Knots ofpeople ducked out of his path once he was on the streets. He was
recognized, but no-one stopped him. With eyes fixed forward, he walked past the
gallows, not chancing a glance at the corpses. The gatekeeper took his name
without ceremony and a lad appeared to conduct him to the Hall of Justice.
He was left alone there in the echoing chamber. Kadakithus himself was the first
to enter, accompanied by two slaves. The young prince dismissed the slaves and
took his place on the throne.
“So, you’re Walegrin,” he began simply. “I thought I might recognize you. You
have been no small amount of trouble.”
Walegrin had intended to be quiet and meek-to do whatever was necessary to free
Thrush. But this was Kittycat and he invited disrespect. “Finding your clothes
each morning must be equal trouble. You’ve got my man in your dungeons. I want
him freed.”
The Prince fidgetted with the ornate hem of his sleeve. “Actually I don’t have
your man. Oh, he’s been taken all right, and he’s alive-but he’s Tempus’
prisoner, not mine.”
“Then I should be talking to Tempus, not you.”
“Walegrin, I may not have your man-but I have you,” the Prince said forcefully.
Walegrin swallowed his reply and studied the Prince.
“That’s better. You’re entitled to your opinion of me-and I’m sure I’ve earned
it. There’s a lotto be said for playing one’s part in life. Now, you’ll talk to
Tempus after you’ve talked to me-and you’ll be glad of the delay.
“I’ve had gods know how many letters from Ranke about you-starting before you
disappeared. I got my most recent one with the recent delegation from the