Ruel went still. "How...surprising. And I suppose you told her about our plans to leave in twodays."
"I told her."
Ruel said carefully, "MayI suggest that wasn't the most clever—"
"Hush." Li Sung'shand closed on Ruel's arm and jerked him farther back into the shadows.
Ruel's gaze followed Li Sung'sand his lips pursed in a soundless whistle.
Zabrie had come out of thehouse and was moving quickly down the street.
"An odd night for awalk." Ruel repeated Li Sung's words.
"Yes." Li Sung'svoice was strained. "Come." He started down the street after Zabrie.
Ruel followed him. "Whereare we going?"
"I have to see where sheis going."
Zabrie's destination becameobvious fifteen minutes later when she disappeared through the gates of theSavitsar palace.
"Abdar," Ruel said.
Li Sung stared at the gatethrough whichZabriehad disappeared.
"No harm done, LiSung," Ruel said quietly. "We can change our plans now that we knowshe's betrayed us."
"No harm done," LiSung repeated dully. He slowly turned and limped down the street. " boatfrom a point down the river to Narinth. I'm quite sure Pachtal and Abdar willbe waiting on the dock in Narinth for us two nights from now."
Ruel's gaze narrowed on hisface. "You suspected her?"
"I am no fool. At timesshe made me feel like a giant, but I know I am only a cripple." His lipstwisted bitterly. "No, she thought me worse than a cripple, a dupe."
"Well, you're no dupe.You were planning on waiting outside to see if she would go to Abdar?"
"I had to be certain. Onecan know with one's mind and still not believe." He turned to Ruel."It is finished and you need no longer stay with me. Neither you nor Janehave reason to feel uneasy any longer."
"Jane has nothing to dowith this. You're going back to the temple?"
He nodded.
"It's a long way."Ruel's lids lowered to veil his eyes. "My hotel is only a block from hereand Ian keeps a bottle of whiskey in his room."
"I do not drink liquor.It blurs the mind and makes children of wise men."
"Just a thought."Ruel smiled at him. "Sometimes a wee drop helps to keep the damp away. Ifyou change your mind, you're welcome. Good night, Li Sung." He turned thecorner and started up the street toward the hotel.
"Wait."
Ruel glanced over his shoulderto see Li Sung limping down the street behind him.
"Perhaps a weedrop."
Chapter8
The pounding at the bungalowdoor jerked Jane from sleep. It was the middle of the night. Who could be—
The pounding sounded again,louder.
