Konrad watched her face. ‘These Warders, of your Order. Are they — you — tasked with watching for such bargains?’
‘Our Order, Konrad.’ That beloved glint of mischief appeared in Nanda’s eye, for the first time in many days.
He bowed his head. ‘Our Order.’
‘We are, among other things,’ said Nanda. ‘If Timof or Rodion caught a glimpse of any such thing, I can imagine that they might have followed after it. Such bargains are never formed for good purpose.’ She looked at the inspector. ‘The eyes… you did not have any reason to think they might have been burned, I suppose?’
Alexander nodded. ‘We found remnants of burned wood at Mr. Artemo’s house, and he kept a coal fire.’
Nanda said nothing more, but her eyes narrowed.
‘Nan,’ he said. ‘What is it?’
‘They might have been taken as a troph
