haggling. I find it’s worth the extra copper to see their faces when I imply
that they’re selling below value – it’s one of the few pleasures available in
this hellhole.’
‘I never thought of it that way,’ Razkuli said with a laugh, ‘but you’re right.
My father would have been livid if someone deliberately overpaid him. Do me a
favour and let me try it when we buy the wine.’
Razkuli’s refusal to bargain brought much the same reaction from the wineseller.
The dark mood of their conversation as they had entered the bazaar had vanished
and they were ready to eat with calm humour.
‘You provided the food and drink, so I’ll provide the setting,’ Razkuli
declared, tucking the wine-flask into his belt. ‘I know a spot which is both
pleasant and relaxing.’
‘It must be outside the city.’
‘It is, just outside the Common Gate. Come on, the city won’t miss our presence
for an hour or so.’
Zalbar was easily persuaded though more from curiosity than belief. Except for
occasional patrols along the Street of Red Lanterns he rarely got outside
Sanctuary’s North Wall and had never explored the area to the northwest where
Razkuli. was leading him.
It was a different world here, almost as if they had stepped through a magic
portal into another land. The buildings were scattered, with large open spaces
between them, in contrast to the cramped shops and narrow alleys of the city
proper. The air was refreshingly free from the stench of unwashed bodies
jostling each other in crowded streets. Zalbar relaxed in the peaceful surround