Black Silk

By Lila Lestrange

Black Silk is a tale of murder, revenge and ancient evil set in the fantasy city state of Naressina. The city is a prosperous trading hub by the sea, ruled by powerful guilds and the old nobility. Tall ships bring and carry goods from all four corners of the world. Very few things cannot be had in Naressina, especially for a price. But not everyone in the city is a rich merchant, or belongs to a guild, nor do humans and the despised zereshi, fanged and clawed like beasts, enjoy equal rights. There are many more humans in Naressina, but zereshi have lived in the city for as long as anyone can remember: They are traders, craftsmen. shop keepers and some have even gained admittance into the guilds. They are everywhere, but not everywhere are they welcome. Many still live in the less desirable quarters, such as across the Lowtown Canal that separates the middle and rich districts of the city from the harbour slums. Not even the watch will enter into some parts of Lowtown, where criminal gangs make their own law.

Zîf and Kiana Kaliari are zereshi: fanged, clawed, with catlike ears and eyes, and with a pair of snake-like tentacles growing from the top of their head. The priests say their kind was cast from the light for their bestial nature, and many people in Naressina believe that, and worse. The Kaliari keep their claws carefully blunt, and work twice as hard at their trade in silks and fine cloths. They are rich enough to afford a large house in the middle district, and membership in a powerful guild of merchants. Zîf pays enough taxes to claim citizenship, even, and despite being a wife, Kiana has established herself as a merchant in her own right, taking care of the family business while her husband travels far abroad. They employ a human governess for their children. But for all their efforts, the law is not on their side. When the Kaliari need help, they must rely on their connections among humans, and on the alliances they can forge on both sides of the canal.

Salin is a brilliant thief in the Wharf Rats gang. His life of fun, palm wine and stealing abruptly ends when their latest caper goes horribly wrong: Suddenly, his friends are dead. The Rats are fighting for survival against a deadly enemy that strikes unseen. And Salin finds himself disagreeing with the gang's new leadership. But before he can set matters right, he has to survive the war on the streets. And find out what dark past his zereshi friend Cirrin is not talking about. Whatever it is, he sure learned how to fight.

A golden figurine, found after the Rats' unfortunate heist in the Kaliari warehouse, might reveal who hired the thieves - and who has since been trying to kill them - but the city watch are unwilling to investigate. Or maybe they are under orders not to ask too many questions. Wanting nothing but justice, Zîf and Kiana Kaliari attempt to solve the riddle, only to discover a conspiracy that is far more dangerous than they think.

As an ancient evil threatens to destroy all they love, Zîf has one chance that nobody in the city reckons with: Salin and the Rats. But can a gang of thieves and a zereshi merchant stand against the horrors of the Black Silk?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lila Lestrange
• Release date: Mar 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310114090

Lila Lestrange

Lila Lestrange was born in 1974 in Australia as the child of an Irish soldier in the British Army, grew up in Germany and likes Japanese okonomiyaki and Turkish coffee. Her national identity is "oddball". Lila graduated from Regensburg University in Germany in 1999 with a master's degree in Early Modern and Medieval History, although her German school leaving certificate which was good enough for university did not state that she was actually fluent in German. (Don't ask. It's the little things that make life interesting.) Apart from getting covered inch-thick in black library dust and upsetting hordes of book scorpions, during her university years Lila discovered the wonderful world of fantasy and role-playing-games. (And that the pharmacy library has more books on alchemy than the history library). After graduation, Lila has worked as a web designer, journalist and translator and started writing 'seriously' after having a family.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Night had fallen across Lowtown, enveloping the inn called the Drunken Rat in velvet shadows. Not far away, there bubbled the great and stinking Lowtown Canal, which separated the filthy sea level slums from clean Uptown. And here down below, in the back room of the old inn, at the end of a narrow twisted street that grew narrower still, the Brotherhood of Rats held court. A jug of cheap palm wine was passed around in the dim light, among hushed laughter and tales of trickery, violent death, the stupidity of the watch and the greed of merchants... they were thieves. Their gang, known simply as the Wharf Rats, ruled over most of western Lowtown, from the West Harbour to the Warehouse District and to the temple of the sea goddess Zelis, which was neutral ground. Their leader was an older man with a scarred face, known to all present as Verigo the Knife, or sometimes in a whisper, as Bloody Verigo...

Friends, Verigo said, waving a three-fingered hand, I have something to tell you!

Faces turned towards him, some attentive, some dazed, all of them pale in the dim smoky light of a few oil lamps. We receive a new brother tonight. Come here!

From a shadowy corner at his feet, there rose a young man. At least, he looked human enough to be called that. But his movements were too quick and too fluid, and beneath his unruly curls, dark as the midnight sky, his green eyes shone in the lamplight like those of a cat. They stood out against his lightly tanned skin, which had an odd, silvery sheen to it. From his head there grew two red tentacles the length of an arm, thick as a man's thumb and tapering to a fine whip-like point. He stood, motionless, hands with their deadly claws folded respectfully before him. He was a zereshi, as people here called his kind — and he was the only one among them, and some present muttered low and disapprovingly...

Verigo silenced them with a look and presented the young man to the gathering: This is Cirrin, called Slasher. For a year, he has been apprenticed to our craft of thievery, has followed our rules and has now been found worthy of belonging to our Brotherhood forever. Cirrin's naked, pointed ears twitched, betraying his excitement.

Kneel to your master, Rat. Verigo said.

There was reverent silence. Cirrin knelt before Verigo and kissed his heavy ring. At a gesture from the master, a thief approached bearing a cup of palm wine, and another bearing a branding iron from the white hot glow of which came the piercing smell of hot metal...

Ready? Bloody Verigo asked.

Yes. Sharp white fangs glinted as Cirrin spoke. His hands were steady as he slowly took off his shirt and folded it away. The body he revealed was lean and muscular, and showed several small and not-so-small white scars that told of a lifetime of fighting. He bent his head low and spread his crimson tentacles in silent submission.

So be it! Verigo barked.

Briefly, Cirrin felt heat, there was a hiss and the smell of burnt flesh... then the pain in his shoulder hit him and his vision turned black. For a moment, he was afraid he would be unable to bear it, but then he felt a hand passing him the wine and helping him drink. The strong alcohol burned his throat and he had to cough. Verigo was watching them over folded hands. With effort, Cirrin managed to speak: I thank you, Master...

Verigo gave a cunning smile. No thanks. You are worth at least as much to us as we are to you. There aren't many of your kind down here, and those who are, are useless. He hauled Cirrin to his feet, almost throwing him into the arms of the other thieves.

Come! Let's celebrate! called a heavy set dark haired man and slapped Cirrin's shoulder, making the zereshi yelp.

Your health! said another voice, and grabbing his other arm was golden haired Lissa, shaking her hair from her eyes and grinning at him. I knew it! I knew Verigo would make you one of us tonight, didn't I? And I was right! She pulled Cirrin close, spilling palm wine over them both. To you, Cirrin!

Thank you, Lissa... He tried in vain to extricate himself from the young thief.

Cirrin, you must meet my sister. Over there, see? Rana! she called. Rana, say welcome to Cirrin, he's the one they call Slasher, remember? Remember what happened at the waterfront last month?

Cirrin did not want to remember. He caught a brief glance of a shy girl with dark hair before somebody pressed a cup of palm wine into his hand, tearing him away from Lissa and her sister. Your health, Slasher!

Your health, brother. Cirrin held his breath to avoid having to cough again. The palm wine made his eyes water.

To the Brotherhood!

To us, brother!

Cirrin clinked his cup against that of another thief again. After the third cup — or was that the fourth? — the cheap palm wine tasted not bad at all... Cirrin's red tentacles wavered as he struggled to keep his balance. His drunken brother thieves did not mind being accidentally brushed by them, but slapped his back in excitement, embraced him and cheered him. Cirrin downed the contents of another cup... the room was spinning now and he had to hold on to his swaying brothers or fall.

Come, Cirrin! There's always room for one more! A tall thin man with colourfully patched clothes put a tender arm around him and passed him another cup, filled to the brim with the unhealthy brew.

To us, Salin! Cirrin managed. And to the Brotherhood!

To the Brotherhood! Salin replied, raising his cup high. And to you, Cirrin Slasher, and to Saliri Lockpicker, and to Verigo the Knife and to the rats!

To the rats!

Cirrin was never again able to recall any more of that night... he had been initiated into the Brotherhood, that much he remembered, and he had developed a taste for the Drunken Rat's landlady's firewater, and he had tried to drink his friends Saliri and Salin under the table — or rather, off the barrel. He didn't know who had won. When he came to, he was lying near the latrine in the Drunken Rat. His head was clear, only the squeaks of the ubiquitous rats fighting over kitchen scraps stabbed his brain like hot needles. On the narrow alleys outside, it was already growing dark again. Had he slept for an entire day? Swaying, he got to his feet and made his way silently back to the common room, where the landlady behind the bar cleared her throat disapprovingly as he entered.

If you are looking for your two fine friends, I just threw their lazy arses out on the street. Mildly, she continued: If you're hungry, there is still enough left in the kitchen.

Cirrin shuddered at the thought of food and politely declined. Feeling suddenly hot, he realised with a shock that he had not been home last night. Chira would be worried. The girl was the reason why the zereshi had not already left this city of humans. Three years it had been, since he had been left stranded here at the end of the world. Three years and a beautiful human gaze ago...

Hey, Slasher! Cirrin! Saliri Lockpicker was sitting in front of the Drunken Rat in the shade of a house wall, smoking his short pipe. Where you be off to?

To the Flying Fish Cirrin replied, still staggering. To tell Chira that I'm still alive... gods, what was in that barrel, brother?

I don't know, you drank most of it! Saliri got to his feet and took his arm. I'm coming with you, I haven't been in the Flying Fish for a long time. Salin? he called and waved as their brother thief stepped out of a narrow alley where he had apparently just relieved himself. Are you coming with us to the Flying Fish? My throat burns after last night, brother, I need something to water it!

Salin brushed a strand of hair from his eyes and scratched himself. I don't know... after what happened last time... but then... He grinned. The best cure for poison is another poison. No, Cirrin, don't argue! Let's go!

The three of them set out across Lowtown, the poor quarter just above sea level. Here were the dockyards and the harbours, the large West Harbour and the smaller Salt Harbour, which together made up the heart of the city of Naressina. The city, a free republic ruled by its magistrate and guilds, was a bustling trade hub: Situated at the mouth of the great river Zannain that flowed from the eastern forests, the city received wood, gold, wine, fine linens and wool from upriver, and traded them for silks from Oversea, pearls and spices from the islands of the south, jewels, and many other luxuries. The four corners of the world met in Naressina, people said, and the city had grown. Its Lowtown had a fearsome reputation that went deep into the quiet Mainland that lay on both sides of the river inland, and which was dotted by orchards, farmhouses, small villages and the manors of the nobility. Many of the latter maintained a palace or town house in Naressina, in that part of the city called Uptown: There, where the river met the city, great cliffs rose out of the water and the golden roof of the Temple of Aiellos, Lord of Light, shone above them. Fragrant flowers grew around the temple district and its gardens, perfumed the air among the old palaces and the houses of the wealthiest citizens. From there, the ground sank steadily towards the sea. In Steepside and the Market District, the houses clustered along flights of steps and narrow lanes like bird's nests and Lowtown, where the city met the sea, was a network of canals, bridges and plazas, and crumbling tenement houses. Thieves and smugglers walked the crowded streets among the merchants and the crews of tall ships, along with whores, cutthroats, beggars and the Daughters of the Mother of Mercy, in whose temple the poorest of the poor could receive a bowl of stew. And while the spices and silks were unloaded at the West Harbour quays, in the alleys along Arsenal, the Salt Harbour and the Warehouse District, other goods changed hands where the Port Authority was not looking...

The thieves, on their way to the Flying Fish in search of more drink, passed the large Guildhall where the merchants of the city met to do business. Along Broadstreet, that led from here over the Lowtown Bridge into Uptown, lined with small booths selling cheap souvenirs and food, the street urchins of Lowtown practised stealing, and there was almost always a group of city watchmen in red and yellow uniforms on duty. Among the bustle and noise, nobody looked twice at the three Rats, who drifted gently with the crowds hurrying home in the dusky twilight. The first of the twin suns was already sinking beneath the horizon, turning the sea golden, and lending a ruddy glow to the cobbles still brightly lit by the second sun. But it, too, would soon sink beneath the horizon, and night would pour over the streets which would still be warm from the day.

By the time the Rats reached the Flying Fish, it was already dark. The tavern, which had a reputation both with the watch and the thieves, lay towards the oldest part of Lowtown, at the heart of a maze of narrow alleys, small squares and canals. It was said to be the oldest inn in Naressina, and unlike the Drunken Rat, it was in good repair. The large winged fish swinging from a chain above the entrance shone in the warm light of a lamp.

Inside, the thieves stepped into a dim smoky room with irregular walls and many shadowy corners. Among the guests, Cirrin noticed a bald man with an eye patch, who looked at them with sudden interest.

Never mind him. Salin whispered in his ear. He's a slave trader, I've heard. Harmless. Although, there are rumours that... never mind. That's just rumours! he added with a smile and knocked on the top of the bar.

What do you want? a voice growled. The fat man dressed in yellow and green was just as tall as Salin, and had twice his girth. And he did not look as if he had much love for the thief.

Salin regarded him with a disarming smile. A jug of your best wine, barman — and no worry, we can pay. He pulled a coin from his tattered shirt and laid it on the bar, but kept his hand on it. The landlord watched him suspiciously and looked surprised when Salin withdrew his hand.

A piece of silver, thief? He took the coin, carefully examined it to make sure it was genuine, casting Salin a malicious glance. He slammed three wooden mugs and a jug onto the bar. Here. Anything else?

No, many thanks for your endeavours, aish, many thanks! Salin's gratitude was just genuine enough, and the thief just far away enough, to keep the landlord from smashing his teeth, which he would probably have done with pleasure.

He has missed you, indeed. Saliri remarked sarcastically, sitting down next to Salin at a table. And he is still sour about what happened.

Salin shrugged. So what. That piss he served wasn't worth a copper ring! I should have been the one to charge money for being expected to drink that dirt. At least this time there's nothing wrong with the wine. He took a deep drink and looked around.

Sharing their table were a few sailors drinking away their wages with the crew of a riverboat from along the upper Zannain river that flowed into the sea around the island city of Naressina. To his displeasure, Cirrin suddenly noticed the slave trader standing at their table, the man who had been so interested in Salin as they entered.

The slave trader cleared his throat in a portentous way. Good to see you, Salin. There is something you could do for me. he said unabashedly. You and your two friends. He nodded towards Cirrin and Saliri, who returned the greeting with mounting embarrassment The slave trader was obviously as subtle as a punch in the face.

Dark Mother, what a fool! Cirrin whispered nervously.

Oh yes! Saliri replied in a whisper. But they say he has money. What is he talking about?

Cirrin strained to listen, but even with his acute hearing it was difficult to understand Salin and the slave trader over the noise of the tavern. The slave trader spoke urgently to Salin, who once shook his head in heavy disagreement and started to reply — when the slave trader grabbed his shoulder as if he was about to shake him.

No! Salin snapped, loud enough for Cirrin to hear. No way!

Be sensible! the slave trader interrupted. Think of what might happen, if... His voice dropped again, grew charming, and so quiet that Cirrin could only just make out the words, he continued: All right then. Then don't. But the offer isn't that bad if you think about it, is it?

He gave an oily smile and Cirrin could see his teeth, white as a string of pearls.

Salin drew a deep breath. No. No fire, damn it!

All right then, then no! I leave it to you what kind of mischief you come up with... but don't forget what might happen if, for example... He did not finish the sentence. Seeing the distressed look on Salin's face, he laughed aloud and gave him a hard shove. The thief fought to regain his balance and stared at the slave trader with a hateful expression, but the man only winked at him before he stood and left.

That pig! Salin rubbed his shoulder.

What does he want? Saliri asked.

Salin drank deeply from his mug and wiped his hand over his mouth. The bastard is a good friend of our landlord — that is how he knows my name, damn him!

So? Cirrin asked. What else?

Oh, nothing special... Salin bit his lip. He says, he has trouble with one of the merchants. The fellow apparently won't pay, and we are supposed to... teach the fellow a lesson.

Ah.

For a while, there was silence. Cirrin felt uneasy. He shook himself. There was nothing to fear, he told himself. He was probably only nervous, still too on edge from the fresh brand on his shoulder, a tearing burning ache that refused to go away.

Did he say who he is having trouble with? Saliri asked slowly.

No, and that's the problem!

He wants a deal, but won't talk? Saliri probed. Tell him he can shove his deal where the suns don't ever rise!

He's offering a thousand in silver. Salin said calmly.

What? Saliri mis-swallowed and coughed heavily. Salin, that's a joke! That fellow is a stupid braggart, nothing more...

And if not? Hey, Cirrin — doesn't your girl know anything? There she is!

Cirrin thoughtfully shook his head. He did not want to entangle Chira too closely in the affairs of the thieves, even though she had introduced him to Salin, but ... she did know almost everybody who was anybody in Lowtown.

Chira! he called. Hey, Chira!

Hey! There you are! Ah, and there we have Master Salin and Master Saliri... I thought so. She hinted at a curtsey and slid onto the bench between them. How may I serve you, gentlemen? she asked and felt under the table with her naked foot for Cirrin. And where have you been last night, huh? What have you done with him, you two rascals! she added playfully.

Cirrin elegantly avoided her and wrapped a tentacle around her arm. Dearest... they let me join last night and...

And then you were drinking until it came out of your ears. Chira finished. Shame on you!

I am sorry. Cirrin muttered and stroked her cheek softly with his tentacle. Really.

Before he could continue, Salin took Chira's arm. We need your help.

Oh, I hear that all day long!

Do you remember the slave trader who was sitting here? The bald one? Salin asked.

Maybe.

Salin let a few copper rings drop into her outstretched hand. Do you know if he has trouble with one of the merchants?

Chira regarded the rings. Merchants always argue with each other. she said.

Salin sighed and added another three rings. Chira nodded, satisfied. Yes, he is in big trouble with the West Trading Company, they say — many merchants don't like the slave traders well, because they do most of the business Overseas, and with the quota in place, the proper guilds, above all the cloth and spice merchants, suffer. One-Eye sends a lot of slaves west. Chira continued. The dirty dog even steals people's children. She took a sip from Cirrin's mug. They say, not even half his slaves survive the journey across the sea! I heard, he packs them into the hold like silver spoons, one next to the other... and lets them lie in their own dirt, thirty days...

He offered us a deal. Salin interrupted.

Chira flinched. What? In Zelis' name, don't deal with him, will you? Promise, Cirrin, he tricks everybody, they say. And he has connections... they say. Good connections. Her voice had grown quiet and she cast a furtive look over her shoulder. Don't do it!

What kind of connections? Salin asked, tightening his hand around her arm.

Up top. Chira forcefully removed Salin's fingers from her arm. They say, he has friends in Uptown. And among the city watch.

I'm not scared of a few corrupt yellowbellies and a rich merchant.

That's not all. They say, he has connections to a gang down here, too. A gang whose name nobody really knows, only... when they kill someone, they leave a piece of black silk behind. Chira whispered. And they don't keep to the laws. Do you remember old Hanin? Chira met Salin's gaze and held his eyes until the thief looked away. He had a shop near the Port Authority. One-Eye had him disembowelled, they say, and on neutral ground at that. Nobody knows why, and the city watch are too frightened to ask. For them, it was all an accident... sure — he tore out his guts by accident. After first hitting himself over the head! She took a deep drink and added: And he was tied up, too. With black silk. None of those who were there when they found him wants to talk about it. And I can't blame them!

All right. Saliri muttered after a pause and scratched his chin. What exactly does this fellow want from us? A lesson can be many things.

We're supposed to do some damage inside a warehouse. Salin replied quietly. He didn't say which. If he had his way, he would have the place burned down, but I talked him out of that, I hope... his people are waiting for us here, tomorrow night. We have until then to decide.

Saliri snorted. Black silk... what nonsense... sounds like some rich fool with too much money!

Chapter 2

It was a sure thing. Connections or not, a thousand pieces of silver for a little fun in a warehouse were a good deal, so Verigo the Knife had said. Cirrin was uneasy at the thought, but the master thief had made his decision, and he and his friends were on their way to meet at the Fishmarket in Lowtown.

There you are! cried Lissa, jumping down from where she had been standing on the base of a statue depicting the Naressine god Aiellos, divine ruler, crowned Lord of the Light and among other things wielder of the sword of justice and keeper of laws. Cirrin, who knew the Fishmarket and its regulars well, always wondered whether someone had put the statue here as a not so subtle reminder or from a sense of irony... his friends were talking among themselves.

Verigo and Salin are already waiting. There's Rana, me, Verigo, Salin, you and Cirrin!

What about Mallina? Saliri asked, worried that the Knife's right hand was missing.

No, Verigo sent her and Yassid somewhere else. Lissa shrugged and shook her hair out her eyes. Who cares, we can do this without the Cat!

We will miss Mallina the Cat. Saliri retorted grimly. And that's rather few of us, not good. Those warehouses are large, and... I tell you, Verigo will regret not having her here! Even if she really did...

Hush! Lissa put a finger to her lips. It's not good, talking like that... Verigo is... Verigo. Don't upset him, otherwise... She put her finger to her throat in a telling gesture.

Cirrin's tentacles darted up in surprise. Verigo —

Don't. Lissa interrupted. Verigo isn't called the Knife for nothing. But Mallina isn't a novice of the Merciful Mother either!

I'll say yes to that! Saliri muttered.

Cirrin understood. Red haired pretty Mallina had an equally fiery temper, and was quick with her knife. Men learned very quickly not to leer at her.

The master thief was waiting for them in the shadow of an archway, next to him Salin and the girl Lissa had mentioned in passing last night, her sister. The two girls did not look much alike at all, and the difference went beyond Rana's dark hair and bronze skin.

Lissa laughed. Rana is shy! But she is a good learner. She nudged her ribs. Come on!

Rana stopped and stared at the cobbles instead.

What is it? Saliri asked.

Rana hesitated. Her voice was softer than her sister's, and slower. You know... this is the first time that I'm...

Scared? Saliri asked gently.

Yes...

Everybody is scared the first time.

Rana sighed. I know. It's nonsense thinking about it, but I can't help thinking about what will happen, if... things go wrong. If... She choked and cast a frightened glance at Verigo.

Saliri placed both his hands on Rana's shoulders. Don't be afraid. We'll all take care of you. Promise.

Under the cover of darkness, the thieves arrived behind the Flying Fish, in a small dirty courtyard smelling of kitchen scraps. They waited patiently in the deep shadows. Salin kept a tense watch on the tavern's back door.

They're coming! he hissed and adjusted the bundle over his shoulder. Metal clinked. Rana opened her lantern to light the way for their guides, but Lissa's hand on her shoulder suddenly tightened painfully and she doused the light.

Never do that again. her sister whispered. They don't want to be seen!

Lissa seemed right. Their three guides were wrapped in long cloaks, their faces invisible deep in their hoods, dark shadows in a dark night.

There you are. Come! The voice was male, smooth and silky. Cirrin's ears twitched. The man did not sound as if he was from Lowtown, and his accent was not quite that of Naressina... the Mainland, maybe? Was that a man from the country? With another twitch he pushed the thought aside. It was not important. The slave trader's men led them past the mouths of many small alleys, and swiftly over Broadstreet that lay basking in the moonlight, across bridges and again through winding dark alleys until at last they climbed down a few steps leading to a narrow walkway at the edge of a black canal. Before them lay the Warehouse District, warehouses wall to wall right up to the Lowtown Canal. They entered from the waterside, along small stinking canals, far away from the straight well paved Harbour Street and the night watch.

This way!

Those were the first words addressed to them since the beginning of their journey, and the sound of the voice told them they were very near their destination. The man pointed at the large double door of a warehouse standing at right angles to the street. Here it is. Open the door. Once we are inside, we will tell you what to do.

At a gesture from Verigo, Saliri knelt and rummaged through his bag for a pick, which he carefully inserted into the door's heavy lock. Doesn't fit! he grunted with disappointment and felt for another tool.

Rana and Cirrin looked up along the outer wall of the warehouse. It was a tall stone building, with three levels. A narrow bridge connected the top level with the neighbouring warehouse. High above their heads, a hoisting beam jutted forth into the night. Rana made out several faint doors beneath.

We're in! Salin's voice was sharp and excited, even though he whispered.

Verigo waved the thieves closer. Salin, you and Saliri, to the back. Cirrin, you and Lissa to the top! You, Rana, come with me...

And who will stand guard? Salin asked.

We will, friend thief. said the man who had brought them here. At his gesture, his companions positioned themselves at the corners of the warehouse. Cirrin noticed with surprise that there were suddenly five!

Well. said the man with an icy smile. Take as much as you can carry, as long as it is valuable. And what you can't take, you break. Break a lot! he added with an ugly snicker.

As far as the eye could see in the dark of the warehouse, balls of cloth and heavy boxes were piled to more than the hight of a man. Over it all lay an indefinite smell of sackcloth, wine and spices.

Zelis! Rana gasped. That must be worth a fortune!

At least. Verigo the Knife replied drily and turned to the others. You know what to do!

Salin carefully felt his way along a large box. Damn it, Saliri! Light! Finally. He knelt and looked at the heavy lock. Can we smash it?

Let me see. Saliri's skilled fingers examined lock and chain. That's just unnecessary noise. He started to look for a lock pick

Listen! Salin raised his hand and tensely turned his head. I could have sworn I heard something. Steps.

Probably just rats. Saliri let the lock fall to the ground with a satisfied grunt. I wonder what's in there that's so valuable, Salin. He bent over the open box with enthusiasm and stared at the red powder in his hands. Cinnabar! We can't sell that. So away with it. He threw a handful behind him, causing it to rain bright red onto the floor boards. Pretty!

He turned to Salin. Let's see what other colours are here.

Grinning, Salin set his wrench to another box.

Rana obediently crept into the dark. Lissa had often told her of the gang's night time intrusions, but words were only a pale reflection of the reality. She was scared. Determined, she raised her chin and opened her lantern a little. In the dim light, she recognised a pile of boxes, a large heavy table, old and worn, and a little further away a giant pair of scales. Curious, she approached the boxes. What was in them? No spices, she would have smelled that. Soft steps closed in on her from behind.

Verigo?

Yes. Get away there, that's nothing!

They searched through the nearby vicinity, without much luck. They passed balls of cloth, boxes that were nailed shut and neither smelt of spices nor were heavy enough for silver, and barrels containing only either oil or wine. Nothing that could be easily sold in Lowtown, or that was especially valuable, but because the slave trader wanted it that way, Verigo punched a hole into everything. A heavy, sweet and pungent smell rose from the floor boards, and Rana's naked feet almost slipped in the mixture. Verigo grabbed her arm.

Hear that? His fingers dug painfully into her skin as he pulled her down with him into cover. Get out! And then he was gone.

Salin suddenly stopped.

Your rat again? Saliri asked, amused.

Wait! Salin hissed and climbed to the top of a pile, where he strained to listen into the darkness. Even if Saliri laughed, the small noise had unsettled him more than he wanted to admit. He heard nothing. Nothing at all, only the velvety black darkness around him... or was there? Salin shook himself. Below, he heard Saliri softly curse him. Metal clinked below. Then, above, a dull thud. Salin straightened. As he pressed his ear to the ceiling, he heard it clearly: Steps. Slow, searching steps... booted steps. They moved slowly forward, as if looking for something... then everything was quiet as a grave.

Curse it! As quiet as possible, Salin slid off the pile and hurried to Saliri, who was grinning as he spread yellow and green powder over the floor...

Come! he hissed and grabbed Saliri's shoulder. We have to get out, and fast! There's company upstairs!

Are you sure? Saliri stopped making colourful rain.

Dead sure, move!

They hurried back the way they had come, but suddenly, they fell over boxes in their way, ran into thick supporting pillars — nothing was the way they remembered it... Salin broke out in sweat. What was happening? Why did he no longer know the way and blundered about in the dark like a beginner?

This way — ow! Damn it, damn... Salin rubbed his shoulder trying to remember. Where are we? There's something wrong...

Saliri raised his lantern. He opened his mouth to say something, but at that moment they heard a dull boom, followed by a piercing scream.

Rana! Without a word of explanation, Saliri rushed off.

Saliri! Salin hissed in desperation. Saliri! When no answer came, he had no choice but to follow the disappearing light of the lantern, that bobbed up and down like a will-o-wisp.

Rana! Saliri appeared from the darkness. What... he dropped his lantern and jumped forward to catch her.

Saliri, she managed. Verigo saw...

Whatever Verigo had seen, it was here. Rana stumbled against a pile of boxes. Saliri drew his dagger. In the light of the lantern dying on the floor Rana saw the flash of a blade and a dark, bulky shadow dropped heavily to the floor. In the same instance, she heard a grinding sound and Saliri lay motionless at her feet. From his back jutted the hilt of a dagger, then everything went pitch black.

Rana pressed against the pile of boxes and drew her knife, determined to defend her life until the last. A hand tightened around her shoulder, she whirled, wanted to thrust, to pull herself away, but her opponent was too strong. Her arm was twisted onto her back, her knife dropped useless to the ground. Someone seized her roughly, dragged her away and finally pushed her to the ground. I hope he'll do it quickly, Rana thought and closed her eyes.

A whisper. Are you hurt?

Sal-! He held her mouth shut. Salin. They had to get out, and fast. Rana pressed his arm to show him she understood. They would feel their way to the wall of the warehouse and then disappear through the first opening. Unfortunately, the only opening on this level was the door.

And Verigo?

He's probably waiting! Salin said with confidence. In his hand, he held a dagger that he had taken from the dead body next to Saliri's corpse. With the weapon in his hand, he felt a little more secure, but in contrast to his statement, in reality Salin had little hope of seeing Verigo the Knife alive again. Verigo was alone with Salin did not know how many of these strange men in black, and he had only his knife. Desperate, Salin tried to remember the way back. If only he hadn't lost his head! And how had that happened? He had broken into warehouses since he was six. And never had he lost his way so badly in the dark. To confirm his worst fears, he soon heard steps. Salin and Rana flattened themselves against the outer wall. He took a breath of relief when the steps faded away. Now they only had to follow the wall to the door...

Pale light fell through the wide open doorway. There was no one to be seen. Salin and Rana rushed through the open door into the streets and ran for their lives. Several figures in black ran after them in pursuit. Rana gasped in terror, but suddenly behind her, someone screamed — as if out of thin air, Cirrin had appeared behind their pursuers. Had he jumped from above? A man in black lay motionless on the cobbles, and just as his comrades made ready to turn against Cirrin, Lissa whistled, the two flying thieves turned and the unequal fight began.

Lissa fought well with a knife, and Cirrin and Salin had both seized heavy daggers, but the zereshi soon cursed silently. These weren't common cutthroats from Lowtown, he realised with a shock, no, these people were trained fighters. Like him. His dagger met that of his opponent, and the man drew close, seeking to kill. Cirrin's free hand moved as he ducked, and then his claws tore at the man's throat, bringing him up short. A moment later Cirrin's dagger had sent him gargling down to the cobbles.

Mother of Mercy, help us! Rana breathed. White faced with terror, she stared at the bloody pool at her feet, Salin's small knife clenched helplessly in her hand. She stood rooted, too frightened to move, while Salin, Lissa and Cirrin tried to somehow protect her...

Suddenly burning torches blazed in the darkness, carried by city watchmen in red and yellow uniforms. With them came the tramp of heavy boots. Watchmen, maybe a dozen strong, were running up the street. The sounds of fighting must have alerted a patrol...

Damn! Salin cried, horrified. Get away!

Men, at them!

The following melee was short and fierce, and before Rana knew what was happening, she found herself seized in the hard grip of two men. Writhing, she saw the zereshi being held by a watchman, and not far away from him, Salin. Next to him lay a watchman... the cobbles under his belly were dark and oozing. Rana shuddered. How many more deaths? The men in black had gone... and her sister Lissa lay motionless not far from the open doorway of the warehouse, her face on the ground. Rana's throat constricted.

Lissa... she whispered in a panic and kicked at the man holding her, as hard as she could. Lissa!

Cirrin's tentacles twitched... there was a loud snap and the man holding him dropped to the ground as if punched. Cirrin quickly recovered his balance and grasped for Rana, hitting a watchman in the eye with a tentacle while kicking the man between the legs, and with an impossibly high leap jumped clean over the unhappily moaning human. They were free!

Salin! screamed Rana. Lissa! We've got to help them!

Run! Cirrin growled and roughly punched her in the back. Run!

Get that damned freak! the watchmen's sergeant yelled. None of his men stirred. Most of them stood staring with their mouths open, two were taking care of their dazed comrade...

Salin rammed his fist into the face of the man who wanted to tie his hands and tore lose.

Stop him! the sergeant yelled and hurriedly busied himself with his powder flask and pistol. The thieves, all three, ran down the narrow street... it was only a few steps until the next alley, when a sudden thundering crack made Cirrin whirl around.

Salin... Rana had caught him. Blood stuck to her arms.

Damn! Cirrin caught hold of his friend, his impatient fingers feeling for the wound he knew had to be there underneath the blood and sticky clothing... he heard the city watch approaching...

He pushed Salin into Rana's arms and cast a quick glance up the street. Take him to Mother Ellina, understand?

She wiped her nose. What —

Do it!

Cirrin leaped to his feet and towards the watchmen, without waiting whether she had understood. He had no time. One breath, another... he was one with the darkness. The first watchman never noticed Cirrin's tentacles hitting his neck.

What the... Garin! Garin, what... The second watchman moaned and fell heavily next to his comrade. Cirrin straightened and just wanted to disappear when two more watchmen stormed into the alley abreast.

Stand! they yelled. Cirrin leaped upwards, managed to seize a window sill with outstretched claws, pulled himself up and hissed down at them from the wall.

Damned, where did he...

Let's see to Garin and Verelli. Maybe they're still alive!

Cirrin watched him kneel next to his comrades. The other yellowbelly busied himself with his lantern, shone the light up and down the wall in the hopes of finding the zereshi somewhere. The pistol in his hand wavered. Cirrin was comfortably balanced on the opposite side of the alley, gazing down on the watchman's back with a cynical expression. Nobody in his right mind followed the spawn of night into darkness... Cirrin leaped, drove his sharp claws into the man's ears and head, making him drop his pistol and lantern with a scream. His comrades made no move to stop Cirrin as he rounded a corner and disappeared into the dark.

Chapter 3

Kiana Kaliari was still asleep when Captain Fini of the city watch came to her house soon after the incident and requested to speak to her husband. It was urgent, he said, and he had to speak with Aish Kaliari immediately. An elderly female servant opened the door and asked him inside.

What has happened?

Someone has broken into your master's property. the captain said drily.

What? If you could wait a moment, I will go right now and wake the mistress. Shaking her head, she left and climbed up the narrow stairs to the family rooms. Who would have thought it. she muttered. And it's not even properly day yet!

She stopped to knock on a dark wooden door. Kiana? When she heard no reply, she tried again: Kiana?

With a sigh of regret she pushed her heavy body into the room and stepped next to the bed. Carefully she parted the drapes and bent over the sleeping form. Kiana, dear, there is someone here for you.

The dark haired woman in the bed sensed her presence and opened her eyes, two yellow flames in the darkness. Sleepily, she stretched.

What is the matter, Manita? She yawned, showing her fangs. Is Zîf back?

Like Cirrin the thief, Kiana was a zereshi. But her body was far less muscular, and her skin was dark olive, as was usual for their kind in Naressina. Being female, her tentacles were slightly longer, her frame less solid and somewhat smaller, and her voice pitched slightly higher. That was all the difference there was. Her body was flat as a man's and humans could have easily mistaken her for a boy of her kind. Femininity in the public eye was something to be achieved by a dress and ladylike behaviour.

No, dear. Manita was Kiana's former governess. The captain of the city watch is waiting for you downstairs. He says it is urgent. Burglars, he says.

Really? Kiana jumped out of bed. Tell him, I will be with him as soon as I'm dressed. And offer our guest a drink. She stretched to shake off the hours of sleep, pulling her green tentacles through her slender fingers.

Shan't I help you? Or at least go and wake Darek — you will need him!

He can follow.

As you wish. Manita hurried out. And she was supposed to let the clerk sleep! A lady on her own did not venture out like that... She has always been stubborn. the former governess muttered. Not at all like her mother, she thought. Nor would the old Kaliari, Zîf's father, have stood for it. But he had been dead the last six years and Zîf was away more often than not. Kiana's own mother would have never dared to do such an outrageous thing... That had been a gentle woman, a grace to her husband's house... the fever had put her to an early end. Dying, she had made Manita promise to stay with her daughter. And Manita had kept her word, even as Kiana Allin, the sole surviving child of a well-to-do ship owner, became the honourable Kiana Kaliari.

She will be downstairs in a minute, sir. Manita explained to the captain and led him into a small drawing room on the first floor where the Kaliari often received their business partners. Would you care for a seat and a cup of water?

He accepted gracefully and politely inquired after the family's welfare.

Well enough, thank you. But we are all waiting for Zîf aish Kaliari to return. His ship is now five months late.

I didn't know he was abroad.

He has gone Overseas. Manita sighed, and swallowed.

Let us hope only the best, good woman. And in his absence, - Captain Fini hesitated — his wife is in charge of business?

What choice do we have? Manita sighed again and looked away. There would have been other choices, the Kaliari's relatives could have helped, and the guild would have happily provided a senior member to take over in Zîf's absence, but Kiana...

There was the sound of quick, light steps approaching. The captain of the city watch rose respectfully and turned to meet the lady of the house.

Captain Fini at your service, Your Grace. He wanted to kiss the lady's hand, but then his gaze met with... tentacles, with... the zereshi. His tongue stuck in his mouth.

Kiana politely spread her green tentacles. You wish to speak with me, Captain? I heard someone had broken in.

Somehow, the captain had expected a shy and delicate lady, looking to him for help and advice with a plaintive expression in her gentle eyes, but... while Kiana Kaliari was indeed small and delicate, she also had.... teeth. And her eyes glowed yellow, to say nothing of the green tentacles which put the captain of the city watch in the mind of snakes.

I, erm... it's like this. he stammered. Someone has broken into your warehouse, this night. If you would be so kind to come down with me, so we could establish what is missing? And then, of course, you will want to raise an official inquiry into the matter.

Certainly.

The captain awkwardly cleared his throat. Do you intend to go straight away, I mean — unaccompanied? Your clerk... don't you think, that...

Sir, I am with you, am I not? And you may be amazed, but I do know my own business. I have the inventory lists here. So let us not waste unnecessary time.

Forget I said anything... eshya. he added grudgingly, giving her the female form of a man's title of citizen.

A young watchman carrying a lantern accompanied Kiana and the captain, as they walked down the still dark streets into the early morning. After a while, the zereshi broke the silence:

Is there any hint yet as to who is responsible?

A known gang from Lowtown. Most of them were able to get away, although one of them was probably wounded. We don't know for certain.

Most of them? What about the others?

Four dead, one prisoner. She is in gaol awaiting questioning. The captain swallowed. If I had my way, I would instantly hang every single one of them I could lay my hands on, and then feed their sorry corpses to the fish! Murderers and scoundrels... He clenched his fists in impotent fury. They killed a member of the company, the poor lad was only sixteen.

We are there, mistress! their lantern bearer remarked needlessly. In front of the open doors of the warehouse, watchmen stood to attention left and right. They saluted as Kiana approached. It was light by now, and the pale dawn of the new day, unreal and cold until the rise of the second sun, fell on the wreckage inside.

A good morning to you, Mistress. remarked one of the watchmen.

A good morning to you, too. Is everywhere the same as this?

Yes. Quite a gang of vandals. I guess they didn't find what they were after. And then they fought over the booty, and were still at it when we came. They killed three of their accomplices.

Kiana unfolded a scroll and quickly viewed its contents. It would be exhausting work to go over each item on the storage list. Fortunately, the watch was here to help and soon enough, the warehouse was full of watchmen walking through the rows of piled up goods, counting, recounting and again checking the results.

A gentleman, human and dressed richly in an expensive silk frock coat, entered a few hours later and hurried towards Kiana, who was seated at the large table with her clerk, a human boy of seventeen from outside Naressina, who was called Darek.

Kiana! the gentleman called. I wanted to invite you for breakfast today, but Manita told me... I absolutely had to come. How are you? he asked with concern. He was young and handsome by human standards, with his dark brown hair neatly trimmed at his shoulders in the latest fashion, and his clear dark eyes. He was a friend of Zîf's from school and now a city justice. Kiana elegantly spread her tentacles and offered him her hand to kiss, without rising from her chair.

Benin! I am well, thank you. But you see, I have both hands full. She gestured to the surrounding disorder with one tentacle. Apparently, nothing was stolen, but the damage was all the greater for it.

Benin Chiani frowned. What shall I say, maybe they were after something specific and grew angry when they didn't find it. What a terrible morning! Can I help you somehow, my dear?

You can take this list here and count.

Not the answer he had expected, but he did not complain. As the morning progressed, more and more people arrived at the warehouse. Spectators, the packers who worked for Zîf and Kiana, and a fresh contingent of watchmen, whose new task was to keep the crowd on the street where it was. News of the robbery spread like wildfire.

As the second sun stood high in the sky, and the day's heat in the alleys became unbearable, the crowd finally dispersed. Tired, Kiana looked out from one of the narrow windows in the upper floor and across the hot rooftops to the sea. Benin stepped next to her. He sighed as he followed her gaze. It can't be long now.

It has been too long already! I cannot bear this uncertainty anymore. She jerked to face him.

Don't alarm yourself, Kiana, there is certainly no reason to assume any kind of calamity.

Except that the ship is overdue by months. And Zîf with it, her eyes said. They remained dry, as was usual for her kind, as Kiana continued: And I know about the winds at this time of year. Or rather, Noali does.

Noali Kaliari. Zîf's second wife. Married by the left hand, as it said in the document that a disbelieving Kiana had held in her hand when her husband had returned from another long voyage, bringing with him this exotic other woman. His concubine. Of their kind, but so different in manners and with her white skin, green hair and overlong tentacles, that she might as well have been not. And yet, with Zîf away and a business and three children to care for, they had become allies. Partners in what Kiana now had come to think of as her firm. Kiana knew about trade and the guild. And Noali knew about ships and the sea.

Until now I haven't been able to find much missing, have you? Benin asked gently, shaking Kiana from her thoughts.

No. But they did a lot of damage. I will have to go and ask some of our partners to have patience and extend our term of payment.

Below, the city watch had gathered all items which were not part of the warehouse's usual inventory on the large table.

That's three lanterns, a few scraps of black silk, this knife and this strange little thing. The captain raised it so that it glinted golden in the light and studied it intently. Could be a pendant of some sort... and made of pure gold...

Kiana had never seen anything like it before in her life. The small pendant was doubtless the work of a master. And it was doubtless the most ugly thing she had ever seen. Spiteful red eyes sparkled at her from a grotesque grinning face, with goat's ears pulled far back and sharp teeth under a flat nose, so that it seemed half human half monstrous. Batlike wings framed a slender hairy body that tapered to a poisonous barbed tail... small eager claws seemed to dig into her flesh as she turned the figure over and around to appraise it. Judging from it's heaviness, the body was made of pure gold, but strangely cool and hard. It did not warm to her touch. The eyes, she recognised with a shiver of disbelief, were dark shimmering blood jewels of flawless quality. Gems like these were only found in the islands far south and brought here to Naressina for cutting. Noali's people believed them to be bad luck. Where the gold came from, she could not say. It had a strange black lustre, which Kiana had never before seen in gold.

At how much do you reckon it? the captain asked.

About, let me think, about... one hundred and fifty in silver. At least.

One hundred and fifty?

It is gold, and very finely crafted. And the gems alone are worth at least sixty.

One hundred and fifty! the captain repeated in awe. His salary per month was less.

Benin watched, seemingly spellbound. His gaze seemed rooted to the little figurine, but he made not the slightest motion. Impossible... he breathed.

What will happen with it now? Kiana asked. It belongs to no one who works here. Someone must have lost it.

But who? A customer, maybe?

Kiana quickly shook her head. No. I would be surprised. It is... Ugly, her mind wanted to say. Fini said it for her:

I've never seen anything like that abomination before in my life! Taken from the pocket of a foreign sailor, I'd guess, and lost in the fight. You might as well keep it.

Hesitantly, Kiana spread her tentacles and agreed.

Benin Chiani looked out onto the street. It is past midday, Kiana. he said with a far away expression. I suggest we have lunch together at my house.

Kiana spread her tentacles. That is very kind of you, Benin, but I am sorry. At home, they will be waiting for me and then I have to go to the Guildhall.

Then at least allow me to accompany you.

With pleasure, but did you not say that you had much to do at court in the afternoon?

Court can wait, Kiana. I would be a brute to leave you alone after such a fright. He bowed and offered his arm. Darek the clerk followed them at a respectful distance.

In another quarter of the city, in the Drunken Rat, the remaining thieves held council. The landlady had furnished them with palm wine and a surprisingly good dinner, and then left them to themselves to report last night's events to Verigo's second in command, Mallina the Cat. Mallina shook her red curls in disbelief.

Mother of Mercy! How could that happen? Verigo is no fool, although he's much else. And we have worked for other slavers before — or at least for many a moneybag that can't get his belly full enough and has to sell the children of the poor into the desert... She spat. That fellow with the eye patch has a big mouth... but no sense. What good did that do him? If he wanted something taken from that warehouse, killing everyone he hired to move the goods won't get him anything!

It was damage he was after, Mallina. Not moving anything. And if he did want something to take, maybe that was what his friends were supposed to do after they offed everyone. another thief mused and scratched his beard. And then the yellowbellies turned up.

Maybe. Mallina conceded. She sat down on an empty barrel and thought hard. So, let's have it again... Salin is hurt and you've brought him to Mother Ellina. Will he live?

I think so. Cirrin replied quietly. He stared at the floor. Rana and he had by some miracle escaped unharmed, but Salin had taken a bullet. The old woman they had brought him to was experienced in these matters and had said he had been lucky. Cirrin, who himself knew more than just a little about wounds, had not been so easily calmed. But he had kept his silence. He hadn't wanted to frighten Rana even more. She had lost her sister, the only family she had ever known, as far as Cirrin had heard. Lissa had never mentioned a father or mother, or other siblings. And Lissa had not died of a bullet or blade, but would hang...

What about Verigo? Did any of you see him catch it? Mallina asked, jerking him from his thoughts.

Rana shook her head. No. Her lips quivered and she rubbed her eyes. Cirrin cleared his throat and looked up to Mallina.

I don't know much. I was on the top floor with Lissa when it happened. Rana said, Verigo sent her away when they came. And later, at the fight, he wasn't there. I suppose they got him.

Enough. Mallina rose and looked at each of the gathered thieves in turn. If he wasn't caught, he's probably stiff!

There was a chorus of mumbling, Verigo dead? Rana was crying softly, and next to Cirrin a man muttered that he wasn't sorry for the three-fingered bastard...

And that Mallina continued makes me your master.

And your second? someone asked.

I will think about that. In the meantime I need someone to go to the Flying Fish with me and arrange a meet with this slave trader.

What about Lissa? Rana suddenly demanded. Mallina impatiently waved her hand.

Impossible! We have no chance against the yellowbellies in their den. She knew the dangers. I am sorry, Rana. she added with a gentler note and came forward to pat the young girl's shoulder. I know, right now you feel all alone in the world, but there is no need to. You are one of us, just like Lissa. We all miss her. Mallina put her arms around Rana. Everything will be alright.

A sinister looking thief spoke up. The slave trader owes us blood money!

Mallina looked up. Yes. I know, Yassid. That is why I want to meet him in the Flying Fish. We also have to know what is happening in the city — a dead yellowbelly means trouble. Someone must go into Uptown to listen around... Cirrin? You go. And Yassid, you go with him and then you come here and report to me. Rana?

Rana bravely wiped her face. Mallina smiled. Go and take this bag to Mother Ellina and help her take care of Salin.

Chapter 4

The Wharf Rats in Lowtown, and Kiana Kaliari in Uptown, spent the next days carefully taking stock. While the zereshi hurried from the Guildhall of merchants, where she had to soothe her business partners, to the guild house of the West Trading Company, where she told her misfortune to the elders of the guild to which the Kaliari belonged, and then reported to Captain Fini of the city watch, to give him an exact account of the damages incurred, Mallina the Cat kept decidedly still. The Rats disappeared into the nooks and crannies of Lowtown as if they had never existed. Only Cirrin and Yassid sought out their mistress in the Drunken Rat to report. The city watch were looking everywhere for a zereshi, a man and a girl, but Cirrin reassured Mallina that no one had seen him well enough to give an exact description. And indeed, the city watch seemed to be having difficulties inquiring... the usual men asked the usual questions of the usual people, and all they received were the usual answers: Nobody had seen anything, nobody had heard anything, nobody knew anything, and never had there been thieves in Lowtown, least of all any thieves who would tolerate zereshi scum in their ranks, oh no, sir. Neither Arzefin Arzi Fishfryer, nor Red Marella who walked the quays, nor the proprietor of the Flying Fish - honourable citizens all — were able to help. Not even Twotongue Tiro, an old and trusty dock hand who frequented the drinking holes along the waterfront, had anything to say about the Brotherhood of Rats, although he said a lot more concerning the work of the watch, much to Mallina's satisfaction.

In Uptown, Kiana eshya Kaliari breathed a sigh of relief over a letter from the guild, in which the elders of the West Trading Company let her know that as the Kaliari family was of good standing, they were willing to grant her credit. It had been a hard day that had now at last brought some peace to her mind, and Kiana took some time off from her duties to see the children. Andrin, her eldest, was playing pirates on the