'Look well,' he told them, 'and remember: I am the Lord Nestor, Master of Suckscar. You are my people. Should there be those among you who do not wish to be mine, who may not desire my food, protection, or the comforts of my house, then by all means choose a window and make your exit. For in future, that is how I shall punish any rebellious creature of mine: a long last screaming flight, and a few stains on the scoriae scree. So much for mere dissension ... but as for treachery or insurgence -' He let his gaze wander, to settle on his carpet creatures where they flowed with scarcely a ripple up the stairs to their accustomed places. '- The guardians of my staircase have their needs ...
'And so I make it simple: my word is law. One law for all, and whosoever breaks it gets broken in his turn. So be it.'
Nestor looked down on the faces closest to the table, and said, 'Canker, Zahar, Grig.' He held out his arms to help them up. And of Canker: This one, Canker Cani-son, Master of Mangemanse, is my friend.' He held up his hand. 'Ah, no, it bestows no privileges upon him but merely grants that Canker is not my enemy! You will respect him but not obey him.' Canker shrugged, grinned, and nodded appreciatively.
'As for these two,' Nestor glanced at Zahar and Grig each in turn, 'they are my lieutenants, whose word next to mine is law. Zahar is the senior and my right-hand man; his arm shall grow stronger, and his hand yet more heavy.'
Nestor considered what he had said and nodded. He was satisfied. But one final command, and a warning, seemed in order. 'I shall see you about, and you shall see me ... but when you least expect it. And now it seems your various works go wanting, while you stand idle and gawping. Let him who has no work learn how to fly, and quickly!'
The crowd dispersed, hastened by Zahar and Grig, who got down among them from the table. Only the two mistreated vampire women held back, examining their bruises and glancing sideways at Nestor. He saw that they were young and very beautiful, and said to them, 'Vasagi's rooms were cold, but mine will be warm. His hearth has no fire, and his bed is hard. These things are mine now. Put them in order, and wait for me . ..'
A moment later, when they were alone, Canker danced like a dog on its hind legs and chortled, 'Excellent, all excellent.' And I no longer fear for you. The surly Suck's no more, and my new neighbour is much to my liking. Why I can see us now: scampering like pups on Sunside, chasing the chickens to and fro!' He became serious, and whined pleadingly, 'But now let me beg you, come down with me into Mangemanse and see my great work: that instrument fashioned of bones, with which I'll lure my silver mistress down from the moon.'
Nestor considered it for a moment, then shook his head. 'Later, perhaps - if you'll show me the way down and promise to speak on my behalf to whatever guards the way! But first I must explore all of Suckscar. For after all, this is just one level. I've now seen the east wing of just one level, and the north, south, and west wings still unseen! And four more levels to go!' It was hard to keep the elation out of his voice. The vampire is territorial; Nestor's territories, along with his expectations, were expanding fast.
Canker was downcast. 'Ah! Of course. But already it seems you've been here forever, and I feel that I have known you that long at least. Also, it's my instinct that you'll be fascinated by that which these so-called "colleagues" of ours despise. And it will be splendid to have a visitor in Mangemanse who I can trust.'
'As soon as I've at least stuck my head in each corridor, room, hall and workshop, then I shall visit you,' Nestor promised. 'No matter the hour.'
'Excellent!' Canker was delighted. 'I shall expect you before nightfall.'
'And should I enter of my own free will?' Nestor's voice was cold, his expression blank.
Canker looked at him, stared into his eyes. Perhaps there was a hint of red in them even now, as early as this. 'Tut-tut! We are friends!'
'As Wran was my friend?'
'No, as I am your friend!'