Chapter nineteen
Of assassins, dynasties, and invasionsPerhaps I had been over-hasty in sending the Sword Watch back to keep an eye on my son Drak.
“I did warn you, majister, that contracts had been placed for you. We have had to deal with two such attempts — but you were not in the city at the time, and that made it easier.”
Nath the Knife, the chief of assassins, styled the Aleygyn of the Stikitches, studied me through the eyeholes of his steel mask. We both sat at the table under the arch of the Gate of Skulls this time, and there was no need for either of us to attempt to gain stature by sitting or standing.
“Have the builders been working as I promised?”
“Yes, majister.” His words were plain enough; but his meaning was difficult to judge. “They work well. Our houses grow.”
Drak’
