“Indeed,” said Learned Edmund, giving Brenner a dismissive look. Apparently subtlety was lost on him.
Brenner gave Caliban another look, which clearly said,I tried. Your turn.
The paladin sighed. “I am Knight-Champion Caliban, of the Temple of the Dreaming God.” He cleared his throat, the immensity of the falsehood nearly choking him. “FormerKnight-Champion, I should say.”
Learned Edmund seemed to loosen a bit. “Oh. A spiritual brother—I see.” He offered a hand.
Caliban flicked a glance at Brenner, who casually slid his foot between Slate’s ankles.
It’d have to do. Caliban dropped her arm, clasped the scholar’s hand, and bowed.
“It is an honor to serve beside a dedicate of the Many-Armed God,” he said.
Brenner rolled his eyes. Slate got herself back under control and shook the assassin off. She was absolutely expressionless, except for a certain tightness around the lips.
“Yes—an honor, but still—”
“Are you from the monastery in northern Ghaston, Learned Edmund?”
“I—yes—”
“I traveled there once, some years ago. A lovely area.”
“Yes, very. And you’re changing the subject, Knight-Champion. I amstillnot comfortable traveling with a woman on such an important mission!”
Damn. Well, I tried…
“I promise, we’ll keep her from ravishing you in the night,” said Brenner.
The dedicate flushed. Slate said, “Shutup,Brenner.” The Captain had his hand over his eyes again.
Into this dreadful moment, the knock on the door fell like a stone into still water.
Everybody looked at the door. Finally the Captain called, “Come in.”
It was a guardsman: young, looking a little grey.
“We have a situation out there, Captain.”
“I’ve got a situation inhereat the moment—nevermind. What is it?”
“Another case of blight, Captain.”
The Captain frowned. “We’ve got procedures. Keep people away from the body, and call the bonepickers. They’ve got orders to burn them—”
“Captain, it’s a kid. The mother won’t leave it. She’s been holding it for a couple of hours, and there’s no way we can get her away from the body without one of us getting exposed.”
The Captain’s face went a little grey himself. Caliban felt a shudder lurking at the base of his spine.Ah, gods, sometimes there are no right answers…
“Several hours?” said the Captain quietly.
“Yes, sir.”
“Then she’s already exposed.” His voice was very flat. “Go over to the crossbowmen and have them draw straws—”
“I’ll do it,” said Brenner.
The Captain stared at the assassin. “You?”
