Sober up, soldier—wha
missed roll call, if that's what you mean," said the first guard. "That was hours ago. They won't thank you for showing up now."
"Well, but Sim—we don't want this mess in our area, either. Let the Phelani take care of it, if it's theirs."
"I don't know what it is—d'you think that was ever his uniform?"
"It might have been. We'll be in trouble if it is, and we don't—"
"All right, all right. You take it—her—over then, if it concerns you so. Tir's bones, I hate to be seen near such a ragbag. If it is the Duke's, I don't know what he's coming to."
"Please," said Paks. Her legs were trembling under her, and she was afraid she might faint. "Please, we must hurry. It is important, and the Duke must know—"
The second guard grabbed her arm and swung her ahead of him. "Don't tell me what I 'must,' not when I don't know who in thunder you are. We'll fee