“I’m his brother,” Aram said.

Ferrin raised his eyebrows. “Evidently he used up all the size in the family. Where is your brother now? He must realize that he could make more money with less risk by handing Jason over to the authorities.”

“My brother values nothing above his reputation. He has never double-crossed a client after accepting a job. He only came out of retirement because he believes in this cause.”

Ferrin glanced at Jason. “Money has been exchanged?”

“A lot of money,” Jason said.

Ferrin nodded pensively. “I can’t fathom how you convinced Aram to commit. But I’ve learned not to underestimate you. Very well. I repeat the question, Burt. Where exactly is your brother?”

“Out scouting,” Aram said, still holding the long knife warily. “He knows about the hunt for Jason, and he is exploring our options.”

Ferrin gave a nod. “The three gates out of town are heavily manned. The port is full of eyes. Clever deception will be required to smuggle Jason away.”

“We’re aware of the complications,” Aram said.

Ferrin narrowed his eyes. “I’ve never heard of a brother. Do you work with Aram often?”

“For years I served as his cabin boy.”

“Ah. The infamous cabin boy. It wasn’t Burt back then.”

“I went by Goya.”

Ferrin’s lips twitched. “Brothers. I had no idea. Can you speak on his behalf?”

“Aram may have the size, but we’re equal partners.”

“Fair enough. We should counsel together. I mean to help Jason, so we should factor my services into your plans. As a displacer and a former servant of the emperor, I can do much to help you avoid capture.”

Aram shook his head. “I don’t work with limb droppers. Help from your kind tends to end badly. Mother?”

Moira had quietly sidled toward the kitchen. Reaching around the corner, she retrieved a heavy crossbow. The weapon almost looked too large for her, but she leveled it coolly at Ferrin.

“I admire your caution,” Ferrin said. “Avoiding displacers in these types of arrangements is good for longevity. But every rule has an exception.”

Without warning, Ferrin dove and rolled across the floor toward Moira. She fired the crossbow, but the quarrel hissed over his head, and he whipped her legs out from under her with a sweeping kick. Aram charged.

Wrenching the crossbow from Moira’s grasp, Ferrin used it to parry Aram’s long knife, then sent him to the floor with a sharp kick to the chest. While Aram scrambled to his feet, long knife still in hand, Ferrin drew a dagger and brought it to Moira’s throat.

Jason stood paralyzed with shock and uncertainty. Aram glared from Jason to Ferrin.

“You have a reputation for knifework, Goya,” Ferrin said. “I have some experience myself.”

“This is no way to win friends,” Aram spat.

“This is precisely how to court allies under hostile circumstances,” Ferrin argued. “I was prepared to be civil. You and your mother pulled weapons on me. If I keep the upper hand, hopefully I can show that I mean you no harm.”

“I’ll never trust you,” Aram growled, knuckles white as he clenched the long knife.

“I just need you to work with me. You and Aram know this city. I am willing to believe you can get Jason out. Unfortunately, a lurker is involved. Even with my assistance, Jason will probably be taken. Without my aid, his downfall is certain.”

Aram looked over at Jason. “What do you say?”

“Ferrin has faked friendship in the past. He’s a patient liar. On the other hand, he could have shown up here with soldiers and apprehended us. He has lots of talents. If he’s really on our side, he would be useful.”

“Put the knife down,” Aram said. “You have my word that you’ll leave here unmolested.”

“Finish the conversation first,” Ferrin replied. “Forgive me if I’m slow to rely on the word of a smuggler. We must reach an accord. I insist on helping Jason.”

“Do you have his hand, Jason?” Moira asked, heedless of the blade at her throat. “When he entered, the limb dropper seemed to suggest you had it.”

“I have it,” Jason said.

“It may be all he wants,” Moira pointed out. “He may only be waiting to turn us in until his hand is returned.”

“If all I wanted was the hand, I could have brought guardsmen and taken it,” Ferrin said. “I’m not after money, either. My services come free. I’ve betrayed the emperor for the sake of my friendship with Jason. My only place now is with the resistance.”

“Tell you what,” Aram said. “I still haven’t arranged for horses. Can you meet us at a rendezvous with three fresh mounts?”

“Tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Certainly.”

“One must be large enough to carry Aram.”

“And a fourth for myself.”

“I won’t be coming,” Aram said. “Just Aram and Jason.”

“So the third is for me. How thoughtful.”

“Aram will inspect the area. He’s good. If you’re there with the horses, and no enemies lie in ambush, you’ll get your hand back.”

Ferrin scowled. “I would hate to be left standing alone in the dark all night.”

“You have my oath. Some degree of trust is required. This role is vital. It will fill a gaping need. You will find it difficult to obtain the horses without arousing suspicion. Do we have your word?”

“Naturally.”

“Say it,” Aram pressed.

“You have my word of honor.”

The promise made Jason edgy. He knew Ferrin was willing to lie when it suited his purposes.

“There are several groves inland from the cove north of town,” Aram described. “One has an old well at the center. It’s been in disrepair ever since the water became brackish. Meet us there.”

“Done. I apologize, Moira, for holding you at knifepoint.”

“I’ll forgive you once you prove yourself true,” she responded.

“Don’t forget, you did pull a crossbow on me.” Ferrin stepped away from her, knife ready, eyes on Aram. He retrieved his hat. “Until tonight.” He backed to the door and let himself out.

Aram hurried over to Moira. She was standing up. “Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine,” she said. “He could have been much more vicious when he took me down. Under the circumstances, he was almost gentle.”