"How dare you accuse my son?!" The angry words ring out across the hubbub of the market square. Aldus, on his way to Wyott the bookseller's shop. He angles in the direction of the voice, curious. Then another voice comes, nasal and wheedling, and Aldus recognises the voice of the mayor. "My dear Oswin, there's been a mistake! You know what these Siguri are like..." Aldus is close enough to see now, and the mayor is smiling ingratiatingly and rubbing his hands together. "And this new captain - he's being much less, ah, friendly than Wendric used to be." His words are making little impact on the angry man and woman facing him. There is enough likeness for Aldus to guess that these are Wil and Aeshe's parents. The mayor actually bobs before continuing. "Don't worry! I'm sure this will all be over soon." Aldus leaves, troubled. Wyott's place is one street beyond the market, and the bookseller breaks into a broad grin when he sees him. "Ah, Brother Aldus, it's been a while! I have plenty of books for you!" "I'm only looking for one," Aldus says, but he knows that it's unlikely he'll get away with that.