invulnerable for generations. And you, Zaibar, who wish that Sanctuary will
become a place of justice and order, will know in your heart that you are
responsible, because you knew what was here and let the others destroy it.’
‘No, Myrtis. So long as I live, none of this shall be harmed.’
‘There is no other way. Do you not already have your orders to levy a second
tax?’
He nodded.
‘We have already begun to use the food stored in these basements. The girls are
not happy; the merchants are not happy. The Street will die. The merchants will
charge higher prices, and the girls will make their way to the streets. There is
nowhere else for them to go. Perhaps Jubal will take-‘
‘1 do not think that the Street will suffer such a fate. Once the prince
understands the true part you and the others play, he will agree to a nominal
tax which would be applied to maintaining the defence of Sanctuary and therefore
be returned to you.’
Myrtis smiled to herself. The battle was won. She held his arm tightly and no
longer fought the effect of the adulterated qualis in her own emotions. They
found an abandoned officer’s quarters and made love on its bare wooden-slats
bed. and again when they returned to the parlour of the Aphrodisia House.
The night-candle had burned down to its last knob by the time Myrtis released
the hidden bolt and let the Hell Hound captain rejoin his men. Lythande was in
the room behind her as soon as she shut the door.
‘Are you safe now?’ the magician asked with a laugh.
‘I believe so.’
‘The potion?’