You draw your rapier and make a few thrust—for the show of it—then you make an expression of frustrated terror and flee onto the street. Quick as a flash, you clamber onto a nearby balcony and duck down. The Janissaries rush past, but return after a fruitless search. ·↽✦۞✦⇀· “Disappeared, as though spirited away by the Shaitan himself,” one spits. “Exactly,” says the other, “this Dioscorian is most likely in league with devils.” “It matters little,” chuckles the first guard, “we will be rid of them all soon. Once the admiral’s fleet is ready, that island of heretics will bow before the Sultan.” He turns to Kösem. “Up! Back to the docks with you.” ·↽✦۞✦⇀· You follow them through the city. The docks are accessible by a single broad street, heavily guarded by a dozen guards; the Janissaries show a pass, and head through. Not liking your chances against such forces, you reconnoiter the area; the docks are heavily guarded by sentries from the ocean, and this is the only road in. ·↽✦۞✦⇀· You explore the nearby districts in search of opportunities, muttering a mind-reading incantation. The nearby slaves’ quarter houses galley slaves and enslaved shipbuilders; as you pass through, you sense deep resentment against their masters. The servants’ quarter, a little uphill, houses servants to the palace; you sense disgust at the hypocrisy and corruption of the palace elite. ·↽✦۞✦⇀· As you return to the docks, you hear a commotion. A city guard has accused a young boy of theft, but an islamic priest refuses to permit the arrest, saying there is no evidence. “Even the poor have rights!” ·↽✦۞✦⇀· Which group do you turn to as possible allies to get you into the docks?