The Shadowy Path - 17. Chapter 17

Josel

The walk to Marta Donthav's house followed the beggar's route, although the atmosphere was anything but cheerful. Josel was in a bad mood because of the goblin, on top of everything else. Zdain's mood, on the other hand, was largely Josel's fault. So there was nothing to talk about and they sulked in silence.

What a sensitive clown he is, Josel liked to think of Zdain striding ahead, even though he knew he had caused the latest row. He could not apologise - he just could not - so the only option was to lumber silently behind Zdain, watching the scenery of Ipalos.

They came to a boulevard where tall lime trees shaded the citizens who walked along it. The buildings on either side of the street were large, multi-storey stone-built houses. Only a few houses in Paidos were as tall.

Zdain seemed uninterested in the buildings. He quickened his pace as soon as he noticed that Josel had slowed down. "Hey, wait!" Josel shouted without getting an answer.

Josel wondered if his father had already arrived at Marta's house. Perhaps he had escorted the Monteilons to the road leading to Five Hills and ridden to Ipalos? In that case, Josel would set off with Dad immediately, and Zdain could stay behind to wait for the governor at Marta's. Then they would no longer be at each other's throats.

At the end of the boulevard was a large open place. Josel remembered the beggar calling it Emperor's Square. Monteilon seemed to be wondering which way to go from the square, so Josel pointed out the right direction in as subdued a voice as possible. Zdain showed no sign of heeding the advice. He went from the corner of the square down a wide street lined with fine buildings.

Along the streets branching off from Emperor's Square were clearly the homes of the wealthy. The wrought-iron gates to the well-tended gardens were lavishly decorated, and the sturdy doors of the houses were covered with beautiful carvings.

The boys came to a bridge, which crossed a narrow canal. The buildings on the other side of the bridge were already part of the Merchants' Quarter. The houses were large, even opulent, though they only housed one family. Josel looked around with interest. Zdain also seemed to be somewhat impressed by the splendour of the area.

It was not long before the house Andreuz Sandkan had described in his letter appeared in front of them. There was no mistaking it. Marta Donthav's house was the only building on the block painted bright yellow.

Zdain had also stopped to investigate their destination. The boy's expression turned sour as he met Josel's gaze. "I guess we're going in," Monteilon said, still sounding angry.

"What do we tell Marta?" Josel asked.

"That we come as sent by your father. It's better not to involve my parents."

Nodding in response, Josel felt the tension swirling in his veins. It was very possible that he would see his father soon.

With nothing more to talk about, they walked to the main entrance. They had to climb several steps to pull the cord of the doorbell. Josel gave the cord a tug, and the bell started to chime inside.

It was a long time before anyone came to the door. Josel had glanced nervously at Zdain a few times before a glare from him forced him to look away. Then they heard footsteps from inside and the door creaked open.

The tired looking servant stared at them warily. "And what is your business here?" the man asked in a snuffling voice.

"Sir, we are here to see Marta Donthav," Zdain said politely.

"She is not expecting visitors," was the blunt reply.

"We have a message for Mrs Marta from an old acquaintance. It will surely interest her," Josel hastened to tell him.

It seemed to work, for after a moment the servant said: "Very well. I'll go and ask her. Wait here for a while."

After the servant plodded away, the boys were left alone in the doorway. The hallway of the house was visible through the open door. Although the paint was flaking in places, the artfully embroidered tapestries with nature motifs and the mirrored cabinet leaning against the wall gave an impression of luxury and good taste. Even the banister of the wide staircase leading upstairs, with all its gilding and ornamentation, was pleasing to the eye. It was easy to see that the owner of the house had an eye for beautiful things.

They had to wait a long time for the servant to return. He did not come alone, but was followed by a tall, grey-haired woman, well past middle age, dressed in a festive yellow dress. The outfit revealed quite a lot of her bosom, unusual for a woman of her age. She also wore a large pearl necklace. However, the outfit did not convey an impression of vanity, but rather proved that she was a person who loved beauty in everything. This was also hinted at by his elaborate hairstyle, which had undoubtedly taken some time to create. The first impression of her was of a refined woman.

"I am Marta Donthav. You asked for me," the woman said in a strong voice for her age, studying the boys closely, almost penetratingly.

The servant stepped aside and remained in the background, observing the situation.

Zdain touched his temple in greeting and said: "Yes ma'am, we have an important matter to discuss. We bring a message from Andreuz Sandkan."

Marta raised an eyebrow slightly, but otherwise made no sign of her surprise at hearing the name.

"Yes, unless Andreuz Sandkan is already here," Josel added.

Marta was silent for a moment, seemingly searching for words. "No, he's not here. I think it's better if we talk in peace. Please come in," she said, smiling hospitably. "Toma, set the tea table in the small hall,"

"Please come in," Marta repeated when the boys hesitated. Josel and Zdain looked at each other and decided to follow.

Dad's not here yet. Sadness and disappointment washed over Josel. But could Marta know anything about Dad’s whereabouts? Both Dad and Curtus had seemed to trust this woman. It was only fair to assume that she would not throw two teenagers out into the street.

They followed Marta across the beautifully decorated room. A large painting on the wall depicted two fighting swans. Josel would have stayed longer to look at the painting, but Marta was already hastening forward.

The next room was decorated in soft, atmospheric colours. There was a vase of flowers on a table in the middle of the room, but the flowers were wilting and their petals had fallen off. Also the air was stale and the room had clearly not been aired for several days.

As the boys' eyes were fixed on the wilted flowers, Marta pinched the tablecloth with her finger and said: "I don't use this room very often. Since my husband died, I've been more comfortable in my chamber upstairs."

Josel nodded, not knowing what to say.

Marta invited her guests to sit in the soft-looking armchairs against the wall by the window and wait for tea to be served. Then she left the room the way she had come in.

Josel and Zdain sat in silence. Josel tapped his finger on the arm of the chair, hoping that Marta would return soon. If only she would offer them a place to sleep, it would be relaxing to have a real bed to sleep in for a long time. But then again, how did he know, rich people were often damned stingy.

While pondering about this, Josel happened to glance at Zdain, who was sitting next to him, clearly deep in thought. Zdain sucked his lower lip and frowned slightly. Actually, Monteilon was not bad when he was quiet.

Josel's musings were interrupted when Marta returned to the room, followed by her servant. The man carried a large tray with a porcelain teapot, cups, plates and small snacks. The servant set the table carelessly, as if in a hurry to return to his duties.

Marta remained seated on the sofa, quite close to the table. "Eat and have some tea, I've already eaten," the hostess said with a friendly smile.

Josel and Zdain sat down at the table opposite Marta. The tea that the servant poured out was steaming in an inviting way, so Josel quickly put a large piece of ham pie on his plate.

Marta let her guests eat their meals and was content to watch them. Although the pie was dry and the biscuits watery, starving Josel ate with a good appetite.

When the boys had satisfied their worst hunger, Marta moved on the sofa to get their attention. "My husband Amdus was one of the most prominent merchants of Ipalos in his day. Since his passing, I have lived alone in this house, running various errands on the side. You mentioned Andreuz Sandkan, a name I am very familiar with, but before I tell you more about my connection with him, I would like to know who you young men are."

Josel cleared his throat and then began: "I am Josel Sandkan and my companion here is Zdain. Andreuz Sandkan is my father. We escaped from Paidos...I suppose you have heard of the fate of Paidos?"

Marta nodded, encouraging Josel to continue.

"When the Shadow Cross took over the town, my father and I were outlaws in Paidos," Josel explained. "Our ways parted that night, and my father's last advice was to seek help from you. He said we would meet here. Do you have any information on him? I...we don't know what to do now."

"This clarified a lot," Marta said. "Your father was right to send you to me. I'm something of a go-to person for situations like this. When I heard about the fall of Paidos, I knew to expect visitors. But I didn't expect that there would be just two boys on my doorstep. I haven't heard anything from Andreuz Sandkan. I'm sorry, Josel."

Marta looked at Josel with a sympathetic expression on her face, then asked in surprise, "Did your father ever mention the name Blue Moon to you?"

Josel winced with a cautious nod.

"I thought so," Marta continued. "Don't be afraid, you are safe because I am one of the Blue Moon's confidants, just like Andreuz Sandkan. For years, my house has been a kind of reception point through which the Blue Moon members can contact the organisation in case of emergency. I have a detailed knowledge of the Blue Moon members operating in the south of Andiol. Since it is not appropriate for all members of the organisation to know each other's identity, I act as a contact person between them. Generally, the confidants know at most the other trusted ones in the same town, and contacts beyond that are made through liaisons like me. For example, I know that in your hometown Paidos there were four Blue Moon confidants before the takeover of the Shadow Cross. One of them was your father, Josel. The other is a certain baker named Mommes... or was... he is now dead."

"Baker Mommes is dead! How could you know..." Josel interrupted, startled. Franz had been sent to take word to baker Mommes, surely Franz hadn't…

Marta smoothed the folds of her skirt and looked momentarily annoyed at the interruption. Then she took a breath and said: "The messengers are constantly bringing me news from the surrounding area. This is how I learned of Mommes' unfortunate fate."

After giving the boys a moment to digest the information, Marta continued in a calm voice. "But let's get back to Paidos. There is also a couple, Dareis and Elyssa Monteilon. I've heard they have a son called Zdain," Marta said, turning her knowing gaze to Zdain. "Am I talking to Governor Monteilon's son?"

Zdain looked surprised for a little while, but gathered himself admirably quickly. He admitted: "I am, madam."

"Excellent, I would like to know about your parents. Are they perhaps with Andreuz Sandkan?"

"They were with him when we left Paidos, I haven't heard from them since."

"Do you have any idea where they might be?" Marta asked.

Josel was about to answer that his father and Curtus had mentioned the town of Five Hills.

But Zdain was first to speak out. "No, we were only told your name." Saying this, the boy nudged Josel's thigh with his knee under the table. It was enough to signal Josel to keep quiet, though he saw no reason not to tell Marta the truth.

A slight look of disappointment crossed Marta's face when she heard Zdain's reply. "These are dangerous times and the Blue Moon has many enemies. I don't want the Shadow Cross to suspect me. You haven't told anyone that you're coming to my house, have you?"

The boys shook their heads. "So no one knows you're here?" Marta confirmed, nodding in agreement as the boys shook their heads again in denial. "Then you can breathe easy. You are safe with me. I suggest you wait here until Mr and Mrs Monteilon and Mr Sandkan arrive. I will personally contact my trusted comrades in the Blue Moon and ascertain the current whereabouts of your parents. Until then, you are my guests."

"We can continue our conversation over supper. I'm sure you're tired from the journey," Marta explained.

It was not long before the servant crept into the room and looked at his mistress, waiting for orders. "Toma, would you show the young gentlemen to their room, then you can come and hear my request for an evening snack...and also, my guests will be delighted with clean clothes, find something suitable."

"Yes ma'am," Toma murmured, nodding for the boys to follow. Marta remained seated on the sofa, watching her guests leave the room with a thoughtful expression on her face.

The servant led them back into the hall and up the stairs. The second floor of the house proved to be more practical and less ostentatious than the ground level. They walked along a corridor lit by a skylight, past several closed doors, until a servant opened a brown-painted door, revealing a neat, if slightly musty-smelling room.

From the door you could see the washroom on the left. On the opposite walls of the bedroom were two pre-made beds. Compared to downstairs, the room was furnished in a modest way. However, the wall hangings, the soft-looking armchair and the table carved from dark wood were clearly carefully chosen and, in all their simplicity, reflected the good taste.

After Toma left, Josel kicked off his shoes and collapsed on the bed, finding it wonderfully soft. Here he could fall asleep in peace, without fear of forest monsters or a surprise visit from the shadow sentries. In fact, he could sleep until supper, the servant would surely wake them...

Josel had only just reached the border between sleep and wakefulness when Zdain shook him awake. "What the heck?" Josel snapped irritably.

"Don't fall asleep, we need to talk," the other boy said in a low voice.

"Can't it wait?"

"No, come into the bathroom. I turned on the tap so we won't be overheard."

"Wouldn't be overheard?" Josel repeated, propping himself up on one elbow.

In a moment, curiosity surpassed sleepiness. Zdain must have had a good reason for ending his silent treatment. So Josel accompanied him into the bathroom, which turned out to be a luxury. There was even a real water closet, similar to the one Bartos' family have.

In the bathroom a brass tap spouted water into the porcelain tub. It was not cold like it was at Josel's home in Paidos. Marta's house must have had a hot-water boiler to ensure that the bath water came just as warm as you wanted it.

Zdain seemed to have no desire to marvel at the wonders of the bathroom, for he surprised Josel by asking half-heartedly, "Do you trust Marta?"

"Why shouldn't I trust her?"

"Don't talk so loud, they might listen."

"Why such caution?" Josel wondered.

"First of all, she has given us no sign that we can trust her", Zdain said. "Isn't it strange that your father hasn't contacted Marta? Didn't you also find Marta's questions somewhat pushy?"

"Then why did Marta let us inside her home?"

"I don't know what she wants from us. Did you hear how she made sure no one knew our current whereabouts, right?"

"Yes, but you have to be careful in her position."

Zdain shook his head. "It wasn’t wise to tell two strangers that you belong to the Blue Moon."

"She knew our fathers," Josel tried.

"Anyone could have appeared under our names. I don't trust her."

"I'm not saying I necessarily trust her either, but do we have a choice?" Josel asked.

"I told you to keep your voice down!"

"You're the one yelling!"

"Still, I think we should get out of here," Zdain whispered with a demanding look on his face.

"And where would we go?"

"I don't know...north, maybe."

At the same time, the bath water started to spill over the edge of the tub, and the boys simultaneously rushed to turn it off. Their hands, reaching for the tap, accidentally touched. Josel hissed and quickly pulled his own from under Zdain's palm. Monteilon looked confused but said nothing. Good, because Josel did not care to listen any more suspicious speculation about Marta.

When the conversation seemed to have died down, Josel informed Zdain that it was time for a bath. "I'll go first, since you forced me into the bathroom," he said, nodding towards the door.

Zdain snorted in frustration, but strode out of the washroom without further ado.

Once the door was closed, Josel began to strip off his clothes. He wrinkled his nose as he sniffed the sweat from his shirt; hopefully Toma the servant would hurry up and find some clean clothes.

Undressed, Josel climbed over the edge of the tub. The water was warm, almost too hot. He sighed with pleasure and sat down in the tub, letting more water spill over the edge onto the floor. The sweet warmth spread to every inch of his body, washing away the strain of the past few days.

The tub was clearly designed for long baths. Josel rested his neck on the wooden rim and immersed himself completely in the warm water. He picked up a bar of good-smelling soap from the edge of the tub and rubbed it all over his body and hair.

The warm embrace of the water was enjoyable and stimulating in every way. Josel finally allowed himself some satisfaction and groaned as he came into the bath. Afterwards he lay sober for a long time in the slowly tepiding water.

When Josel finally stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel and carrying his dirty laundry, Zdain was already waiting impatiently for his turn. The boy had taken off his shirt and was standing bare-chested at the window.

"That took a long time," he murmured, stopping to tap his fingers on the windowpane. "The servant brought some clothes, I'd already chosen mine, but there wasn't much difference."

Josel did not mention his misgivings: Zdain had surely picked the best, leaving nothing but rags. He looked suspiciously at the pile of clothes on his bed and grimaced at Zdain's back as he went into the washroom.

As the tap made a dull noise in the bathroom, Josel dried himself and began to inspect the clothes he had been given. The underpants and socks were more or less adequate. The same could not be said for the white collared shirt or the dark grey trousers: the sleeves and hem of the shirt hung too long and the trousers, loose at the waist, would not stay up without a belt.

Josel yawned and lay down on his bed. The bath had made him pleasantly drowsy and his eyelids felt heavy. For a moment he tried to ponder Zdain's suspicions about Marta's trustworthiness. But fatigue quickly took over and he sank into the soft abyss of sleep.

* * *

When Josel woke up, he had no idea how long he had been asleep. Probably not more than an hour, though.

He sat up in his bed and looked at the bed on the opposite wall. Zdain was sound asleep, also in his new clean clothes. The boy lay on his side with his knees bent, looking very young and harmless as he slept. It suited Josel; a rested Monteilon might be more tolerable company than a tired one.

Only moments later, Zdain woke up. He looked around in a daze. "I thought you were..." Zdain began, but closed his mouth at the same time.
He looked so silly that Josel could not stop his lips from curling into a smile. "You thought what?"

"Uh, just a stupid dream," Zdain said. He stretched with cat-like suppleness and was soon on his feet, looking as alert as ever.

Josel would have been interested to know what on earth he had been doing in Monteilon's dream, but thought it would be pointless to ask. During their little excursion, Zdain had said nothing about what was going on in his head. And why should he, Josel had no desire to share his own feelings with his travelling companion either.

Despite everything, Zdain Monteilon aroused his curiosity. The boy was intelligent, tough and, it had to be said...brave. Josel remembered the image of Zdain, pistol in hand, in the cursed graveyard of the Veilwood. But then, there was the image of naked Zdain, trembling with fear after the fiend wing's attack, grateful to his rescuer.

"So, Sandkan. Have you thought about what I said?" Zdain's question woke Josel from his rumination, just when he would have liked to be left alone. Why did Monteilon have to talk about running away again?

"Then I guess you'll leave. You don't need me", Josel announced.

Zdain shuddered and a faint blush rose to his cheeks. If he was about to yell something angry back, a knock on the door interrupted the flow of words.

Grateful for the interruption, Josel jumped out of bed and opened the door. Behind it stood a bored-looking Toma, announcing that dinner was served.

Josel peered over his shoulder. Zdain had also got out of bed, looking tense and hurt, his lips pressed together. What a sensitive little noble brat, Josel thought.

With Toma still standing impatiently on the threshold, the showdown with Zdain would have to wait. Glowering at each other, the boys moved into the corridor.

As he followed the servant, Josel tried to make observations about the house. Toma's pattering footsteps and Josel's and Zdain's soft tread were the only sounds in the corridor. The rooms they passed seemed empty. Were the servants sleeping downstairs? At least Marta's bedroom was not on the same corridor.

They passed the same paintings and vases again until they reached the familiar dining area. Dinner for two was laid out on a small table.

So Marta would not be dining with us, Josel concluded. Eating in awkward silence in the company of Zdain was no longer appealing. Then again, they could avoid a conversation with Marta.

With a limp gesture, Toma motioned for them to sit down before leaving the room. Josel was glad that he and Zdain had not been seated opposite each other. At least now he could look straight ahead instead of staring at the plate.

Since no one came to invite them to eat, the boys figured they could start. Without looking at each other, they began to move the food onto their plates. For the grandeur of Marta's house, the offerings on the table were almost modest: dark bread, cheese, slices of ham, dried figs and preserved fruit. Water and wine were served in jugs.

"The cook is ill, but I hope this will satisfy your hunger," came a voice from across the room.

Josel was startled and turned round. How had Marta managed to arrive so inconspicuously? Or had she been hiding in the darkest corner of the room all along?

The merchant's widow wore the same daring cut yellow dress, and the expression on her face was a familiar mixture of friendliness and alertness. The impression of an intelligent woman, not easily fooled, was renewed in Josel's mind.

"I already ate in my room. At my age, I'm not as hungry as I was when I was younger," Marta said. A sweet smile crossed her face and she sat down on the sofa against the wall, as she had done during their previous conversation.

"I'm eager to hear more about your trip. I hope you're rested enough now. So you can stand the nosiness of an old fool," Marta said with a smile.

Josel glanced at Zdain and then tensed up, waiting for Marta's query.

"Did I understand that your parents left Paidos at the same time?" she asked. "Surely we could work out their location together."

"Yes, but neither of us was told their destination," Zdain managed to say before Josel could formulate a suitable answer to the question - the same one Marta had asked in the previous conversation.

She frowned at Zdain's words and looked at Josel intently. "Oh, I wish I could have helped you somehow. Another town would be a reasonable choice of destination, wouldn't it?"

"I can't say, ma'am," Josel managed to say.

Marta ignored the answer and moved on to the next topic. "Now that we are in the same boat, I would like to know how much you know about the Blue Moon and its organization. A liaison or something like that would make it much easier for us to contact your parents. You see, I am not in a position to know much. Sure, I have my own contacts among the confidants, but it's a slow and tortuous process. I'll send another request tomorrow morning, unless we can come up with something else together."

"I was told almost nothing. My father thought it was safer that way," Josel replied truthfully.

"I thought so...but what about young Monteilon? Surely the imperial governor of Paidos had the courage to share his deepest secrets with his son, after all your father was in a very different position from Mr Sandkan."

Josel was confused by Marta's words, was there a thinly veiled insult behind them? Although Marta was still smiling her reassuring smile, there was a hint of frustration in her voice. Did she not trust her guests? Josel did not like the idea that Marta suspected them of being impostors or spies.

When Zdain replied, his voice was strained and his expression openly hostile. "The governor of Paidos cannot afford to confide his secrets. Not even to his son. A governor who blabs classified information is a bad governor, and my father is a good one."

Josel felt like snorting out loud. Monteilon did not even try to restrain his anger when someone made a slip of a tongue about his family. Damn the pride of an upper class boy in his family and the father whose blunders had left Paidos in the state it was now.

"Don't get heated, my young friend," Marta reassured him. "I'm just curious to hear everything. Even the smallest piece of information can help us in a fight against our enemies."

Zdain merely nodded in agreement, so Josel thought it best to continue the conversation. "Enemies? You mean the fallen? My dad said there were some in the Shadow Cross."

Marta thought for a moment. "My boy, the fallen rarely reveal themselves. But among the shadow walkers, there is one who openly shows his true colours. The name 'Isendar Vargan' must be familiar to you."

"The regional director of the Shadow Cross," Josel said.

"Yes, an ambitious man with many enemies. He is also said to have a very beautiful daughter."

"Jolanda!" Josel shouted without thinking.

Zdain clicked his tongue next to him, either in warning or just annoyed at his fellow traveller's slip.

"Do you know Vargan's daughter?" Marta asked, leaning forward on the sofa.

Josel tried to pull himself together. "No...or I mean everyone in Paidos knows her. She's...Vargan's daughter, you know."

Marta looked pensive, but did not dwell on the subject.

As the boys continued their meal, Marta wondered which route they had taken to get to her house. When she heard that they had come through the market area, she was intrigued. "Did you see any wild animals? I read in the paper that there were some real rarities on display today." Marta's eyes almost sparkled.

Josel, still unhappy with the treatment of animals, clutched the fork in his hand. "There were some animals. It's a shame they're held captive just because of human greed," he said grimly.

Marta might have noticed that the guests were not impressed by the opening of the conversation. "Yes, it's true," she said unenthusiastically, and then went on to ask about the taste of the food.

Although the food was not particularly tasty, Josel ate with a good appetite. It did not take long for him to feel full.

When the guests had finished eating, Marta stood up. "Thank you for the chat. I have so few visitors these days that I'm beginning to forget the nuances of conversation. I apologise if I have bored you with my questions."

Marta paused before continuing. "It is getting late and my old limbs need a rest. I will retire to my room, but we will meet again in the morning. Toma will see you upstairs. I wish you a very pleasant sleep."

* * *

After escorting the boys to their room, Toma said good night and left. Josel listened to the fading sound of footsteps and then turned to Zdain. Monteilon looked at the tray Toma had brought while they were downstairs. The tray contained a bottle of wine, two glasses and some nuts to nibble on.

"I wonder what kind of poison they put in these?" Zdain wondered.

"So you still don't trust Marta?" Josel asked.

"Did the recent debate inspire prove her reliability? At least Marta doesn't trust us, that's for sure."

"She certainly doesn't when we keep things from her."

Zdain loudly blew air out of his lungs. "I have no need to shout about my business to strangers. Unlike some of us. Congrats, Sandkan - blurting out all about Jolanda. You almost ended up blabbing your romantic obsession to our hostess."

"It's easy for you when you've never cared for anyone. So cold and unfeeling..."

"What do you think you know about my life!" Zdain's voice was so icy that Josel thought it best to drop the subject. Apparently, Monteilon too had once had a girl in his heart.

Josel sighed and sat down on the bed. Monteilon was impossible and the whole situation even more so. They had nowhere to go. No home, no parents to tell them what to do. They were just two young boys with no experience of coping with something like this on their own.

How long would it take for Marta's message to reach its source in the Blue Moon? How long would she be able to accommodate and bear guests in her house? Nothing made any sense!

If only the mates had been here. The thought of Franz, Bartos and Darren made Josel's heart sink. He wondered what was going on with them, if they were even okay? Franz was so prone to getting into trouble too.

Josel sighed more heavily and stood up. Perhaps a drop of wine would calm him. As he poured the wine from the bottle into the glass, Monteilon crept up beside him and whispered. "I'm leaving tonight. You'll come with me, won't you?"

The words made Josel spill half the wine he had poured onto the tray. He turned to face the other boy. There was a steely determination in Zdain's gaze; he looked exactly what he was - the son of the imperial governor of Paidos.

Zdain's words had sounded like a request, and for a moment Josel was about to say yes, but then stubbornness won the day. "Do you think you're very clever, going off alone into the night? The Shadow Cross will catch you before you reach the gates of Ipalos," he said.

"I can be careful. I'll find a way."

"Believe what you like, but what about me? What will Marta say if I'm alone?"

Zdain raised his head haughtily. "Why should I care? Just stay here and munch on Marta's mouldy snacks. I don't even want you around."

"Dad told us to stay together! Do you understand?"

"Don't talk so loud!"

"Don't tell me what to do!" Josel hissed back, but lowered his voice. Angry and irritated - he did not want to be left alone in Marta's house, nor did he want to give in to Monteilon.

There were few options. Josel took a deep breath and said in as calm a voice as possible: "There are fiend wings flying outside. You're no match for them. I'm coming with you."

The expression on Zdain's face changed to a frown and almost a smile. "Sandkan, you may be the most annoying person in the world. Did you know that?"

"For once we agree," Josel said. He turned and walked into the bathroom, leaving the other boy standing in the middle of the room without a chance for a final word.

* * *