Dubaku had wanted to accompany me, but I had argued against it. Sapphire was helpless and needed someone to hide him and protect him. Striding boldly through the vault I couldn't help wondering if he were invisible and following.
“Jocasta asked me to help you,” Dubaku had said.
“So help me. Keep my friend safe while I do what I need to do.”
He had shaken his head once. “No.”
I came to the stairs and headed up. There were no guards at all. Perhaps there never were or perhaps the imminent attack had pulled everyone to the walls. It didn't matter. I was inside the stronghold so I would begin my search here, I decided. Turning right at the top of the stairs I moved briskly on, looking like I belonged, like I had business here, and like I didn't want to be interrupted. I was surprised by how many people glanced at me in passing and ignored me.
“Where is Kukran Epthel?” I demanded of one fellow who also looked busy.
“With the warlord,” he jerked his thumb over his shoulder and I nodded as though I knew exactly what he meant and moved on briskly about my business.
Warlord. Yes, well, the barbarians had many clans and clan chieftains. In time of war there was a vote and a warlord was chosen. So, it made sense that Kukran Epthel would be with him, in the thick of things. They were all obedient to him, after all, enthralled unknowingly by an ancient amulet.
“Where is the warlord?” I barked at the next man I passed.
“Heading for the walls!” The fellow was in a rush and tossed the remark over his shoulder.
So, out of the stronghold, I decided. Which way was that?
Dubaku had argued further, and I had argued back. “He is helpless, I am not!”
I could not ask anyone the way out. True, I smelled of beer but I wasn't drunk and didn't think I would get away with it no matter how drunk I had been. Who wouldn't know the way out? It would just attract the wrong kind of attention. Instead, and simply, I took a straight line till I hit an easily recognized outer wall and began walking around the stronghold.
“He is not my responsibility. You are, at Jocasta's request.”
“And why do you obey her above me? Your mercenary unit was under my command and I have not released you yet.”
He had simply looked at me. It was true, but it was also true that all of his company were dead, and it was true that that was my fault. Still, he didn't answer and I knew I had him. I had nodded firmly, as though it were agreed and settled and then set off without waiting for him to verbally accept my authority. Good enough was good enough; no sense rubbing his nose in it. I had the illusion ring, the stone in my forehead, a set of lock-picks and a small but very sharp knife. I doubted it would be enough but the battle would begin soon and it would just have to do. I had to come out of this mess with something; a hero, not a pauper.
I came to the gate, at last. It was open and busy.
Getting out wasn't a problem. I just acted as I had been, a busy man with no time to waste on formalities. Everyone else was acting the same way, so I fit right in.