11
Master Lamprey grinned. “That’s an easy one. I repurposed the lyrics to that number just two weeks after running from here afraid for my life after I saw what you did to the composer.” “Repurp-what?” “Trade talk. I used them again.” “And?” “And the second version has been quite successful. I have even been told it has been sung by some cathedral choirs.” “Very good, but—” “What was that? The second stanza, second line?” “Yes.” “Of course. Let’s see….” Almond hummed a bit of something the churchman didn’t recognize. “I’ve got it.” “Yes.” “That line is, ‘We came upon the little waifs’. The words you misheard are ‘little waifs’.” The inquisitor could not believe his ears. He sputtered, “Not ‘litoral waves’ or ‘literal ways’ or some variation?” Master Lamprey cocked his head to look up into the cowl. One eyebrow arched high. “Seriously? What would those things have to do with children?”