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They reached the strand and stood side by side, watching the scows approach The rain elected thaton the stones and hissing on the current- and tide-twisted water The scows blurred behind a grey wall, almost vanished entirely, then reappeared suddenly, the first one crunching and lurching as it grounded Sweeps rose and then descended as the crew stored them Guards splashed down and clambered onto the strand One made his way to Buruk and Seren His expression below the visor and nose-bar was grim

‘I am Finadd Moroch Nevath, of the Prince’s Guard Where are the Edur?’

Moroch see Seren, so she spoke in reply, ‘In the citadel, Finadd There has been an… event’

‘What in the Errant’s nauards, Prince Quillas Diskanar was being carried by servants over the waves The First Eunuch Nifadas had eschewed any such assistance and ading onto the strand

‘It’s rather couest caet under cover from the rain-’

‘Neverabout and saluted as Quillas Diskanar, sheltered beneath a four-point umbrella held aloft by two servants, strode to halt before Buruk and Seren ‘My prince,’ the Finadd said in a growl, ‘it would appear the Tiste Edur have chosen this moment to be preoccupied’

‘Hardly an auspicious beginning,’ Quillas snapped, turning a sneer on Seren Pedac ‘Acquitor Has Hull Beddict elected the wise course and departed this village?’

She blinked, struggling to disguise her alarm at the pre-eminence the question of Hull had assumed Do they fear him that much? ‘He is nearby, my prince’

‘I intend to forbid his attendance, Acquitor’

‘I believe an invitation has been extended to hi’

‘Oh? And will Hull speak for the Edur now?’

Buruk spoke for the first time, ‘My prince, that is a question ould all like answered’

Quillas shifted his attention ‘You are the merchant from Trate’