a choice, bring her here into the Limen.’
‘Then what happens?’
‘I am not sure … yet,’ admitted Katina. ‘That is part of what I have to find out.’
Dante nodded gravely. ‘I see.’
‘Do you? Because, by the gods, I am not sure I do.’
Dante couldn’t help it – he laughed. Katina’s eyes crinkled. ‘No, I don’t really. But it felt better saying that.’ He slapped the hilt of his sword. ‘I will do what I am told. Watch her and make sure she is unharmed. Hopefully, you will discover our next step before I am forced to do what I must in order to protect her.’
‘Bene. Another thing – once you’re on the other side, Dante, back in Serenissima, the urge to contact your family will be strong. But you must resist, do you understand? You will cause them pain if you should walk back into their lives after all this time. Not only that, but you’ll place them in great danger.’
‘Danger?’
‘Sì. Our networks tell us that there’ve been many arrests in your quartiere.’
Dante’s heart lurched. ‘Why?’
‘Why?’ Katina threw her hand up in the air. ‘Do you think that what Tallow was, what she did, would go unnoticed? The drama on the bridge was the talk of Serenissima – according to what Elder Maggiore told me, it still is. It attracted the attention of the authorities. That which they feared most has finally happened. An Estrattore has been seen – worse, she’s lived among them. Can you imagine how the Doge, how the Church reacted to that? As far as they’re concerned, three hundred years of worshipping the one God has come to nothing. They realise how shaky their foundations are if all it takes to undermine them is one Estrattore. They’re furious – and they are also terrified. They understand now how tenuous their hold on the popolani really is and they’re lashing out.’ She paused and looked uneasy. ‘Those who hid her, who knew what she was and said nothing, are being punished.’ She looked deep into Dante’s eyes. Her silver flecks gleamed in the dull light.
‘Who exactly are you talking about? Tell me.’ Dread hardened the coldness that filled his chest, turning it to ice.
‘I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, Dante, and now, but your grandfather. He –’
Dante held up his hand in front of her face. His dark eyes were metal. He tried to swallow, but his mouth was dry. Every heartbeat was painful.
‘When? Who’s responsible?’
‘A while ago. It was the Cardinale. He’s capturing those he believes harboured Tallow and who are withholding information. Your grandfather … he was publicly executed, on Nobiles’ Rise. Others are dispatched, quickly, quietly, without ceremony. But the popolani know. They’re afraid, but not so afraid yet that they talk. This will work both for and against you.’ Katina spoke slowly. ‘The Cardinale’s desperate to locate Tallow; so desperate, he will take any measure. Serenissima is not the place you once knew.’
Dante drew his breath in sharply and threw back his head. He wanted to scream at the mist, cut it with his weapons. Nonno Renzo! No. No. No.
He took some deep breaths, trying to regain equilibrium.
‘All right,’ he said hoarsely. ‘I keep searching for Tallow and, when I find her I watch unless she is danger. If I judge the threat is too great, I bring her to you?’
‘Sì. Go to the Pledge Stone of Casa di Maggiore. Touch it and wait for me. I will come, wherever I am. Hopefully, you will not have to do that. I will learn what I need in here, then I will find you in Tailors Quartiere. But I fear if I am to see this through, then I will have to stay in the Limen.’
Dante’s mouth became a grim line. ‘Of course, you must. But why are we bringing Tallow here? Surely, if the Estrattore are after her, then we’re making it easier for them. Shouldn’t we just take her straight to the Elders or find another, safer place to take her?’
‘The Elders!’ barked Katina. ‘No. They cannot be allowed to have her either.’
‘Why do you say that? I thought the Bond Riders wanted to protect her? To have her restore their souls so they can return to Serenissima, to the real world, a real life? I thought that was what you wanted?’
‘Me? Sì. I do. But there are powerful others who do not.’
‘Elder Maggiore told you this?’
‘Sì. He told me everything I am now telling you.’
‘Can he be trusted?’
Katina