'Masters, Edeard bowed formally. Then he saw Salrana pluck at her skirt and hold the fabric up daintily on one side as she performed a peculiar little bow which involved bending her knees and keeping her back straight.

'And Novice Salrana, Finitan said smoothly. 'Also from Rulan.

'A pleasure, Imilan said.

Edeard didn't care for the way the Master's eyes lingered on Salrana.

'You're a long way from home, Novice, the Master said.

'No sir, she said in a polite tone. 'Makkathran is my home now.

'Well said, Novice, Finitan said. 'I wish all our citizens were as appreciative of their city as you are.

'Now Finitan, Graley chided. 'This is not the day.

'Apologies. Finitan inclined his head at the youngsters. 'So Edeard, have you had a run in with our criminal element yet?

'A few, sir, yes.

'He's being very modest, sir, Salrana said. 'He led his squad after some thieves in the Silvarum market. He recovered the stolen items, as well.

Edeard shifted awkwardly under the scrutiny of all three Masters.

'And are these miscreants now labouring away at the Tram-pello mine to pay for their crime? Imilan asked.

'No sir, Edeard admitted. 'They got away. That time. They won't again.

'I imagine they won't, Finitan said with an edge of amusement. 'Come along, Edeard, let me introduce you to the Mayor. It's about time he saw an honourable man again.

'Sir?

'Old joke. We often clash in Council. He signalled them to follow him. 'Not over anything important to the lives of real people, of course.

The Mayor of Makkathran was talking to the Pythia just beside the little platform where he'd handed out the epaulettes. If he was bored or annoyed to be introduced to a new constable he didn't show it; Edeard had never encountered a mind so perfectly shielded. Not that he paid much attention. He was entranced by the Pythia. He'd been expecting some ancient woman, full of grandmotherly warmth. Instead, he was disconcerted to find the Pythia retained the beauty of a woman still awaiting her half-century. A beauty only emphasized by her gold-trimmed white robe with its flowing hood which she wore forward, casting her face in a slight shadow.

Salrana did her strange bow again to the Pythia.

'The Lady's blessing upon you my child, the Pythia said. She sounded bored in that way Makkathran's aristocracy always did when they had to deal with those they considered to be of a lower order. Which wasn't what Edeard expected from a Pythia. Then she turned her attention to him. Startling light-blue eyes fixed on him, surrounded by a mass of thick bronze hair twined with gold and silver leaves. The eyes narrowed in judgement, which Edeard found heartbreaking. He felt like he'd disappointed her, which was a terrible thing. Then she smiled, banishing his worry. 'Now you are interesting, Constable, she said.

'My Lady? he stammered. He could somehow feel the Pythia's farsight upon him, as if she were picking through his mind. There was something disconcertingly intimate about the contact. And she was very beautiful. Merely a yard away. Her half-smile open and inviting.

Salrana made a groaning sound in her throat.

'I'm not quite that exalted, the Pythia said lightly. 'There is only one true Lady. My usual form of address is Dear Mother.

'I apologize, Dear Mother.

'Think nothing of it. You've come a long way to get here, and you still have a long way to travel.

'I do?

But the Pythia had turned to face Finitan. 'What a fascinating young friend you have, Grand Master.

'I'm pleased you think so, Pythia.

'So young, yet so strong.

The way she said it sent a shudder of felonious delight down Edeard's spine. He didn't dare glance in her direction; instead he fixed his gaze on the Mayor, who was frowning.

'Do you foresee great things for him? Finitan asked jovially.

The Pythia turned to stare directly at Edeard, an act he couldn't ignore, not in a group like this, not without appearing extraordinarily rude. He tried to return the look, but found it incredibly difficult.

'Your potential is very strong, she said. There was an almost teasing quality to her voice. 'Do you follow the Lady's teachings, Constable Edeard?

'I try my best, Dear Mother.

'I'm sure you do. May She bless your endeavours in your new duties.

Edeard almost didn't hear her. A movement behind Finitan had caught his eye. In horror, he watched Mistress Florell heading towards them, all black chiffon and wide veils hanging from a tall hat. His dismay must have leaked out. As one, Finitan, the Mayor, and the Pythia turned to acknowledge the approaching grande dame.

'Aunt! the Mayor exclaimed happily. 'How lovely of you to come.

'He's the one, Mistress Florell declared in her scratchy voice. 'The young hooligan who nearly knocked me to the ground.

'Now Aunt.

'Take his epaulettes away, she snapped imperiously. 'He's not fit to serve this city. Time was we used to have men of good character in the constables, the sons of noblemen.

The Mayor gave Edeard a half-apologetic look. 'What happened, Constable?

'I was pursuing some thieves, sir. Mistress Florell came out of a building. I went round…

'Ha! Tried to run over me, more like.

'Come come, Aunt. The lad was obviously just doing his job a conscientious chap like this is just what we need. Suppose the thieves had snatched your bag, wouldn't you want him to give chase?

'Nobody would steal my bag, she snapped.

'I am sorry for any distress, Edeard said desperately. The horrible old woman just wouldn't listen.

The Mayor shuffled round to stand between Mistress Florell and Edeard, flicking his fingers in a go away motion. Edeard did a kind of half bow and backed away fast, accompanied by Salrana and Finitan.

'Aunt, you know it's bad for you to dwell on such trivia. Now some of these Mindalla estate fortified wines are really quite lovely, you must try— There was a note of tired desperation in the Mayor's voice.

Finitan smiled broadly as they hurried off. 'Thank you, Edeard: these reception parties are normally quite tedious.

'Er… Yes, sir.

'Oh come now, this is your graduation day. Don't let that daft old bat spoil it for you. She's embarrassingly well connected, as would you be if you clung to life for so long. Wouldn't surprise me if she did drink the blood of virgins after all. Your pardon, Novice.

'I've heard of Mistress Florell, sir, Salrana said.

'Everyone in the city has, Finitan said. 'That's why she thinks she's so important, instead of just old and obnoxious. He put his hand on Edeard's shoulder. 'And I say that as her great-great-nephew, myself. Twice removed, thankfully.

'Thank you, sir, Edeard said.

'Now off you go and enjoy yourselves. And, Edeard, when the time comes for you to apply for promotion to officer rank, come and see me again. I'll be happy to sign the letter.

'Sir? Edeard asked incredulously.

'You heard. Now be off with the pair of you. It's a bold bad city out there. Have fun!

Edeard didn't need telling again. He and Salrana made for the Hall's big archway which led out to the antechambers.

'Hey Edeard, Macsen called, hurrying to intercept. 'Where are you off to?

'Just out, Edeard said. He didn't even want to glance over his shoulder in case Mistress Florell was looking his way.

Macsen reached them, and skidded to a halt. 'Mother and Dybal are taking me to the Rakas restaurant to celebrate. It's an open invitation to my squadmates as well. Macsen stopped, and smiled at Salrana. 'Novice, I had no idea Edeard kept such pleasant company. He gave Edeard an expectant look, ever the injured party.

'This is Novice Salrana, from my home village, Edeard said sulkily.

'That is one village I am definitely going to have to visit. Macsen bowed deeply.