Justin heard a low hooting from overhead. Looking up, he spotted a few of the dark-haired primates lounging spread-eagled in their leafy rooftop nests, watching the humans fighting below. Their curious hoots almost sounded like laughter. Justin glared at them.

"Anyone, even a country drunkard, will duck his head automatically if you try to punch him in the face like that," said Ahlund, wholly unconcerned with the blood streaming down his face, running through his beard, and soaking ...