Benny snorts. ‘Not even close. Every single household has a drum; most have two or even three. The Rowells damaged a few hundred though, which the residents didn’t love. Turns out the different drums and beats mean all manner of things because they’re not music – they’re commands. When the Rowell idiots silenced the drums, they made it entirely clear where they were within the city.’
‘What happened to them?’ Caz asks.
Kyor grins suddenly. ‘I like this part of the story.’
Benny rolls his eyes. ‘Of courseyou’d like the gory part.’
‘Who doesn’t?’
‘Ignore him. What happened?’ I press.
Benny snickers. ‘The legend goes that they used some special drums, drums that created bone-deep vibrations. The frequency resonated differently with their non-Galreckian bones, and the sound of the drums made them pass out.’ He flashes a quick grin. ‘Total bullshit, of course, or the Galreckians would just take drums up to fight the Issen. But it makes for a good story. And the best part? Supposedly, when the Rowells were unconscious, they were skinned alive, and then their skins were used to fix the drums they’d destroyed.’
‘Well,’ Caz says faintly, ‘that’s disgusting.’
‘Let’s try not to piss off any Galreckians while we’re here,’ I suggest. ‘And no one touch any drums.’
As we wait for Ruben to return, the talk turns to the most obvious point of conversation: where we’re planning on sleeping tonight.
The thought of a proper bed, after so many nights on the road, makes me grin.
Yesterday’s pallet bed did not count. At all.
‘We should have told Ruben to ask about inns,’ I say.
‘I’m sure he’ll think to ask himself,’ Benny replies. ‘Although you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve got a couple of friends here, so I’ll sort my own lodgings.’
My stomach lurches. Friends? Or rebels? I think of the whispered conversation between Ruben and Benny, talking of meeting the rebel leader, Arle. If I’d thought of it earlier, when Benny and I were alone, I would have hissed instructions not to be so idiotic as to meet with him, but the moment is gone.
I try to keep my unhappiness off my face. The last thing I need is for Kyor to grow suspicious of Benny.
‘Friends?’ Kyor questions the Eastern Islander.
Benny shrugs. ‘Acquaintances. Should probably show my face, do a little hobnobbing while I’m here. You know what it’s like.’
Kyor’s gaze remains sceptical. ‘I never saw you do much of that in Wrohelm.’
‘I didn’t realise you were watching me. Should I be keeping an eye out for guards following me in the shadows?’
He says it as a joke, but I know he’s disguised a serious question with humour.
Kyor’s jaw clicks. ‘Do whatever you want. It’ll be easier to secure lodgings for a smaller group anyway, and we’ll save money on your room.’
‘Seriously? The silver-spooned prince is worried about coppers?’ Benny teases, but before Kyor can respond, Caz speaks.
‘Talking about not needing a room, I was thinking I’d head to the library tonight,’ she says.
‘Tonight?’ I question. ‘Surely you want some rest? A proper night’s sleep?’
‘I really don’t need that much sleep, and if I’m going to be looking up all sorts of things I shouldn’t, I’m really better off doing it in theevening when there are fewer prying eyes. Besides, library chairs are comfortable enough for a few hours’ kip if I need it. I’d rather have longer with the books and maps than waste time on sleep.’
‘Are you sure?’ I ask dubiously. I like a book, but I like a hot bath and a comfy bed more.
‘Positive.’ She flashes me a smile, but before I can respond, another thought enters my head.
‘So if you two are going elsewhere, then it’s just me, Kyor and …’
‘Ruben,’ Kyor finishes for me, the edges of his mouth turned down.
