the spell laid on him, Enas Yorl was a powerful thaumaturge, no mere
prestidigitator.
‘At least I’ve not been arbitrarily displaced. You can’t imagine how annoying it
is, suddenly to find oneself elsewhere, perhaps miles away. I was able to come
here in proper wise, in my litter. Faugh, how can anyone voluntarily set shoes
to these open sewers they call streets in the Maze?’ The wine arrived. ‘Best we
speak fast and to the point, young man, that we may finish and I get home before
the next contretemps.’
Enas Yorl sipped and made a face. ‘I’ve been swindled,’ he whined. ‘This is
barely drinkable, if that.’
‘Maybe your present palate is at fault, sir,’ Cappen suggested. He did not add
that the tongue definitely had a bad case of logorrhea. It was an almost
physical torture to sit stalled, but he had better humour the mage.
‘Yes, quite probably. Nothing has tasted good since – Well. To business. On
hearing that One-Thumb was inquiring about last night’s incident, I sent forth
certain investigators of my own. You will understand that I’ve been trying to
find out as much as I can.’ Enas Yorl drew a sign in the air. ‘Purely
precautionary. I have no desire whatsoever to cross the Powers concerned in
this.’
A wintry tingle went through Cappen. ‘You know who they are, what it’s about?’
His tone wavered.
Enas Yorl wagged a finger. ‘Not so hasty, boy, not so hasty. My latest
information was of a seemingly unsuccessful interview you had with Illyra the
seeress. I also learned you were now in this hostel and close to its landlord.