The Ambassador's Mission

CHAPTER 29

ANSWERS, AND MORE QUESTIONS



Sonea sat back in her seat and waited for the Higher Magicians to stop procrastinating.

She had tried to prevent bringing Cery into the Guild, but once it was known that others had helped her and Regin find the rogues, the Guild’s habit of exploring all sides to a situation had made it unavoidable. She had told them Cery was an old friend, not that he was a Thief. A few might make the connection to a Thief named Cery who had helped her and Akkarin during the Ichani Invasion, but most would have forgotten that detail in history. Those that preferred to ignore her part in the defeat of the invaders wouldn’t have paid attention to the names of her helpers, and the few who didn’t understood, she hoped, why she wanted to avoid too much attention being drawn to her old friend.

It was only Kallen, who paid too much attention to her already, who might make the connection and speak of it. But he was, if anything, discreet. He would not announce it to the entire Guild. He would consult with other Higher Magicians.

What annoyed Sonea was that bringing Cery in had proved nothing they didn’t already know. The woman was obviously a rogue. She had used magic in front of hundreds of people, including the Alchemist and Healer who had helped Sonea capture her. She had also used it in a vain attempt to resist the magicians who had taken her to her temporary prison, the Dome.

But the Guild, and most likely the king, were worried about offending a foreign land. Especially when they weren’t sure which land they might be offending.

Earlier in the meeting, an advisor of the king had brought maps and described some of the distant lands on them. The woman remained silent, refusing to answer when asked where she was from. The advisor had made a few guesses based on her appearance. If he was right, she made no sign.

“I cannot see any other option,” High Lord Balkan said, and there was a note of finality in his tone. “We must read her mind.”

Administrator Osen nodded. “Then I call on Black Magician Kallen and Black Magician Sonea to descend to the floor. Black Magician Kallen will read the mind of the unnamed rogue and Black Magician Sonea will read Forlie’s mind.”

Though she had been expecting this, Sonea felt a brief disappointment. There were many answers she would like to have from the foreign woman that she couldn’t ask Kallen to search for. Like whether the woman had killed Cery’s family.

Following Kallen down the stairs, she kept her gaze on Forlie. The woman had gone pale, and stared at Sonea with wide eyes.

“I’ll tell you everything,” Forlie blurted out. “You don’t have to read my mind.”

“Stupid woman,” a strangely accented voice said. “Don’t you know they can’t read your mind if you don’t want them to?”

Sonea turned to regard the foreign rogue, and realised that all of the magicians had done the same. The woman glanced from face to face, her expression changing as she read amusement and pity. Doubt and then fear crept into her eyes as Kallen stopped in front of her.

As he reached toward her, his arms were slapped away by magic.

Not wanting to watch the struggle, Sonea turned her attention back to Forlie, who flinched.

“I’m not a magician,” the woman said, looking from Sonea to the Higher Magicians. “I was made to lie. They said …they said they’d kill my daughter and her children if I told you.” She sucked in a shuddering breath, then burst into tears.

Sonea put a hand on her shoulder. “Do you know where they are?”

“I … I think so.”

“They don’t know you have told us anything yet. We’ll go get your children before they find out.”

“Th-thank you.”

“I’m afraid I do have to check that you’re telling the truth. I promise you, mind-reading doesn’t hurt. In fact, you won’t feel anything. You won’t even know I’m there. And I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Forlie stared at Sonea, then nodded.

Reaching out to gently touch the woman’s temples, Sonea sent her mind forth. Fear and anxiety washed over her as she touched the woman’s mind. She let herself waft into Forlie’s thoughts, which were of her daughter and two grandchildren, and the men who had taken them. Sonea recognised the man who had blackmailed Forlie – he was the roet-seller who had been with Forlie when she was captured.

Remembering that moment, Sonea recalled the magical force she’d felt come from Forlie. Someone else must have sent it. Perhaps the real rogue, watching them through the windows.

—Who used magic when we found you?

—I don’t know.

—Where are your daughter and grandchildren now?

A maze of alleys and makeshift houses flashed into Sonea’s mind, then settled on one house in particular. Forlie’s family were in one of the remaining poor areas of the city.

—We’ll find them, Forlie. We’ll punish the people who did this.

Opening her eyes, Sonea withdrew her fingers. Forlie’s expression was hopeful and determined now.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Turning to the Higher Magicians, Sonea related what she had learned. “I recommend that one or more of us go with Forlie to free her children as soon as possible.”

There were many nods of agreement. A small noise drew their attention to the foreign woman. Her face, caught between Kallen’s hands, expressed a mixture of surprise and dismay.

All watched in silence, and when Kallen finally released her Sonea heard a collective sigh of relief. Kallen stepped back, then turned to face the Higher Magicians.

“Her name is Lorandra,” he announced. “She is from Igra, the land beyond the great northern desert. It is a strange place, where all magic is taboo and punishable by death. Yet those who watch for and punish magicians are magicians themselves. They steal the children of those they execute in order to maintain their numbers.” He shook his head in amazement at this hypocrisy and cruelty.

“Lorandra learned magic as a young woman and was forced to flee her country with her newborn son. They managed to cross the desert to Lonmar, then travelled through Elyne to Kyralia. Here they were taken in by a Thief, who protected them in exchange for magical favours. The Thief eventually adopted the boy and made him his heir. He trained the boy in crime, while his mother trained him in magic.”

Kallen looked at Sonea and frowned.

“The son’s name is Skellin, one of the Thieves that Black Magician Sonea and Lord Regin enlisted to help them find the rogue. Of course, he did not want them finding his mother, so he arranged for Forlie to be caught in her place. He even used his own magic to make it look as if she had attacked them.”

He looked back at the Higher Magicians. “Skellin has been sending his mother out to kill off rival Thieves since he came to power. Through murder and alliances he intended to make himself king of the city’s underworld.”

Sonea’s heart skipped a beat. This woman is the Thief Hunter!

Kallen paused and his frown deepened. “And he imported roet to help bind people to him. Not just the poor but the rich as well. And magicians. He seemed to think we would be easy to manipulate once we’d all been introduced to the drug.”

A murmur of voices rose as the magicians began to discuss what they’d learned. Sonea caught dismissive remarks about Skellin’s delusions, but a chill had run down her spine at the mention of roet. She thought of Stoneworker Berrin, whose addiction she had tried and failed to Heal away. If roet addiction could not be Healed, and Skellin knew it, then his grand plan might have succeeded.

“What are you?” the foreign woman said. She was staring at Kallen. Her eyes slid to Sonea. “And you?”

Sonea answered the question with a small smile. Skellin and his mother were magicians, but clearly they weren’t black magicians. That’s something to be grateful for. Hopefully we can assume Igra isn’t a land of black magicians, too. We don’t need another Sachaka to worry about.

Administrator Osen now turned to face the hall and raised his arms. Voices quietened to a near silence.

“We now know the truth. One of our captives is innocent, the other is a murderess and a rogue. We have another rogue in our city to find and deal with. Lorandra will be imprisoned. Forlie is free to go. Certain actions must be taken immediately, so I must end this meeting now.”

The hall filled with the sound of hundreds of magicians standing up and bursting into conversation. Osen strode over to Sonea.

“Take Forlie and find her children quickly,” he ordered quietly. “Before Lorandra thinks to inform Skellin of her betrayal.”

Sonea stared at him in surprise, then nodded. Of course. She only has to communicate with him mentally to tell him what happened here. “I’ll take Lord Regin as backup, if that is acceptable.”

He nodded. “I’ll send Kallen after Skellin once they’re safe.”

She felt her heart warm with appreciation. Osen might be cold toward her, but he wasn’t a man without compassion for others. As he walked away, she looked around the room and found Regin standing by one of the stairs, watching her. She beckoned to him.

“Is that appropriate?”

Kallen’s voice reached her over the chatter and footsteps of the Higher Magicians. She looked over to see him frowning at Osen.

“If you can rouse the support of the majority of Higher Magicians to oppose her going in the next few minutes, I’ll consider sending someone else.”

Kallen glanced at the magicians filing out of the building, then at Sonea, and his lips thinned.

“It’s your decision,” he said. “Not mine.”

As Regin reached her side, Sonea smiled to herself, enjoying a moment of triumph. If Osen now trusted her enough to send her into the city, perhaps the rest of the Guild would forgive her for breaking the rules so often in recent weeks.

“Care to assist me in my next assignment?” she asked Regin.

His eyebrows rose and he almost managed a smile. “Always.”

She hooked an arm around Forlie’s. “Let’s go find your family.”


Lorkin was not completely sure how long had passed since he’d been put in the room. It had no window, so he had no sunlight to track the time of day. He’d shifted from travelling at night and sleeping during the day when with Tyvara to the opposite when travelling with Chari, so he couldn’t judge what time it was by when he grew sleepy. Nor could he judge it by hunger, as he’d been eating whenever opportunity came rather than at regular times.

The meals that were brought to him seemed to follow a pattern, so he was counting the days that way. A simple meal of grainy sweet mush and fruit was followed a few hours later by a larger meal with meat and vegetables. Then after another interval a light meal of flat bread and a cup of warmed milk was served. It was basic food, but wonderful after the scavenged fare he’d had for the weeks he’d been travelling with Tyvara.

He’d been told he had to stay there until Tyvara’s trial. Two and a half days had passed so far, he guessed. He’d kept himself entertained by reading his notebook, and writing observations about everything he had learned about the Traitors so far. He also listed questions he would seek the answer to, when he was free to do so. Each time food was brought, Lorkin glimpsed the Traitor keeping guard on his door. Always a woman, but not always the same woman. Were there no male magicians? Or none willing to guard him? Or did they not trust a man to guard another man?

He’d spent a lot of time sleeping, too. Though he’d been able to Heal away soreness and weariness, it was always better to let the body regain its energy and health through natural means.

Light came from a gemstone set into the ceiling. He’d got a closer look at it by standing on the bed. It was too bright to stare at for long. He’d reached up to it, finding it didn’t give off any heat. The surface was faceted, like stones in jewellery.

Had it naturally formed the shape, or had a human carved it? Would it go on glowing forever, or eventually fade?

Unanswered questions were gradually stacking up in his mind and his notebook.

He wondered how he was supposed to find out about Sanctuary’s laws, as Riaya had suggested. Was he meant to ask for someone to teach him? What would happen if he knocked to get the guard’s attention, then asked for a teacher?

He thought about that for some time. Before he could gather the determination to try it, he heard voices outside. He sat up and turned to face the door as it opened.

A woman he’d never seen before looked him up and down.

“Lord Lorkin,” she said. “You’re to come with me.”

The atmosphere in the city was different now, he noted. More people were about, and many looked as if they were standing around waiting for something. When they noticed him they stared at him with curiosity, but the expectation in the air was clearly for something else.

The trial of Tyvara? he wondered. Well, why else would they come and get me?

His assumption was proved correct when they arrived at the same room in which he’d met the Table of Speakers. The same seven women were seated at the curved table, but this time the gem-encrusted chair was occupied. An old woman sat there, watching him thoughtfully.

The rest of the room was filled with people. The stepped seating was full and many more men and women stood around the walls. Opposite to the entrance was a smaller door that he hadn’t noticed last time. Within it stood Tyvara and two other women. There was a feeling about the room that this meeting had already been going for some time. He wished he could tell how well it was going.

“You don’t bow to Queen Zarala,” his guide murmured into his ear. “You put a hand to your chest and look at her until she nods at you. Now, go stand in front of the Table and answer their questions.”

He did as she instructed. The queen smiled and nodded as he made the hand-over-heart gesture. Her attention shifted to Riaya.

“Lord Lorkin, former assistant to Guild Ambassador to Sachaka, Dannyl,” the Director said, her voice filling the room. “You came to Sanctuary in order to speak in Tyvara’s defence at this trial. That time has come. Tell us how you came to meet Tyvara.”

“She was a slave at the Guild House.”

“Where you would have met Riva as well.”

“I didn’t meet Riva until the night she died.”

Riaya nodded. “How did Riva come to be in your room that night?”

Lorkin bit his lip. “She slipped in while I was asleep.”

“And what did she do?”

“Woke me up.” He pushed aside reluctance at having to describe how. “By getting into my bed and … er … being a lot nicer to me than was required.”

A faint smile touched Riaya’s lips. “So you were not in the habit of bedding slaves, then?”

“No.”

“But you didn’t send her away.”

“No.”

“What happened then?”

“The room lit up. I saw that Tyvara had stabbed Riva.”

“And then?”

“Tyvara explained how Riva had intended to kill me.” He felt his face warm. “With a kind of magic I’d never heard of before. She said if I stayed at the Guild House, others would attempt to assassinate me.”

“You believed her?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“The other slave – Riva – said something.” He thought back. “She said: ‘he has to die’. It was obvious that she was referring to me.”

Riaya’s eyebrows rose. She looked at the six women and the queen, then turned back to Lorkin.

“What happened then?”

“We left and went to an estate – to the slave quarters. The slaves there were helpful. But at the estate we went to next, the slaves had set a trap for us. They tried to drug us. After that we didn’t trust anyone – until we met Chari.”

Riaya nodded, then turned to the Table.

“Any questions for Lord Lorkin?”

The first woman nodded. Lorkin recalled their names from the last meeting. Yvali, I think. She fixed Lorkin with a direct stare.

“Did you ever bed Tyvara?”

“No.”

A murmur went through the audience. It sounded like a protest, Lorkin noted. Yvali opened her mouth to ask another question, then thought better of it. She looked at the others.

“Did Tyvara kill anybody else while you were travelling together?” Lanna asked.

“Not as far as I know.”

“Why did you not head for Kyralia?” Shaiya asked.

“Tyvara said that it was the obvious thing to do, so we’d find assassins waiting for us.”

“What did you give Ambassador Dannyl after you persuaded him to stop following us?” Savara asked.

Lorkin looked at her in surprise, but not at the sudden change of subject. If she had seen this, why hadn’t she asked him before now? Her expression was impossible to read. He decided it would be best to tell the truth.

“My mother’s blood ring. I knew it was likely it would be taken from me when I got here, and I don’t think she would have liked it falling into unfamiliar hands.”

A low murmur filled the room, but quickly subsided.

“Did you use it at any time after Tyvara killed Riva?”

“No. Tyvara didn’t know I had it … I think.” He resisted glancing in her direction.

“Do you have any other blood rings?”

“No.”

Savara nodded to indicate she had no more questions.

“Will you consent to a mind-read to confirm the truth of your words?” Kalia asked.

The room fell utterly silent.

“No,” Lorkin replied.

Muttered words and exhalations followed. He met Kalia’s gaze and held it. How stupid does she think I am? If I let anyone read my mind they’ll go looking for the secret to Healing, and then I can forget about ever leaving this place.

No more questions came. Riaya exchanged glances with all of the women at the table, then looked at Lorkin.

“Thank you, Lord Lorkin, for your cooperation. Please stand over by the entrance.”

He nodded to her respectfully out of habit, then to the six women and to the queen in case his gesture would be taken as giving inappropriate favour to the Director. Spotting near the entrance the guide who had taken him to the room, he walked over to stand by her.

She eyed him thoughtfully, then nodded.

“That was well done,” she murmured.

“Thank you,” he replied. He looked across the room to Tyvara. She was frowning, but as he met her gaze she gave him a strained smile.

“We will now deliberate,” Riaya announced.

As the eight women around the table began to talk, the audience broke into noisy chatter. Lorkin tried to pick conversations out of the voices, but could not make out more than the occasional phrase. The leaders around the table had clearly set a magical barrier against noise around themselves. So instead of listening, he examined the people in the room in the hope of learning what he could before he was returned to the windowless cell.

There were many couples sitting on the stairs, he noted, but all others were women. Those standing around the walls were mostly male, however. The clothing of all was simple. Some of the Traitors were dressed in practical trousers and tunics, while others wore long belted shifts in finer cloth. He was surprised to see that both women and men wore these long shifts.

The colour of the cloth ranged from undyed to deep colours, but none were vivid or bright. He guessed it was hard to bring dyes into the city, and with limited space to grow crops, priority would be given to plants that produced food.

Though he tried to keep his attention focused on the audience, he could not help glancing at Tyvara from time to time. Every time he did so, he found her watching him. She did not smile again, however. She looked thoughtful. And worried.

Finally, Riaya’s voice rose over the noise in the room.

“We have finished deliberations,” she announced.

The room quietened. Riaya looked at the other women at the table, then turned to regard Tyvara.

“You offered to allow Speaker Halana to read your mind. We have explored all other avenues as required by law, but I can see no other way to confirm your claims. Please come forward and remove the mind block.”

From the audience came low voices and whispers. Lorkin thought back to a snippet of conversation between Chari and Tyvara, from the journey into the mountains. Tyvara had said she would let the Traitors read her mind. Chari had been shocked. “You can’t,” she had hissed. “You promised …”

Promised what? To who? Lorkin watched as the woman who had saved his life walked with head high to stand before her leaders. He felt his heart lighten with a rush of sudden, giddy affection. She is so proud. So beautiful. Then he felt a familiar doubt and annoyance spoil the moment. I wish I knew whether Chari is right or not about Tyvara’s regard for me. If she is wrong I don’t want to make a fool of myself trying to win over Tyvara. But if she is right … if Tyvara likes me … but makes a habit of pushing away those who admire her … do I have the determination to keep pursuing her?

Every part of him was sure he did.

Stopping in front of the Table, Tyvara held out her left hand. She paused, then grimaced. Lorkin blinked in surprise and horror as blood began to drip from her palm. She kneaded the base of her thumb, then held up something too tiny for him to see. She let it drop on the table.

I was right, he thought. The mind block is an object similar to a blood gem.

The leaders wore expressions of grim sympathy. He watched Halana stand up and reach out to Tyvara, who bent forward a little. The older woman took hold of Tyvara’s head and closed her eyes.

A long pause followed in which all watched the pair expectantly. When Halana drew her hands away at last, she said nothing. She sat down. Tyvara picked up the mind block and backed away from the table.

“What have you learned?” Riaya asked.

“Everything Tyvara has told us is true,” Halana said.

A collective sigh went through the room. Riaya placed her hands on the table.

“Then it is time to cast our votes.” She looked at Tyvara, then the audience. “We have concluded that Tyvara did not need to kill Riva. She should have pushed Riva away from Lorkin, or otherwise separated them. But we also acknowledge that there was no time, upon discovery of the crime taking place, for deliberation. Tyvara acted in order to ensure the wishes of the queen were met, and to prevent a situation that might lead to a threat to Sanctuary and increased danger to our people in Sachaka.” She paused and looked at the Speakers. “Should Tyvara be executed for the murder of Riva?”

Of the six women sitting behind the table, two held their hands up. The rest held their hands out, palm facing downward. Lorkin assumed that since Kalia had her hand up, that signal was for the affirmative.

“Four against, two for,” Riaya said. She looked at the audience. To Lorkin’s surprise, they were making one or the other gesture. “The majority against,” Riaya declared. She looked to the queen, who now held out her hand, palm down. “The answer is ‘no’.”

Hands dropped. Riaya looked pleased, Lorkin noted.

“The death of a fellow Traitor is a serious matter,” she continued. “And no matter the reason for it, penalties must be applied. Tyvara must remain in Sanctuary for the next three years, after which she may take a position as scout or watcher and work to regain the responsibilities she had before. During those three years she is to dedicate one day of each six to the benefit of Riva’s family.” Riaya’s gaze returned to Tyvara. “Do you accept this judgement?”

“Yes.”

“Then it is decided. You are free to go. This trial is concluded and the laws of Sanctuary upheld. May the stones keep singing.”

“May the stones keep singing,” the audience replied.

The room filled with movement as all rose to their feet. Lorkin watched Tyvara. She was looking at the floor. She gave a little shake of her head, then looked up at Savara. The older woman smiled with approval. Then one of her eyebrows rose in query and her gaze shifted to Lorkin. He blinked, then saw Tyvara roll her eyes, turn and stride to the door at the far side of the room. He could see Chari standing there. The young woman was grinning. She looked across to him and winked.

Someone tugged at his sleeve. The guide smiled at him.

“I’m to take you to your quarters next.” Her smile widened. “Your new quarters.”

He felt his heart, in the process of sinking, lighten. “It wouldn’t happen to have a window, would it?”

She gestured for him to follow her. “No. But you’ll have some company, and you’re free to come and go as you please – so long as you don’t leave Sanctuary, of course. I’m Vytra, by the way.”

“Pleased to meet you, Vytra.”

She chuckled. “You Kyralians have funny ways,” she said. “So polite.”

“I can be rude if you want.”

She laughed. “That would be a shame. Now, on the way I should give you a few tips on how to get along with people here.”

Listening carefully, Lorkin followed the woman out into the city.


Cery watched his daughter thoughtfully. She wasn’t doing well in her lessons today, but then Gol had also made some uncharacteristic blunders. Both were still too wound up from their morning visit to the Guild to focus fully on the training session.

They shouldn’t be letting that affect their concentration, he thought. I guess I’m going to have to make sure I can protect myself, if my bodyguards are ever treated to a glimpse of the life of the rich and powerful again.

A knock at the door drew everyone’s attention. They were back at the Grinder Bolhouse, and Cery’s people had been sent out to inform those who had requested a meeting with him that they could see him now.

At a nod from Cery, Gol strode to the door and opened it a crack, before pulling it open. The man standing in the corridor outside had the same awed look on his face that Anyi and Gol had worn for hours after their visit to the Guild.

“Black Magician Sonea, Lord Regin, two women and two children to see you,” he said.

“Send them up.”

The man nodded and hurried away. Anyi and Gol stood and grinned at each other.

“Well, come on. Take your places,” Cery ordered.

They hurried over to stand on either side of his chair. Gol struck a pose that looked more ridiculous than imposing. Anyi flexed her fingers as she always did when nervous. Shaking his head, Cery sighed and waited.

The sound of footsteps grew louder, then the room seemed to fill with magicians’ robes. Sonea’s black ones first, then Regin’s red. Following the pair and looking very plain and meek came Forlie and a younger woman. The latter was carrying a small girl in one arm, and a slightly older boy clung to her other hand.

Anyi and Gol bowed awkwardly, but with enthusiasm.

“Cery,” Sonea said, then she nodded to his daughter and friend. “Anyi and Gol. Thank you for coming to the Guild. I tried to prevent it, but the Guild, when it is investigating something as serious as a rogue magician, tends to be overly thorough.”

“That’s fine,” Cery replied. He turned to Gol. “Bring them some chairs.”

The chunky old chairs that normally sat in the centre of the room had been moved to one side to allow room for training sessions. Gol took a step toward them, but Sonea raised a hand to stop him.

“I’ll do it.”

Anyi, Forlie and the other woman gaped as the heavy chairs rose and floated to the middle of the room, arranging themselves in a square incorporating Cery’s seat. Gol merely grinned in knowing satisfaction. He’d seen plenty of magic back when Cery had been working for the former High Lord.

“We came to tell you the results of our investigation,” Sonea said as she sat down. “And to ask a favour.”

“A favour?” Cery rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. “Here we go again.”

She smiled. “Yes. Can you find Forlie, her daughter and her grandchildren a safe place to hide?”

Cery looked at the women. They smiled back at him tentatively. The younger woman had not let go of either child as she’d sat down. The girl was in her lap, and the boy was sitting on the arm of the chair.

“They’re in danger?”

“Yes. She was set up to take the place of Lorandra – the real rogue.”

“But you have the real rogue … don’t you?”

“We do. And we don’t.” Sonea paused and considered him for a moment. “Lorandra is Skellin’s mother.”

Cery felt a chill rise up from somewhere behind his chair and flow through all his body. His heart began to thump in his chest. Skellin’s mother. That’s why he was annoyed to learn that I’d seen the rogue fairly clearly and hadn’t told him. It would have told him his ploy of setting up Forlie wouldn’t work. Well, it would have failed anyway because he didn’t know that some of the Guild’s magicians can read minds.

“I can’t imagine he’s a very happy man at the moment,” Cery said dryly.

Regin chuckled. “No. Unfortunately for us all, he evaded the magicians sent to capture him, so we now have a rogue on the loose who knows we’re after him.”

Cery stared at him. “Skellin is a magician?”

Sonea nodded. “Which is why we need you to help Forlie. He blackmailed her by taking her daughter and grandchildren and threatening to kill them. We’re hoping he’s too busy hiding himself from us to worry about seeking revenge on her, but we’d rather not take that risk.”

Cery looked at Forlie and shrugged. “Of course I’ll help her.”

“You’ll want to take some extra precautions yourself,” Regin added.

Cery smiled at the man’s understatement. He’s far more likely to seek revenge on me for the capture of his mother than on Forlie. Maybe I should see if another Thief will take care of her for me. Someone who doesn’t like Skellin …

“There’s more,” Sonea said. “Lorandra is – was – the Thief Hunter. Skellin sent her out to kill off his rivals. He had big plans for himself. He wanted to become king of the underworld. Was going to use roet to keep everyone – even the Guild – in line.”

When Cery thought about how powerful Skellin had already become, that did not seem as impossible as it sounded. How many people did he already have control over? I’m going to have to be very careful who I choose to trade with now.

“Do you know if Lorandra killed Cery’s family?” Anyi asked.

Cery felt his heart shrink. He glanced at his daughter, appreciating her asking the question to save him from having to, but dreading the answer.

Sonea grimaced. “I don’t know. I wasn’t the one who read her mind, and I would have to have asked publicly for Kallen to find out.”

Which would have revealed more about me than I’d have liked.

“I’ll try to find out,” she promised. “Even if she didn’t kill them, if her part was only to break into your hideout using magic, she’ll know who did. Or who ordered it.”

“Skellin most likely,” Regin said. “Unless she did occasional work on the side for other customers.”

“At least we know Skellin can’t have been the actual killer,” Gol said. “He was talking with Cery at the time.”

Anyi made a small humming noise. “It doesn’t make sense. Why send someone to kill another Thief’s family at the same time as inviting them to become an ally?”

They all fell silent for a long moment, frowning in thought.

“Maybe Lorandra knows,” Gol suggested.

Cery shook his head, puzzled. “Well, I do know one thing for sure. We’ve got another rogue to catch.”

“If he’s still in Kyralia,” Regin said.

“Oh, he’s still here,” Cery assured them. “He hasn’t spent all that time and effort on his little empire to scamper off somewhere else. No, there are people here, rich and poor, who’ll fall over themselves to help him, some because they have to, many because they’ll benefit from it. He won’t have that anywhere else.”

Sonea nodded. “His influence over the city is already dangerously strong, but I suspect if he’s removed his empire will fall. We have to find him.” She looked at Cery. “Will you help us again?”

He nodded. “Wouldn’t want to miss the fun.”

She smiled, then stood up. Regin followed suit. “We must get back to the Guild. Thank you for taking care of Forlie and her family.”

Cery looked at the woman, who was watching him expectantly. “I’ll find somewhere safe for you all. Where is their father?” Both women scowled so fiercely Cery couldn’t help but laugh. “Never mind about that then.” He turned back to Sonea and ushered her to the door. “I bet you attracted a lot of attention on the way here.”

She laughed ruefully. “Yes. And the customers downstairs will be talking about it for months.”

“Might not be a bad thing,” Regin said, following her out of the door. “It will remind people who might be considering helping Skellin that you have powerful friends.”

“Well, it wouldn’t hurt if they thought you were still here. It will give us time to make plans before we leave. The more private way out goes through the kitchen and the side door.”

“We’ll go that way, then. Thanks for your help,” Sonea said. “And take care of yourselves.”

“I always do,” he called after them, as they strode down the corridor to the stairs. Closing the door, he turned back to regard the remaining occupants of the room. Looking at the children made his heart ache, and he pushed painful memories away. “Gol, take Forlie’s family downstairs and see if they’re hungry.”

“Right,” Gol replied. He beckoned, and they followed him out of the room. Cery returned to his chair and let out a sigh.

He looked at Anyi. She was frowning. It was not a worried frown, but a puzzled one.

“What is it?” he asked.

She looked at him, then away again. “Remember that magician at the Guild who was dressed the same as Sonea.”

“Yes. Black Magician Kallen.”

“He looked familiar. I didn’t recognise him at first because of the robes.”

“You’ve seen him without robes on?”

She looked up at him and laughed. “Not in the way you just put it. I didn’t get much of a look at what he was wearing the time I saw him.”

“What was he doing?” he asked.

A crease appeared between her brows, then her forehead smoothed and her mouth opened in a circle of revelation. “Ah! That’s it. I went with my friend one day to get rot. Not for me, of course.” Her eyes flicked up to his, serious and concerned. “In the middle of the dealing a carriage pulled up. The man inside wanted rot, and didn’t want to wait. I got a look at his face.”

“Kallen?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Oh, yes.” Her eyes twinkled. “I take special note of anyone who looks like they might be doing something they shouldn’t.”

Cery snorted. “That’d be nearly everyone in the city.”

She grinned. “And in particular if it looks like what I learn about them might be useful some time,” she amended. “Do you think Sonea would be interested? Lots of magicians take rot, I’ve heard.”

“Oh, I think she’ll find this interesting,” Cery told her. “I think she’ll find this very interesting. It’ll be a good excuse to sneak into her hospice again. Or maybe I’ll wait until I have something useful to tell her about Skellin.” He looked at Anyi and grimaced. “We’re going to have to be real careful who we trust. Skellin has a lot of friends, and I doubt I’m one of them now. We’ve got to help find him without getting ourselves caught. Things are going to get wild.”

Anyi nodded, then smiled and rolled her eyes. “How many times do I have to tell you? Nobody says things like ‘wild’ any more.”