as for no other place she had known … and it was well that Yorl took his
answer, and that it was settled. New tasks might come. But at that moment she
thought of the river house. This lodging was too well known for the time; and
she might walk to the river… might meet someone – along the way.
The wine splashed into the cup and such was Hanse’s state of mind that he never
looked to see who served, only hoisted the cup and drank a mouthful.
‘That’s good,’ he said; and Cappen Varra across the table in the Unicorn watched
him shake off the ghosts and lifted his own cup, thinking ruefully of a song
abandoned, a tale best not sung at all, even in the safe confines of the
Unicorn. The city would be full of questions tomorrow, and it was well to know
nothing at all… as he was sure Hanse planned to know least of all.
‘A game,’ Cappen proposed.
‘No. No dicing tonight.’ Hanse dug into his purse and came up with a silver
round, laid it carefully on the table. ‘That’s for another pitcher when this is
done. And for a roof tonight.’
Cappen poured again, topping off the cup – a wonder, that Hanse bought drinks.
Hanse flinging money about as if he wished to be rid of it.
‘Tomorrow on the game,’ Cappen said, in hope.
‘Tomorrow,’ Hanse said, and lifted the cup.
*
Blind Darous poured, the cup held just so for his finger to feel the cool of the
liquid … measured it carefully and extended the filled goblet towards his
seated master. The breathing was hoarse tonight. A hand took the stem of the cup
most delicately, not touching his fingers at all, for which Darous was deeply