Chapter Sixteen

A voice which was threatening and unnaturally passive spoke; we recognized it as a Marher’s.

“The Bellbreaker has come down from Farenfenther. A companion is with him.” I shut my eyes. He had been watching us.

“Prepare to meet him crossing the river.”

My companion stood against the wall next to the gate, so as not to let the light of the windows upon him. I began edging nearer to the wall’s end. Looking down the streets, I saw nothing but the crisscrossing of shadows and light. I strained my ears to hear any other sound than the melody of the waters. There was nothing but my own breathing. I glanced behind for just a moment. The ivy still hung lifelessly and the water was still faintly seen in the dark. I wanted to speak, but I waited a little longer.