"I am getting old",  Rotemdol replies smilingly, "so I guess by now
everyone knows that there are two assassins loose. If not I will be
obliged if you spread the rumour".

"Yes", he replies, "I might make use of some of my other contacts in
the city.  I have one or two people who are good at that sort of
thing.  Make the kandar paranoid".

"I am just going to continue in my regular routine; teaching,
performing and such", Rotemdol continues, "Anyway, have to go now.  I
was invited to perform at the Karazthan by friends of a regular, a
human,  who has his 30'th birthday today.  He will be coming off his
shift in a little time and I should be there by then".

Rotemdol picks out a few shiny balls and scarfs, put them in his bag
and heads out with his guest going toward the Karazthan dining hall. 

"A safe journey home", Rotemdol says to his guest as they part.  The
stranger disappears into the night.

Rotemdol makes his way along the South Cliff, where he figures there
will be less trouble. It's not that easy, the place is crawling with
city guardsmen. Rotemdol avoids the attention of one patrol who are
looking at some freshly-painted graffiti on the wall.  

The letters read "RHV", in blood red letters.  Underneath, in smaller
letters, the words "Who next?".  Has the paranoia campaign begun
already?

When he reaches the Karazthan, Rotemdol notices the black-uniformed
guards in more than the usual strength.  They refuse to let him in,
ignoring his protests. 

But just as Rotemdol turns to leave, his Karazthani friend,  Delman
var Hannir, turns up in the street outside.

"You made it here", Delman says, "We've got some problems, as you can
tell".
--
Tim Hall
Weblog: http://www.kalyr.com/weblog
Photos: http://kalyr.fotopic.net/