Tempus – Thales – than the Prince-Governor he serves! ‘I cannot, Hanse! Nor can
I use the Hell Hounds to investigate, not in a really sensitive matter such as
this. Nor can I launch attack on Jubal, or even arrest him – not and govern the
way I wish to do.’
He really does want to do well, to be friends with Sanctuary! What a strange
RankanI ‘You could call him in for questioning.’ Hanse was hopeful.
‘I had rather not.’ The young Rankan called Kitty-Kat shot to his feet with
admirable use of legs alone, if not with a thief’s sinuous grace. ‘I had rather
acknowledge his existence, can you see that?’ He waved a hand in a rustle of
aquamarine silk sleeve, took a pace, turned his earnest face on Hanse. ‘I am
governor here. I am Empire. He is -‘
‘Gods, Prince, I’m only a damned thief!’
Kadakithis frowned and glanced around, ignoring Hanse’s look of horror at his
blurted words. ‘Did you hear someone say something, just then?’
‘No.’
‘Neither did I. As I was saying, Tempus doesn’t mean that much to me and I don’t
mean that much to Tempus. Tempus, I fear, serves Tempus and whatever he
fancies is his destiny. I might not even miss him. Still, there are some things
I dare not allow, dare not tolerate. Oh how I wish you could understand a bit
of how difficult it is, being bom royal, and holding this job!’
Hanse, who had never held any job, tried. And without trying, he looked earnest
and sympathetic. With a prince!
‘Now I think that you are Tempus’s friend, Hanse. Would Jubal torture him?’
Hanse felt himself about to develop a taste for strong drink. Looking at the