51. Atikus

Chapter 51

Atikus

D eclan and I decided to split up so one of us could accompany each team.

If Irina really was in Fontaine, we were the only ones who could do anything about it. We also decided not to enter a building if Irina was present at either location but wait and call for the other to Travel to that location so we could fight her together. Uncertainty around just how powerful she really was, as well as fear we might only get one shot at banishing her, drove us to extra caution.

My team approached the southern warehouse, a sprawling one-story building that spanned the length of three or four moderately sized homes. The walls were stone, while the roof was an odd mix of wooden planks and thatch. Smoke filtered through the thatch and rose into the cloudless sky.

We were far enough from the center of town that there was very little traffic—foot or carriage—nearby.

A dozen Constables, shields at the ready and swords unsheathed, fanned out and surrounded the building. The men were well coordinated, their movements practiced and sure. Each remained a perfect distance from those to his left and right, encircling the building in a wide net before gradually approaching to tighten the noose.

The clanking and whooshing sounds of a working factory drifted out open windows but weren’t as overpowering as the mixture of melting wax and the dozen aromatic oils used to create the candles’ scents. I buried my nose in my arm and wondered how workers survived the malodorous assault each day.

A few quiet moments passed before one of the Constables appeared from the back of the building and walked unhurriedly toward Sheriff Cribbs and me.

“Sir, we looked through several windows. It’s only workers inside going about their routine. Nobody matching the description.”

Cribbs nodded. “All right, Sergeant. Have one of your men go inside and interview the foreman, see if anything seems amiss.”

The man snapped a nod and turned to carry out the Sheriff’s orders.

“These are some of my best men. If there was anything out of place, they would’ve noticed it. My guess is that Declan is at the right place,” Cribbs said.

“I need to warn him. Give me a moment.”

I closed my eyes.

It wasn’t necessary, but it helped me concentrate, especially with all the sounds and odors pouring out of the factory’s windows. I’d also learned over my centuries of life how a little stagecraft helped those without magic understand it better, regardless of its utility in the casting.

“Declan, she’s not here. We are on our way to you.”

Declan’s reply was immediate. “Understood. We’re outside the shop. There are civilians everywhere. This is a busy market district and a terrible place for a magical showdown. I’m not sure we can do more than observe.”

“Keep watching. I’m coming.”

I opened my eyes.

“Sheriff, we need to get over there. Declan said there are quite a few civilians around, so we might not be able to go in and confront her.”

Cribbs gripped the pommel of his sword, then released it, a nervous tick I’d noticed when we first arrived at the factory. “It would be a lot better to do this at night. We can reassess after you learn whatever is there.”

“I will Travel to him. Have your men follow as quickly as possible.” Without any additional stagecraft, I vanished.