“No. But I’m sure your husband is nearby.”
“He promised not to interfere.”
“But that won’t stop others from trying to get to you. There’s still that bounty on your head.”
True. We headed toward the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. Before reaching the government’s area, Cahil turned right, and we entered one of those old factories that had been converted into apartments.
“You don’t live in government housing?” I asked.
“Too many nosy neighbors.”
We climbed to the sixth floor, and I waited in the hallway outside number sixty-six with a couple bodyguards while the others checked the apartment and lit the lanterns.
When it was declared safe, Cahil dismissed his crew. “Hanni, Faxon and Sladen, report here at first light. The rest of you, meet us at the stables an hour after dawn.”
“And don’t eat any of the food at the Council Hall,” I added.
Cahil yanked me roughly inside. “You don’t give my people orders.” He locked the door.
“What happens once you know I’m right, but your people are still loyal to Bruns?”
“They’re loyal to me.”
“For now. You and Bruns are on the same page. What happens when you no longer agree?”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Use your imagination, then.”
He opened his mouth but then closed it.
Not waiting for him to catch up, I said, “They’re not bound to our agreement. They can endanger both of us. They should all avoid the Theobroma and wear null shield pendants.”
Cahil rubbed a hand along the blond scruff on his jaw. “I’ll think about it.”
Progress. I glanced around his apartment. Functional and masculine, a deep blue couch and several armchairs occupied the main living area. A few paintings of horses decorated the walls, and I recognized a lifelike portrait of Topaz in one. The small kitchen lined the left wall next to a door to the washroom. Two doors on the right side must lead to bedrooms. The air held a faint stale scent, and I suspected Cahil didn’t spend much time here.
Pointing to the furthest door, Cahil said, “That’s your room for tonight. I suggest you lock the door, just in case.”
“In case an assassin breaks in?” Not a comforting thought.
“Yes, but I highly doubt it. No one followed us from the warehouse.”
“I’m not worried about the ones you can spot.”
“And I’m certain Valek is ensuring the others won’t bother you.”
If Valek was actually keeping an eye on my whereabouts. A strange emptiness filled me and I drifted, unconnected and alone. After washing up, I entered the bedroom—a stark, impersonal space meant for guests—and collapsed on the bed.
Cahil woke me the next morning. His people had arrived and brought cheese and bread for breakfast. I longed for a cup of hot tea—more for the warmth and comfort than an actual need. When we left the apartment, I pulled my hood up. Once we exited the building, Cahil grasped my arm again.
The morning bustle filled the streets. Factory workers hurried to report for their shifts and wagons trundled by, delivering goods and supplies. No one appeared to take any interest in us. A gray blanket of clouds sealed the sky, and a chilly, moist wind brushed my cheeks. The prospect of traveling in the rain soured my mood further.
As we walked to the Council’s stables, Cahil said, “I thought about your concerns over my unit. And if you’re right and Bruns is...brainwashing us, I’d like to have my loyal people free of his influence, as well. Can Fisk get us twelve more null shield pendants?”
I perked up at the good news. “I don’t know if he can get that many with such short notice. But you can send someone to the market and ask one of the Helper’s Guild members. Make sure your runner mentions my name.”
Cahil sent Hanni. If she minded always being the one picked, she didn’t give any indication. We continued on to the stables at a slower pace. When we entered the official government district, I scanned faces, seeking anyone I recognized or anyone who paid particular attention to me. I stole glances at Cahil—was he worried about being spotted with me? No. He appeared calm.
We arrived at the stables without any drama. Most of Cahil’s unit waited within. I dreaded sharing a saddle with Cahil, but I was looking forward to seeing Topaz again. The familiar sights and smells of the large barn and rows of stalls eased my anxieties. The Council’s stables could house over fifty horses—enough room to accommodate each Councilor, his or her aides, and various military personnel’s horses. A small army of stable hands kept them all fed and well groomed.
An excited nicker tore right into my heart. Kiki! I broke into a run and found her sharing Topaz’s stall. I hugged her, drinking in her earthy scent and soaking in her warmth. Kiki endured my attention for a couple minutes before she nudged me away, snuffling my pockets for treats.
“She showed up yesterday afternoon,” one of the stable hands said. The young boy gestured to the bench next to the stall.
My saddle, bags, bo staff and tack were piled on the wooden seat. Only one person could have sent her. Perhaps Valek wasn’t quite as furious with me as I’d thought.
“I recognized her right off,” the boy said. “Miss Kiki’s not the type to dump and run, so I figured you’d be along sometime.”
“Did you tell anyone she’s here?” I asked.
The boy gave me a sly smile. “No. I figured it ain’t none of their business.”
“Thanks.” I slipped him a silver coin. “Miss Kiki and I were never here.” I added another silver.
He mocked a confused expression. “Who?” He hooked a thumb at Kiki. “Want me to get her ready?”
“No, thank you.” Spending time with Kiki was never a chore. Plus I wanted to search my bags. Maybe Valek left me a note inside one of them.
Cahil caught up to me. “I didn’t think Valek was the jealous type, but I guess he doesn’t like the thought of us sharing a saddle.”
I didn’t bother to correct him. Valek trusted me. And while he might be overly protective, he was never jealous. Sorting through my bags, I found my travel clothes, personal necessities, cloak, tea bags, three books, weapons and a medical kit, but no note. Disappointment stabbed deep, and pain ringed my scar. I secured the flaps and saddled Kiki. She gave me a wet kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks,” I said, wiping hay-scented slobber from my face.
Everyone had their horses saddled and ready to go by the time Hanni returned with a package.
“Report,” Cahil ordered.
“As soon as I arrived in the market, Fisk appeared. He had only seven pendants, but he said one of his members would meet us along the road and give us the rest,” Hanni said.
“His kids must be keeping an eye on us,” Cahil said, but he stared at me. “It also sounds like they’re going to follow us to the garrison.” He shrugged. “And thanks to Yelena, I’m sure by the time we arrive, his undercover agents will have left. If not, it won’t be hard to find them.”
The desire to punch him flowed through me. Would that be a violation of our accord? Probably.
Cahil handed out the pendants to the seven closest to him. A few gave me sour looks as they looped them around their heads, but they all wore them, tucking them underneath their uniforms.
We mounted and left the stables. Fourteen of us on horseback made quite a sight. Even Fisk’s newest recruits wouldn’t have any trouble following us, not to mention any bounty hunters. I kept my face hidden, and the other horses surrounded Kiki. Hopefully she wouldn’t be recognized, even though some of my enemies had gotten up close and personal with her back hooves.
Exiting the Citadel via the north gate, we headed northeast toward the Featherstone garrison. It would take us two days to reach it.
The rain started soon after we left, and it continued for the entire trip. Cahil’s crew mostly ignored me, but I enticed Hanni and Kyrie with offers of tea the first morning, and by the second, they joined me without being invited. We encountered few travelers on the road. A handful of Helper’s Guild members approached us during the afternoon of the second day and handed Cahil five more pendants without a word. Then they headed southwest, back toward the Citadel.
We neared the garrison that evening. Cahil slowed Topaz so he rode beside me. My stomach knotted. I’d been expecting his lecture about my behavior at the garrison and why I’d spend the next seven days locked in the stockade.
“I’m going to leave you at an inn in Starling’s Egg,” he said.
Surprised, I gaped at him.
He huffed in amusement. “I’ve been thinking about it. And no matter what arrangement I come up with, someone is going to recognize you in the garrison. Even if you’re locked in a cell, one of the guards will eventually figure it out.” He sobered. “Plus, if the cook is using Theobroma, we won’t be able to get untainted food without raising suspicions. With you in Starling’s Egg, I can join you for all my meals. The town is just outside the garrison.”
“A good idea, as long as the chef at the inn isn’t using Theobroma, as well,” I said.
“You and your sensitive palate will have to let me know. If that’s the case, then we’ll purchase food from the market stalls.”
I glanced at him. He was being very reasonable. A trick? Or was he starting to think for himself? “What about your people?”
“I’m sending the bulk of them on a mission. The rest will stay with you.”
“Mission?”
“I’ll tell you what it is, if you’d like to exchange information?”
“You already know everything I do, Cahil.”
“Oh?”
“Bruns had his magician interrogate me when I couldn’t refuse his commands. He relayed it to you when you visited the Krystal garrison over a month ago.”
He tightened his grip on Topaz’s reins. “Bruns told you about my visit?”
“No. I was in the room next to his office and overheard everything. And I distinctly remember that you advised him to put a big bow on me and send me to the Commander.”
“Bruns should have listened.”
“I agree. It would have been a smart move if the Commander planned to attack Sitia.”
“Not this again,” Cahil muttered.
“But since Bruns knows that there won’t be an attack, he knew I’d be more useful to him in Sitia.”
Cahil urged Topaz into a canter, pulling ahead. Kiki stayed back. I expected to have that conversation a few times before he was able to accept the logic.
Starling’s Egg appeared to be a typical base town with a larger number of taverns and inns for visiting relatives. The market was full of weapon vendors and gear to lure in the soldiers stationed at the garrison. Cahil sent the bulk of his crew to the base, but ordered Hanni, Sladen and Faxon to remain with us.
We avoided the busy downtown district as Cahil led us on a circuitous route to a quieter side street. He stopped at the Lucky Duck Inn. While we settled the horses in the inn’s stables, Cahil went inside the four-story wooden building. When he returned, he handed the keys to two adjoining rooms to Hanni. She gave one to Faxon. Guess I was bunking with Hanni.
“Stay out of sight,” Cahil said to me. “If you need anything, one of my people will get it for you. Either I’ll be here for my meals or I’ll eat food purchased from the market. All right?”
“Yes.” House arrest was better than being locked in the stockade. Good thing I had a few books with me.
We ordered supper in the common room. Only a few people occupied the other tables and, aside from a few curious glances, they didn’t pay us any undue attention. When the server set down five servings of the house pork-and-noodle casserole, everyone waited for me to taste it. Other than a nice medley of spices, the meal was Theobroma-free.
And that began my daily routine. Meals with Cahil and my guards in the common room, and the rest of the time I either read in the room I shared with Hanni, trained or exercised Kiki. I sent Hanni out for a few things, mostly tea bags and more books. I tried to engage her in conversation a few times. Quiet and serious, Hanni avoided divulging any personal details, but she was happy to read my books and discuss the finer points of self-defense and intrigue. Hanni also sparred with me. About twenty-five years old with short brown hair, she handled a knife and a sword with ease but hadn’t trained with a bo staff. I showed her a few basic moves.
Faxon and Sladen preferred to remain uninvolved and kept an aloof bodyguard’s demeanor whenever near me. However, on a couple occasions, their laughter slipped through the door between our rooms.
On day four of my house arrest and day seven of the agreement, Cahil joined us for a late supper. He strode to our table with stiff movements, and his fierce expression meant trouble. I braced for an outburst, but he kept silent.
After we’d ordered, I was unable to contain my curiosity any longer. “What happened today?”
“Nothing. And don’t start with any of your—” he waved a hand “—speeches.”
“All right.”
Our food arrived, and we ate in a tense silence.
When he finished eating, Cahil leaned back and let out an audible breath. Dark smears of weariness lined his eyes. He asked me, “Did you know that Fisk’s people not only infiltrated all the Cartel’s garrisons but also were working in many different areas—some quite sensitive?”
Oh, no. “Yes, except I’m surprised by how...deep they managed to get. Were they arrested?” Poor kids.
“No. They all scattered. Fisk must have quite the communication system in place.” He scowled. “Better than ours.”
I kept my expression neutral, even though I wanted to beam with pride. “Is that why you’re so upset?”
“No.”
I waited.
“In order to ensure there are no more spies, the Cartel ordered a complete sweep of all the garrisons for null shields.” He banged his hand on the table. The empty bowls rattled. “Don’t say it.”
Swallowing, I refrained from stating the obvious—why would the Cartel be worried about null shields if they weren’t using magic to influence their people? It almost killed me. Instead I asked, “Are you worried you’ll be caught?”
The idea surprised him. He straightened. “They wouldn’t test me.”
“Are you sure?”
Cahil surged to his feet. “I’m the General of the Sitian Army.”
“And you follow the Council’s—or, in this case, the Cartel’s—orders. There are a number of magicians in the garrison, including Second Magician Irys Jewelrose.” I didn’t add that Irys hadn’t been brainwashed, but had been biding her time. As a master-level magician, Irys could ingest Theobroma and still resist the influence. “You need to leave the garrison for the next three days to avoid the sweep.”
He grabbed my shoulders and hauled me to my feet. “You don’t give me orders.”
“She’s right,” Hanni said. “We need to leave town. All of us.”
Cahil turned to her. “Oh?”
She stood. “A week ago, I believed in Bruns and the Cartel and would have given my life to support them. Now I won’t.” Hanni met my gaze. “I’m thinking clearly for the first time in seasons.”
Sladen and Faxon stood on either side of Hanni in a show of support. I suppressed the desire to pump my fist.
Cahil released me and sank into his chair. “I hate—and I mean loathe—having to say this, but...you’re right. Bruns has been using magic.” He held up a hand. “But, I still believe he is trying to protect Sitia and is doing an excellent job of training soldiers and magicians on how to work together.”<
br />
Being an adult, I did not gloat or act smug or do any of the childish actions my emotions urged me to do. Instead, I said, “That’s why we need you, Cahil. There is still a slight chance the Commander will attack, and Sitia should be prepared, but Bruns’s methods are unconscionable. Our goal is to stop the Cartel and get the Council back into power. We can best meet that goal with you remaining in your position.”
“And spying for you?”
“Yes. And perhaps waking others up so they’re loyal to the Sitian Council and not the Cartel.”
“Which will be difficult if Bruns’s magicians do frequent sweeps for null shields. It took us a week.”
“One problem at a time,” I said. “Right now, you and your people need to avoid that sweep. Perhaps leave for a training exercise?”
“That would work, except...” Cahil rubbed his face. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Doing what?” I asked.
“Switching sides. Betraying Bruns. Working with Valek.” He waved a hand. “Take your pick.”
“It’s the right thing to do, and you know it.”
Drawing in a deep breath, he said, “Then I should tell you that your father and sister-in-law, Mara, have been captured. They’re on their way here, and so is Bruns.”
11
VALEK
The door to the Commander’s apartment flew open. Owen Moon strode in as if he owned the place. Tyen, another powerful magician, trotted at his heels. Time to go. Valek backed toward the window, but his connection to the power blanket disappeared suddenly. Owen had surrounded Valek with a null shield. Unwilling to let the magician know the shield could no longer trap him, Valek froze as if caught. Signe vanished, and the Commander returned.
“What did you hope to accomplish with this little stunt?” Owen asked Valek. There was more gray in his short dark hair than Valek had remembered, and he looked older than his forty-four years.
Valek didn’t respond.
“Still hoping to save your commander?” Owen laughed. “Trust me, it’s too late.”
Not quite, but Valek wasn’t going to correct him and expose Signe.