"The eastern district had a fire last month," Pim added.
"Big one. Took out a whole block of tenements. People are still rebuilding."
Jolthar listened, asking occasional questions, filing away information.
These men might be prisoners, but they knew the rhythms of the capital in ways that nobles and officials never would. They understood the undercurrents, the real problems that affected common people.
"What about the nobility?" Jolthar asked casually.
"Any scandals worth knowing about?"
The older man grinned, showing gaps in his teeth. "Always scandals with that lot. Lord Varen got caught with someone else's wife, again. The Minister of Trade is apparently skimming from the treasury, but everyone knows and nobody does anything about it. And there's talk that Finance Minister Richardus is running some scheme with land taxes, bleeding people dry."
Jolthar's expression didn't change, but he noted that name.
Richardus. The same minister who sent them the summons letters.
