“Bad?” Ari supplied.
Janco shook his head. “Beyond bad. Catastrophic. We can’t follow that order. Owen may have hexed the Commander.”
“The order will be obeyed. We will leave Owen alone.” Valek’s tone left no room for discussion. “Maren, tell everyone what you told me earlier.”
Maren leaned forward. “When I worked in the Curare factory in Lapeer, the Boss... Owen had been working on a secret project with someone they called the Master Gardener. I tried to uncover information. But Owen suspected I’d been sent by the Commander to oversee the production, so it was difficult. During the chaos of shutting down the factory and loading my wagon with all the remaining stock of Curare, I overheard him tell one of his men to gather all the Harman saplings.”
Everyone turned to me expectantly.
“I’ve no idea what a Harman tree is used for. My father might. Did you catch the Master Gardener’s name or see who it is?” I asked Maren, thinking this person may have been the one to crossbreed those plants in the hothouse.
“No. All I could discover was the Master Gardener had been key in getting the Curare vines to grow in those glass houses.”
“Didn’t you and Leif speculate about Zaltanas who may have the necessary knowledge and skills?” Janco asked.
“Yes. Our Councilman, Bavol, and our cousin, Nutty. My father would know if there is anyone else.”
“Sounds like your father also has this ability,” Gerik said.
“Watch your tongue,” Ari growled.
“It’s okay, Ari. He has a valid point,” I said. “If my father is involved, then he was duped. Or his memories altered. Which I’d like to believe is what might have happened to Nutty and Bavol.” Better than suspecting them of treason.
“Would Leif be able to tell if a person’s memories were magically changed?” Valek asked me.
“It’s possible. I’ll messenger him about this Master Gardener and Owen’s location. My father should have arrived by now.”
“What can we do?” Ari asked Valek.
“You, Janco and Maren keep an eye out for any new construction near the castle. If Owen brought Harman saplings and Curare vines, he’d want to build more of those hothouses. Also watch for any strange deliveries like ones with unusual materials or odd supplies.”
Ari nodded. “What about Reema?”
“She’s going home as soon as I can arrange an escort. Gerik, you are assigned to the Commander’s security detail again. If you hear or see anything about Owen or the others, let me know.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Onora, you’re to stay by the Commander’s side during the day. He has a glass magic detector. If it flashes, then magic is in use. That’s when you don’t follow your instincts and question all your thoughts, as they might not be your own.”
“What about at night?” she asked.
“I’ll take the night shift.”
I suppressed my disappointment over having the bed to myself at night.
“And if he protests?” she asked.
“He won’t. Although he may kick you out for sensitive conferences. In that case, stay by the door.”
“Yes, sir.”
The meeting ended. I waited until everyone left before asking Valek, “Why did you decide to trust Maren and Onora?”
“Maren convinced me she had no idea Owen was alive. Gerik and Onora showed up with Janco. It would have looked suspicious if I’d dismissed them.” He strode to his desk.
I followed. “Which explains why you didn’t detail your own plans or mine.”
Valek paused before sitting in his chair. “You’re sending Leif a message and talking to Onora.”
“And?”
“And staying far away from Owen. You’re not exactly his favorite person, love.”
“Fine. What else can I do?” I half leaned, half sat on the edge of his desk.
“Perhaps a repeat of this morning’s activities?” He leered.
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
“Valek.” A warning tone rumbled in my voice.
He sobered. “You have training.”
Ah. “Spy training?”
“Yes. You need to learn all those skills that you had previously used your magic for.”
A daunting task. “That could take years.”
“It won’t. You’re smart and a fast learner. Plus you already have plenty of experience.”
“I don’t—”
“At the meeting today, who was surprised that Owen’s here?” he asked.
“I know what you’re doing.”
“Answer the question.”
Annoyed, I recalled the various demeanors that ringed the table and said, “Ari, Janco and Gerik.”
“Very good. You picked up on Onora despite her lack of a reaction.”
“That was a guess. How did she know about Owen?”
“You tell me.”
I bit down on a Janco-inspired sarcastic response. “The Commander told her. Probably after your meeting with him, since she also didn’t seem upset that he’d ordered you to leave Owen alone.”
“That’s my assumption, as well.”
“Okay, I get it. I’m not a total newbie. When do my spy lessons start?”