“So what happened to Xaphan’s concubines?” Roxy
asked. “Where did they go?”
“They’re carrying coals to Newcastle.” Alastor
laughed at his own joke, but Roxy only looked confused.
Dagan realized she had no idea what his brother was
referring to, and he found his spirits strangely buoyed
by that. Nice to know he wasn’t the only one who
didn’t always get the joke. This one, he happened to
know because Alastor had used it before, and the
Internet was a wonderful thing.
“He means they’re doing something pointless and
superfluous,” he offered. “I sent them running off toward a dead end.”
Roxy made a sound of impatience. “Yes, I know
what the expression means. I was just wondering what
that pointless, superfluous thing might be.”
So much for feeling like she was a kindred spirit.
“What do you know about Xaphan’s concubines,
human?” Gahiji asked, his tone soft.
Roxy turned and peered into the darkness, her expression betraying confusion, her head tipping to the
side again, as though she were listening for something,
trying to get a handle on it. “I don’t know anything.
Why don’t you tell me whatyouknow?”
“We owe you no information.” Gahiji smiled coldly.
The expression was one Dagan had seen before. His
hackles rose. Something didn’t feel right. Gahiji didn’t
lead. Ever. He worked alone, or he worked as subordi-242
SINS OF THE HEART
nate to one of the Krayl brothers. For him to take on
lead role, even nominally, felt off. Wrong. Dangerous.
“And I wonder at your curiosity.”
