### 42

Using your Kai Mastery you mimic the Tahouese dialect and try to persuade the commander that you have lived most of your life in the city. He looks at you suspiciously, but before he can ask you any questions that would be sure to catch you out, Banedon comes to your aid. ‘We’re students of Chiban the Magician,’ he says, hurriedly. ‘He lives at the Guild-house on Leech Street, in the North District. He will vouch for us.’

The commander narrows his eyes. ‘Bah!’ he snorts. ‘Let ’em enter. We need all the men we can get. Their blood’s as good as any that’ll be spilled in the defence of this city.’

Turn to 113.