"Very well," Fendros said. "We ought to make a plan once we have that information. I had it in my head that we might pretend the axe is a long lost heirloom. It could be that our man doesn't much care for such sentimental matters, though." He shrugged. "We'll see."

"Maybe there can be a curse on the axe?" Sabine suggested. "It is closer to the truth. If something bad will happen to the wielder, we might get it from its owner for free."

Meanwhile, Janius and Kaleeth brought up the rear of the procession. Janius felt somewhat exposed going into the city without his armour on, but the heat made it impractical at best and heatstroke-inducing at worst. Besides, he had other matters on his mind. He leaned to Kaleeth, repeating a conversation they had last night. "I am still in awe that it was the [i]justicar.[/i] It was strange to see her out of that uniform. And...socialising with us. What do you make of it?"