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prosperous so there was little traffic and no street markets, just a few private citizens and slaves about the business of their masters, and us.
    Terian didn't waste much time. “I knew you would turn up here some time in order to sponge off your family, so I had the place watched. Things have to change. I can't have my family name tarnished by association with a no-account layabout. I'm putting this bluntly as there seems no other way to do it. Leave the city and don't come back. Or go with the army and do your duty.”
    “ Or?”
    “ There is no or. If you have to be removed from the city I certainly have a large enough clientèle to get the deed done. If you come back I'll have you killed. If I have to remove you I may have you killed anyway. Am I making myself sufficiently plain? I am not related to you and I will not be. Go or go or go. Those are your options. Choose one. Goodbye.” With that he turned and made off in the other direction.
    I didn't think he was kidding.
    Neither did Meran. “When are we going?”
    “ Today seems like a good time.”

    #

    I like writing letters. I have a good hand and like to show it off. First, to my father. Loving son, doing duty, realized error of ways, hope armor and weapons dispatched to army for my use, etc. Simple. Second to Kelenthis Terian. Greetings, I will not forget your advice. Farewell. Let him be in no doubt that I owed him one. Third to my sister. I accept your offer to clear my debts and am joining the expeditionary force forthwith. Fifth through twenty-seventh. I hereby inform you that the sum of (varies) will be paid on presentation of this letter to Rhia Illana Solientina Cerulian on any day after her wedding to Yuril Kelenthis Terian. Done.
    Meran had packed and arranged for my horses to be brought to the house by the time I was finished. I arranged that my other slaves move next door for the neighbors to look after and use as they saw fit while I was away, in return that they look after my home.
    Standing in the doorway of my bed chamber, eying my bed with great regret and generally looking about the place I noticed that there were far too many books unpacked.
    “ Meran!” He appeared at my side. “There are too many books unpacked.”
    “ We can't take them all, master.”
    “ Why not?”
    “ Two horses. Two people.”
    I frowned. Of course he was coming with me. “We need another horse.”
    “ I already borrowed a donkey for the baggage train. Clothes. Tent.”
    “ Borrowed?”
    He looked embarrassed.
    As it came clear to me in a sudden insight, I hastily dropped the matter. He had bought a donkey, with his own money. And a tent. No wonder he was embarrassed. So was I. “I need to take my books, Meran. It's important. Some are rare and valuable.”
    “ I don't think I can undertake to protect them all from the weather.”
    Bugger. “How about a dozen?”
    “ Six. I can vouchsafe six.”
    “ Right. Six.” Picking the six books I could take with me took longer than writing thirty letters but eventually I was done and they were packed and there was nothing more to stay for.

    #

    A bedroll and a tent are no substitute for a bed and a roof.
    Sheo and Kerral were delighted of course. Tulian, who was now my commanding officer, had not been quite so happy to see me when I had presented myself to him as custom demanded.
    “ What the hell are you doing here?”
    “ Military service,” I effected to sound surprised.
    He sat behind a table covered in papers I can only assume were necessary for the organization of an army. He looked over them and stared at me. “Why?”
    “ It's my duty, Tul. Why else?”
    “ Sod off.”
    “ No. You know the law. You can't refuse me. What duties am I assigned?”
    He was defeated and knew it. “Stay out of the bloody way, Sum. Just stay out of the bloody way.”
    I sighed. “Duties?”
    “ You are not going to be a member of my staff, Sum. Forget it. Join the equestes and ride with them.”
    “ Something