'You're going to have to think about this, Edeard, Kanseen said. 'Seriously, they're all going to watch what you do with the promotion. It's an opportunity to put together a team of your own constables, people you know you can rely on.

'Yeah, yeah. Edeard didn't really want to think of all the responsibility which came with his new position. Unfortunately, his problem was that he couldn't stop worrying about what he should do next. Gangs and constables would both want to see what he was capable of, if he was just some strong lad from the countryside happy with the attention of all the city girls, or someone who would stand up for the law and make a difference. The Orchard Palace probably want to know as well.

'I suppose I'll have to keep you lot, he said with a grand show of reluctance.

It was Boyd's turn for the hand gesture.

'Even Dinlay? Macsen said in such a soft voice only Edeard heard him.

'Yes, Edeard said with a tiny directed longtalk. 'Even Dinlay.

Macsen scowled into his beer glass.

'And what are you going to do with this team of yours? Kanseen asked earnestly. 'It's only fifteen people, after all.

'Two months ago it was just the five of us, Edeard said calmly. 'We can shape ourselves into something useful, I'm sure. That's if Ronark will allow us. There are procedures, after all.

'Not to start with, Boyd said, uncharacteristically serious. 'You've got some momentum behind you, Waterwalker, and a great deal of goodwill. This is your chance to make something of it.

'Dear Lady, give him a beer and listen to the politician sprout forth, Edeard groaned.

'I know Makkathran, Boyd insisted. 'There's a chance here for you. He put his arms around Kanseen and Macsen. 'And we three native guides are going to make sure you don't blow that chance.

'You three, Edeard rolled his eyes, 'Great. How can we fail?

'We stick together, Macsen said. 'Always have, always will, no matter what.

'No matter what! They all drank to that.

Boyd pushed his empty glass across the table. 'And with your new corporal's pay, I believe you can afford the next round.

'Sorry, Edeard said, standing up and buttoning his tunic. 'I have an appointment at the Alrado theatre, and it's a long walk to the Zelda district.

'An appointment? Macsen inquired keenly.

'Someone from the Guild of Clerks, they're helping me with taxes.

He left to the sounds of their derisive laughter. Just as he started down the awkward curving stairs he heard Kanseen exclaim: 'No! I bought the last round.

It was cold on the streets outside Olivan's Eagle. Frost was clinging to the city's pavements, and there were flakes of snow drifting down past the bright orange lights shining out of the buildings. People wrapped in thick coats wove past Edeard as he made his way along Albie Lane towards Flight Canal. He'd thrown out a seclusion haze to ward off curious farsight, as did all Makkathran's citizens going about business they regarded as private. The effect was like a mild version of concealment.

Edeard was approaching the iron bridge over to the Haxpen district when his farsight swept over a figure for the third time. They'd been trailing him for some time, ignoring his obvious wish to be left alone. He focused on them to find it was: 'Salrana, he exclaimed.

She scurried forwards, thoughts radiant with impish delight. Almost as tall as him now, he acknowledged. Her full length dark-grey poncho coat flapped as she moved, a big hood pulled well forwards. 'You're so slow, she admonished, giggling. 'I've been following you ever since you left the tavern. If I was an assassin, you'd be dead by now. She pushed her hood back, allowing her auburn hair to flow free, and kissed him breathlessly. 'You know, I hardly recognized you with your hair so long. The city fashion suits you.

Edeard grinned back, very aware that she was still pressed up against him. He studied her face with its sharp cheeks and lovely dark brown eyes that were wide and teasing. She was gorgeous now, and because of that he kept trying to avoid her. They still longtalked every day, but he kept using the trial as an excuse for not actually meeting up. Just being with her on a cold gloomy street made him embarrassed about all the girls he'd tumbled these last few weeks, so spending a pleasant afternoon together with her would be torture.

Why? he asked himself. She's beautiful, and she wants me, and I'd adore having her in my bed and my life. We really would be the perfect couple. The only other who even comes close is Kanseen.

His hesitation was born out of some stupid notion of duty. At least that was always the excuse he gave himself. He really did feel protective towards her — and that was hardly necessary any more. It wasn't as if they were alone against the world these days. Maybe he was just afraid to change the way things were; there had been so many upheavals, she was his constant in a very unsteady life. And how she'd hate being told that. She was young and vivacious, and wanted some fun. She deserved happiness. And they would be happy together…

'Gosh, seeing me really does cheer you up, doesn't it? she mocked.

'Sorry, he smiled, pushing his emotions down below any possible farsight perception. 'It's fantastic to see you, but that just reminds me what I've got to do tonight.

'Really? she asked brightly. Her arm tucked through his, and they started to walk over the iron bridge. 'You poor thing. It must be truly terrible having to entertain Kristiana and Ranalee in your bed.

Edeard stopped in shock. 'How on Querencia did you know that?

She giggled again, delighted to have flustered him. 'Oh

Edeard, the whole city knows who's snagged the Waterwalker tonight. Kristiana has been bragging in half the saloons in town today. And you know what this city is for gossip.

'Yes, he said brokenly. Then, because he couldn't help it, he asked, 'Are people really talking about my love life?

'Talking. Singing. Writing books on it. I think they're planning a play for the ox-roast on Golden Park this New Year.

'Shut up.

She pressed him against the railing and kissed him again. Her skin was warm, soft and silky. Her scent strong. 'Will the second act be us? And the third and the fourth?

Edeard almost pushed her away. Instead, with a massive effort of will he smiled back ruefully, and turned round to lean on the rail. Then he put his arm round her. Her mind's flash of delighted surprise at the gesture was intoxicating. 'Have I been really stupid? he asked.

'Only rejecting me. The rest of it, you're just like any Grand Family son on his fifteenth birthday. You've got the run of the city, Edeard. The difference between you and them is that you earned it. People are fascinated to learn what's going to happen next; if Arminel was just a fluke, or you're truly going to be the Waterwalker.

He sighed. 'I hate that name.

'I hope… Edeard, I hope you live up to it. Did you know church attendance has gone up since Birmingham Pool? You displayed duty and honour that day, as well as courage. They're traits so sorely lacking in this city. It showed people what was absent from their own lives. It was a wonderful thing, Edeard.

He stared down into the dark water with its surface crust of slush. There were ripples near the far bank where fil-rats were nesting. A couple of gondoliers were edging their way towards them along from High Pool on the Grand Major Canal, their lamps glinting on their prows, their gondoliers harmonizing a gentle melody. 'I don't know what to do next, he confessed. 'Actually, that's not true. I know what I should do. But if I go there, if I use my talent to take on the gangs, then there'll be no turning back. Right now I can do nothing, and all the fuss will die down. But…