Been stealing sausages? he said.
Before any of the students could reply, the man stopped them with a dark look, and with a nod indicated that they were to follow him back into the market. Lose the sausage, he instructed Donte, who immediately tossed the warm, savoury treat to the ground. They followed the burly man, a gang captain named Hilsbek, who had been put in charge of Facarias pupils while the island master was in a meeting. This wasnt unusual, as the youngsters spent as much time in the field as in the classroom or training yard.
The sausage? repeated Hilsbek.
I got hungry, said Donte, trying not to smile.
A quick cuff to the ear told Donte that this wasnt amusing to the gang leader. The blow was hard enough to get the students attention without damaging him. Dontes eyes glistened from the pain, but he didnt let tears come. His face and stance shifted to a position Hatu and Hava knew all too well. Donte would usually have challenged anyone who struck him like that. Hed even risk fighting a crew captain if he thought he could win, but would not defy anyone of a rank higher than that.
Donte was the grandson of Master Kugal, one of the seven masters on the Council, which granted him some additional status, though it was never openly commented upon. The students were supposed to be treated equally, but in practice, their privilege was often dictated by the amount of power held by their close relatives.
Though rank was not official, the pecking order among students had been well established by the time they could leave their mothers. Hava was unusually gifted, among the best archers, runners, and hand-to-hand fighters, both boys and girls, which earned her more respect than was normal for a farmers child. Hatu was an orphan, an anomaly without connections, but he was treated with greater care than might be expected.
What was your duty? asked Hilsbek, his eyes narrowing as he looked from face to guilty face.
Hava and Hatu glanced at each other as Donte, with as impassive a tone as he dared, replied, To watch the market for anything unusual.
Hilsbek nodded. You were on that roof for over three hours
And I got hungry, added Donte, which earned him another cuffing, one hard enough to leave a red mark on his cheek and tears in his eyes.
Hilsbek glared at the youngster, as if daring him to utter another word.
Donte fell silent.
Hilsbek remained quiet for a while, then spoke in an even tone. What did you see?
Hava said, A busy market.
Donte hesitated, as if anticipating another slap, then added, Nothing unusual.
Hilsbek looked at Hatushaly next. After a pause, the youngster said, There was one group of men trying to appear normal. They came from the docks and moved a little too fast, as if they were in a hurry but trying not to be noticed. They wore simple robes with deep hoods. One wore boots, the rest sandals. They moved to the north and I couldnt see them leave.
Hilsbek looked at Hatu. Well enough. If you were to see such a group while on duty, what would you do?
Hatu said, What I was told to do. If I was told to report at once, then Id leave and report. If told to wait until relieved, Id
Hilsbek interrupted. Enough.
Pointing at Hatu, he said to the others, He knows how to see. You looked, but you didnt see. Learn how to see.
Hilsbek regarded the three youngsters for a moment, then he said, You are only months away from being placed He fell silent again and shook his head. If you left training today, you would find a trade, but soon A third silence fell.
Finally Hilsbek said, Find another roof. Watch from there until sundown. See if you can find more men trying to appear normal. Meet at the safe house after sunset.
As the students started to move away, Hilsbek slapped Donte on the back of his head. I dont care who your grandfather is, boy. Do something stupid like that when youre working, and at some point youll get yourself and your companions killed.
Donte grudgingly held his peace as they walked away, but once out of hearing range, he said, Ill settle with him some day.
Hatu shook his head in silent disbelief, while Hava laughed openly. Your grandfather will not always be around to get you out of trouble. We all make mistakes, we all get beaten.
Hatu nodded in agreement.
You make a mistake, you just get sent to your grandfather, Hava continued.
Ha! laughed Donte. The preceptors and the other masters are afraid of my grandfather, so he beats me harder than any of them. My grandfather is afraid of no one. After a moment, he added, Well, other than my grandmother.
Hava laughed, but Hatu said, Do you ever take anything seriously? You know what Hilsbek was saying, dont you?
What? asked Donte as they began to look around for a new observation post.
The day is coming when well know too much, whispered Hatu harshly.
Too much? asked Hava.
Hatus expression held exasperation. To let us live, he whispered. Once we know all of the secrets
Havas eyes widened. Hatu nodded; it was about time she understood. We need to be more careful, he added in low tones.