Captain Ronark had come forward to stand at Edeard's shoulder. 'If the gangs in this city can be said to have a leader, Ronark said, 'it is Ivarl. He at least likes to style himself the master of our criminal fraternity. It was probably him who sent Arminel back to ambush you.

'Ah, Edeard said. He smiled politely, and inclined his head towards the villain.

Ivarl returned the gesture, tipping his gold-topped cane in Edeard's direction. Master Cherix came up behind him, and murmured something in his ear. Ivarl smiled tightly, and came over to the constables.

'My congratulations on an exemplary case, he said. His voice was rough and Edeard suspected the injury that left his jaw askew had caused some deeper damage.

'Thank you, Edeard said with a heavy dose of irony.

'This city is so much better off without such people, Ivarl continued. 'They are cheap vermin; they bring nothing to our lives. You, though, you are an exceptional man, Constable Edeard.

'I do my best. Edeard was uncomfortably aware of the way Macsen and one of Captain Ivarl's girls were smirking at each other. He wanted to smack his friend hard.

'As do we all, Ivarl said. 'Everyone in their own small way contributes to the flow of life of this fine city. In this respect, I extend an invitation to you and your friends to enjoy the hospitality of my house.

Edeard was very aware of everyone waiting for his response. So this is what Finitan was warning me about. I've shown the gangs that not all constables are pushovers, that their usual violence doesn't work against me, so they want to see how far I'm going to take this. Politics!

He allowed an old, deeply personal, image leak from his mind: the smouldering ruins of Ashwell, with corpses protruding from the ruins.

'I haven't been down to your district of the city yet, Edeard said. 'But I'm planning on visiting soon.

Ivarl's pudgy lips pressed together in a big display of disappointment. He shrugged elaborately. 'I look forward to meeting you there, young man. He turned and walked away, a girl clinging possessively to each arm.

Only then did Edeard notice the looks the others were giving him. 'What?

Captain Ronark smiled. 'Good man, Edeard. I knew you wouldn't betray yourself.

Chae gave him an admiring grin, and walked out with the captain.

'Where was that place? Boyd asked with trepidation.

'The village I grew up in, Edeard told him.

'Lady, just seeing it frightened me.

'I wanted some emphasis. I wanted to make sure Ivarl understood.

'Oh, I think he got it. You don't have to worry on that score.

'Shame, though, Macsen said wistfully. 'Did you see the blonde one?

'You peasant, Kanseen hissed at him.

'Hey! I can make noble painful sacrifices, too, you know. You have to have standards to be a part of the Waterwalker's squad.

'Don't call me that, Edeard said wearily.

'Too late, Boyd said. 'Far too late.

It was mid-afternoon when they got back to the Jeavons constable station. They claimed their usual table in the hall, and the ge-monkeys brought over plates of sandwiches and mugs of tea. Of late the station food had improved; local shopkeepers were keen to supply the constables with their better products at reasonable prices. Grateful for the noticeable reduction in gang activity in the district.

Edeard appreciated the gesture, but it made him very aware of the expectations settling on his shoulders. And now I've seen the real enemy. Arminel might be gone, but Ivarl can send a dozen more just like him on to the streets. A hundred.

After the elation of the trial it was a sobering thought. He hadn't really changed anything, just made himself famous. And ultimately, what use is that to people?

'Result, or what? Boyd said as he picked up one of the sandwiches, a malted roll containing ham and cheese with a strong tomato chutney. He bit in contentedly.

All the other constables in the station were making a point of coming over to congratulate them on the verdict. Edeard was finally getting embarrassed by the admiration.

'Yes. A result all right, Kanseen said, picking through the rest of the sandwiches. 'But it's only one result.

'Trust you to pour on the ice water, Macsen said.

'She's right, Edeard said. 'We're going to have to do a lot more than this before the gangs even start getting worried.

'Not so. Ivarl is worried enough about the Waterwalker to crawl out from under his rock and get a firsthand look, Boyd said.

'Will you please stop calling me that?

'I thought Arminel would get thirty to forty years at least, Macsen said. 'But for the rest of his life? He's only, what, thirty? That's at least a hundred and fifty years in Trampello. It's not exactly a pavilion on the Iguru. A hundred and fifty years! Owain must really want to be re-elected.

'I'm not sorry for him, Edeard said. 'He was going to kill me.

'Because Ivarl told him to, Kanseen said.

'You think so?

'No way could he put together an ambush like that without a lot of help. He'd need permission. Ivarl must have agreed.

'Oh Lady, Macsen muttered in alarm. 'Look out.

Edeard's farsight showed him Captain Ronark leading Chief Constable Walsfol into the hall. Everyone fell silent, benches were scraped across the floor as the constables stood up. Even the ge-chimps stopped moving.

Chief Constable Walsfol walked directly over to Edeard's table. He was in his full dress uniform, an immaculate black tunic with gold buttons and scarlet epaulettes with a diamond stud. Edeard had been introduced briefly the day after he arrested Arminel; he'd actually been quite impressed with the Chief Constable. The man was in his second century, and the fact he'd fought his way to the top of the constables was evident in his manner. Walsfol was a straight talking man, secure his position was achieved through the support of the stations.

Walsfol saluted smartly. Edeard hurriedly returned the salute.

'An excellent day, Constable, Walsfol said in his clipped aristocratic accent. 'You have done this station proud.

'Thank you, sir.

Walsfol took a pair of epaulettes from his pocket. They had a single silver star on them. 'As a consequence of your bravery and actions in Birmingham Pool, I would like to offer you promotion to corporal.

It might have been Edeard's imagination, but he was sure the word 'offer' was stressed. But he was so relieved that this was the test Finitan had spoken of rather than Ivarl's crude attempt at bribery he simply said, 'Yes, sir; thank you, sir, I'd be honoured to accept.

Captain Ronark led the applause as the Chief Constable attached the epaulettes to Edeard's shoulders. Of course Finitan wasn't talking about Ivarl, Edeard chided himself, the Grand Council want to know if I'm going to support their authority. Lady! Do they think I might be a challenge to them?

Walsfol finished, and saluted again.

'Corporal Waterwalker, Macsen said, holding up his beer and laughing.

Edeard had now completely surrendered to the ribbing he was getting. They'd all wound up in the Olivan's Eagle for a few celebratory drinks, claiming a small booth in the upstairs bar where they were relatively undisturbed.

'I wonder which squads will be under your command? Kanseen mused. 'Corporals are normally in charge of three.

'Please don't team us up with Droal's lot, Boyd said. 'They're worthless crap artists, and everyone knows Vilby is on the take.

'I didn't know that, said Edeard.

'What, with all your psychic superpowers? Macsen asked.

Edeard showed him the hand gesture Obron always used to employ, only to find it summoned up a mournful nostalgia that unexpectedly made his eyes water. Obron, he would be twenty-three now …