38

Somehow, your idea of checking the papers doesn’t seem as clever now as it did when you started. It would help if Minrathous’ reporters had anywhere near as much journalistic integrity as they have enthusiasm.

Luckily, the city is full of potential routes to more information.

“Let’s do something different,” you suggest.

“I thought you’d never ask,” says Tarquin. “Go straight to the bit where we hit someone bad with our swords until they hand Neve over.”

“I’m trying,” you say. “If you know anything I don’t, lead the way.”

Tarquin scoffs, but you think you see the suggestion of a smile in the crinkles at the corners of Ashur’s eyes. You’re starting to think he likes it when someone tests Tarquin’s ability to take what he’s all too happy to dish out.

You do need to get to the part where you get Neve back, though, so it’s time to figure out a new plan.

• To eavesdrop on conversations, turn to page 23.
• To ask the candlehops, turn to page 26.
• To go somewhere else, turn to page 40.