Dudlea had not issued the order to lock them up, or to release them, he said. He was only a go-between. Dudlea’s servant gave them a skin of water. Enough to drink, then more to wash in. ‘Trust me,’ Dudlea said. ‘I haven’t forgotten my oath to do the right thing.’ Will grunted. ‘If having us thrown in here was the right thing, then I’d hate to see you do wrong.’ ‘I didn’t put you here. That was your friend, and done to protect you. As you’ll soon see.’ Lotan growled. ‘Have you any idea what it’s been like sitting in this stinking hole?’ ‘What better place than here to keep you safe from the general tumult?’ Will’s patience wore thin. ‘We are used to looking after ourselves, and we resent interference!’ ‘I’m sure of that my good crow, but you were about to be recognized and killed.’ ‘I’m no crow. And if you’re playing games with us, Dudlea, then my hard-done-by friend here will snap your neck like a dry twig!’ But Dudlea was blithe enough to smile.
