– I was starting to doubt the seriousness of your pledge. Now, tell me why you
couldn’t find the killer.’
The Hell Hound ignored the sneer in Jubal’s voice. ‘Tempus is the killer, just
as you said,’ he answered casually.
‘You’ve confirmed it? When is he being brought to trial?’
Before Zalbar could answer a terrible scream broke the calm afternoon. The Hell
Hound remained unmoved, but Jubal spun towards the sound. ‘What was that?’ he
demanded.
‘That,’ Zalbar explained, ‘is the noise a man makes when Kurd goes looking for
knowledge.’
‘But I thought … I swear to you, this is not my doing!’
‘Don’t worry about it, Jubal.’ The Hell Hound smiled and waited for the slaver
to sit down again. ‘You were asking about Tempus’s trial?’
‘That’s right,’ the black man agreed, though visibly shaken.
‘He’ll never come to trial.’
‘Because of thatT Jubal pointed to the house. ‘I can stop…’
‘Will you be quiet and listen! The court will never see Tempus because the
prince protects him. That’s why I hadn’t investigated him before your
complaint!’
‘Royal protection!’ The slaver spat. ‘So he’s free to hunt my people still.’
‘Not exactly.’ Zalbar indulged in an extravagant yawn.
‘But you said…’
‘I said I’d deal with him, and in your words “it’s done”. Tempus won’t be
reporting for duty today … or ever.’
Jubal started to ask something, but another scream drowned out his words.
Surging to his feet he glared at Kurd’s house. ‘I’m going to find out where that
slave came from, and when I do…’
‘It came from me, and if you value your people you won’t insist on his release.’