"Where is he?" Aveline asked.
Aelion smirked. "Escaping through the sewage tunnels like a rat."
Aveline chuckled. "Then we'll trap him like a rat."
She followed Aelion to the outer walls of the city, where a narrow tunnel disappeared beneath the stonework.
"They must be coming out through here," Aelion said.
Aveline stopped and studied him. "How do you get all this information?"
For a moment, the pride on Aelion's face faltered. Then his familiar smile returned.
"I know every dark tunnel the rats creep through. From there, I can deduce which route each rat will take. This particular one is being shipped off by his dearest grandfather, and this tunnel connects directly to the Chancellor's residence."
Aveline nodded appreciatively. "You're smart. Have I ever told you that?"
Aelion studied her for a moment. "And here I thought you might doubt me."
"Doubt you?" She raised her eyebrows. "Why?"
