Darkness and LightJal approached the first marketplace slowly, alert for pursuers. He could see a horse and wagon in the centre of the square, conspicuous in the empty space. The horse hung its head, apparently asleep. Its driver drooped on his seat in a similar pose.
Jal’s breathing slowed to normal. Here was his passage from the city. Nothing stood between him and safety. Ellechino had not followed him, and there was no sign of the palace guards. He cursed that Nero had parked his wagon so Jal had to cross the empty square, but a horse and wagon were not easy to tuck away in a narrow alley.
His back pressed against the wall, Jal tried to think of a ruse for approaching the wagon, in case of observers. He reached into his basket, seeking inspiration, and touched Reni’s mask, which had s
