‘The Ailad is busy with many things,’ he said, taking Atlon’s arm and directing him towards the door. As he reached it, he turned and looked at the Tunnellers gathered in the middle of the room. ‘The Ailad will want more than this,’ he said to the guards. ‘A lot more. See to it.’ He signalled one of the guards to follow him.
‘Looking for the ringleaders, Captain?’ Atlon asked.
The question caught the Captain by surprise and he stammered slightly as he said, ‘Yes... of course.’ He picked up his previous remark and made to reassert his authority. ‘The Ailad’s very busy, as you’ll appreciate. She cannot give Audiences to everyone who arrives at the gate.’
Atlon plunged on into the darkness. ‘I understand, Captain. But perhaps you would tell her that I am here and that we have two serious p
