Numair stood very still for a moment, electrified, his eyes on the door. A rattle came from somewhere beyond it, prompting him to slip swiftly around the side of the bed towards the pillow.

< From: the Assembly Legal Council Office, > Sraddi continued, and then in another voice, < This is a notice of subpoena. >

Numair shoved his hand under the pillow, retrieving a long knife in a very plain sheath that had been hidden there.

< We hereby request the names of all persons who provided support, of any kind, in enabling the unlawful broadcast of the-- >

< Send that to my solicitor, please, > Numair instructed, unsheathing the knife. With it held ready, he moved carefully towards the door, adding quietly to Sraddi, < Now hush. >

Gingerly, he slid the door open.

On the other side, he saw an endless plain, blazing golden underneath a heavy sky of dark clouds. The breeze that rushed in stirred the grass.