'Those are melancholy thoughts, Kanseen said quietly.

'Sorry, he said, and made an effort to be alert. Chae said markets were always rife with sneak thieves and pickpockets. He was probably right. Here, as always, the stallholders greeted them warmly, with smiles and the odd gift — apples, pears, a bottle or two; pledges of a good deal if they came back off duty. They liked the constables to be visible. It discouraged pilfering.

Edeard had been dismayed by the reception they received in some districts and streets as Chae led them right across the city. Sullen expressions and intimidating silences, unshielded emotions of enmity. People turning their backs on them. Third hands jostling when they were close to canal banks. Chae, of course, had walked on undaunted, but Edeard had been unnerved. He didn't understand why whole communities would be repelled by law and order.

They moved on to the second market, the one specializing in cloth and clothes. There was a dismaying number of young women strolling along, examining colourful fabrics, chattering happily among themselves. He kept a small shield up, and did his best not to make eye contact. Though there were some truly pretty girls that just begged for a second look. Macsen, had no such inhibitions. He chatted happily to any girl who even glanced in his direction.

'You never said which district you come from, Edeard said.

'I didn't, did I? Kanseen agreed.

'Sorry.

'You need to stop saying that, as well, she said, and smiled.

'Yes. I know. It's just that all of you are used to this. He gestured round. 'I'm not. There are more people here in this market than ever lived in Ashwell. For a moment he was struck by real guilt. He thought about his home less and less these days. Some of the faces had faded from memory. Not Akeem, that never would; but Gonat now — did he have red hair or was it dark brown? He frowned from the effort of remembering, but no clear image came.

'Bellis, Kanseen said. 'My family lives in Bellis.

'Right, he said. Bellis was on the eastern side of the city, close to the port, and directly over the Great Major Canal from Sampalok. They hadn't patrolled round there yet. 'You've never been back to see them.

'No. Mother didn't approve of my becoming a constable.

'Oh. I'm sor— Shame.

'I think she would have preferred me to take the Lady's vows.

'Nothing wrong with that.

'You really are from the countryside, aren't you?

'Is that bad? he said stiffly.

'No. I guess that's where the values this city used to have are kept alive, out there beyond the Donsori Mountains. It just gives me a shock to hear someone with convictions, that's all. You're rare in Makkathran, Edeard. Especially in the constables. That's why you make people uncomfortable.

'I do? he asked, genuinely surprised.

'Yeah.

'But… You must believe in values. Why else did you join?

'Same as half of us. In a few years I'll shift over to bodyguard work for a District Master family. They're always desperate for people with a constable's training and experience. Particularly one like me; female constables are veiy thin on the ground. And the noble ladies need protection as much as their husbands and sons. I can just about name my own price.

'Oh. The notion surprised him, he'd never considered the constables as a route to anything else, let alone something better. 'Who do I make uncomfortable?

'Well Dinlay for a start. He believes in truth and beauty just like you, and he's a lot noisier about it. But you're stronger and smarter. Chae's going to nominate you as squad leader.

'You don't know that.

She smiled. It made him realize how attractive she actually was; something the uniform normally made him overlook. But that smile was a match for any of the silly family girls swanning round the market.

'Put money on it? she challenged.

'Of course not, he said with mock indignation. 'That's bound to be illegal.

They both laughed.

'You two need a room? Macsen called over his shoulder. 'I know one that'll do cheap rates.

Kanseen gave him a forceful hand gesture.

He pulled a face. 'Wow, it's true; you can take the girl out of Sampalok, but you can't take Sampalok out of the girl.

'Arsehole, she growled.

'We're on patrol, Chae snapped. 'What does that mean?

'Professionalism at all times, the squad muttered dutifully.

'Then kindly remember that, and apply it.

Macsen, Kanseen, and Edeard grinned at each other as they moved on to the third market, which featured crafts. Stalls displayed small items of furniture, ornaments, cheap jewellery, and alchemic potions. There was even a section selling rare animals as pets. The awnings here were all a uniform orange and white striped canvas arranged in hexagonal cones with centre poles swamped by eaglevine. It was warm underneath, but the full power of the sun was held back.

Edeard stretched his farsight out across the Great Major Canal that ran the length of the city from the Port district to the Circle canals where the Orchard Palace was situated. Ysidro district was on the other side from Silvarum, wedged between the back of Golden Park and the Low Moat. It was where the Lady's novistery was sited.

'This a good time? his mind enquired.

'Hello, Salrana replied with a burst of good cheer. 'Yes, I'm fine. We're in the garden, planting summer herbs. It's so lovely in here. A gentle image gift came with her happiness. He saw a walled garden with conical yews marking out gravel paths. Vines and climbing roses painted the walls in bright colour. There was a broad lawn in the middle, which was unusual in Makkathran; it was trimmed so neatly Edeard wondered what kind of genistar they used to chew it down. A snow-white statue of the Lady stood at one end, almost as high as the walls. She was smiling down on the novices in their white and blue robes as they skittered about with wicker baskets full of plants.

'Nice. Why don't you use ge-chimps to plant the herbs?

'Oh Edeard, you have got to start reading more of the Lady's teachings. The purpose of life is to achieve harmony with your environment. If you use genistars for everything, you establish a barrier between yourself and the world.

'Okay. He thought that was stupid, but clamped down tight on the emotion for fear Salrana would sense it. She was developing quite an acute empathy these days.

'Where are you? she asked.

'I'm patrolling Silvarum's markets. He let her see the bustle surrounding him, showing the rich stall displays.

'Arrested anybody bad?

'No. They all run in terror from us.

'Oh, Edeard, you feel sad.

'Sorry. He caught himself and winced. 'I'm not. It's just boring, that's all. You know I'm actually looking forward to my exams. This'll all be over after I take them. I can be a proper constable then.

'I can't wait to see your graduation ceremony.

'I don't think it's that grand. The Mayor hands us a pair of dark epaulettes, that's all.

'Yes, but it's at the Orchard Palace, and all the probationary constables from the city are there, and their families are watching. It's a big event, Edeard, don't knock it.

'I wasn't really. Do you think you'll manage to get to it?

'Of course I will. Mother Gallian approves of formal functions like that. I've already told her you're graduating.

'Hey, those exams aren't easy, you know.

'You'll pass, Edeard. I ask the Lady to give you simple questions.

'Thanks! Can you get out this weekend?

'I'm not sure. It's difficult with the main service on—

Angry shouts up ahead made Edeard look round. His farsight could sense several minds inflamed with fury. Around them were minds were blazing with sour determination; they began to move faster and faster.

Shouts reverberated under the awnings.