Doranei shrugged. 'They defend the wall. Ilumene knows what he's about; it's got to be worth trying to keep what they've got, especially with Aracnan to back you up and no reason to give a damn about your losses. You'd hold as long as you could.'
'That Harlequin in the deck has already been uncovered,' Sebe pointed out. 'Legana's still alive, so they've got to assume Lord Isak knows all about Aracnan by now.'
'Don't matter, the bastard's had too long to practise his art – as long as he avoids a direct confrontation, he'll survive the battle.'
'So what're we about then?'
'We fall back on what we are,' Doranei said. 'We revert to type. First duty of a King's Man is to poke a stick in the spokes every chance we get, whatever the risk.'
Sebe nodded, fully aware that any action they took would effectively make them hostiles in a besieged city. 'Stories about Aracnan often have him turning up in the hour of need, so it's fair to assume he'll stick with his usual routine.'
'Exactly, so when the Farlan attack the city there's a good chance we'll end up recognising someone heading for the outer wall -either Aracnan or Ilumene.' He paused. 'We'll be noticed in Eight Towers, though, so we can't risk going in there, and once you're out the gate there's a couple of roads you could take.'
'I reckon we spread our bets and take a fork each, find a room we can each hole up in. First target is Aracnan, next best is Ilumene, but chances are you only get one shot so take whichever looks best.'
'See you when the killing's done,' Sebe said in a gruff voice. Sir Creyl, the commander of the Brotherhood, had come up with the phrase; now it was their standard sign-off.
The Brothers looked grim as they set off in silence through the streets, their minds fixed on the task ahead. When the time came to part, they embraced tightly before going their separate ways. Above them, the clouds rumbled with the distant promise of violence.