“No, just filling in time for a friend.”
“That's the way of it, isn't it? What's your usual round?”
“Midnight till the third bell, Despot's Barbican,” Circle Breaker replied.
He adjusted his helmet again, hoping the unseen friendly eyes had marked his signal. That woman who had passed through a few minutes ago had matched the Eel's description perfectly. Circle Breaker knew he wasn't mistaken.
She'd looked the warrior, dressed as a mercenary and trying to hide the blood-stains of a wound on her shoulder. His searching glance had been but momentary. Years of practice, however, made it sufficient. He'd caught everything the Eel's messenger had told him to look for.
“That's a hell of a watch,” the old man said beside him, turning to squint up at Despot's Park. “And you were here t” meet the dawn.” He wagged his head. “The bastards got us working too hard these days, what with the city infiltrated with Empire spies and the like.”
“It doesn't get any better,” Circle Breaker agreed.
“I'm here for another three hours, and you think they give me some time to join my wife and kids in the festival?” The old man spat again.
“No way. Old Berrute's off to stand around watching other people having fun in some bloody estate.”
Circle Breaker held his breath, then sighed. “Lady Sinital's F?te, I suppose.”
“Damn right. Bloody Councilmen chuffing around with all their stinking airs. And me with sore feet and all, standing like a statue.”
This was a bit of luck, Circle Breaker smiled to himself. His companion's next station was precisely what the Eel had wanted for Circle Breaker. Better yet, the old man was complaining about it. “They need those statues,” he said. “Keeps them secure.” He stepped close to Berrute.
“Didn't you tell the sergeant about your bad feet?”
“What's the point?” Berrute complained. “He just delivered them orders, he didn't come up with thein.”
Circle Breaker looked up the street, as if considering something, then he laid a hand on the other's shoulder and met his gaze. “Look, I don't have any family. For me, today's just another day. I'll stand in for you, Berrute. Next time I want some time off, though, I'll come calling.”