiding a gang hideout.

'Oh Lady, no, no, this isn't a raid. It's not actually dangerous, we just have to catch them in the act. So put the pistols away, please.

Several grumbles rolled along the apparently empty corridor. Fumbling sounds followed.

'Ready? Edeard asked again, reflecting on the impossibility of acting as a team when you couldn't actually see each other. 'Go!

As one they dissolved their concealment. Edeard used his third hand to smash the lock, and flung the door open. The squad charged in.

Vilby's face was a mask of astonishment and fright; his head lifted off the pillows to stare at the squad. He couldn't move any further, his own handcuffs fastened his wrists to the odd metal hoops driven into the wall above the bed. Nanitte, who was straddling his chest holding a jar of honey in one hand, turned round and let out a soft gasp of shock. Then she saw one of the intruders was Macsen, and her face registered real concern. 'Ladycrapit.

Edeard could sense the longtalk yell she was directing out towards the other end of the city. It wasn't much: 'They've caught me with Vilby. I never sensed them coming, they were bloody invisible. His own face was part of the accompanying gift she sent. No one replied to her.

'Don't come back to the station, Edeard told Vilby. 'And get you and your family out of the tenement by tomorrow evening. Only constables live there.

'But—

Edeard closed his third hand round the man's chest. Honey squelched out around the edges of his grip. 'Don't, he growled in warning.

Vilby sagged in defeat.

Kanseen lifted an eyebrow as she gazed at the tacky mess covering the man's groin. 'Well, thanks a whole lot, Vilby, I'll never be able eat a meringue again.

Boyd sneered down. 'You know, you really need to leave them in the oven longer, a proper meringue is never that sticky in the middle.

'Is that right? an interested Dinlay asked as they turned and walked out of the door.

'Oh yes. Any half-wit baker's apprentice knows that.

Macsen hadn't said a word. He was staring at Nanitte, who returned the look unflinchingly.

'Come on, Kanseen said. She put her hand on Macsen's shoulder, and gently propelled him out of the room.

Edeard gave Vilby a derisory wink and closed the door as he left.

The waitress in the Olivan's Eagle was puzzled by the squad's lack of good humour as they clustered together in the corner booth. Edeard tipped her a brass farthing, and scooped the beer glasses off her tray with his third hand. He put the first one down in front of Macsen. 'Sorry, he said cautiously.

Macsen shook his head and put his hand round the glass. He stared intensely into the dark amber liquid with its thick head.

'It's a war of who knows most, Edeard said.

'Lady, Kanseen grunted heavily. 'I think we get that now, Edeard. She took a long drink of beer. 'Was anyone I've…?

'No.

'That's lucky. For them. I would have ripped their balls off and stuffed them where the sun doesn't shine.

'Urn, Boyd ventured. 'About Saria?

'A lovely girl. Don't worry.

'So it's just me, then is it? Macsen said bitterly. He was still glaring at his beer. He hadn't managed to look at Dinlay since they'd left the Black Horse.

'Not exactly, Edeard cringed as he gave Dinlay an awkward glance. 'Chiaran.

'No! Dinlay squawked in horror. 'She's a constable.

Boyd turned his head slowly to give Dinlay a fascinated look. 'Who's Chiaran?

'Her father is in debt to one of Ivarl's lieutenants in Fiacre. She's helping to pay it off.

'She can't be.

'You never said anything about a Chiaran to me, Boyd said with a rising smile. 'You sly old thing.

'Sorry, Edeard said.

'Oh Lady!

'Well, aren't you the clever one? Macsen said, still not looking up.

'Actually, no, Edeard said. He took a breath. 'I'm sure you all remember Ranalee.

Kanseen actually spilt some of her beer. 'What?

Edeard's shoulders slumped. 'The Gilmorn family has strong ties with Ivarl. It's all part of the way the port works — I discovered afterwards. Too late afterwards, unfortunately. I think that's how Ivarl found out I knew about Vilby. He couldn't quite bring himself to tell them about that night.

'Wait, he knows you knew?

'Yes.

'But… Oh, Lady be damned. She took another gulp of beer.

'So, Boyd said with a frown. 'If he knew that you knew he… I don't get it.

Why would he go ahead with the Chemistry Guild robbery if you both knew what was happening?

'I told you it's a war of who knows the most, and then how you apply it.

Macsen finally looked up, fixing Boyd with an icy glare. 'Get it now? All of this is a giant pissing contest between Ivarl and Edeard, which of them can outsmart the other.

'Which is why you have to understand, Edeard said firmly. 'Fully understand.

'Well I understand now, Macsen said bitterly. He faced up to Dinlay. 'I'm the idiot who got you shot. Me!

'Hardly, Dinlay said with a nervous guffaw.

'I told her. I said we were going to do undercover work after we talked about watching Boltan Street.

'When did we say that? Edeard asked.

'Day we caught Arminel in the store room, Kanseen supplied.

'Oh yeah.

'Arminel used it, didn't he? Macsen said. 'He used that to mount the ambush at Birmingham Pool.

'We don't know anything for certain, Edeard said. 'What I was trying to show you tonight is just how smart and organized Ivarl is. Not only that, his organization is big, it reaches right across the city.

'You've made your point, Kanseen said. 'We were naive. That'll stop now.

'I'm sorry, Macsen said. He was pleading with Dinlay now.

'You didn't shoot me.

'It was my fault.

'No it wasn't, Edeard said. 'You all know Arminel, what he's like. If they hadn't come after us that day, it would've been another. You don't send people like Nanitte to spy on us unless you're making a real effort to eliminate us.

'And Chiaran, Dinlay said forlornly.

'And Chiaran, Edeard conceded. 'That means he's still out to get us, even more since the warehouse. It's going to get ugly.

'She was beautiful, Dinlay said. He took off his glasses and polished the lenses intently.

'We're all good, though, aren't we, Waterwalker? Boyd said cautiously. 'Tell us that at least. Tell us nobody here tonight belongs to Ivarl.

'We're all good, Edeard promised them.

'Nanitte, Macsen moaned, and slumped back into his seat. 'What about the others? Have any more girls belonged to Ivarl?

Edeard grinned. 'I don't have the time to keep track of that list.

'Nor your own, it would seem, Kanseen observed archly.

'Nor mine, he conceded.

'Lady, this is wonderful, she muttered. 'We have to seek your consent for our lovers now. It's like I'm living at home again and getting my mother's approval.

'What were her criteria? Boyd asked eagerly.

'Well, she wouldn't have let you through the front door, that's for sure.

Edeard laughed. 'It's not that bad.

Kanseen gave him a level gaze. 'Yes it is.

'You don't have to tell me who you're with every night. And as of now, I'm not going to farsight. Just…

'Be paranoid?

'I was going to say cautious. If you want me to check out a new acquaintance, I will.

'Paranoid is good, Boyd said. 'Unlike all of you, I, of course, chose very well.

'You had no choice at all, Kanseen said. 'Saria chose you. She makes all the decisions for you.

'She does not! I am my own master.

Kanseen reached forward and plucked the sleeve of his remarkable frock coat. 'Did you choose this? Did you even pay for it?

Boyd turned red as the others laughed.

'So what do we do now? Dinlay asked.

'And he does mean: "we", Macsen said. 'That's right isn't it?

'Yes, Dinlay stumbled. 'It's just… Chiaran.

'Get rid of her, Macsen said harshly. 'She's not your girlfriend, she's his whore. Do it with longtalk, that's nice and insulting. In fact, I'll be happy to do it for you.

'Would you?

Macsen turned to Edeard. 'Do you want to use her first?

'No, he said. 'No, it's tempting. But if we're going to do this I don't want us stooping to his methods.

'It's not going to be that clean, Kanseen warned.

'I know. He smiled round at his squad. His friends. 'But we'll manage.

'So what exactly do we do now? Boyd asked.

'I've been thinking about this, Edeard told them. 'The biggest part of Ivarl's income comes from the protection rackets. He has teams in every district intimidating shopkeepers and stallholders. I want to push them out. I want to start by making Jeavons clean, then keep going, force them to retreat across the city until we've got them penned up in Sampalok.

'Then what? Kanseen said. 'And how would you make them retreat there? Do we intimidate them? They'll fight back.

'I don't know the details. We need to consult with Grand Master Finitan about how to begin such a scheme, and the politics behind it. We'd certainly need Grand Council support, maybe even a new law.

'All right, she said. 'Even if you get him to support you 111 council, and we get all the station captains to play along, and a hundred other crappy impossible details sorted out, how do we find them? There must be hundreds of gang members working this racket. Are we all going snooping round the House of Blue Petals?

'Ah. Edeard gave them a rather smug grin, and reached into his tunic to produce a thick black notebook. He put it down between all the beer glasses. 'You must be talking about this list I made of all the names I overheard.

'A grand alliance against gang-related crime, Grand Master Finitan said. 'Nice idea. He turned in his high backed chair to stare out through his office window.

Edeard and the squad sat in smaller chairs in front of the big desk, all of them trying not to gape at the remarkable view offered by the office's vantage point.

'Do you think the Council would support it, sir? Edeard asked. If it hadn't been for the tea and biscuits served to them by the ge-chimps, Edeard could well imagine himself as part of some lowly apprentice class being lectured by the Grand Master.

'If you went up to individual Masters and Representatives to ask them for help expelling the gangs, each and every one would look you straight in the eye and pledge their full and unswerving support, save Bise, of course. Privately, any new law to banish suspected gang members wouldn't even get read out in Council, never mind voted on.

'Why not? Dinlay asked.

'Expense. Legally proving a man is a gang member would consume a lot of time in court, and an even greater amount of lawyer's time, which never comes cheap. And what would you effectively be accusing them of? If you can prove membership you can prove felony, which can get them carted off to the mines anyway. No, you need some other way.

Edeard groaned. It had seemed like such a good idea.

Finitan swung back to face them. 'Don't give up, Edeard. You're the Waterwalker. We all expect great things of you now. He produced an enigmatic smile. 'More than creeping around bordellos at night, anyway.

Edeard blushed.

'So what would you advise to get rid of them? Kanseen asked.

'If you want anything done, you need to make it to everyone's advantage. Support is essential, the wider the support, the better chance you have of succeeding.

'But the Council must have been trying to get rid of the gangs for years, Edeard protested. 'Why has there been no progress?

'I'm going to sound boring on the subject, but: expense. Not just in financial terms. Consider how Ivarl's lieutenants control the dockers. The merchant families have a nice quiet arrangement with Ivarl, they pay him to keep the dockers in line. Take that control away, and the dockers will demand decent pay, and quite right too. It's a skill controlling teams of ge-monkeys to remove the contents of a ship's hold, or fill it. So they get more money, which has to come from the ship owner and warehouse merchant and shopkeeper. That cost will be passed on to the customer. The price of everything goes up. Admittedly not by much, but it's the start of an uncontrollable reaction, a destabilization if you like. Why shift the balance of power in an arrangement that works? And the dockers are just the tip of the iceberg. So many things would change.

Once more, Edeard remembered what Ranalee had said. External change is revolution. 'But the gangs are wrong, he insisted. 'The law must prevail.

'Yes indeed. But you of all people should know by now how entrenched they are in the city.

'There must be a way.

'Find a method of gathering a broad spectrum of support, Finitan said. 'From there you can go forward.

'I need the support of the Council.

'Ultimately, yes. But you must start at the other end, down on the street where the gangs are felt every day. Tell me, before you decided to mount your crusade, what was happening out there? I don't mean among the rich and worthless of my class, but people who were directly affected by the gangs and their violence? People who had given up looking to the constables for aid?

'They were forming street associations, Boyd said.

'Yes. Vigilantism, which the Council also frowned upon, not least because such associations circumvented the law.

Edeard tried to understand what Finitan was hinting at. 'We support the street associations?

'No. The station captains don't approve, for the simple reason that street associations undercut their authority, and that of the courts.

'Then what? he asked, confused.

'You can't support them, but there's nothing to stop you sharing a drink in the tavern after duty, now is there?

'Ah, Macsen said. 'And we might just discuss who is going round traders to extort money and what they look like and where they live.

'Indeed you might.

'And those private citizens are within their right to call for assistance when the gangs do come calling, Kanseen said.

'If they knew for sure that a constable squad would come, they would be more inclined to cooperate, Finitan agreed.

'And if cooperation at that level were subsequently seen to work, Edeard mused.

'It would be supported, Finitan concluded. 'A support among people who are not easily bought off by political horse trading. Pressure would grow on the District Representatives to continue and expand the campaign.

'But we're still back to the original problem, Edeard said. 'Arresting them and hauling them into court. Each case takes weeks and costs a fortune. Not to mention tying us up as we sit around for days waiting to be called as a witness. If we remove one of them, Ivarl will send ten to replace him. I need to push the whole lot of them out of Jeavons.

Finitan eyed the genistar egg sitting on his desk. 'What you need is a legal option. Have you consulted a lawyer?

'This is the joy of a constitution that has reigned supreme for an unbroken two thousand years, Master Solarin said contentedly. He was sitting behind his desk, which was piled with folders that strove to mimic the towers of Eyrie. Edeard had trouble seeing him they were so high. 'You can find a law to cover every eventuality. Politicians love to pass laws. It shows the people they are working hard on their behalf. He coughed, and reached for a lozenge in the little brown paper bag under a skewed tower of green and blue folders.

'Then it can be done? Dinlay asked eagerly.

Edeard had brought Dinlay with him, while Macsen and Kanseen went to meet Setersis. Not that he didn't trust Dinlay with anything, it was just that Macsen would be better suited to deal with the chief of the Silvarum stallholders association. Boyd, of course, was with Isoix, discussing their notion with the Jeavons chamber of trade.

'Such impatience, Master Solarin muttered disapprovingly. One of his ge-monkeys brought a thick leather-bound tome over to his desk, and placed it gently on the huge square of blotting paper in front of the ancient lawyer.

When he'd been shown in by a legal apprentice, Edeard had thought the whole office had been built from books. Each of the five walls were covered from floor to ceiling in shelving, holding thousands of volumes of law. There might have been a window, but it had long since been blocked over. The ceiling had three blunt stalactites that shone orange, giving the books a dingy brown hue.

Master Solarin opened the book. He licked the tip of his forefinger, and began to turn the pages. Edeard wanted to volunteer to help. It was all so painfully slow. He deliberately didn't turn to look at Dinlay.

'Ah ha, Master Solarin said happily. 'I thought I remembered this one.

'Sir? Edeard asked.

'I believe I may have found what it is you are looking for.

Edeard leaned forward. The page the book was open at had greyed over the decades, but the ink was still firm and black.

'Here we jolly well go, Master Solarin said. His shaky hand traced a line of the print, his mouth working silently.

'What does it say? Dinlay pleaded.

Edeard shot him a warning glance.

'It says, Constable Dinlay, that nine hundred and thirty two years ago, the Grand Council passed the by-law of district exclusions. This is an edict which allows the District Master or District Representative to declare the right of admittance revoked for any person deemed detrimental to the sanctity of the locale. Issuance of such warrant may be duly authorized by the District Master or District Representative on their own authority, without supervision by a judge or magistrate. He looked up from the book. 'I believe it was proposed in Council by the District Master of Cobara so that he might prevent an over-amorous suitor from wooing his only daughter. If you remember your history, Constable Dinlay, the two young lovers in question were Henaly and Gistella.

'Really? Dinlay said with a happy smile. He turned to Edeard. 'They eloped on the Oxmaine, and founded Love's Haven, and planted the vineyards there. That province still produces some of the best wines on Querencia.

'Wonderful, Edeard said, resisting the impulse to use his third hand to give Dinlay a good smack. 'So we can use this law to ban gang members from coming in to Jeavons and Silvarum, without having to legally prove they're gang members?

'Any person for any reason, provided their name is on the warrant and signed by the District Master or Dist—

'Yes! The District Representative. How do I get them to sign?

'Oh Dear Lady, were my lectures completely in vain?

'You petition them, Dinlay said proudly.

'Indeed, constable Dinlay. I am glad not all of my words fell on deaf ears. As a resident of Makkathran you have under most ancient law the right to make a petition of enactment. Such that a District Master, or- Master Solarin paused for emphasis, 'a District Representative, can require the constable station commander of their district to enforce whatever law the supplicant believes has been violated. Now, as the assistance of the citizenry is implicitly required, as stipulated in the articles of formalization of the constabulary six hundred and twenty-two years ago, this elder right of petition has subsequently fallen into disuse. However, it has never been retired.

'You mean we can use this loophole to get the District Master to sign the warrants? Edeard asked.

The skin of Master Solarin's ancient face produced even more creases as he frowned in disapproval. 'You will never become a lawyer, Constable Edeard, for which blessing my Guild will doubtless be most relieved. There is no such thing as a loophole. Lawyers merely advise our clients on how to apply laws and the precedents they establish.

'Thank you, sir. Edeard rose from his chair.

'A word of caution, my young friend.

'Sir?

'You can petition them to enact a law, but you cannot force them to undertake said enactment. To obtain those signatures, you will need their cooperation.

'I understand, sir. My colleagues are working on that.

It was a big petition. Edeard had to back up the initial street association meetings personally, persuading the stallholders and shopkeepers and tavern owners and merchants, and a dozen other tradespeople that his idea was worth trying. With his small base of political allies like Setersis, Ronark, and Finitan, and his own reputation, he began to gain the backing he needed. A week after the meeting with Solarin, the Jeavons chamber of trade, and the Silvarum chamber of trade simultaneously laid down a formal request to see their respective District Masters and Representatives.

They convened in the library of District Master Vologral's mansion. Edeard had only met the Jeavons Master twice before, at formal events. There, they'd made small talk, trying to weigh each other up. He was heartened by the fact Vologral was an all of Finitan on the Grand Council.

Vologral and the other three Masters stood behind a long table, listening to the official request as made by the speakers of the chambers of trade, then he turned to Edeard. 'Can this work?

'I believe so, sir, Edeard said. 'We know probably seven out often involved in the protection rackets, certainly in our districts. Those are the ones we already have warrants for. If the gangs send in new faces to collect their money, we'll know who they are straight away, and we can add them to the list.

'But keeping them out… Vologral looked apprehensive.

'In total there are fifteen bridges into the two districts. Each one will have a pair of constables on duty from now on to enforce the exclusion. We just need the legal basis.

'And the mooring platforms? How many of them? You can't guard them all.

'There will be three permanent patrols inspecting the mooring platforms at random; in addition our ge-eagles will be scouting constantly. I'd point out that a court can levy a considerable fine to any gondolier who violates a city by-law. We'll need to make an example of the first few cases, possibly with confiscation of their craft. After that, they'll won't be so keen to help the gangs.

'I can imagine the Gondolier Guild's reaction to that, Deveron, the Silvarum Representative muttered.

'The Waterwalker is making an effort to help us, Setersis said quietly. 'I for one am happy to cooperate. Deveron looked at him, and said no more.

'Very well, Vologral said. 'I am provisionally inclined to grant your petition. I will sign the warrants. However, I give you notice, Waterwalker, that I will review the situation in three weeks' time, after the Festival of Guidance. If I am not satisfied that racketeering has subsided, or you are not holding the line against the gangs, they will be revoked. Do you understand?

'Yes sir. Thank you, sir.

'Do you have the warrants here?

Edeard beckoned Felax and the other three probationary constables who were waiting at the back of the delegation. Each of them came forward carrying a tall stack of paper.

'Great Lady, Vologral grunted when he saw how many warrants the young constables had brought. 'I didn't know I was excluding half the city.

'Seventy three people to start with, sir, Edeard said.

'Gentlemen, Vologral said to his fellow Masters, 'let's hope we don't get writer's cramp. He sat down at the long table.

'What happens to the rest of the city? Deveron asked. 'Aren't we just exporting the problem?

'They'll wait to see if it works, Setersis said. 'If it does, they'll join in quickly enough. Decent people have had enough.

Vologral signed the first warrant. 'So suppose you do succeed? Exclude them from everywhere but Sampalok, for I know damn well that Bise will never sign one of these. What then?

'I imagine that will be up to the Grand Council, sir.

'Ha! Vologral gave Edeard a sly smile of approval as he reached for another warrant. 'Not such a country boy after all, eh?

It began the very next morning. Ronark changed the squad shifts, which in itself was fairly historic; dispatching five constables to each of the bridges leading into Jeavons from Drupe, Tycho and Majate. Silvarum's station captain did the same with bridges to Haxpen and Padua.

As dawn broke, the constables took up position. News of the exclusion had spread in that lightning-fast way any novelty did in Makkathran, especially one concerning the Waterwalker. A lot of people turned up to see if it was actually going to happen. At some bridges they applauded when the constables appeared. Sandwiches and hot tea and coffee were produced and offered to the new guard squads. Then everyone settled down to see what the gangs would do.

At midday, eight men walked across Golden Park. They were young and tough, knew how to handle themselves in a fight, and had a strong third hand. By the time they reached the district's southern point adjoining Birmingham Pool there were five ge-eagles orbiting high above them. Only two of which belonged to the constables.

'Getting a real burst of nostalgia here, Macsen sang out as Edeard's squad jogged along Macoun Street.

'Nostalgia is a happy sensation, Kanseen grunted. 'This isn't.

Edeard tended to agree with her. He glanced at Isoix's bakery as they sped past. 'You all right? he asked Dinlay with a direct longtalk whisper.

'Oh Lady, yeah. Dinlay's thoughts were aflame with expectation. They'd spent the morning walking round the two districts on a random route, making themselves visible, knowing there would be a showdown at some time. It should have been a time of high excitement for Edeard, but he'd got another letter from Salrana; she'd been delayed again.

He ran out of Macoun Street on to the broad sweep of the alameda. The weeping hasfol trees were just budding, a multitude of blue and yellow striped leaves expanding out of their whorls to greet the warmer skies. Right ahead of them was the blue and silver bridge which looped high over the waters of the Great Major Canal to Golden Park. Sergeant Chae was standing at the foot of it, giving Edeard's slightly out-of-breath squad a nonchalant look. 'I'm insulted, he said loftily. 'You don't trust me?

'Procedure, sir, Macsen puffed. 'We're the reinforcements.

'But I haven't called for you, yet.

Edeard gestured at the bridge. 'All yours, sir.

'Thank you. Chae glanced round at the eager crowd that was building. 'This is nostalgic, eh? He turned and led the four constables of his squad up on to the bridge.

'Have any of them got guns? Boyd asked.

'I can't sense any, Kanseen said. 'Edeard?

'No. Nothing. Ivarl will want it to appear like they're just ordinary citizens. He needs to make us the bad guys.

'Hey Waterwalker, a young boy yelled out cheekily. 'Are you going to do it again?

'Not today.

'Oww, go on, please. Run over the pool. I didn't see it before.

The eight men had reached the other end of the bridge. Chae and his squad were standing on the apex, arms folded. Waiting patiently.

'This is a different day, Edeard said out loud. The crowd were dividing their attention between him and the gang members over on Golden Park. 'This day we banish the gangs from your streets and lives.

The gang men stepped onto the bridge.

'You! Chae bellowed. 'Pocklan, we know you and your friends. Come no further.

The eight men kept walking forward.

'I have a warrant signed by the District Master of Jeavons excluding you from this district.

'I have done nothing wrong, Pocklan shouted back. 'I am a free man. I may go where I please in this city. That is the law.

'Halt and turn around. Go back where you scum came from.

Boyd nudged Edeard. 'Look who's here, he growled.

Edeard glanced over where Boyd indicated. Master Cherix was standing at the front of the crowd, watching intently.

'We knew they'd try to quash the warrants in the courts, Dinlay said.

'Please don't let this come down to lawyers, Kanseen moaned.

'I'm visiting my mother who lives in Jeavons, Pocklan said, appealing reasonably to the silent spellbound crowd. 'She has only a few days to live. Would you deny me that right?

'What a load of bollocks, Dinlay said under his breath.

'Piss off, Chae said, jabbing his finger forcefully back down the bridge. 'Now.

'Sergeant, Master Cherix said. It wasn't a particularly loud voice, but the authority behind it carried a long way.

Chae turned round, an expression of utter disgust on his face, backed up by some very strong thoughts escaping past his shield. 'Yes? Sir?

'I am this fine gentlemen's legal counsel. May I see this so-called exclusion warrant please?

'It's back at the station.

'Then until you produce it, and let him see it, as is his right, my client is free to go about his business in whatever district of this city he chooses. As do his equally innocent colleagues.

'All right then, Chae said, and jabbed his finger at Pocklan again. 'Wait here. I'll send a runner.

'No, Sergeant, Cherix said. 'You cannot detain my client without just cause. It is your responsibility to bring the warrant to him. Until it is read to him, he is free to go as he pleases.

'I can't run around the district after him and the others, Chae said.

'That is not my client's problem, Master Cherix said affably.

Pocklan's smirk was indecent. 'Step aside, he told Chae.

Edeard walked forward. 'Master Cherix.

'Corporal Edeard. How nice to see you. I believe you can be of some help in this unfortunate matter. Your colleague here was about to act unlawfully. As a constable of this city, I am asking you to see the law is enforced equally and fairly.

'My pleasure.

Master Cherix beckoned Pocklan. 'Come on across the bridge now please my dear chap. You are quite safe with the Water-walker himself guaranteeing your legal rights.

'Were you referring to a warrant like this? Edeard asked innocently. He pulled a roll of parchment out of his tunic.

Master Cherix's unctuous smile flattened as he started to read. 'But this warrant names—

'You. Edeard smiled. 'Yes. And as such, I am required — by law — to assist you out of Jeavons as quickly as possible. He reached out with his third hand.

Master Cherix yelled in consternation as his feet left the ground. The cry turned to pure panic as he kept on rising. The crowd on the alameda gasped as the lawyer soared away over the bridge, continuing to gain height.

'Put me down! Cherix screamed with his voice and longtalk. He was higher than the buildings behind the alameda; higher than the white metal pillars lining Golden Park. Still ascending, The watching ge-eagles had to curve sharply to avoid him.

'Did you hear something? Edeard asked.

'He told you to put him down, Kanseen pronounced solemnly.

'Oh, fair enough, Edeard said. He let go.

Cherix fell out of the sky with a incoherent shriek of fright. He landed in the middle of Birmingham Pool, producing a tremendous splash. The crowd cheered wildly.

Chae turned back to Pocklan. 'Now where were we?

Pocklan gave the sergeant a furious look; then glanced over his shoulder to where an impassive Edeard was waiting. He turned and led his companions back into Golden Park.

Macsen put his arm round Edeard's shoulder, squeezing strongly. 'Now why is it, do you suppose, people you don't like always wind up getting dunked in Birmingham Pool?

'Nostalgia.

Edeard had been looking forward to the Lady's Festival of Guidance for what seemed like most of the winter. His friends, and the girls he'd encountered, were always speaking of it in enthusiastic tones. Firstly, it signalled the onset of summer which, as far as he was concerned, couldn't arrive fast enough. But the main reason was to celebrate those who had passed away in the previous year. Everybody who had lost someone made a small memorial boat out of flowers — of any and every colour except white. Mainly it was the children of a family who made them, producing elaborate and colourful boats up to a yard long. They represented the soul of the departed one.

At midday, the Pythia conducted a service of memorial in tin-Lady's church in Eyrie. When that ended all the flower boats would be placed in the city's canals. The gondoliers, bedecked in white flowers, guided them down to the port singing hymns of commemoration. Gondolas represented the Skylords, who the Lady promised would come to Querencia once again to guide the souls of humans into the welcome embrace of Odin's Sea. At the port, the gondolas would stop, and the flower boats would carry on, drifting out across the waves.

It sounded delightful; especially the evening which was one giant party. Now the day was here, and Edeard dozed fitfully as the dawn came to a clear sky, promising good weather for the festival. Chief Constable Walsfol's longtalk intruded sharply into his thoughts. 'Ugh, sir? he responded groggily as the dregs of yet another bizarre dream drained away. He hadn't known the man had such a powerful longtalk. It made sense, though. After Ranalee, a lot of things about the city hierarchy were clearer to him.

'I need you to report to the Culverit family mansion in Haxpen, Walsfol told him. 'Come at once.

'Yes sir, Edeard said sleepily. 'Er, why?

'I will meet you there and explain the situation. You'd better bring the rest of your squad, too.

Edeard rubbed his eyes. He hadn't got to bed until well after midnight. Late last evening, the Lillylight Street association had spotted a gondola with three known gang members making their way along Victoria Canal. Edeard and a couple of Silvarum constables had intercepted them at a mooring platform on Flight Canal. No resistance had been offered when the men were told to leave, but he'd still kept watch on the gondola as it made its way back down the Great Major Canal.

That was the way of his days now. Constantly alert for attempts to infiltrate racketeers into Jeavons and Silvarum. Called to shops and other businesses when unknown gang members did get through. Two days wasted in court on charges of aggravated psychic assault filed by Master Cherix, who, thankfully, in law was no match for Master Solarin.

He groaned and pushed his feet out from under the nice warm sheets. Jessile shifted round on the springy mattress. 'What? she mumbled.

'Have to go, he said softly, and kissed her forehead.

She moaned again, and curled up tighter. 'I won't be here tonight, have to be with family for the party. See you tomorrow.

'Right. Hut she was already asleep again. He ordered a ge-chimp to bring a fresh set of clothes. While he was struggling into them in the dim light he started to call the others. It was rather satisfying spreading the misery.

Edeard pulled his boots on beside the door, and gave his own flower boat a wistful glance. It wasn't much, a simple frame of card a foot long, over which he'd stuck a dozen red and yellow roses. His friends assured him it was just right, exactly what everyone else constructed. For him it was a belated memorial to Akeem, and all the others of Ashwell village.

He met up with Boyd and Kanseen on the tenement walkway outside. They weren't in the best of moods at being hauled from their beds so early. Edeard couldn't bring himself to look at Kanseen. She hadn't been alone.

'Are we waiting for Dinlay? Boyd asked as they made their way down the stairs.

'He'll join us there.

A smile spread across Boyd's face. 'You mean he was with someone?

'Not our concern, Edeard said, a fraction too sharply. Now he really couldn't look at Kanseen.

'Any idea what this is about? she asked.

'None. But if we're being summoned to the Culverit family by Walsfol himself on this day, you can bet it isn't going to be trivial.

'Julan is the Haxpen District Master, Boyd said. 'He's one of the waverers, isn't he?

'I think so, Edeard said, rubbing his hand over his brow. In truth, he'd lost track of which Master was for them. Their allegiances were very fluid. Lately he'd given up trying to follow the Grand Council machinations, and just prayed Finitan would prevail tomorrow.

Boyd opened the big wrought iron gate at the entrance to tin-tenement. Macsen was waiting outside. He raised an arm in greeting.

'Dinlay's still not over Chiaran, you know, Boyd said cheerfully.

'We all got a nasty shock over Ivarl's methods, Edeard told him as they went out into the street. 'Let's just forget about that and move on, shall we?

Boyd was clearly going to make some other snide comment, he'd even started to open his mouth when a voice cut across the empty street: 'Waterwalker, a woman cried.

She had been sitting up in the doorway of a tailor's shop opposite the tenement. Edeard's farsight had sensed her as they were on the last flight of stairs, but she hadn't been carrying any weapons. She did have three children with her, which was mildly unusual at this time of day, but not anything to concern himself over. He'd assumed she was simply bright and early for the festival. Now she came striding across the street, pulling the sleepy miserable children with her. The eldest was no more than five, while the youngest, a girl, was barely old enough to walk.

'Where do I go, Waterwalker? she demanded belligerently. 'Tell me that, eh? Where?

'What? Edeard asked, very confused. Macsen was hurrying over to them.

'How will my children eat? Ask him, Dannil, go on, ask the great Waterwalker where your next meal is coming from. The middle child, a boy in a ragged green pullover and worn grey trousers was thrust forward. He looked up at Edeard and his lip began to quake. He burst into tears. 'I want me da! he wailed.

'What? Edeard asked again.

'Eddis, my husband, the woman barked. 'You exiled him. Threw him out of his own house. We live in Fonscale Street. Now you bastards come along and tell him he's banned from Silvarum, where we've lived for seven years. He can't come home. Can't come to the house my family has lived in for three centuries. What kind of a law is that, eh? So you tell me, where do I go? How do I feed the children without their father. Eh? Answer me, you backward country shite.

Edeard just stared at her, his mind a shocked blank. Boyd groaned, and rolled his eyes up, appealing to the Lady. 'Oh crapit, he groaned.

Kanseen was having none of it. 'How did he feed them before? she asked. 'What job did your husband have?

'Go to Honious, bitch. You've done this to us. You've ruined our lives.

'What job?

'He's a good man. He put food on the table for us. He loved his kiddies.

'Yours maybe, Kanseen said. 'But he hurt other children, didn't he? Threatened them, hit them, made their parents hand over money they'd worked hard for.

'He never did. She covered the eldest boy's ears. 'Lies. That's what you speak: lies! You'll all go to Honious. Eddis worked in the abattoir on Crompton Alley. Dirty work, hard work that no genistar can do.

'You knew what he did, Kanseen snarled. 'If you miss him, then go to him, follow him to his new home. But remember this, we will wipe the city clean of his kind. After this year, there'll bi-no more of him.

The woman spat at Kanseen, who swatted it away with hoi third hand. All three children were crying now.

'I want you to tell Eddis something from me, Edeard said. 'Tell him that if he leaves the gang behind, if he finds himself a proper job — and there's plenty to be had — he'll be welcome back in Fonscale Street. I'll cancel the warrant myself. That's all he's got to do.

'Screw you! She pulled at her children. 'You know nothing about life. Ivarl will dance on your ashes yet. And no Skylord will ever rescue your soul.

Macsen touched the brim of his hat as she stomped off down the street. 'Thank you, madam, always a pleasure to help the citizenry, but he didn't say it very loud.

'You okay? Kanseen asked.

'Yeah. Edeard gave her a shaky nod. 'Yeah, I suppose m» Lady, how many families have been split up like that?

'Are you serious? an incredulous Kanseen asked. 'What a the families of Eddis's victims? The people you're supposed to helping? Isoix and his children? Don't they deserve some consideration?

'Yes, sorry, he hung his head. 'I just wasn't expecting this to be so hard.

'Cheer up, Boyd said, and put his arm round Edeard. 'It can only get worse.

Edeard was about to remonstrate, then saw Boyd's mocking expression, and he managed a weak smile. 'Much worse.

'Far far worse, Macsen promised.

'Let's go and see what misery and torment Walsfol has in store for us then.

As he set off with his friends, Edeard chastised himself for not expecting such an ambush. The only real surprise was that it hadn't happened earlier. Although they'd managed to add another fifty warrants to the original batch, fifteen had been cancelled. There had been a few genuine cases of mistaken identity, but more than one person in the associations had used the scheme to settle an old grudge. Then there were some traders who'd taken advantage in order to get commercial rivals banned from the district, reducing competition. Each reported case of abuse had to be properly reviewed and sorted out, which took a great deal of time for the constables — but not as long as a court case, as Edeard had to keep pointing out to the grumbling Masters and station captains.

But even with the troubles and abuse and legal challenges and the racketeers' unrelenting attempts to get past, he considered it a success. And in that he wasn't alone. The gangs had made hardly any collections in Jeavons and Silvarum, and only two I aiders had been assaulted before the constables arrived. Makkathran's remaining districts had watched the results keenly. Under continuing pressure the Masters of Haxpen, Lillylight, Drupe, llongo, and Padua were drawing up their own warrants and talking to the station captains about enforcement. In another couple of days, they could well be signed. Tomorrow was the last day of Vologral's three week trial. Not that the District Master and Representatives would have the final say. Not any more. The Grand Council was due to convene to debate the 'disturbance' to city life caused by the reintroduction of the exclusion warrants. Finitan was leading the bloc of Councillors arguing their benefit. If they lost, the warrants would be revoked; and as Finitan had told him, Bise was preparing an act to rescind the original law. He had a lot of tacit support, Finitan said, because no one was sure where the whole thing would end. Was it the Waterwalker's intention to turn Sampalok into a criminal ghetto, cut off from the rest of the city? And exactly how did such a young inexperienced constable come to lead such a campaign in the first place. Politically, the Masters were becoming very nervous of Edeard. Finitan was coming under increasing pressure from his fellow Masters to produce a valid conclusion to the campaign.

Edeard didn't actually have one. When he did think that far ahead, to a time every district had issued warrants, he'd assumed the Grand Council would step in with a final solution. Expulsion was his preferred option, though he wasn't sure how that would be achieved, nor where the gang members would be banished to. He'd just wanted to start the ball rolling, to give people hope. Only now were the true consequences becoming apparent.

Though even he had to laugh when on the day after Cherix received his ducking in Birmingham Pool, District Master Bise very publically signed an exclusion warrant preventing Edeard from entering Sampalok. Less amusing was the dignified announcement from the Pythia saying that she would never prohibit anyone from entering Eyrie to attend the Lady's church. Owain also declared no warrants would apply to Anemone and Majate, so that all citizens would be able to reach the seat of government, a right which Rah himself had laid down. And as for the protestations from the Gondoliers Guild about restricting their trade… There had never been a gondola strike in Makkathran before. Even though it had only lasted a day, it shocked everyone. There were threats that more would be called, especially if the vote in the Grand Council tomorrow didn't go the way the gondoliers wanted. The Dockers Guild had also pitched in with a promise to support the gondoliers.

Thankfully, Edeard was getting a lot of support and encouragement from various traders and merchants. Ordinary people, too, were grateful, if their reaction to the constable squads on bridge duty were anything to go by.

Edeard just wanted tomorrow's Council debate to be over, one way or the other. The weight of expectation that had fallen on him was awesome.

Dinlay was waiting outside the main entrance of the Culverit family mansion. The first rays of sunlight had already reached the highest level of the ten storey ziggurat, to glint on the huge horseshoe arch windows. Five pistol-carrying guards with the family's insignia on their coats opened the grand iron-bound front gate. The squad walked in through the giant archway to find themselves in a broad courtyard. Vivid topaz climbing roses smothered the pillars on every side, while tall granite statues of past Culverit Masters and Mistresses gazed down sternly. An equerry greeted them and ushered them inside. Edeard sighed when confronted with a spiral stair.

'I suppose the family live on the top floor, he muttered to Boyd.

'The Master's family do, of course.

The summit of the mansion was a house larger than the Jeavons constable station, surrounded on each side by a strip of hortus garden. It was the traditional residence of the District Master, with the lower floors occupied by dozens of relatives and household staff and clerks who administered his estates.

As they ascended, Edeard became very conscious of the mood swirling round him. There was anger, predominant in the men, and a great deal of fright and sorrow.

'Something bad has happened here, he said quietly. Macsen gave a short uncomfortable nod of agreement.

Walsfol and Julan were waiting for them on the upper hortus garden that faced the Grand Major Canal. Even so early, the Chief Constable was wearing a pristine tunic, his gold buttons shining brightly in the rising sun. Julan, by contrast, was one of the few aristocrats who showed his age. A hundred and fifty three years made his shoulders sag, and his grey hair thin. He wore a rumpled house robe over his nightshirt. His eyes were red rimmed, and sunken with abject despair.

The squad had brought Edeard up to date with Culverit family gossip on the way over. Now, as never before, they were the subject of intense speculation and discussion within the rest of Makkathran's aristocracy. Master Julan had married very late in life. In itself that wasn't too unusual among his class. It was a truly romantic marriage. Apparently he fell completely in love with his wife (a hundred and eight years his junior) as soon as they were introduced, and was utterly devoted to her until her tragic, untimely death six years ago. Though what scandalized everyone was that the first child she produced had been a daughter, Kristabel, as was their second child, during whose birth she'd died. There was no son to inherit. It was almost without precedent in the city. But to the dismay of Lorin, Julan's younger brother, there was a clause in the Culvert family's legally registered claim to the Haxpen District to allow the lineage continuation through a daughter if there were no sons. The situation had occurred only twice before in Makkathran's two thousand year history.

Consequently, Julan was estranged from a good percentage of his relatives; meanwhile Kristabel was the most desired girl in the city, with every noble son desperate for an introduction. Any party she was due to attend was besieged by potential suitors. 'And Lady, wouldn't you just know it, she's an exceptionally pretty thing, too, Macsen had finished wistfully.

'We have a problem, Walsfol announced as soon as the squad was ushered on to the high terrace. 'No doubt the entire city will know by breakfast, but Mirnatha has been abducted.

Edeard risked a sideways glance at Dinlay.

'The second daughter, Dinlay explained with direct longtalk.

'I'm terribly sorry, sir, Edeard said to Julan. 'Obviously if I can do anything to help, I will.

Julan's distress abated long enough for him to give Edeard a fierce judgmental stare. He held up a small square of paper. 'You can start by explaining this.

Edeard gave him a puzzled look, and appealed to Walsfol. The Chief Constable gently extracted the paper from Julan and handed it to Edeard. 'A ge-eagle delivered it not quite an hour ago.

With a sinking heart, Edeard read the note.

Mirnatha is very sweet. The price of her return alive and still sweet is eight thousand gold guineas. If you agree to our price, fly a yellow and green flag from the Orchard Palace this noon.

The Waterwalker is to deliver our coinage by himself. He will go to Jacob's Hall tavern in Owestorn at midnight. Further instructions will be given to him there. If anyone is with him, or if he tries to snatch her back without paying she will be killed.

'Oh Lady no, Edeard groaned.

'I can't order you to deliver the money, Walsfol said.

'You don't have to, sir, I'll take it of course. Er… do you have the money? he asked Julan. With that much coinage you could buy Rulan province and still have enough left over for a fleet of the fastest merchant vessels.

'It can be found, yes.

'Where's Owestorn?

'It's a village out on the Iguru, Dinlay said. 'Maybe two hours' ride from South Gate.

A long way from any possible help, Edeard realized, and even I can't longtalk that far. 'The note was delivered after Mirnatha was taken, he said delicately. 'Is there any proof that it came from those who hold her?

Julan held up his hand. His fingers clenched a blue ribbon with a long tuft of gold-brown hair. 'This was attached.

'I understand.

Tears were running down the old man's cheeks. 'The ribbon was from her night dress. I know it was. I kissed her goodnight.

I kiss my Mirnatha every night. She is so precious— He began to cry, sobbing helplessly. Walsfol moved to comfort him. 'We'll have her back for you, my friend, be assured. Every effort will be made. The constabulary will not rest until she is in your arms again.

'She is but a child, Julan wailed, 'Six years old! Who could do such a thing? Why? He stared wildly at Edeard. 'Why have they done this? What is your part in this? Why you? Why can't I go? She's my baby.

'I don't know, sir. Somehow, just having so much anguish directed at him made Edeard feel shamed.

'Of course you do, a thin voice snapped.

Edeard's farsight identified her being helped though the doorway behind him out on to the hortus, but he didn't want to turn round.

'It is your fault, Mistress Florrel insisted. 'And yours alone. You caused this with your ridiculous crusade against the gangs. Why couldn't you just leave things well alone? Nobody was being harmed. This city worked perfectly well before you arrived.

Edeard took a deep breath, trying to keep a shield around the growing anger in his mind. Mistress Florrel was in one of her usual archaic black dresses, wearing a tall hat that seemed to have purple fruit growing out of it. A man in fine aristocratic robes was holding her arm as she made her way slowly towards Edeard.

'Lorin, Macsen murmured. 'Julan's younger brother.

Mistress Florrel stood directly in front of Edeard, her shoulders all hunched up as if in sorrow; but still managed to fix him with a merciless stare. 'Well?

'Mistress Florrel.

'What have you got to say for yourself?

'I will bring the girl back and deal with those responsible.

'You will do no such thing. You will hand the money over as you're told. Nothing more. I don't want this made any worse by your wretched stupidity. Officers from the militia will lake full charge of things from now on. Gentlemen of good character and family, that's what we need. Not some country buffoon.

Edeard felt his teeth grinding together.

Boyd put his hand on Edeard's arm, smiling politely. 'We will cooperate in any way we can, Mistress Florrel.

Her eyes narrowed. 'I know you. Saria has taken a shine to you.

'Yes, Mistress.

'Ha, she dismissed him with a flutter of her hand. Her voice took on a tragic tone. 'My dear dear boy, her arms rose up in sympathetic greeting as she shuffled over to Julan; 'how are you coping? This is all too, too terrible.

'She'll come back, Julan managed to stammer.

'We'll make sure of it, brother, Lorin said effusively. 'What has passed between us is nothing now. I am resolute in helping you endure this ordeal.

Julan bobbed his head. 'Thank you, he whispered.

'Come along, Mistress Florrel said. 'Sit down my dear Julan. You family is here to comfort you now. That is what you need. You are no longer alone or surrounded by fools. Go and get him some tea, she told Walsfol imperiously. 'Now my boy, have you enough money to pay the ransom? I will help if not. We simply must get her back to her home and loving family.

Walsfol inclined his head respectfully to Julan as he left the hortus, and signalled the squad to follow. They hurried after him.

'Now what? Edeard asked.

'I hate to concede the point, but Mistress Florrel is right in one respect, Walsfol said. 'This is about you.

'Yes sir, Edeard said miserably.

'Stay here for now in case they get in touch again; and for the Lady's sake keep out of her way, Walsfol said, pointing back through the horseshoe arch in considerable irritation. 'I'm going to convene the station captains. Somebody out there must know where that poor girl is. One of them will talk.

Edeard was looking round the magnificent lounge with its clutter of fabulous artwork and gilded furniture. 'How did they get up here? he asked in bewilderment. 'And then how did they get out again, carrying Mirnatha? In the Lady's name, there are hundreds of people in the mansion, and this is the tenth floor.

'A valid question, Walsfol said in a low voice. 'The captain of the house guard here is called Homelt. Talk to him. The kidnappers must have had some inside help. Take a look round the girl's room. There must be some clue, some evidence we can use to uncover the kidnapper.

'Do you think she's still alive sir?

Walsfol took another guilty look out on to the pleasant hortus. 'Very few kidnapping victims are ever returned. Just enough to make the families and merchants pay out in the hope that their loved one will be the exception.

'So she might still be alive?

'Yes. She might. We have to carry on in the belief that Mirnatha is going to be handed over safe and well in return for the money.

Edeard wasn't much encouraged by his tone. They found Homelt waiting for them in the central corridor. He was in his fifties, thickset but still fit. The kidnapping had left him angry and distressed; it was taking up a lot of self control just to clamp down on his emotions. He'd spent twenty years in the constables, he told them, serving out of Bellis station. 'I was a good constable, he insisted. 'Not like some of them, who were just in it for the pay off. I did my duty and earned this post.

'So how did they get her? Edeard asked.

For an instant it looked like Homelt might strike out. He stood quite still and took a long breath. 'I don't know. And that's the Lady's honest truth. It was the middle of the night. All our gates are locked and guarded. There are more guards on random patrol inside. There's always someone on the stairs. I just don't understand.

'What about new guards?

'Yesterday, I thought I could trust every one of them. Today

I'm not sure of anything any more. We don't take in just anyone, they have to be known and sponsored; and like you we've got a pretty good idea who's in with the gangs.

'All right, so tell us what happened.

'The kid's nursery maid raised the alarm really early on. The first thing we did was double the gate guards, then we searched the whole mansion, every room I promise you. Not just farsight, we physically inspected everywhere. Then that bloody ge-eagle flapped down on to the tenth-floor hortus. The Master… I've never seen him so broken. She was a lovely little thing, she really was. Nothing like you'd expect a family child, none of the airs half of them have.

'Can I see the room please?

'What do you think? Dinlay asked as Homelt led them along the corridors. Dispirited staff hung their heads as the squad walked past. Edeard couldn't detect the faintest flash of guilt, they all shared the same numb horror. The three nursery maids were in their parlour next to the family rooms, all weeping openly. Even the ge-monkeys were subdued, caught up in the emotions saturating the mansion.

'The same as you, Edeard said. 'Somebody with a concealment ability. There's no other way.

'The gangs have that? Kanseen asked in alarm.

'Not the street soldiers we normally deal with, but I found out the hard way that Ivarl has a considerable psychic power.

Mirnatha's nursery room was the same size as the whole of Edeard's maisonette. The walls were draped in pink tapestries depicting colourful fairies and nikasprites and birds. Dressers and chairs were lined in streamers of fluffy pink feathers. There were two big dolls houses whose elaborately dressed inhabitants were strewn everywhere. A wooden rocking horse stood in one corner. The wardrobes were full of sweet little frocks.

Edeard found it painful just standing on the pink carpet looking round. He sniffed the air. 'Do you smell that? Something tangy? Walking round, the smell was strongest by the bed with its twee lace canopy.

'Chloroform, Homelt said. 'That's how they kept her quiet.

'What's chloroform? Edeard asked. The squad was regarding him with an expression he was staring to tire of.

'It's a chemical, Dinlay said. 'If it's inhaled it puts you to sleep. Nearly every kidnapper uses it. You soak it into a cloth and hold it over your victim's face.

'Chemicals? Edeard said. 'They used chemicals on a six year old girl.

'Yes, Homelt was giving him a strange look.

Edeard took a final look round the nursery and pushed the glass doors open. The section of the hortus directly outside was mainly laid with grass, with some ornate yew trees in urns standing along the silver-grey balustrade. He stood with his hands pressing down on the rail and looked down. Each of the terraces in the ziggurat was laid out below him, forming a series of horticultural steps down to the ground. Now spring had truly arrived, the plants formed a blaze of colour as their flowers opened to greet the warm days. Mirnatha's hortus faced east. Away to his left, the Great Major Canal stretched out in a perfectly straight line to the Lyot sea in the distance. People were just starting to appear along its side, claiming their position in readiness for the festival. He let his farsight expand along it, past Forest Pool and Mid Pool down to First Pool which formed the base of Myco. There was the House of Blue Petals, its interior impressively restored after the fire.

Ivarl stood in front of his office's oval window, stretching his farsight towards Edeard. Just for a second, Edeard was back in his room at the Ashwell Eggshaper Guild, searching the towers of the village gate for any sign of the guards, with the bandit chief watching him.

'I wouldn't have believed even you would stoop to this, Edeard informed his adversary coldly. 'She's six years old, for the Lady's sake. Six!

'I'm sorry about the girl, Ivarl replied. 'But it wasn't me.

'You're a bad liar.

'You and your activities have started to dismay some very important people in this city. And that stunt you pulled vanishing in the fire, that was impressive, even to me. They're starting to work out what you are and what you're capable of. I have a feeling myself that even you don't know your full potential yet. Not that it matters, because that potential has already made them fearful. You won't be allowed to reach it, they'll make sure of that. That's what today is about, not the girl. She's just a means to an end, but you know that already don't you?

'Where is she?

'I don't know. Nor do I know who does. If you want her you'll have to deliver the ransom.

'Is she still alive?

'I would imagine so. They need to entice you out of the city by yourself, away from any possible help. If she's dead, they lose their advantage and their ability to manipulate you. Just an observation; from someone who has a lot more experience than you in such matters.

'Who? Who has done this?

'Oh, please, Waterwalker.

'I hold you responsible.

'Really? Is the truth too great a burden for you? This is your war, and you should have considered the consequences before you began it. It's far too late now to act outraged when it goes against you. And you can't back out now. You're the only one who can save her.

'Will you negotiate for me? I'll go to them in Owestorn if they let her go.

'You really are that stupidly noble, aren't you. Dear Lady: youth and its virtue. This city will be doomed if you ever sit in the Mayor's chair at Council.

'Will you talk to them?

'They don't want a martyr, Waterwalker. Your death alone is not enough. It is how you die that is important.

'She's only six years old,

'There is nobody left for me to talk to; my oldest and dearest friends no longer hear me. You should have chosen your opponent with more care. As you are to the constables and the shopkeepers and merchants, so I am to my people. And I'm losing the battle. It's not just money you've cost me, it's my authority; and out of the two that is going to prove deadly.

'If she dies, I swear you will too.

'You don't really think either of us will see tomorrow's dawn, do you? Ivarl shook his head and raised a hand in farewell before going back into his study.

Edeard snarled in frustration, and slammed his hand down on the rail.

'You're the Waterwalker, aren't you?

'Huh? He turned round to see Kristabel standing underneath a pergola entwined with a thick emerald vine. First impression, which he always felt dishonoured by, was big wild hair and stick insect legs. Equally shaming was the accompanying thought. She's nothing like as pretty as Macsen made out.

Kristabel was tall with a long thin face that with her current mood made her appear incredibly melancholic. A slender body was wrapped in a loose white cotton nightdress. Like her father, she'd been crying. Her hair, which was actually gold-brown like her sister's, was threaded with lighter streaks. She'd been rubbing it or raking her hands through it, twining it into stringy strands which stuck out badly.

Edeard remembered his manners and bowed. 'Yes, Mistress, that's me.

'Mistress! She smiled, which turned into a grimace as she fought back tears. 'I'm mistress of nothing. Our family is a giant curse, a joke. How could the Lady allow this to happen?

'Please don't give up hope. I will do everything I can to ensure your sister's return.

'Everything you can. And what's that? She winced. 'I'm sorry. She's my sister. I love her so much. Why didn't they take me? Why?

'I don't know. Edeard desperately wanted to put his arms round her, to offer some comfort. She was younger than him by a year or so, he decided. And her pain, swirling out of an unshielded mind, was humbling.

'If you talk to them, she said. 'The beasts who did this, offer them me instead. I want to take her place. Please. They can do whatever they like to me, I don't care. I just want my Mirnatha home. Tell them that. Make them understand. I'm more valuable anyway, I'm the first daughter. I will be Mistress of this district.

'Your task, Mistress Kristabel, is to stay here and be strong for your father. He let conviction fill his voice. 'I will bring your sister back to you.

'Words, that's all. Promises, I have heard the like a thousand times from the lips of Masters. They are worth nothing.

'Let me try. I am not a Master. Do not give up hope yet. Please.

She wrung her hands together in anguish. 'Do you really think there is hope?

'Always, he told her gravely.

'Are you going to deliver the ransom?

'If that is what's needed, then yes.

'I overheard our family guards. They say it's a trap.

'It is.

'You don't even know Mirnatha.

'I don't have to.

'You really are a good man, aren't you? Is that why the gangs hate you so much?

'I expect so.

She straightened up, smoothing her nightdress, then gave him a questing glance. 'Did you really turn down Ranalee?

He bowed again. 'Yes, Mistress.

'Don't call me that. She smiled bravely, then darted forward.

Edeard felt her lips upon his cheek. He was too surprised to pull back.

'The Lady bless you, Waterwalker. She turned and scurried away down the hortus.

He walked back into Mirnatha's nursery with his thoughts in complete turmoil.

'What's the matter with you? Dinlay asked.

'Why are they doing this? Edeard asked, gazing round the room. He'd never actually seen so much pink in one place before.

'To screw you over, Boyd said.

'It was a rhetorical question. They want me out in Owestorn because they think if I'm all by myself they can kill me, right?

'It's what I'd do, Macsen said, ignoring the exasperated glare Kanseen gave him. 'They'll have a small army out there. Even if we're only ten minutes away, it'll all be over by the time we can reach you. They'll probably pick us off as well for good measure.

'But that turns us into martyrs like he said. That gives our cause strength. Possibly even enough strength to carry tomorrow's vote.

'Who said? Dinlay queried.

'That's not so good then, Macsen admitted. 'Mirnatha won't be coming back either.

'That way you get the blame, Boyd said. 'With no surviving witnesses they'll arrange it to seem like you tried something reckless. The city will believe you're responsible for her death; after all you had the ransom money. No criminal in their right mind would jeopardise that much coinage, especially after such a well executed kidnap.

'And the exclusion warrants end along with us, Edeard concluded. 'Clever.

'So what do we do? Kanseen asked.

Edeard turned to the small wooden bed, exquisitely crafted to resemble a swan, picturing a small sleeping child curled up daintily under the mauve sheets. 'Find her.

'Yeah, Macsen said. 'That would be good. Word of the kidnap is already spreading through the city. People are getting upset, you can sense that. Everyone is going to be looking for her; it's a double sacrilege on this day. The gangs will have no sympathy on this. She'll be hidden deep, that's if she's even still alive.

'She's alive, Edeard said, taking a slow step towards the bed. 'They need her until midnight. That's how they control me.

'Snatch Ivarl, Dinlay said excitedly. 'Fight fire with fire, they'll never expect that. They'll have to exchange her for him.

Macsen gave Dinlay an astonished look. 'Well I certainly never expected to hear that from your lips. I'm impressed; it has the advantage of complete surprise. Edeard?

'No. Anyway, Ivarl had no part in this.

'How do you know that? Boyd asked.

'He just told me. Edeard stroked the bed's canopy, still trying to imagine Mirnatha.

'He told you— the rest of the squad were giving each other amazed glances.

'Yes. Do me a favour, guard the doors, stop anyone from coming in here. I need to be alone for a while.

'Okay, Macsen said reasonably. 'Do you want to tell us why?

'I want to remember, Edeard said.

They were good. They didn't question him further. They had strong doubts, he could tell that, but they went out and stood beside the doors, and started talking among themselves.

Edeard pressed himself to the wall behind the bed, and slipped his farsight into the unyielding substance of which the mansion was fabricated. 'I need to know, he told it. 'I need to see what you remember.

Down at the very threshold of perception, attuned with the city's slumbering thoughts, images shimmered like the recollections of a dream. People moved inside the nursery. Himself and the squad. He followed the memory back. Julan was in the room, shouting in fury. Kristabel, crying as you would at a funeral. Further back, the frantic guards and nurses. Beyond that, the nurse coming in to find no sign of Mirnatha. And then there she was in the dead of night, a delightful little girl clutching her Huffy bear as she slept, untroubled by dreams.

Edeard slowed his quest through the stream of memory, and moved forward again. It was long after midnight when the figure materialized in the near-lightless nursery. A man wrapped in a dark coat, dissolving his concealment to stand above the bed. Edeard didn't know him, but the features were vaguely familiar; if pressed he would say the kidnapper was related to Tannarl — one of Ranalee's army of cousins, perhaps. And his cloak was expensive, as were the boots. This was no ordinary gang lieutenant. The man took a pad of cloth from his pocket, and splashed some liquid on it from a small brown bottle. The pad was pressed hard over Mirnatha's face. She struggled briefly. Edeard clenched his fists, wanting to pound the kidnapper, to make him suffer before he died.

A deeply unconscious Mirnatha was lifted from her bed. The fluffy bear was dropped to the floor. And the man's concealment enveloped both of them. A second later, the door opened and shut as if by its own accord.

'Oh Lady, Edeard exclaimed in dismay. No matter how many times he immersed himself in the memory, the mansion couldn't see the kidnapper inside his concealment. He held the moment the kidnapper lifted the child from her bed, seeing it as plain as if he were standing right beside them.

There must be some other way the mansion can remember him. Though Edeard didn't have much confidence. He and the squad had experimented for weeks to see if concealment had a weakness, a way they could sense through it. They hadn't found one yet. Akeem's final gift appeared to be without a single flaw.

Now, studying the kidnapper, Edeard desperately tried to think what might betray the man's position. The beagle had caught his scent in the House of Blue Petals, but the city didn't smell. The air that moved as he walked back down the stairs! There was no memory of anything so slight.

He looked at Mirnatha's face as she was lifted up, so pale, her hair dangling limply. The kidnapper's face drawn slightly as he struggled to accept the child's weight.

'Weight! Edeard shouted happily. And he was right. The floor remembered the weight; each and every footfall. Now, shifting through the vast pool of memories stored within the substance of the mansion he concentrated on the sensation of weight alone. In his mind he could visualize the corridor outside the nursery, its floor a simple white strip, blue dints along the edge where expensive antique tables and chairs rested. A leaden maroon imprint appeared outside Mirnatha's nursery door, another followed, the imprints pattered their way along the corridor and into the main stairwell. The kidnapper spiralled his way down—

The squad gave Edeard a curious look as he came out of the nursery. It wasn't right that he should be smiling.

'What in Honious's name have you been doing in there? Dinlay asked. 'We've had our hands full keeping the family out. And Julan says the ransom is ready. The flag is flying over the Orchard Palace. A militia escort is saddling up to escort you clear of the city. You're going to need a couple of ge-horses to carry so much gold.

Edeard glanced up at the corridor's crystal roof to see the sun was almost directly overhead. Outside, the usual longtalk babble was subdued; Makkathran's citizens were incensed by the kidnapping, their fear and hatred combined to a sullen resentment. This was not the happy Festival of Guidance they wanted.

He had no idea it had taken so long to filter through the mansion's memories. It didn't matter, nor did the ransom. 'I know where she is, he announced.

'Where? Dinlay demanded.

'No, how? Macsen asked shrewdly.

Edeard gave him a level stare. 'The city remembered.

'The city remembered?

'Yes.

Macsen gave Kanseen and Boyd a very dubious look. 'Uh huh.

'She's underneath a fish smoking business on Layne Street in Fiacre. The family use two levels of cellars under the building to smoke their fish, but there's another level beneath that. Four chambers. They've taken it over.

'They?

'Ten of them, maybe more. Even I can't farsight that accurately from here.

Boyd clapped his hands delightedly. 'Brilliant. We've got her.

'Not quite. You don't need over ten people to stop one six-year-old from escaping an underground prison. And they know we can work a concealment.

'They'll kill her, Dinlay said forlornly. 'There's too many to take them by surprise.

'I think you're right, Edeard said.

'So what do we do? Kanseen asked.

Edeard smiled. 'Take them by surprise. He longtalked Ronark back at the station, and asked for some weapons to be brought over.

'You're sure she's still alive? Macsen asked.

Edeard smiled. 'Yeah. She's alive.

'Finally, some good news. The city isn't happy, Edeard. Today was supposed to be a festival. Everyone knows now, and there's a lot of agitators out there blaming you!

'Charming.

'The Pythia is going to begin the service of Guidance with a plea to release Mirnatha, Dinlay said. 'That's at midday, in ton minutes. Do you want to tell her before she begins?

'Lady, no. We haven't got Mirnatha yet.

Kanseen shook her head as she broke off trying to farsight. 'Lady, I can barely sense the smoking business from in here. I can't tell what's underneath.

'They're there, Edeard assured them.

'So what's the plan? Dinlay asked. 'We could surround the building. Once everyone knows Mirnatha is in there, the gangs won't be able to do anything. They'll have to let her go.

'Come on, Edeard said. He led them down the corridor, retracing the kidnapper's footsteps. 'They're not going to let her go just because people don't like it. These men were chosen because they'll fight to the very end. They're the ones we've already broken, people like Eddis who have nothing to lose. This is not about the girl, it never was. It's about tomorrow's vote and how to get the outcome they need.

Mistress Florrel stepped out of the lounge doorway just as they reached the main stairwell

'Where do you think you're going? she snapped at Edeard. 'Running away, I suppose. Well, good riddance to you.

'We're going to get her back, actually, Dinlay said hotly.

Edeard winced.

'You're doing what? she was trembling with outrage.

Edeard cleared his throat, and looked calmly at his most persistent foe. 'I might know where she is. I'm going to do my duty and bring her home. That's what we all want, isn't it?

'You'll do no such thing. If you know where she is you'll inform the Mayor immediately. A regiment of the militia will bring back my poor dear Mirnatha. They know exactly how to deal with anyone who dares to attack one of my descendants.

'With respect Mistress Florrel, they don't. I will bring her back unharmed. You have my word. Edeard turned to the top of the curving stairs.

'Come back here, young man, Mistress Florrel said with quiet insistence.

Edeard couldn't believe it. Thanks to Dybal's recognition gift, his mind perceived her longtalk trying to insinuate itself into his consciousness, a soothing compulsion for him to come to her just as she had suggested. She was trying to dominate him.

He raised an eyebrow disdainfully as his mental shield closed. 'Naughty, he said, and wagged a forefinger at her.

She blanched, her hand pressing theatrically against her throat.

A smiling Edeard led the way down the stairs.

'Bet we never make it out of the mansion, Macsen said cheerfully as they reached tin- ninth floor.

'Outside? Boyd said. 'That's ambitious. We'll never make it to the bottom of the stairs.

'Do you know who took the girl? Kanseen asked.

'No. Edeard gifted them the vision of the kidnapper. 'Do any of you?

'He's a Gilmorn, Macsen said. 'Or sired by a Gilmorn at any rate. Look at that nose.

'Maybe we should tell Julan we've found his daughter, Dinlay said, with a hint of anxiety. 'I mean, surely he deserves to know? If we're going to put her at risk he must have the final say.

'I'm not telling him what I can do, Edeard said flatly. 'I don't know where his allegiance is.

'Well, he's hardly going to be on their side, Boyd said.

'Not today, no. But let's face it we don't even know who they really are, do we?

The squad had reached the third floor when Grand Master Finitan longtalked Edeard. His telepathic voice was directed so skilfully it was as though the Master was standing beside him on the stairs whispering into his ear. 'Edeard, whatever have you done to my least favourite aunt?

'What did she say I'd done?

'Well arrogance and incompetence were the mildest complaints. I'm supposed to be longtalking you out of rescuing Mirnatha. Apparently she thinks I have «influence» over you.

'Are you going to?

'Certainly not. Do you know where the poor girl is?

'I think so.

'Edeard, I hate to be unpleasantly harsh on poor little Mirnatha, but you do understand what's at stake, don't you?

'Tomorrow's vote.

'There is another tactic I could use in Council. I've hesitated before now because it looked like we could win a straight challenge.

'What tactic?

'A plebiscite. There will be enough Masters to support that motion. Many of them are troubled. They see the progress you've made in Jeavons and Silvarum, and there is enormous pressure from the general population to continue your campaign. But Mirnatha's death would give them the option to vote down the warrants. If we were left in uncertainty for the Council meeting tomorrow then they would jump at the chance to defer the decision and be able to place blame elsewhere.

Edeard paused on the stairs. 'You mean do nothing?

'It's a long way to Owestorn. You might be able to ensure news took a equally long time to come back.

'Sir, I cannot do that. More than anyone I want the gangs out of this city. But I cannot play politics with the life of a six-year-old innocent. I know where she is, and I know what has to be done to bring her back to her family. Right now that's all that matters.

'Of course. You'll have my support no matter what. May the Lady be with you this day.

'Thank you, sir.

They were on the last flight of stairs when Julan's voice echoed down from above. 'Stop! Stop, I forbid this. You must not do anything rash. I have the ransom. Waterwalker! Come back. The flag flies above Orchard Palace as they asked. His longtalk was added to the plea. 'You promised me. You said you would bring her back.

Edeard looked up to see the broken Master leaning over the rail far above. 'I will bring her back to you, sir. Trust me.

'No no. There is to be no fighting. Pay the ransom. That is the only way she will come back unharmed.

'I give you my word I will not endanger her. If it takes the ransom to release her, I will carry it to them for you.

'Wait. You know where she is, don't you?

'I'm not sure.

'My aunt says you do. Wait, I will come with you.

'Oh Lady, Edeard groaned.

'We can be there before he even gets down here, Boyd urged.

'No we can't, Macsen said through gritted teeth.

Edeard looked down, Homelt and a number of guards were standing at the foot of the stairs. 'Does nobody want this girl to live? he growled.

'We do, Edeard, Kanseen assured him.

'Right then. He took the last flight of stairs at a run.

'I have my orders, Homelt said as the squad confronted him. His hand rested on his pistol holster.

'What are they? Edeard asked reasonably.

'Not to let you leave the mansion. It's not just Master Julan. I could maybe ignore that on this day. But Lorin backed him up, and he does have his wits about him. I'll say naught about Mistress Florrel. The guard captain glanced up, several people were on the eighth flight of stairs, making a commotion as they wound their way inexorably down.

'Fair enough, Edeard said. 'Don't let us out.

Homelt flashed him a hugely relieved look. 'You'll wait for the Master?

'Not quite. Edeard leaned forwards. 'She is alive. I know where she is.

'I will come with you, Waterwalker, Homelt said softly.

'No. This is not the help she needs. Already the news is spreading. We have to be quick. You know they'll kill her, and you know why.

Homelt's anguish was visible for all to see. 'What do you want me to do?

'Take us down to your deepest cellar. The one on the north western corner of the mansion. And we'll need your pistols, too. Hurry man, or it'll be too late.

Homelt glanced up the stairwell. Julan was on the seventh flight of stairs. 'Quickly then.

The cellar door was ancient wood, long since blackened so that no grain showed. Nails holding the hinges against the city's original open arch were in need of re-inserting; the city's sub stance had rejected over half of their length. That looseness made the heavy door swing about unsteadily as Homelt drew the bolls back and opened it. Barrels and crates cluttered the small room, caked in decades of dust and fil-rat droppings.

'I don't understand, the guard captain said, peering into the gloomy space. 'What's in here?

'Us, Edeard told him. 'Lock us in here. That way you will have obeyed your orders to the letter.

'What about Mirnatha?

'Trust me.

For a moment Edeard thought he might refuse and march them all upstairs for Julan and Lorin to sort out. But after a moment of hesitation while his mind showed a huge amount of uncertainty, Homelt ushered them all into the cellar, gave them a pistol each, and shut the door.

'Far be it for my humble self to criticise, Macsen said as the bolts were slammed back into place with some force. 'But I don't understand either.

'If we are to rescue Mirnatha alive, it means we won't be able to take prisoners, Edeard told them gravely. He brandished a pistol, examining its mechanism with his farsight. 'Are you still with me?

'We're with you, Kanseen said. 'But will you please tell us what in all of Honious is going on. I thought we'd got past this whole trust thing.

Edeard grinned broadly. 'This'll test your trust as nothing else. Step where I do, one at a time. You will feel like you're falling, but I promise you're not. If you can't do this, I'll think no less of you. He asked a circle of floor to let him though. It changed. Edeard stepped on it, and fell through the blackness into the Great Major Canal tunnel. Once he'd landed on the ledge above the water he moved to one side and waited.

It was Boyd who came through first, yelling in shock the whole way until his feet touched the ledge. 'Fuck the Lady! he bellowed in fright-driven excitement.

Still grinning, Edeard grabbed his friend's shoulder and dragged him aside as Kanseen came through; little whimpering sounds burping out of her throat as her arms windmilled furiously. She looked round in astonishment. 'This is incredible. It's… I had no idea this existed.

Edeard caught her arm and just managed to pull her out of the way of Dinlay's feet. Dinlay's eyes were screwed up shut behind his glasses.

'Waaaahoooo, Macsen yelled wildly as he dropped through the roof of the tunnel.

Edeard faced his friends, still unable to wipe the grin off his face. He'd rarely sensed their minds so unguarded; but surprise had left them too jittery to veil their emotions as usual. 'So, he drawled. 'You must have been keeping these tunnels from me, what with you city natives knowing everything there is to know about your own home.

'You bastard, Macsen said happily. 'What is this?

'This is the tunnel under the Great Major Canal, every canal has one.

'But how…? Dinlay was blinking up at the roof of the tunnel, his farsight probing the substance to try and find where they'd come through.

'I'm the Waterwalker, Edeard told them. 'Remember?

'Seriously, Kanseen asked with a noticeable edge in her voice. 'How did we get here?

'I'm not sure, exactly. I just ask the city, and it lets me through.

'You. Just. Ask. The. City.

'Yep, he said, faintly apologetic.

'After today, you have a lot more explaining to do.

Edeard sobered up. 'Then let's get today over with.

Their mood followed his down to a more sombre level. He started to walk along the tunnel towards Forest Pool. 'The fish smoking business is only one street back from Pink Canal.

'So you do have a plan then? Macsen said.

'Yes. The way we come down reverses. The five of us will slide up into the cellars close to where Mirnatha is being held.

'You said there's ten of them?

'At least. I'm worried the kidnapper is there as well. He can conceal himself, so we'll never know for sure until we're there. The first thing they'll do at any sign of rescue is kill Mirnalha.

It won't matter how clever I've been finding her, or how good we are at sneaking up on them if she's dead at the end of it all.

'Why go up there at all? Kanseen asked. 'Just ask the city to let her fall down here.

'First off, she's shackled to the wall. We'd have to break the chains, and even I can't do that from down here. Secondly, there's no tunnel directly underneath her cellar, not even a drain. We're going to have to come up in the one next to hers.

'Crap, Boyd muttered.

'We go up concealed, Edeard said. 'If I can get into the cellar where they're keeping her, my third hand should be able to protect her from bullets. It's going to be up to you to cover my back.

They splashed across the shallow basin that emulated Forest Pool high above. Edeard could just farsight people gathering along the sides of the canals. Children with their flower boats, eager to launch them. Adults still seething over Mirnatha.

'How many in her cellar? Kanseen asked.

'Two that I can sense. He still wasn't sure about the kidnapper. The cellar had many old crates and lengths of wood as well as a couple of small benches. If anyone with a concealment was sitting on them he couldn't tell. Certainly the cellar floor had no current memory of anyone else standing on it. It would take a long time to filter through the day's memories.

'How are you going to get to her, then?

'Brute force. As soon as we're all up there, I make a run for the door. I can smash through it and get in front of her, where I can protect her. Then I just hang on while you take the others out.

'And if it goes wrong?

'Then we're all dead, and Makkathran has to find someone else to campaign against the gangs.

Kanseen gave him a disapproving grin. 'You're going to make a terrible Chief Constable. Grand Councillors are supposed to be smooth and subtle.

'You can teach me. You'll have a hundred years, after all.

'No, she said. 'You move quicker than that.

Edeard led them along Pink Canal tunnel, then off into the drain fissure until they were standing underneath the cellar closest to where Mirnatha was being held captive.

'I can sense her, Kanseen said excitedly. 'The poor thing's terrified.

'Everyone ready? Edeard asked.

When they assured him they were, he said: 'I think I can do this so we all go up together. Remember, keep yourself concealed until they know I'm there, then take them out. And for the Lady's sake don't call out. You're not actually falling, it only feels like it.

'Wait, Boyd said. 'It feels like we're falling when we're going up,

'Yes. And no; I don't know why.

Macsen clicked the safety catch off his pistol. 'Let's just go. See you all up there.

'All right, Edeard said. He concealed himself, and waited until the others had vanished from his sight, then told the city to take them up.

The cellar he slid up into was barely high enough for him to stand upright. It was a simple oblong box of a room, with dark walls inset with narrow alcoves, and a shallow vaulted ceiling of lierne ribs. Ancient fishing nets and tishcrab cages were piled up along one wall. One doorway opened on to a spiral stair up to the smoking caverns above. The kidnappers were sitting at two wooden tables in front of it, slowly consuming a quantity of food. There was no beer or wine, just water, Edeard saw. Whoever had organized this had chosen well. These men had a ruthless discipline; they'd use the pistols resting on the table without a qualm. Just standing among them made him worry for the squad.

One of them started to look round the room, frowning. 'Did you hear something?

Edeard made for the half-open door. He wiggled his way round through the gap, not daring to breathe. Behind him, the kidnappers were picking their pistols off the table. Powerful longtalk voices were directing questions at the guards upstairs.

Edeard looked along the low corridor. The smell of fish and oak-smoke was heavy in the air. Directly opposite him was a door to the cellar where Mirnatha was being held. It was made from tyewood planks three inches thick, with iron hinges that had recently been re-set in the walls. There were heavy bolts on either side, and both sets were drawn shut. He braced himself against the wall, summoned up the full strength of his third hand, then leapt forwards.

His concealment dropped as he was halfway across the corridor. The door burst apart as he smashed it with his third hand, putting up no more resistance than if it had been made of glass.

A shout in the cellar behind: 'Hey! as their farsight caught him. Then he was through the smashed door, and folding his third hand protectively round the dazed little girl.

Three pistol shots boomed out behind him, appallingly loud in the confines of the underground chambers. His farsight caught Kanseen flicker into view behind one of the kidnappers sitting at the table. He was rising to his feet. Kanseen's pistol was aimed at the back of his skull. She pulled the trigger, and his face exploded outwards in a spray of gore. Kanseen vanished again. Dinlay was firing into the side of another kidnapper; his mind ablaze with rage and fear. He vanished. Macsen appeared on the other side of the cellar.

Edeard's pistol was swinging round to line up on one of the two men guarding Mirnatha as he charged across the cellar. It was hardly a perfect aim, but he fired anyway, getting off four shots. More pistol shots echoed round him. Shouts and longtalk howls behind him created a bedlam of white-noise. The guard he'd shot at grunted in shock, and stared down at his tunic to see a huge stain of blood spreading across his chest. Two bullets punched Edeard, knocking him to one side. One bullet hit his third hand directly above Mirnatha's head. Then he was squashed up against her, closing his arms round her shaking shoulders as she screamed a soprano wail that never ended. More pistol shots. One slammed into his neck — fired by the uninjured guard. Edeard reached out with his third hand, his strength shoving through the man's own shield. He ripped at the man's brain. The skull cracked, blood pulsed out of his ears as he crumpled to the ground.

Another bullet smacked into Edeard. He shifted his farsight focus to see the injured guard slumped against a wall; holding his pistol up, arm wavering about. He was drawing breath in feeble gulps as his blood spilled onto the floor. Edeard's third hand wrenched the gun from his numb fingers. Rotated it a hundred and eighty degrees. Pulled the trigger.

Three more shots from outside, and the shouting cut off.

'Edeard? Macsen shouted.

'All right! In here.

'Are you okay?

'Wait, he ordered, tightening his physical hold around the girl, keeping his shield as hard as rock. Mirnatha had fainted. He instinctively knew something was wrong. After the first guard had gone down, the second one had fired. Two shots had struck him, and a third was aimed at Mirnatha. They couldn't possibly have come from just one pistol.

The squad were tumbling out of the cellar opposite.

'Wait, he called again. 'Don't come in.

'What's happening? Boyd demanded.

Edeard knew he should have been delighted that all his friends were alive. Instead he scanned round and round the room, looking for the slightest tell tale sign. The cellar floor revealed nothing. There were no human feet standing on it. Edeard used his third hand to shatter the bench the guards had been using. Nothing. He crunched the second bench and all the chairs. 'Lady!

He lifted up a length of splintered wood, and sent it scything round the room. Kanseen and Dinlay were crouched hallway down the corridor, pistols held ready, their faces registering bewilderment as their farsight followed his actions. Edeard swung the wood through three orbits of the cellar without connecting to anything. He scraped it along the wall at waist-height, jabbing it viciously into every alcove as he performed a complete circuit. Again, nothing.

'You're good, he acknowledged, and reached out with his farsight to feel what the cellar floor and walls were feeling, hunting for that elusive pressure of human feet. His perception swept back and forth. Then, finally, the last kidnapper was revealed.

'Very clever, Edeard said, and meant it. He turned round, still keeping Mirnatha centred within his protective telekinesis. He aimed his pistol up at the ceiling to one side of the door, and fired the remaining two shots in quick succession.

The kidnapper's concealment fizzled out as the bullets struck, revealing him clinging to the small lierne ribs like some human spider. He fell inertly to the floor, landing with a dull crack. It was the same man who'd snatched Mirnatha from her room.

Edeard walked over to him and stared down. 'She is six years old, and you used her, he exclaimed in disgust.

The man's mouth opened. Blood spilled out. He somehow managed a small sneer. 'Rot in Honious, a weak longtalk sputtered. Then his thoughts were dimming. Edeard kept his farsight on those final flutters of emotion, searching for the slightest hint of regret. Some explanation of why a person could be so cold.

More blood bubbled out of the kidnapper's mouth as he exhaled for the last time. Yet Edeard could still sense his thoughts, enfeebled wisps of their original strength and pattern. The body had died, but they persisted. Then they moved.

Edeard gulped in shock, and took a step back as the kidnapper's soul diffused gracefully out of his body. The spectral entity hovered over the corpse for a few moments, then ascended into the ceiling and was lost to Edeard's farsight.

'Did you sense that? he asked the squad in astonishment.

'Edeard? Kanseen asked. 'Is it safe?

'Uh, yeah. That was his soul, wasn't it?

'His soul? She edged cautiously across the remnants of the door. Any curiosity was instantly forgotten as she saw Mirnatha.

'Whose soul? Macsen asked brashly as he followed Kanseen in.

Edeard couldn't take his eyes off the ceiling where the soul had vanished. 'The kidnapper's.

'Did you get shot? Macsen asked in concern.

'No.

A moan from Mirnatha succeeded in drawing Edeard's attention back down. 'Don't let her see this, he blurted. There was blood and gore all over the cellar. And the bodies. A scene that was even worse in the cellar at the bottom of the stairs. 'Are all of you okay?

'Oh, now you ask, Boyd joshed.

'I think I'm going to be sick, Dinlay said. His constable tunic was covered in blood.

Edeard's third hand snapped the iron shackles round Mirnatha's wrists. Kanseen blinked at the nonchalant show of strength. 'You carry her, she said, stroking the girl's brow, gentle with concern. Her hand and sleeve was speckled with arterial blood.

'But—

'This is your victory, Kanseen insisted.

Edeard nodded. 'Thank you. All of you.

Boyd's solemn face broke into a wild smile. 'By the Lady: we got her! We bloody did it.

They were all laughing in shaky relief as Edeard scooped up the small child, and carried her out of the cellar. People won crowding round the top of the stairs as he made his way out of the smoking chambers. Workers and family members with worried faces and probing farsight. That worry changed to consternation as the Waterwalker himself emerged into their midst. They backed off fast.

'No good trying to hide, Boyd said as they made their way out through the shop at the front of the building. 'The local constables will be calling. He paused. 'That's if the Culverit family guards don't pay you a visit first.

Edeard stepped out into the midday sun, blinking at how bright it was. It seemed as if he hadn't been outside in the light for a week, yet it was less than an hour since Homelt had taken them to the mansion's cellar. He got his bearings swiftly enough, and started walking down Layne Street.

Mirnatha stirred as they turned into Arnold Avenue, heading for Pink Canal. She started suddenly, looking round frantically.

'It's all right, Edeard told her. 'We're taking you home to your family. Your father and sister are worried about you.

She gave him a wide-eyed stare. 'You're the Waterwalker.

'Yes. I am.

'They took— she cried. 'I was in a dark room. I couldn't farsee anything. They were horrible—I–I—

'It's over. Look. It's a bright sunny day. We should be back at your home in time for you to see the flower boats.

She clung to him. 'What happened to the bad men?

'You won't see them again, I promise.

There were a lot of people lined up along the side of the canal, standing at least six deep as they waited for the end of the ceremony in the Lady's grand church. It was mostly excited children at the front, clutching their flower boats; with parents standing behind, pleading and warning not to put their craft into the water until the Pythia was finished. Edeard actually smiled as he finally saw the multitude of flower boats being held ready. They were spectacularly beautiful; from endearing little paper craft with a couple of daisies clutched by toddlers, to elaborate vessels with a rainbow of blooms crafted by proud older children. Their happy faces were wonderfully uplifting.

He started to make his way through the crowd. Heads swivelled in his direction. Surprise turned to shock when they saw the squad; uniforms covered in blood, tired yet cheerful, with the Waterwalker himself carrying the kidnapped girl whose smiled up at him with shy adulation. Silence fell. The crowd parted, giving him a clear path to the mooring platform at the | end of the avenue.

Someone started clapping. Whispers of amazement turned to exultant longtalk and shouts of approval. More people were joining the applause.

'It's the Waterwalker.

'They've rescued the girl!

'Mirnatha is alive.

'Dear Lady, look at the blood.

'It's his whole squad.

'They did it, they saved her.

Three gondolas were secured to the platform, each of them garlanded with hundreds of snow-white flowers. Edeard stepped on to the first boat as the gondolier took his hat off and held it to his chest, staring at Mirnatha. 'Get us to her mansion, Edeard told him.

'But the festival…

'The Pythia's ceremony isn't over yet. And I think Mirnatha deserves to go home, don't you?

'Yes, sir. Of course. He picked up his punt.

By now everyone was packed right up to the edge of the canal. The applause and cheering put Edeard right back to that day in Birmingham Pool. 'Let's see how quick you are, he told tin-gondolier said as they pushed off.

It wasn't far. Down to Forest Pool then they went up the Grand Major Canal to the Culverit mansion's private mooring platform at the edge of High Pool. Mirnatha sat up on the prow, looking from side to side in utter bliss as waves of applause and cheering followed her progress home.

'Do you think they'll even bother with the vote tomorrow? Macsen said quietly as he waved at the enthusiastic onlookers crammed along the canal. Flower boats were being held aloft and waved in heartfelt greeting for the little girl. The whole canal rippled with dramatic colours.

'Not a lot of point, Boyd replied.

'Can you boys just enjoy the moment, Kanseen said. 'I mean, come on, we're getting some adulation this time, too.

'I'm going to be sick, Dinlay said, dabbing at the congealing blood on his uniform.

'Don't you dare, she told him crossly.

Mirnatha gripped Edeard's arm. Her other hand pointed ahead to the mansion's mooring platform. 'I see Daddy, she squealed. 'And Krissy. They're both there. She started to wave frantically, longtalking for all she was worth.

'And Mistress Florrel isn't, Boyd muttered contentedly.

The gondolier steered them smoothly into the side of the platform. Julan snatched his daughter out of the craft, hugging her and weeping uncontrollably. Kristabel joined in. Mirnatha began to chatter at an incredible speed, telling them what had befallen her. One last final hurrah broke out among the crowds, running the whole length of Grand Major Canal.

Edeard and the squad stepped on to the platform. Homelt stood in front of him, and bowed his head. 'Thank you, he said. 'Though the Lady knows how you pulled off that stunt. There is no way out of that cellar.

Edeard gave him a knowing grin. Then Julan grabbed him roughly by both shoulders and pulled him close. 'I thank you, Waterwalker, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart! My baby, my baby is saved.

'I'm sorry we didn't take you with us, sir, Edeard said. 'But my squad is a good team, we work best by ourselves.

Julan couldn't stop crying. He clutched Mirnatha tighter. 'I understand. Thank you all. You were right. I was wrong. Please, I was crazed with worry

'Nobody was wrong, sir. Mirnatha is back home. That's all that matters.

'Yes yes. He lifted his daughter up again. She giggled and kissed him. 'Whatever you desire in this world, it is yours, and still it will never be enough to express my gratitude to you all. Say it, and I will see it is done.

Macsen put on a wholly reasonable expression and opened his mouth. Kanseen's third hand poked him in the ribs. He looked pained, but didn't say anything.

'We really are just doing our duty, sir, Edeard claimed.

'What nonsense. I will start my payment by welcoming you to our family's celebration feast tonight.

'That's very kind of you, sir, Boyd said hurriedly, before Edeard could say no. 'We'd be honoured.

'Thank you, Waterwalker, Mirnatha giggled. She leaned forward in her father's embrace and gave Edeard a messy kiss.

'Yes, Kristabel said, appearing directly in front of Edeard as her father made his way up the steps at the back of the platform. 'Thank you indeed.

He didn't quite know what to say, so settled for a modest shrug. She was still in her flimsy white cotton nightdress, though a grey-green woollen shawl was wrapped round her shoulders. Her hair wasn't quite so wild now. The squad edged closer.

'You kept your word, she said.

'Er yes. Actually, it was a pretty stupid thing to—

Her finger touched his lips. 'No. It was the greatest thing you could possibly do. No wonder the gangs and Masters are so frightened of you. I have faith in you, Waterwalker.

'Mistress. He made a real hash of a formal bow, producing something more like a nervous twitch. Kristabel all serene like this was quite impressive. Imposing, actually.

'Ah yes, Mistress, she said teasingly. 'Well, as future Mistress of Haxpen, I shall require the first dance with you at our family party tonight. And the last. And, I think, every one between.

'Oh. Edeard paled. He was a rotten dancer. 'My pleasure.

Kristabel's smile widened to include all the squad. 'Please today my house is yours. And every day to come. The view from the upper hortus is the best in the city from which to watch the flower boats on their way to the sea. And you must bathe and freshen up. I'll see that the staff find some clothes that fit, ready for the party.

Edeard watched her start up the wooden stairs to the fabulous ziggurat mansion towering above them. The hem of her nightdress flapped around her knees. I must not look at her legs. I must not.

Kanseen's head slipped sinuously over his left shoulder. 'You do know, don't you, she said quietly, 'that you can't actually sleep with every girl in this city?

Edeard looked at Kristabel's legs. Slim, yes; but rather shapely, too. 'I know, he said wistfully.

Kanseen kissed his ear playfully. 'But you could do a lot worse than Kristabel.