They killed Jekud,' she said after a pause. 'We were running across the paddocks and they cut him down/
'I know. I felt it/
'I couldn't help him/
'I know/
'I felt terrible. After all he had done to show me my father. And I couldn't save him/
'It was probably quick. The Vessorine are ruthless killers/
'I thought I heard him call out, after he had fallen. I was going to turn back for him, but they were everywhere/
'It's alright/
She took a beaker from the bedstand and sipped. 'Eleena says they killed everyone/
'I'm afraid they might have/
'I mean, not just here. The Distaff. Nayl. Inshabel/
I nodded. 'Someone was very thorough that night. But here's a thought to cheer you: Nayl's alive, and so's Fischig. We're going to meet up with both of them/
That made her smile. 'How did Nayl get away?'
'I don't know. He hasn't given me any details. It would seem he got wind of something and left Messina before the attack. I'm looking forward to finding out what he knows/
'Like who's behind this, you mean?'
I winked. That, Medea, I already know/
Her eyes widened. 'Who?'
'I'll tell you when I've confirmed my suspicions. I don't want you worrying unnecessarily/
'Now that's just cruel/ she scolded. 'I won't be able to think about anything else now/
Then see what you come up with/1 suggested. Medea was privy to most of my operation, and I thought it might be interesting to see if she arrived at any conclusion herself.
The jolt made me strike my head against the side panel of the bed and woke me up in time to feel two more hard judders before the train came to a complete stop.
It was nearly three in the morning and pitch black. I could hear the ice flakes pattering like small arms fire off the window of the cabin.
Every halt we had made so far had been smooth and gentle. Not like this.
Aemos had woken too, and sat up as I turned on the sidelight and strapped on Barbarisater.
'What is it?' he asked.
Nothing, I hope/ The inter-cabin door opened and Eleena looked in.
'Did you feel that?' she asked sleepily.
'Find your pistol/1 told her.
We woke Crezia and got all three of them into Medea's cabin. Crezia looked befuddled and worried. Eleena was wide awake by then and checking the cell of her weapon.
I pulled on Aemos's over-robe to conceal my own armaments.
'Stay here and be vigilant,' I said and then left the connecting suite via the door to my cabin.
In the gloomy hall, I could hear movement in the other cabins, low voices and the occasional pip of a summoning alarm as worried passengers tried to call the stewards.