Вилорп

→"You're starting to sound like Dandelion."

→"The dolphins might know something about a local whale incident."

→"Because you don't usually make insane suggestions. Okay, you do. But they're not usually dolphin-related."

→"No," says Makri, sharply. "Why did you say that?"

→"Are you feeling feverish?"

→"How about if we ask the dolphins?" suggests Makri.

→We stare out to sea.

→"Why would he bury his gold under the rotting carcass of a whale? Hardly the easiest place."

→"Perhaps he was confused?"

→"She said at the harbour. The beach is quite a way from the harbour."

→"Maybe Tanrose's grandfather buried the gold on the beach?" suggests Makri.

→"I can remember seeing the carcass of a whale when I was young, but it was long before the Battle of Dead Dragon Island. I don't think it was buried anywhere. Just rotted away on the beach."

→"Except occasionally a dead one gets washed up. Can you remember when that last happened?"

→"I know."

→"Whales never come here," says Makri.

→We walk all the way down to the harbour. There's a watch tower at the end of the city wall, with a lookout post and a beacon on top. Great chains hang from the walls, covering the entrance to the harbour. I can sense the sorcery that's laid over the chains, strengthening them against assault. Since Cicerius sent more protection to the south of the city the whole area reeks of magic.

→"It's a relief really. The notion of you becoming heroic was quite worrying."

→Makri shrugs.

→"You're sharp as an Elf's ear, Makri."

→"So really you're only out investigating in the middle of the night in a last desperate attempt to raise the money? As opposed to saving the city?"