[Envinyatar]

‘Wait here!’ Alephir motioned for the man to step back from the door to the captain’s cabin, directing him to a seat nearby. He flinched as the darkly clad man drew near him as if to argue with his request. There was something about this person that made his skin crawl. Worse than his presence, though, was his voice – low, and oily, it flowed over him when he spoke like fouled water from a poisoned well.

Alephir rapped once on the door, and was admitted quickly. The muffled sounds of a clipped conversation followed. A few moments passed and the door to the captain’s cabin was opened wide. A broad swath of light pierced the darkness for a second, then the lamp within was doused.

Khazdifir strode quietly to where the man sat in shadow. His figure seemed to suck the heat and light from about him, leaving a cold, dark emptiness in its stead. Khazdifir narrowed his eyes against the tricksy illusion and spoke out clearly.

‘Linghril, is it not? Or so my crewman say you are called.’ No answer came, and he plunged on. ‘He says Yr Saldan had made arrangements for you. I have no knowledge of such arrangements. But since it appears that you have need of leaving this city as do we, my ship will bear you to a safe port in Harondor. From there you may find transport to wherever you need be.’

Khaz called for two of his crew to escort the ‘guest’ below. ‘Make sure he is comfortable in his quarters, safe from prying eyes . . . and well secured.’ He looked up at the moon’s position against the night sky. ‘Another hour, and we should be on our way.’