Page 294 (1/2)

‘So it would seeod?’

He saw little value in replying to that question, and chose instead to clamber down to the puddled floor and approach the doorway

The bhok’arala sca into the darkness of the hallway beyond Cutter paused at the threshold and glanced back ‘Coloom, then ht and level for twenty paces, then twisted to the right, the floor for an uneven, runnelled ramp that led upward to the next level There were no side chaes until they reached a circular roo the circumference hinted at entrances to tombs In one curved wall, between two such doorways, there was an alcove in which stairs were visible

And crouched at the base of those stairs was a fa in a wide smile

‘Iskaral Pust!’

‘Missed ed forward like a crab, then cocked his head ‘I should soothe hi words, a wide ereat cause once more Never mind the extrehts to come As if I need help-Iskaral Pust requires the assistance of no-one Oh, she ht be useful, but she hardly looks inclined, does she? Miserable with knowledge, isbetween an upright stance and a crouch His smile suddenly broadened ‘ Welcome! My friends !’

Cutter advanced on him ‘I’ve no time for any of this, you damned weasel-’

‘No time? Of course you have, lad! There’s much to be done, and e? Rush about? Not us No, we can dawdle Isn’t that wonderful?’

‘What does Cotillion want of us?’ Cutter de his fists to unclench

‘You are asking me what Cotillion wants of you? How should I know?’ He ducked down ‘Does he believe me?’

‘No’

‘No what? Have you lost your ht-she’s ever cleaning and clearing up-at least, I think she is Though she refuses to touch the offerings-o, of course I’ve become used to the smell Nohere was I? Oh yes, dearest Apsalar-should you and I flirt? Won’t that make the witch spit and hiss! Hee hee!’