“Morcaillo, actually. He wanted me to level Goswin before they could become a problem. Coincidently, he offered more money for the job. While it would bloodier than simply defending them, it would also be very quick. Which would allow me to take another contract before this is all done,” Kithvaryn answered with a faint smile.
“Is that a no on my offer then, General?” Jala asked calmly, though in truth, she was anything but calm. She had been so certain Kithvaryn would accept the contract for return of his son that she hadn’t actually thought about what she would do if he refused it. Then, of course, there was the possibility that he would take Morcaillo’s offer which pretty much guaranteed the destruction of Goswin. Of course, Lord Hexian’s contract would likely mean the same thing. Hexian’s homeland of Rivana shared a border with Goswin and while they were currently at war with Delvay she doubted it would be long before they looked at Goswin. Things were going from bad to worse at a speed she had never anticipated.
“Not a no, as of yet. I will think on it and I will speak with Lord Hexian first. You will stay as my guests here for the night and I will have your answer by morning,” Kithvaryn said after a long silence. Slowly he stood from his chair and rolled his shoulders. “Too long in that bloody chair and too long ignoring my other guest,” Kithvaryn sighed as he turned to look at Vaze with a faint smile. “I have no doubt that you know my fortress as well as most of my guards, Fionaveir. You are, after all, the favored spy of your people aren’t you?”
Vaze shrugged and stood as well, as it became obvious that their meeting was at an end. “I know a bit about the place, I suppose. Why do you ask?”
“Because I trust you to guide my guests to quarters better than I trust my own guards to do so. Lady Merrodin is not well loved on this island and I think it would be best that I not tempt fate. Take them to the north tower if you will, Vaze. You will all be safe and out of the way there,” Kithvaryn answered.
“As you say, Kith,” Vaze agreed with a faint smile and motioned Jala and her two companions toward him. “The shadows will be the quickest I believe,” he explained as the room around them began to darken.
Jala nodded quickly and held her hands out for Valor and Sovann. It was not the first time Vaze had transported her by shadows and she was incredibly grateful for it now. The thought of walking through the fortress again through the countless halls and stairs was akin to torture in her mind at the present.
Don’t look forward to sleep just yet. The night is far from over I’m afraid, Vaze warned her as his magic washed over the three of them.
What is that supposed to mean. Is Kithkara planning on murdering me or something? Jala demanded once her feet touched down on solid stone once more. There was a time when translocation magic had nearly made her sick. Lately however she had been using it so much that it barely even made her dizzy.
“Welcome to the South tower,” Vaze said softly with a faint smile.
“I thought Kithvaryn said the north tower?” Sovann asked in confusion as he scanned the narrow hall they stood in.
“He did and that is why I chose this one. The rooms here are nearly as good and it is farther from the common hall as well as the officers’ quarters,” Vaze said aloud at the same time he spoke in Jala’s mind. Third door. Open it slowly and leave your companions outside when you enter. I can see through the shadows here and I know what awaits you. Looking back at Valor and Sovann he smiled widely and motioned toward the first two doors. “Your rooms, gentlemen. I will take the one on the far side of Jala’s. That should keep her safe for the night.”
What are you sending me into Vaze? Jala tried to keep her voice calm, but her emotions were running too high.
Nothing that you can’t handle, Jala, Vaze assured her.
Jala sighed and searched her mind for Marrow. She would have given a lot to have the Bendazzi beside her tonight. He was better off where he was however. If things went poorly in the morning he could possibly be a trump card in her favor, or at the very least he would be safe from whatever fate she suffered. Smiling calmly at Valor and Sovann, she walked slowly toward the third door. “Goodnight, guys. I will see you in the morning,” she said, letting the brunt of her exhaustion fill her voice.
“I should check your room first,” Valor objected and started to move toward her door.
Jala shook her head softly and laughed. “Val, we both know Vaze sees through the shadows. If there was anything dangerous lurking in there waiting for me he would know it,” she said in a light voice and hated herself for every syllable. It was close to lying in her mind, but Vaze had said to enter alone. Still it was hard to trust the man after what he had done in Merro. Turning back toward the door, she started to push it open and then paused, her teeth clenched. She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t deceive Valor again no matter what Vaze said. Her hand flat on the door she turned her gaze back toward Valor and met his eyes fully. Something is waiting inside for me Val and I don’t know who or what it is. Vaze says it is something I should face alone but I won’t pretend the room is empty to you.
Then let me go in first, Valor demanded the irritation plain on his face.
Vaze says it is nothing I can’t handle alone, but I didn’t want to lie to you. Just go ahead and go into your room. If I need you, I will call, I promise, Jala assured him as she slowly turned the knob to the door and stepped inside the dark room. She closed the door without turning her back on the darkness as she held a hand up and summoned a pale mage light.