could have been a lady of quality being avenged.’
For a small time they walked silently. Then: ‘I advise you to abandon this
search.’ Quag spoke earnestly. ‘Go back to your healing profession, and leave
murderers to the authorities.’
This time Stulwig did the up and down headshake, meaning no. He said unhappily,
‘When Ils himself manifests in a dream, which unmistakably commands me to track
down the killer, I have no choice.’
The Hell Hound’s craggy face was visibly unimpressed. ‘After all,’ he said
dismissingly, ‘Your Ils failed all his people in Sanctuary when he allowed the
city to be overrun by armies that worshipped another god.’
‘The city is being punished for its sinfulness.’ Stulwig automatically spoke the
standard explanation given by the priests of Ils. ‘When we have learned our
lesson, and paid our penalty, the invader will be impelled to depart.’
‘When I left the palace,’ said Quag, ‘there was no sign of the prince’s slaves
packing his goods.’ Shrugging. ‘Such a departure for such a reason is difficult
for me to envision, and I suggest you build no hopes on it.’
He broke off. ‘Ah, here we are. As soon as you are safely inside – and of course
we’ll search the place and make sure there is no one lurking in a dark corner-‘
It was a few periods later. ‘Thank you,’ said a grateful Stulwig. He watched
them, then, go down the stairs. When Quag paused at the bottom, and looked back
questioningly, Stulwig dutifully closed and barricaded the door.
And there he was.
It was a quiet evening. Two men patients and one woman patient knocked on the