The youth turned to Hakiem.

'I hope we did not disturb your story. Here - perhaps this will make up for ourintrusion.'

He pressed a gold coin into Hakiem's hand.

'Gold!' Hakiem sneered. 'Do you think one miserable coin can make up for scaringthose precious children?'

'What?' roared the Hell Hound. 'Those gutter-rats? Take the Prince's money andbe thankful I -'

'Zaibar!'

'But Your Highness, this man is only playing on your-'

'If he is, it's mine to give ...'

He pressed a few more coins into Hakiem's outstretched hand.

'Now come along. I want to see the bazaar.'

Hakiem bowed low, ignoring the Hell Hound's black glare. When he straightened,the urchins were clustered about him again.

'Was that the Prince?'

'My dad says he's the best thing for this town.'

'My dad says he's too young to do a good job.'

'Izzat so!'

'The Emperor sent him here to get him out of the way.'

'Sez who?'

'Sez my brother! He's been bribing guards here all his life and never had anytrouble till the Prince came. Him and his whores and his Hell Hounds.'

'They're going to change everything. Ask Hakiem ... Hakiem?'

The urchins turned to their chosen mentor, but Hakiem had long since departedwith his new wealth for the cool depths of a tavern.

3 THE PLAN

'As you already know, you five men have been chosen to remain with me here inSanctuary after the balance of the honour guard returns to the capital.'

Prince Kadakithis paused to look each man in the face before he continued.Zaibar, Bourne, Quag, Razkuli, and Arman. Each of them a seasoned veteran, theydoubtless knew their work better than the Prince knew his. Kadakithis's royalupbringing came to his rescue, helping him to hide his nervousness as he mettheir gazes steadily.

'As soon as the ceremonies are completed tomorrow, I will be swamped with