Read Blood and Steel (The Cor Chronicles Volume I) Page 57
* * *
“I am going with Dahken Cor,” Thyss said, “I see no need for me to stalk around the castle walls like a caged tiger.”
“My dear Thyss,” said Taraq’nok, “I would rather not risk something untoward happening to you.”
“I am not some asset that you control at your will Lord Taraq’nok,” replied Thyss. “I could wait years for your scheme to be ready, and I cannot possibly make you understand how bored I am here.”
Taraq’nok fumed over his meal. He and Cor began to discuss plans for the Dahken to leave tomorrow in search of Noth, and the woman had listened with interest. Of course, he had attracted the woman to his side with talks of war, combat and power to be had, but he had not calculated how quickly her patience would wear thin. And of course, she was right; he couldn’t possibly expect to control her. To do so would mean Thyss would leave him and his plans entirely, or worse.
“I do not think it is wise,” said Taraq’nok, making his displeasure clear, “but I would not stop you Thyss. Go with the Dahken, as he may very well need your help should he find what he is looking for in those catacombs.
“I will send Wrelk to guide you as he knows the area well. Cor, I will have the steward provide you with appropriate armor of my house, including a helm to cover your rather obvious defining characteristics. It would not do at all for you to run into a Loszian noble or his servants without something to hide your true nature. Should that occur, I would allow Wrelk to do the talking. The obvious story should be that Thyss here is my guest from Dulkur, and the two of you are merely escorting her to a vessel that will take her back to her homeland.”
“Sounds like an adventure,” Thyss said over her meal, throwing a slight smile at Cor that made his stomach turn over slightly, but not in an uncomfortable way.
“I think,” Cor said nodding, “it sounds easy enough. Taraq’nok, there is something I’m curious about. How is it none of the other Loszians know I am here?”
“I am certain they suspect, and it is something we will have to deal with,” replied the Loszian.
“That’s not what I mean. You aren’t the only Loszian with a spy in Byrverus. What’s to stop them from spying on us here?” asked Cor.
“Ah, I understand. Steward come here please and roll up your sleeve so that we may see your left shoulder,” called Taraq’nok. As he approached, the steward did as he was told, showing the mark Cor had come to recognize.
“You are of course familiar with my mark. It is more than a simple tattoo. When I place it upon my servants, my living servants, it binds them to me, and they become completely unable to betray me. So, I do not have to worry about one of my own servants spying on me for another master.
“You of course by now have noticed the black stone with which all Loszians build their abodes and most defensive fortifications. I know of every thing, living or dead, that sets foot in this castle at all times, and the two of you are the only persons here who do not bear my mark.”
“So the same holds true of all other Loszian sorcerers then?” Cor asked.
“Naturally.”
“So it forces a race of liars to keep their intrigue somewhat in check,” Cor concluded. Taraq’nok’s eyes flashed angrily for just a moment before his calm, calculating exterior returned.
“Precisely Dahken Cor.”
The door leading to the dining room opened unexpectedly, and Wrelk strode in with nervous purpose. He crossed the room, almost at a run, and evaded the steward’s attempts at intercepting him. Wrelk came up alongside his master’s chair and knelt before him, his face low to the ground.
“What is it Wrelk that you must interrupt my meal?”
“My lord, a messenger has brought this from Ghal,” Wrelk said, handing the Loszian a scroll. Taraq’nok impassively broke the seal and read it, his face an unreadable mask as his eyes moved across the parchment.
“Thank you Wrelk,” Taraq’nok said, excusing the man. “Your search for Lord Dahken Noth must wait I am afraid. I have been summoned before the emperor to answer for the crime of treason.”