Drilling Kata and her men proved harder than expected, so Tanith had to put away fantasies. William was very glad of this because those she had mentioned were disturbing. He did not want to dwell on her desire for a Furbearer Princess. Kata’s people numbered almost four hundred and that made things difficult. It should have been impossible to heal them all.

Any normal priest would be dead on their feet, healing a few of these people's worst cases. William had done it without any difficulty and was now searching high and low, trying to find them clean garments. Eventually he'd taken to handing out the cloaks of the Babarassians. It was a poor solution, but it worked until they could get real clothes. Their old garments were cast into the fire for warmth in the chill air.

The Furbearer's concept of war involved slings and guerilla tactics or personal combat. Tanith and William worked on giving them a basic idea of how to do a spear wall. But there were better places for learning combat than a ship.

Eventually, they arrived.

The port of Ascorn could be smelled, even far out to sea. The docks had ships upon ships within them, bustling with all kinds of people. Towers stood overlooking the bay, but no one seemed to be in them. And there seemed to be many turbaned men with beards. They wore concealing garments while walking the place.

As they halted, Tanith seemed in a good mood. But for his part, William found his first sight of Antion disappointing. Most kept hands near their swords or knives, and guards were at every pier.

But no city guard or men wearing the colors of Lord Rius. It troubled him. In Ran Telus and Arsheen, there was a contingent of guards at the docks at all times. Several porters were moving this way and that, hurrying to be off the streets. Shops and establishments by the waterfront had barred windows.

The water by the pier was filthy, an oozing brown, and stank to heaven. Several bodies lay floating in the jetsam, and some were bloated from being there a long time.

"Well, here we are, Will, the port of Ascorn," said Tanith. "Principal actor in the slave trade and where the Antion heartlands sell their grain. A lot less clean than last time. Usually, they fish the bodies out right away. Rius doesn't like them upsetting people; it kills trade. Something must be wrong."

William remained composed. Tanith knew a thing or two about how the economics of this place operated. "They sell to Artarq too, Kata. They've even shipped as far as Ruscow in times of peace.

"Estal is self-sufficient, of course. But often, vessels come down here bearing booty from the wars. Gold, jewels, tapestries, and... slaves as well."

"How can you be so calm?" asked Kata. "There are corpses in the water!"

William turned to her and set a hand gently to her shoulder. "Kata, never display weakness to a stranger. And never display your ignorance if you can avoid it. Keep your eyes and ears open, and think about what you see.

"For instance;

"Do you see any grain boxes waiting for a sale?" He motioned to an area where goods awaited purchase. There were vendors, but only a few.

"No," said Kata. "They must not be harvesting right now."

"Or?" asked William.

"Someone might have stolen or sent it somewhere else," said Kata.

"Why?" asked William.

Kata opened her mouth to say, 'I don't know,' then caught herself. "They have a plan to use it for something else. Or it might have been a bad harvest. Or the grain might just not be stored around this place anymore."

"Good," said William. "You didn't display your ignorance. Instead, you stabbed at the truth and, in so doing, came to an alternative possibility. Now I respond; How?"

"The consequences of the grain not being there," said Kata. “People could starve, and some people will not be making a sale. Most people are farmers. That means if the grain isn't here, everyone who sells and buys it has a problem.

"And since everyone who sells and buys the grain has a problem, everyone has a problem. What kind of monster would cut off the grain supply?"

"The kind that did not live here," said William.

"A demon could have done it," said a Furbearer nearby. He had a shaved head and was taller than Kata.

"A demon would do something much more grandiose," said William. "Demons are theatrical. This sort of stunt would be boring to them.

"Try again."

"There could have been a breakdown in supply," said Kata.

"And," said William, "how might your enslavement play into this?"

"I guess they might need someone to work the fields," said Kata. "But where did all the soldiers come from?"

"I expect they came back from the battlefield," said Tanith. "When I came through here, many people were joining up."

"So it's a revolt," said the Furbearer from before. Kata looked at him with recognition and wondered at the connection. “These must be out-of-work men looking to get even."

William was surprised at how much they had guessed. "Or all our guesses might be wrong. Whatever the case, remember that we will not start any fights until we know what is happening. Keep the ship well-guarded, and don't let anyone on."

"Then what is our mission?" asked Kata.

"We don't have one at present," said William. "I was seeking passage to Gel Carn. Now I have a guide to meet."

"That's probably why King Gavin decided to sell you out," noted Felix. "Ascorn also imports wine from Khasmir and Seathorius. There are various magical baubles created in Magicora, and pottery from Artarq."

"And slaves. Lots of slaves," said Tanith.

"I already know that, Tanith," said William. "I have studied under all the same lessons as you.”

"And where do the slaves go?" asked Kata.

"Well, most slaves are imported here and shipped down to work the fields in Antion," said Felix. "Traditionally, they are prisoners of war. The ones that are shipped in from the Sea of Power get sold to the island chains, then the vampires of House De Chevlon."

"Not anymore; they don't," noted William. "Arraxia has abolished the practice. She says that as all the creatures of Seathorius are her property, they have no right to own one another."

"Yeah, I heard about that," noted Tanith. "It's going to be bad for the plantations. House Marn got them rapid replacements of slaves through Savior's Run. Who's in charge of the slave trade for House De Chevlon anyway? I've forgotten their name."

"Baroness Saphra De Chevlon," said Felix. "Raynald's brothers were in line for the position but declined it. One entered the church, another became a military man, and the last became a merchant. And before she came of age, the duty was held by Neral Dinis.”

"Neral Dinis?" asked Kata. "My grandmother told me that he served the Withering Lord and ruled over us during the height of our power.

"A trusted subordinate. Felix is paid well for his services," said William quickly. "At least some good came of it in the end. And it could have been worse. Tanith, where is the Steel Arm."

"Up there, over that way," said Tanith. "I'd avoid the other inns. Some of them employ Zigildrazians, and they bewitch the mind. Yeah, the courtesans are good, but they're a trap.

"Never go in for Zigildrazians. Never go in for prostitutes. If you're in the market for beauty, seize it from an enemy village. No risk of being trapped by dark magic,

"The Steel Arm is a nice place that doesn't go in for that sort of thing. Or at least it did when I was last here. That was on my way back from Gel Carn. They have a lot of flowers in that place; Jehair grew them.”

"Have you met Jehair?" asked William.

"Once or twice, in passing. I was connected to her by Rusara," said Tanith. "We traveled together a bit. She's nice to look at, but I'd bind her before trying to have my way with her."

"Is that all you think about?" asked William.

"It's the first thing I think about," said Tanith. "Part of appreciating beauty is seeing the use in it. We traveled together a bit, and she's nearly as bloodthirsty as I am. I don't think she thinks much of people.”

"I'll bear it in mind," said William, not sure whether to believe Tanith. He decided to withhold judgment. Rusara had vouched for her, after all. "Thank you for taking us this far, Tanith."

"No trouble at all; I'm just glad to get out," said Tanith. "That fight we had on the way here was fun.

"Kata, the ship is yours."

"What?" said Kata in surprise. "Do you know how valuable this is?"

"Money isn't everything, and I've got to sign back up with my Captain," said Tanith. "Go on home and take the weapons."

"I..." Kata blushed. "Thank you."

William and Felix stepped onto the dock. As they did, he remembered events. "That is my second journey by sea, and I have been ambushed twice. I hope this will not become a pattern."

"Oh, come on, violence and adventure are always a good thing," called Tanith after him.

William smiled.

"It looks like someone is taking an interest in the ship we were on," said Tanith.

William turned and saw it pulling in. A very large troop of well-armed Babarassians was going forward. They were clad in silvery armor, with pointed helmets, steel masks, and scimitars. The crew drew swords, and soon a fight began as both sides battled it out.

Several Harlenorians groups came out with spears and axes. Coming at the armored Babarassians from behind, they did not catch them off guard. But even as they did, more unarmored Babarassians and a full-on brawl were happening. Other men came out to watch.

"Someone knew our ship," said William. "Tanith, I've got to get off now. Dress the Furbearers in the garb of our fallen enemies. They have the same skin hue, so it might fool them. And stay off the top deck. If they gather outside the dock, make them pay in blood.”

"Jehair is your friend, right?" asked Kata.

"No," said William. "Not yet.

"Good luck."

Soon enough, they were going through the docks, with Felix leading. It was cramped and bustling, and William saw many beggars clad in rags. Halting, he halted and pressed a coin into the hand of one. Then, seeing another lame, he healed him and gave him a coin.

This attracted some attention, and there were murmurs. So William used the opportunity to heal people. This was a fine start, so he'd soon worked his way to where the battle was winding down. William healed the Harlenorians but left the Babarassian attackers where they were.

One of them went at him with a knife and got his head chopped of by Felix.

But William ignored them and continued. Then, noting Babarassians motioning to him, William met their gaze. They held him, and their eyes narrowed. Silence reigned, and after a moment, they turned away. Then they turned on.

"...You don't suppose Jehair is as bad as Tanith says, do you?" asked William.

"She seemed to have a very high opinion of her," noted Felix.

William shrugged. "Tanith has a warped perspective on things, even if she is getting better. I'm not sure her approval of a thing is entirely good."

"She approves of you and me," noted Felix.

"I think we are lost sheep in need of correction to her," laughed William. "Felix, why are there so many Babarassians here? And so well-armed?"

Felix shook his head. "There were a few here last time, but never so many. It is a long way to Themious and their continent."

"What would they buy here?" mused William.

"Slaves of a different sort," said Felix. "Not plantations but... well, other purposes. Galley slaves for warships and girls."

"Like what Tanith did," surmised William, remembering the Priestess Atria.

"Far worse," said Felix.

"Who are the main people in the business?" asked William.

"Well, the slave trade has never been profitable," said Felix. "Most merchants give money to the trade as a pledge of loyalty to one Planter Lord or another. You rarely make the money back.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

"But the Lords in the heartlands support it so they can continue to buy slaves. Virtually everyone has bought into it."

"So why keep it if it's not profitable?" asked William. He'd learned much of this before but intended to make his judgment.

"Because they would need to exert themselves to keep their positions," said Felix. "Maintaining the slave trade is a safe way to throw commoners off their land and be as brutal as you like. A commoner can raise concerns, complain, or stage a revolution. Soldiers might feel bad about brutalizing them.

"A slave can be worked to death, tortured or mutilated or whatever you want. No one will care.”

"Why do you need people at all, then? Why not kill everyone, resurrect them as undead, and have them work plantations?" asked William. "They could do all the work, wouldn't rebel, and would eat less."

"I gather that was Neral Dinis' viewpoint," said Felix.

William laughed, though he really shouldn't have.

Then he paused to consider things and looked down the street. He saw several merchants trying to get a coin from a moneylender. From the looks of things, the merchant was becoming increasingly frustrated. The moneylender looked smug as if in triumph. Then, a thin, nice-looking back with a mustache moved forward to intercede. He wore a fine, expensive tunic meant to look humble and down to earth. William knew enough about such tunics to know that it was not.

After a moment, the merchant moved away, satisfied. The moneylender did not seem upset, and the newcomer spoke to him and smiled. Then he moved away, looking very reasonable.

"Who is that?" asked William.

"A large merchant," said Felix. "Called Lilas; he owns several different shipping companies. He has indirect control over many others. It'd only be possible to say how many with seeing his finance book.

"He likes to play the reasonable mediator. He probably owns the moneylender. He used to be the chief financier for King Gavin of Haldren. He got his start making the King more money for the treasury. This was back when Argath Marn was being sold Artarq to fill Antion.

"Haldren got the better end of the deal. But the man is scum."

"What makes you say that?" asked William.

"He owns brothels," said Felix. "He makes a profit on the brutalization and exploitation of defenseless women. No one can be in that business and not be a villain.

"Perhaps one can partake and keep their soul. But for the one who owns the building? Nothing."

"Duly noted," said William, who had never used them. Oddly, neither had Tanith. All her conquests had been taken in war, and the only one she ever talked about was Atria. "Are the Babarassians involved?"

"In many things," said Felix.

"I remember Father had one or two clashes with them during his adventures," said William. "But I think they'd become a shadow of their former selves. Mother tells me their land is wasted and barren."

"Perhaps the shadow is taking on a new form," noted Felix. "It has been over a decade and a half since he departed.

"Given the number of ships, There are far too many of them around here. Merchant vessels prefer cargo to guards."

William realized they'd passed another large group with scimitars and mail. They eyed him hatefully. Where were the guards? "Whatever it is, I doubt it has anything to do with us. We may inquire with Lord Rius later if it becomes necessary. Come."

The Steel Arm, as it turned out, was a large, two-story establishment. They had large windows with glass and a well-lit interior. A guard was at the door, the walls were painted white, and the windows were barred. William noted, however, that the cobblestones nearest the inn had slight spikes. "Why have those spikes?"

"To prevent beggars from sleeping or sitting there," said Felix. "Though there are a lot more since I was here last." William saw that there were spikes near virtually every building. And there were a lot of beggars.”

Many of them were sick.

Very nice. William healed the ones nearest to him and left the rest for later.

"Ah," said William, finding the idea disturbing. This was not a fine introduction to the greatest Harlenorian nations. But perhaps that would change in time. "So this is the Steel Arm Inn? It looks nice enough."

"It looks disreputable," said Felix.

"I said nice enough, not nice," said William. "Never mind, we'll enter and look for any sign of Jehair and Amenos."

Felix's assessment soon proved to be the better one.

There were dancing girls plying their trade upon a table. They had skin and an unnatural complexion of red, blue, and green. With blue skin and twin tendrils coming from her head, one of them eyed him as she moved, with a brand upon her stomach. She looked about his age, though she was of some race he did not know and was already well-developed.

Hadn’t Father mentioned such a species in his journeys?

William quickly averted his gaze with a blush. He wasn’t sure which one was at greater risk of ensnaring him. Green or blue. There appeared to be many flowers growing around from jars of dirt. They grew around the tables and up walls. They had pink petals and were quite majestic and emerged from gaps in the floor.

Over to one side, William saw a man smoking a pipe on a table without any flowers. His skin was weathered and his hair dark, but he was not Calishan. He was of the old Haldrenian race that dwelled in the north. William's people, descended from the folk of Erik the Voyager, were a mix of many races. As were those of Lord Kern, and the Furbearers were of Calishan stock.

Yet the northern race had not mixed with other races. He had a grim look and looked at William keenly. At his side was a sword, so he was nobility, and he wore a coarse kind of leather made from cattle in the lands of House Acas. That was in the far north of Haldren, where livestock grazed.

It was very good leather if worn, and he had a bow near him. His features were noble, though he hid it well.

An aristocrat was trying to blend. William didn't see why he bothered since aristocrats were common. Could he be someone of vast importance? Or was he an enemy of Lord Rius? He couldn't simply be bad at hiding; he wasn't. Someone who knew nothing of Haldren wouldn't have given him a second glance.

He likely just wore these clothes normally.

"One moment, Felix," said William.

And he moved over to sit across from him, trying not to choke at the smoke.

"Yes?" asked the man.

"Might I inquire as to King Gavin's interest here?" asked William.

The man smiled wryly. "King Gavin has many interests. You're sharp."

"I have to be," said William, not feeling. "I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel and Paladin of Elranor. Might I know your name?"

"My name is Aras," said the man. "I should warn you, you have been careless with your name. If you are not careful, news of your presence will be everywhere. Certain unsavory powers might take an interest."

"Let them come," said William. "I am a Paladin, and I will heal every sick and injured person I find. That alone will mark me, so I will not presume to pretend to be other than what I am. Aras is the Prince of Haldren's name."

"It is," said the man. "There is more than one man with that name.

"Still, I'm sure the men wearing cloaks and daggers will be pleased with the distraction. As will those you heal.

"But if I were you, I would avoid the main roads and the cities. Your guide, Jehair, can be trusted if you are in her charge. I am quite familiar with her as a friend and adversary; she will never betray the one she works for.

"If you are in the wilderness, you will be perfectly safe from reprisal. Enter the cities, and you will find yourself in danger. And Jehair will be out of her element. This one, of course, is the exception.

"Lord Rius has taken too lax a hand. Things are either out of hand or have been getting out of hand for a long time. I am beginning to fear it is the latter. It might be best to depart this place as soon as possible."

"Thank you," said William. "Gods protect you."

"And you as well," said the man.

William stood up, accidentally inhaled some smoke, and choked on it, coughing. Aras laughed, and William moved sourly. As he did, he noticed the dancer again, seeming to try and get his attention. It was something he would not be giving. He looked to Felix.

"I thought Tanith said this place didn't employ Zigildrazian people," said William.

"It may have changed," noted Felix. "Tanith has not been here for some time. Many Zigildrazian immigrants moved into Antion.”

William nodded and looked through the place until he saw Amenos. He was sitting in a corner, half-shrouded in shadow. Across from him was a beautiful elven woman, unlike Arraxia or Kiyora. It was a natural appearance, with earthy-brown, braided hair and a wooden staff. Her curvaceous form was clad in travel-worn furs, yet she seemed unmarred.

Jehair matched the picture, though it did not do her justice. The flowers seemed to move around her.

"How long must we dally in this accursed place?" asked Jehair, voice a harsh Eastern accent. "The roads grow ever more dangerous by the moment, and yet we idle here in this terrible city!

"Would that the feral beasts we hunt should tear this festering place asunder! Then we might have at least one less cancer on nature!" Her tone had a frustrated, furious note, and she seemed like the sort of person to be so often.

William moved forward, noting Amenos looking at him. "Jehair, you should not speak so openly. We are in public. Such statements will not win us, friends."

"Friends or not, had Rusara not requested it directly, I should not be here," said Jehair. "Other matters demand our attention, Amenos, beyond escorting nobility."

"It would be a grievous blow to Rusara if William were to be killed," said Amenos. "Our alliance with House Gabriel is paramount to the Dust Elven elders. And we both know that you've already finished most of your tasks."

"And so I must be called away again," said Jehair.

"Excuse me-" began William.

"Yes, what is it?" asked Jehair. "Are you a mercenary in search of work? If so, there will be plenty of opportunities to perform atrocities on your fellow men at the docks. I am told they are hiring across the channel."

"My name is William Gabriel, and I do not commit atrocities," said William. He was annoyed at not being recognized immediately. Surely, the skull armor and blonde hair ought to have given him away. He removed the helm.

"I wonder how many trees had to die to forge that suit of armor you wear," mused Jehair. "I gather it would be at least one."

Was she referring to the destruction of the tree Gail Arengeth had grown? Why would that be related? "I wonder how many animals had to die for the leather you're wearing. And the wood in the staff in your hand must have been cut from somewhere or torn from living wood. The cloth you've tied your hair with is made from some sort of fabric, which would need hurting a plant."

"Yes, very perceptive, oh skull-faced seeker of transport," said Jehair. "Life and death are cyclical. Perhaps in your infinite wisdom, you shall soon perceive that water is wet."

"Isn't being soaked with water what makes a thing wet?" asked William. He heard a laugh and looked to see a pink-haired woman sitting in a bar, sitting with Aras now. They had been speaking. She had a dagger at her side and stood out for some reason. No one noted that she was clad in a brown tunic that bared her legs.

Turning back to Jehair, William decided to be more subtle. He was being observed.

"Only one of higher education would think such a technicality important," scoffed Jehair. "But enough of this, Amenos; I believe you had some plan or agenda you sought from all this, just like everyone else."

"Yes," said Amenos. "I am here on behalf of Rusara to arrange transportation for new colonists. There are a great many more of them these days. And much of our time is spent relocating them to Artarq."

"What is so important?" asked William, taking a seat. Looking at where the girl was, I thought she was gone, and there was no sign she had ever been there.

"The so-called nobility have become wealthy by murder and thievery. Yourself included," said Jehair in clear disgust. "Once they stole enough, and many of the men shipped off to die in wars of their making, many smaller farms fell behind.

"As a result, these nobles bought up huge swaths of land from those they dispossessed. They are now shipping vast numbers of slaves to the ground. And all the while, the guilds from Antion are coming in here. They forced all the artisans and professionals into the fold."

"It hasn't spread to Brisgald, has it?" asked William, looking to Amenos. He motioned to Felix to keep watch.

"No," conceded Jehair. "Brisgald is the exception; your kinsmen are quite creative. Instead, they offer free passage to foreign lands in exchange for service. All while protecting the farms of their serfs."

"That is a mutually beneficial arrangement. And nobody has used serfs since Anoa the Bright outside Escor," said William.

"Oh, of course not," said Jehair. "For surely, the Harlenorian Kingdoms are the whole world. There are no lands beyond that which you survey, and all else is fantasy."

"Tell me, do you have some personal grudge against me?" William asked in bemusement. Or is it simply in your nature to be combative and irritable?"

"Perhaps the same question might be asked of your entire race," said Jehair. Her voice was sarcastic and singsong. "Oh, burner of civilizations."

"A lack of self-awareness, combined with seeing your flaws in the face of your enemy," mused William. "I am pleased to see High Elven culture remains intact today." The combat amused onlookers.

"Intact, but not unchanged," replied Jehair simply, smiling. "The opposite seems to be the flaw of humans. You live and die in a fraction of our years, and yet you remain the very image of Harlenor of old. In several pieces, granted."

"Several. Yet all are more in touch with the world than Qor'Danas," said William, beginning to enjoy himself. "Perhaps you like to play the underdog?"

"Underdog, indeed," scoffed Jehair. "The elves have built a great tree whose roots lie on innumerable worlds.

"That which provides sustenance even to the wild beasts who gnaw at them."

"How fortunate that such heroic beasts do as much," noted William. He was beginning to enjoy himself for once. "Lest all the land be sapped of life. Indeed, I should say the surroundings of this tree most resemble a graveyard."

"I should compare it instead to a desert—one set aflame," Jehair replied with a laugh.

"A desert of our own making is preferable to a paradise for you," said William.

"Would that we could return to happier days," said Jehair. "For a land restored seems to you only an opportunity to create fresh new means of rot."

"I bow to the elves' superior knowledge in all matters about decay," said William. General laughter resounded through the men.

"If you keep going at this, we're going to be here all day," said Felix quickly. "We do have a mission, William."

William nodded, as did Jehair. She nodded. "Yes, I take your point. And who are you?"

"This is Felix, a friend and servant," said William as he sat down. "Amenos, do you trust Aras over there?"

"So long as we are professional in our dealings and not enemies of Haldren, yes," said Amenos.

"One cannot befriend and servant," said Jehair, ignoring the statement. "We learned that to our sorrow."

"Then, a friend, if you must have one and not the other," said William, wanting to be done with this. There was a flicker by the door, but no one noticed it. "Are you ready to depart?"

"I may leave whenever you are ready," said Jehair. "These cities are detestable places, and I want no further place in them than I must have. It would have been better had they never been built at all."

"I see," said William, thinking they had to stay longer. "Are there many people in need of healing here?"

"If you seek membership in the Healer's Guild, yes," said Jehair.

"I do not; I seek to heal people," said William.

"Then no," said Jehair with a shrug. "The Healer's Guild has come to this city and is here to stay. Any traveler who tries to heal without a license tends to disappear."

"Where do the sick and injured congregate?" asked William.

"There are places where they may go to be healed for free," said Jehair, looking around. "But in return, they owe a service to the guild. One service usually becomes two, then three, and then a career, and it rarely ends well."

"Take me to them," said William.

"You're not serious?" said Felix.

"I work miracles, Felix," said William. "I have no intention of letting anyone put a price on them. I intend to heal every sick and injured person in this city and put them out of business. Making a profit off miracles is disgusting."

"That would be unwise," said Jehair.

"You have a better idea?" asked William.

"Go and heal everyone, and you'll deny them a profit, temporarily," said Jehair. "But you'll also out yourself as an enemy and lose the element of surprise.”

"William is right," blurted Felix. "This is not something that can be forestalled.

"We're at a major port with trade lanes heading all over. They could set up operations elsewhere if the Healer's Guild is here. They may have already; if so, this is a significant place for them."

"You show some wisdom, at least, child," said Jehair after a moment. "Rot has to be cut out before it can be spread. Trying to heal it is useless, but I think you will find it useless.”

William looked back to Aras and saw the girl was gone.

"Is something wrong?" asked Amenos.

"I thought I just saw a girl with pink hair," said William. "She was watching us and laughed at something we said."

"You need not worry," said Jehair. "This table is meant for silence. It ought to have covered you as well. What of Lord Rius being in their pay?"

"If he is not, then he is a fool not to charge for letting them destroy his city," noted Jehair. "Or do you think all the wonderful operations Tavish has set up here were done without his knowledge? The endless parades of slaves led off to be worked to death or other, worse fates: the illegal goods and the bribery.

"He has done exceedingly well out of it."

"There are other possible explanations," said Amenos.

"Well then, I'll meet with him," said William.

"Do you intend to accuse him to his face?" said Jehair. Her tone said it would be very unwise.

"No," said William. "Why would I? We should order some drinks. I think we need to know a good deal more about things."

"We'll be here a while, then," said Jehair. "Men have entered; you won't want to be noticed by."

She motioned to the door, and William followed her gaze.