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The Inspector actually cracked a set any fine wine here at your posting," Luke said "Harley, grab a cask for our friends here"

Cade shouldered a cask he’d placed by his feet just for this purpose, and clih, and the Inspectors made no protest Cade set the cask down on the road and returned to his place on the wagon The first Inspector handed the papers back to Luke and waved theate Cade snapped the reins, and Ned and Ted came once ate, Cade almost wilted in relief They had overcome their first major obstacle He tried not to think of those that lay ahead

Nor did he look over his shoulder even now, to see Mill City one last tier ho

• • •

"Wake up, Taan’s shoulder She slept as one dead, and it was unnerving He shook her again This ti at him and pulled the blanket over her head

They were stopped at an inn along the East-West Highway They’d only traveled for a few hours, since they had started late in the day Cade had already parked the wagon beside those belonging to other travelers in the secure, walled courtyard of the inn It would be guarded through the night If the innkeeper could not ensure the security of his guests’ goods, he would lose custo-haulers ould spread word to their brethren Even worse, the empire would expel him from his position and keep him from any other with like responsibility The roadside inns were operated by the eement of each one The empire did not like to lose money

Cade had also stabled the otiated for roooing to do with Karigan, since servants generally shared bunkhouses with other servants It was unlikely her disguise would pass for an entire night in a bunkhouse full of men

Cade watched Luke step into the courtyard and saunter betagons with his hat cocked at a jaunty angle, his stylish walking cane swinging at his side He was certainly playing his role to the hilt

When he reached their wagons, he peered down at Karigan "Can’t wake up our Taements?"

"Well, I have a very nicely appointed roo, all the luxuries You and Taan

"Not to worry Once I inforer of Tam’s fever, he booked the bunkhouse for just you two He’d rather avoid allowing the contagion to spread to the servants of other guests I gather it does not uests to come down sick at one’s inn Also, he accepted an additional fee, of course, for the inconvenience"

"Additional fee? How much?"

"Not to worry, dear fellow" Luke patted Cade’s shoulder Then whispered, "We are well off The professor kept an eency stash of funds behind a wall board in the stable I snuck back for it"