Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

V alek rocked back on his heels. Assassinate the entire Sitian Council? He thought the Commander was overreacting, but now wasn’t the time to point it out.

“And when they’re dead? What happens next?” he asked instead.

“I’ll send my army into the chaos and restore order. Then we’ll annihilate those Daviians.”

“May I make a suggestion?” Valek asked.

“I doubt I could stop you.” The Commander’s cold tone warned Valek to choose his words with care.

“I propose that I go to the Citadel and assess the situation. By now, Yelena could have returned with Ferde and Cahil in custody and all might be well. If the situation is dire, then I can evaluate if assassinating the council would be advantageous to us or not. Or if we could use them to solve the problem of the Daviians.”

“And then assassinate them?”

“If it would be to our advantage.” Valek held his breath.

The Commander’s icy expression remained for several heartbeats. “All right. Assess and evaluate. Take Ari and Janco with you for back up.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And don’t hesitate to assassinate if it’s a viable option.”

“Yes, sir.”

Valek and Gabor left before the Commander could change his mind.

“Wow,” Gabor said. “I didn’t expect that response.”

“I think the snake rattled him more than I realized.” Valek quickened his pace. “Tell me what’s been going on with the council.”

“They certainly don’t think the Daviians are a threat. They’re more worried about Yelena’s Soulfinding magic.”

“What about Cahil’s people? Are they with him?”

“No. He left them behind. In fact, he brutally beat Captain Marrok. Left the poor man for dead.”

Valek had warned the captain that might happen once Cahil found out the truth about his birth. Marrok and his team had been lying to him since he was a boy, telling Cahil that he was the King of Ixia’s nephew, but Valek had assassinated the King and his entire royal family. Valek had also thought that Cahil might sulk and do nothing. The man was unstable and unpredictable and if anyone was going to be assassinated during Valek’s trip to Sitia, it would be Cahil.

“Did Marrok recover?” Valek strangely liked the captain.

“Yes. The healers saved his life.” Gabor snapped his fingers. “I’d bet he’s the one that went with Yelena and Leif. I didn’t see them leave, but the kid who reported it described the man and it just now clicked.”

“Kid?”

Gabor smiled. “Yeah. A bunch of kids without homes have formed a Helper’s Guild in the Citadel. They aid shoppers in finding and bargaining for goods, they carry packages and do odd jobs. They’re smart and observant and invisible to most people. I’ve been buying information from them.”

Valek remembered the young boy who had helped Yelena. “Is their leader named Fisk?”

“Yes. Do you know him?”

“He and a few of his friends helped me escape the Citadel.” Valek thought about the enterprising young lad. He might know what was really going on with the council. Worth a try.

“What do you need me to do?” Gabor asked.

“Have dinner and rest tonight. We’ll leave in the morning for Sitia.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * *

“…that’s not the signal for sword. It’s more like this,” Janco said.

“That means knife,” Ari countered.

“It’s a pointy stabby weapon. Close enough.”

Ari and Janco’s argument echoed off the castle walls before they appeared around the corner. When they came into view, they spotted Valek waiting by their door and stopped.

“Uh oh,” Janco said. “I’ve a bad feeling about this.”

“We’ve a new mission,” Valek said. “Prep for covert ops in Sitia. I’ll meet you in the stables at dawn.”

“Yes, sir.”

Valek hurried away. He had much to do and would update them on the journey south.

Behind him, Janco said, “Dawn. See I knew it was bad.”

“Brightside, we’re going to Sitia. It’s warmer there,” Ari said.

And best of all, Yelena might be there as well. Valek fervently hoped she had returned from her mission.

Valek spent the remaining day updating Kenda about Gabor’s intel and the Commander’s response, ensuring Brede knew about his absence, and packing his bag with Sitian clothing, coins, and the various tools—disguises, lock picks, weapons, blow pipe, darts, poisons—for all his assassinating needs.

After a restless night of sleep, Valek joined Ari and Janco in the stables.

“And here I was thinking it’d be at least a season before I had to ride a horse again.” Janco rubbed his backside.

“That’s your problem right there,” Ari said.

“Where?”

“Thinking. I believe that for our new jobs we shouldn’t expect anything. Right, Valek?”

“Correct. Anything goes. Missions are rarely predictable. If you can’t adapt quickly, then find a new job.” Valek checked Onyx’s legs for hot spots. The horse snuffled his hair.

Gabor arrived. “Should I saddle a horse?”

“No. You can ride with Janco, since only the three of us will be returning to Ixia.” Valek grabbed Onyx’s tack.

The Stable Master filled feed bags and helped them get the three horses ready. With five of them working, they were soon mounted and exiting the south gate of the castle complex.

The trip to the Citadel took two and a half days. During the journey, Valek and Gabor updated Ari and Janco on the situation with the council and the Daviians.

“You know what we really need,” Janco said. He didn’t wait for a response. “Permission to assassinate all the magicians in Sitia. Except Yelena, of course.”

“That won’t work,” Ari said. “There’s always a few that will escape. Plus, they’re born with the ability. It’s not predictable which families will birth magicians.”

“But it works for Ixia. There’re no magicians there.”

“That we know of,” Valek added. “Some could be in hiding, some flee to Sitia, and some have no idea they’re using magic.”

“We need more Valeks,” Janco said. When they all glanced at him in confusion, he waved his hand in a circular motion. “You know, people who can detect magic. People who are immune to its effects.” Then he brightened. “More Jancos, too. Since I’m sensitive to it.”

They groaned in unison at the thought.

“That’s how we’ll defeat the Daviians,” Ari said. “Send an army of Jancos. The enemy will commit suicide.”

“Ha. Ha.” Janco deadpanned. “It’s just a shame that there isn’t a way for normal folk to know when magic is in use.”

“That would certainly even the playing field,” Valek said.

* * *

They changed into Sitian clothing and approached the Citadel from the north. The high white, marble walls that encompassed the capital of Sitia reflected the sunshine. As they drew closer, the thin green veins that lined the stone became visible.

Since it was mid-afternoon and plenty of traffic flowed through the gate, they entered without trouble. They stopped at Horses on Mane Street Stables; the farm would take care of their horses while they were in the Citadel. Then they split up into two teams. Valek and Gabor headed southeast, while Ari and Janco went southwest. They would rendezvous at the safe house.

Even though it was the seventeenth day of the cold season, the sun warmed the air. Taking advantage of the good weather, the citizens bustled through the streets. The Citadel’s rectangular shape contained six quadrants, with the market located dead center. Valek and Gabor walked through the oval rings of businesses and factories that filled the inner heart of the city. The Magician’s Keep occupied the northeast corner, the Council Hall and all the government buildings were in the southeast section. A labyrinth of residences sprawled throughout both the northwest and southwest quadrants.

Their safe house was located in the southwest section. Tucked in the middle of a row of houses, it was a few blocks from the outer ring. Looping around to the alley, they entered and left the door unlocked for Ari and Janco.

Valek’s throat tightened as the memories of his last visit threatened to overwhelm him. Cahil had captured him and tried to strangle him by hanging. That had been the closest he’d come to dying in a long time. If he hadn’t been rescued by Gabor, his partner Brigi, and Ambassador Signe, Valek wouldn’t be alive.

Shaking off the dire thoughts, Valek set his pack on the couch and hung his cloak on a hook along the long hallway. “When will Brigi return?” he asked Gabor.

“Her shift at the council’s stables ends at dusk. How about some tea while we wait?” Gabor piled logs in the hearth and lit a fire.

Ari and Janco arrived, joining them in the kitchen. The space suddenly seemed too small to house four men.

“I call dibs on the extra bed,” Janco said.

“There isn’t an extra,” Gabor said. “This place has only two bedrooms, and the second room is where all our disguises are located.”

“You share a bed with your partner?”

“Not at the same time. She has the day shift.” Gabor filled a kettle with water and hung it over the growing fire.

They were sipping their tea when Brigi entered. She waved a hand in front of her face. “ Oof boys, you need to visit the bathhouse.”

“Hello to you, too,” Janco said.

She smiled. “I call it as I smell it.” Then she sobered. “There hasn’t been any more news about the escape. And Yelena hasn’t returned from her mission.”

Disappointment burned in his chest, but Valek ignored it to focus on the job at hand. At this point, collecting information was vital.

“Starting tomorrow morning, I want eyes on the entrances to the Council Hall and the Magician’s Keep at all times,” he said. “Janco, there’s a group of beggars who squat at the base of the Council Hall. I want you to disguise yourself as a beggar and join them. There’s a man named Minel who was part of that group. If he’s still there, make friends with him. He’s sharp and might know something of value. Also, if Yelena returns to the Keep, let me know as soon as possible.”

“Join them, as in during the day?” Janco asked, sounding hopeful.

Valek suppressed a smile. “As in all night and day. In fact, don’t bathe, it’ll help with your disguise. Sorry Brigi.”

His hopeful expression fell. “You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

Janco stared at Valek in horror. “But that’s… It’s… I’m…” His mouth continued to move, but no sounds escaped.

“All part of the job, Janco. I once lived on the streets of Jeweltown for a week, during the cold season and dressed like a woman.”

“Jeweltown?” Ari asked. “Is that when you were hunting the royal family?”

“It was the only way I could get close to the queen.” Valek had befriended the queen’s hairdresser, Parveen, by pretending to save her from a mugger. She had given him a job in her shop, and he’d learned how to cut and style hair. After a season, he filled in when poor Parveen had been too sick to tend to the queen. He had impressed the queen so much, she’d hired him, giving him access to the royal suite and the royal family.

“I’d ask for more details, but I don’t think we have the time,” Ari said. “What’s my job for this mission?”

“You’ll be stationed at the Keep. Go and apply for a job, they always need people. If you see Yelena, let me know. There’s a chance she might return tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’d say I was jealous.” Janco rubbed at the scar that replaced the bottom half of his right ear. “But the Keep creeps me out.”

“Gabor and Brigi, continue with your regular duties, I’m going to find Fisk at the market and see what he knows.”

* * *

After Ari left for the Keep with a forged letter of recommendation, Valek helped Janco with his disguise. “Living on the streets is a hard life,” he said. “Infrequent baths, little to no food, and limited possessions. These people have figured out how to survive and they’re resourceful. You can learn a great deal from them.”

Janco stroked the stubble on his cheeks. “No place to shave?”

“No. In fact, you might want to darken that scruff a bit, so you don’t look like a newbie.”

“I am a newbie. Maybe I shouldn’t try to pretend to be street smart. Being new would explain any mistakes I make and be a good excuse for asking lots of questions.”

“That’s an excellent idea.”

Janco beamed. “I have my moments.”

“Then why do you let Ari tease you?”

“Because I also have my moments in the opposite direction, and Ari’s very good at saving my ass. He has earned the right to tease me all he wants.”

“I’m sure you’ve saved his ass as well.”

“Well, yeah. We’re partners, that’s what we do.”

Valek considered his relationship with Yelena. He longed for the day when they would become true partners. When they could reminisce over dozens of shared experiences, when they knew more about each other than any other person in the world, and when they spent more time together than apart.

Switching his knit cap for another one that wasn’t so battered, Janco adjusted his clothing for his role as a newbie beggar.

“What’s your backstory?” Valek asked.

Janco adjusted his belt, cinching it so his seen-better-days-but-still-useable pants didn’t fall down. “Fired from my job for reasons that I’ll swear weren’t true. Can’t find another position because my old boss holds a grudge and told all his buddies not to hire me. Ran out of money and was kicked out of my place. No family or friends to mooch off because nothing is my fault so I’m not about to apologize for anything to anyone.”

“And the reasons that you were fired?”

His sly expression was full of mischief. “Vague enough to imply an impropriety without confirming anyone’s guesses. And I’ll swear the boss got bent out of shape over nothing. Stuff like that.”

“Sounds like a good story.”

Since he was planning to be a newbie, Janco was able to pack a few comfort items like a couple sticks of beef jerky, a bedroll, and a thicker blanket.

“Keep them close if you don’t want them to get stolen,” Valek warned. “Most folks will be kind and help you out, but there’s always those who will take advantage of the newbie.”

“Huh. Maybe I should let my stuff get stolen. It would track with my cover.”

Impressed, Valek said, “Up to you.”

Once Janco was ready, Valek clapped him on the shoulder and wished him good hunting. After he left, Valek checked his own disguise. He wore the typical Sitian clothing of gray pants, tunic, and a short gray cape. He used makeup on his face, wrists, and the back of his hands to blend in better with the Citadel’s inhabitants. Even though they were a mix of skin tones, Valek would still stand out.

Growing up in MD-1 near the Northern Ice Pack, Valek had endured long cold winters and scant sunshine. His family had lived there for decades, and they were all as pale as snow on a cloudy day. Valek wondered if his father was still tanning hides. When he had left to enact revenge on the men who murdered his three older brothers, his parents told him to never return. Of course, he had assigned his agents to watch and protect them if needed, but he never asked for details of their lives. It would be too painful.

Satisfied with his clothing, Valek tucked his hair up into a wool cap. He headed for the market. It buzzed with activity. The weak morning sunlight cast long shadows. Young children trotted at shoppers’ heels, their arms loaded with packages. Valek guessed they ranged in age from six to twelve years old.

He found an unobtrusive spot to watch the kids for a while, searching for Fisk. They had quite the operation. Darting up to hesitant shoppers or to those glancing around in confusion, they offered their services. And pointing those in need of help out to his guild members was Fisk.

The boy’s brown hair was shaggy. He moved with confidence. The market was obviously his domain. Valek waited until Fisk was between customers.

Approaching him, Valek said, “I’m in need of assistance.”

Fisk studied him. Maturity far beyond his ten years shone from his light brown eyes. “You’re in need of a better disguise, Mister Valek.”

He glanced around to check if anyone nearby had overheard. “How do you know my name?”

Fisk sighed. “It was easy to figure out after I helped you escape the Citadel. If I’d known before, I wouldn’t have taken the job, even though you’re a friend of Yelena’s.”

“Does that mean you won’t help me now?”

“Depends on what you want.”

The conversation was a bit surreal. Fisk looked ten but spoke as if he was thirty years old. “I’m willing to pay for information,” Valek said.

Fisk brightened. “Nothing illegal in that, but I won’t give away Sitian secrets.”

“All right. I’d like to know what the council has been debating lately.”

“That’ll cost you a gold coin.”

“Nice try. How about a silver? And if the info is good, I’ll give you another one.”

“Seven silvers up front.”

“Three.”

“Five.”

“Deal.” He dug out the coins. When he handed them over, they disappeared in the blink of an eye. “The council?”

Fisk told him the gossip. Most of the information matched what Gabor had reported. The council was more concerned about Yelena than the Daviians. However, Fisk mentioned the strange arrival of a group of Sandseed Warriors late the previous night.

“Why is that odd?” Valek asked.

“They almost never leave the Avibian Plains. Only their Councilor travels to the Citadel.”

Yelena’s friend, Moon Man was a Sandseed Story Weaver—a warrior with magical powers. And he had sent her a message about Ferde. Valek wondered if the Sandseeds’ presence in the Citadel was connected.

“Do you know why they’re here?”

“Not yet. But give me a couple days.” Fisk grinned.

“And it’ll cost me?”

“Of course. Nothing is free.”

Such a sad statement. Valek met Fisk’s hard gaze. “You’re wrong. Lots of things are free.”

“Yeah? Name one?”

“Friendship. Love. Kindness.”

“Yeah, well, you can’t buy food with those.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’ve been living on the streets for my entire life. I’m sure.”

“And you used to beg. Right? Getting coins from others to buy food?”

“That’s not kindness. That’s pity. That’s shame.”

“So, when Yelena gave you all her coins?—”

“That’s different. Yelena’s different.”

“While I agree that Yelena is unique in so many wonderful ways, there are other people who also give because of kindness and not due to pity or shame.”

Uncertain, Fisk stared at him. “Come to the market in the mornings. If I have more information for you, I’ll let you know.” He disappeared into the crowd.

* * *

Valek spent the rest of the day watching the guards at the Council Hall. The multi-story building was located across from the entrance to the Magician’s Keep. Stone steps led up to the main doors. These steps extended the full length of the building. He would eventually need to get into the hall, which he could easily do dressed as a citizen, but he wanted access to the council meetings and not all of them were open to the public. He could change into a guard uniform once inside. However, the ideal time to get in would be when the guards changed shifts.

Huddled in his blanket on the steps, Janco looked miserable. As people left and entered the Council Hall, a group of beggars approached them, but Janco pouted, appearing to be too proud to beg. Impressed by his acting abilities, Valek suspected there was much more to Janco than the easy-going, overly dramatic, and irreverent persona he had donned.

Despite his lackluster posture, Janco spotted Valek. He signaled by raising his eyebrows, which meant, ‘What’s up?’ Valek replied, motioning that all was well. Once Valek had marked the late afternoon shift change, he returned to the safe house.

Gabor had just woken up for his shift. Yawning, he cooked eggs and tried to smooth the wayward strands of his black hair. Soon after, Ari arrived.

“You weren’t exaggerating when you said they needed people,” Ari said. “The Keep’s manager took one look at my shoulders and hired me to work in the infirmary.”

That was unexpected. Valek had guessed he would be assigned as a gardener or be trained as a guard. “Doing what?”

“Working as an orderly. Apparently, unconscious people are heavy. And crazed patients are strong.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t sound like it happens too often, but my boss, Healer Hayes, said I could help with other duties. He wants me to stay in a small furnished apartment near the infirmary, just in case they need me at night. I told him I had to pack my stuff and tell my mother about my new job. He’s expecting me back tomorrow morning.”

“Good work. What’s your cover name?”

“Denus Krystal. I’m too pale to be a Bloodgood. Too bad, that’s a great clan name.”

Ari’s full name was Ardenus. “Perfect. Did you find anything out about Yelena?”

“Not yet.”

Brigi joined them in the kitchen. “What a fun day!” She laughed. “Worth the stink to see Janco in action.”

“You can see him from the stables?” Valek asked.

“Yeah. He mostly hung out on the east side of the hall. It has the best view of the Keep.”

Which was why Brigi worked in the stables. That, and her knowledge and experience with horses was extensive. “Brigi, do you know the Council Hall guards’ schedule?”

“By heart. Why?”

Valek stifled a groan. Of course she would know. Why hadn’t he thought of that before? “I need it, along with the Council’s meeting schedule.”

“Twice a season, they hold public meetings. Each day for two weeks, they have a two-hour public session to discuss various issues in the morning. The closed-door sessions for just the Council are in the afternoons. You’re in luck, this is week two of the first set of public meetings for the cold season. Also, they don’t meet at all during the hot season. Unless there’s an emergency, then they meet as soon as possible. That applies for any time of the year.”

“Has there been any emergency assemblies lately?”

“Not since the Scourge of Sitia escaped back to Ixia.” She gave him a pointed look. “When he was here last season, though, there were lots of panicked gatherings.”

“Nice,” Ari said.

“I’ll need that schedule,” Valek said. “I plan to attend tomorrow’s meeting.”

* * *

In the morning, Valek stopped by the market. Fisk and his friends hustled among the stands. One young boy helped Ari purchase a few items to fill out a medium-sized bag. Ari hadn’t wanted Healer Hayes to wonder why his new orderly only carried one small pack.

Fisk eventually made eye contact with Valek. He shook his head. A universal sign that the boy didn’t have any additional information. Valek returned to the safe house to enhance his disguise. Being inside the Council Hall was dangerous, he would be surrounded by Sitian guards and there would be limited exits. If anyone recognized him, Valek would be in serious trouble.

With his sculpting putty, he softened his nose, turning it pudgy. He donned a pair of eyeglasses and added a few more wrinkles to his face. Satisfied, he headed to the Council Hall and joined the flow of people entering for the public meeting. The guards barely glanced at him, and he followed the others into the great hall.

The hall stretched three stories high and had been decorated with fifteen colorful banners, representing the eleven Sitian clans and the four master magicians. A U-shaped table filled the back third of the room. Currently, the seats were empty. Facing the table was a series of benches that had been arranged in rows. People settled on them. A tall podium had been set at the top of the U.

Valek picked a spot in the fourth row. He inspected the rafters in the ceiling, seeking hiding places. The banners offered great cover. And best of all, the high windows not only provided light, but would be perfect access points. If he could climb the outer walls. Unfortunately, marble was notoriously slick.

The murmur of voices ceased as soon as the councilors entered through a door behind the table. Everyone stood. The clan leaders split, six going to the chairs on the right arm of the U and five heading to the ones on the left. Three master magicians stopped at the bend of the U, while First Magician Roze Featherstone approached the podium.

Regal, powerful, and the leader of the council, Roze was a tall woman with midnight skin and short white hair. She banged a gavel on the wood, even though the entire room was silent. “I call this meeting to order,” she said, scanning the crowd.

Magic brushed Valek’s face as Roze used her powers. Since one of her many skills was mental communication, he guessed she searched for anyone who planned to disrupt the session or cause harm. Glad his immunity kept her from sensing him, Valek wondered if she also scanned the rafters with her magic.

“The topics for today’s assembly are the tax increase proposal, the permit application for renovating the Hart Iron Works building, and the bids to build a new east-west travel route through the Greenblade Clan’s land. The council will discuss each issue, then we will allow comments from those in attendance before moving on to the next agenda item.” Roze sat in the chair at the middle of the bend, signaling to everyone they could be seated as well.

The council launched into a debate about increasing taxes. Valek considered it all a colossal waste of time. Too many opinions, too many egos to smooth, too many stupid comments. While in Ixia, the Commander decided and it was done.

Bored, Valek studied the other master magicians. Second Magician Bain Bloodgood was the oldest. He wore navy blue robes, which contrasted with his wild, curly white hair. His eyes kept drifting closed, probably bored as well. At age twenty-one, Third Magician Zitora Cowan was the youngest and newest master. She took copious notes despite her long braids getting in the way. Zitora was a pretty woman, with a heart-shaped face and pale yellow eyes.

Valek was most familiar with Fourth Magician, Irys Jewelrose. Irys kept her long hair tied in a tight bun; a few white strands lurked among the glossy black. Not as many as the Commander’s, even though they were close in age. Valek considered Irys a friend. She had traveled to Ixia to deal with Yelena’s uncontrolled magic, intending to kill Yelena before she flamed out and caused a serious disruption in the blanket of power. Valek foiled her first attempt, and, by the second try, Yelena had gained control. In the end, Irys had helped stop General Brazell and Mogkan’s attempt to overthrow the Commander.

As if she could sense Valek’s scrutiny, Irys glanced at the audience. He stilled as her gaze swept his row, but she showed no signs of recognition. The last time she found out that Valek was in Sitia, she had told Yelena to warn him to leave right away. A smart plan, except he couldn’t leave Yelena to deal with Ferde and Cahil on her own. Even if the decision had almost killed him. He’d gladly give his life for Yelena’s.

The other councilors had all been elected to represent their clans. Probably also to protect their interests. He paid particular attention to Councilor Harun Sandseed. Similar to all the Sandseed warriors, he was a tall muscular man with dark skin. Harun appeared distracted and kept tugging at the collar of his tunic. Yelena had told Valek the Sandseed Clan members were nomadic, and some preferred not to wear clothing. However, Valek wondered if Harun’s discomfort was due to the unusual arrival of his clan members.

To keep from falling asleep, Valek tested his memory on the other councilors’ names. He had met Bavol Zaltana, the leader of Yelena’s clan when Valek had pretended to be Adviser Ilom. The others were Tama Moon, Shaba Greenblade, Leuel Stormdance, Ruy Cloudmist, Thema Cowan, Adya Krystal, Glynn Featherstone, Emlyn Jewelrose, and Kyler Bloodgood.

Finally, the meeting was over. The council left first by the back entrance. The attendees filed out the main doors. A few people hung together, talking animatedly. No one seemed in a hurry to leave, so Valek wandered around, examining the walls as the room slowly emptied.

“Can I help you, sir?” a masculine voice asked him.

Valek turned. A guard stood a few feet away.

“Do you know how they hang them all the way up there?” Valek gestured to the banners.

The guard chuckled. “First time in the great hall?”

He met his gaze and gave him a sheepish grin. “That obvious?”

“A bit. The banners look like they’re secured to the rafters, but they are really hanging from metal rods. We can lower them to clean the banners or swap them with different decorations.”

“Clever.”

“Indeed.” He gestured to the exit. “Now if you would, sir. The afternoon session is closed to the public.”

“Oh, of course.” He glanced around. “Is it starting now?”

“No, sir. Not until after lunch.” The guard smiled. “But I need to clear this room so I can have my lunch, too.”

“Ah, I see. Thank you for your time.” Valek hurried out.

The guard had inadvertently given him a way to climb into the rafters. If they raised and lowered the rods, that meant there were pulleys and ropes that he could climb. Except, he hadn’t seen any. Probably because they were hidden by a magical illusion. Finding them shouldn’t be too difficult, Valek just needed to figure out how to get into the great hall without being seen.

When he left, the guard closed and locked the doors. Another guard moved to stand in front of them. Valek wondered if the door the council used was also protected. He guessed it led to the councilors’ offices, which were also open to visiting clan members. Valek thought back to when he’d visited as Adviser Ilom, and he remembered the small side room they had waited in before being invited into the great hall. Perfect.

Valek found an empty room and changed into a guard’s uniform. Then he strode through the hallways as if on a mission. No one looked at him twice. Most stepped out of his way. Fun.

The waiting room was unguarded. However, it was locked. Removing his lock pick and tension wrench, Valek quickly aligned the pins using his pick and turned the cylinder. He slipped inside. A few narrow windows let in the sunlight. The door to the great hall was on the opposite side. This one was locked as well. Not for long.

When Valek pulled it open, he encountered a sticky wall of magic. It resisted at first, but he pushed forward. It was like walking through a waterfall made of syrup. A syrupfall? That sounded like something Janco would say. Thankfully, it wasn’t thick.

The great hall remained empty. When Valek turned around, the door had disappeared from sight. Ah. It had been concealed by a magical illusion. Probably so no one knew about the side room. Smart. He ran his hands along the walls, seeking magic. Sticky strands met his fingertips on the same side as the hidden door. He’d found the ropes.

Once he grabbed them, he could see them. Double checking that they were securely tied, Valek pulled his body off the floor and wrapped his legs around them. Shimmying up the rope, Valek’s hands and shoulders burned with the effort. But it was far better than trying to find hand and foot holds on slick marble blocks.

A thick layer of dust coated the rafters. Valek stepped onto the wood, trying not to disturb the layer too much. The last thing he needed was for a dust cloud to give him away. Glancing down at the table, he settled into position behind a banner, which hid him from the majority of those seated below. The spot also allowed him to lean against the wall.

Eventually, voices sounded. Valek peeked. The council had returned. They resumed their appointed seats. Except for Councilor Harun Sandseed; his seat was empty. The others didn’t seem to be concerned and the meeting started.

Valek settled back, concentrating on their discussion. Unfortunately, there was no mention of Yelena’s status or of Ferde’s escape. They argued about the strained relationship with the Commander. Some wished to send a gift with a request for another meeting. Perhaps at the border, which was neutral territory. Others countered that the Commander should apologize to them . After all, he had to have known his assassin was in Sitia.

Roze Featherstone was the most vocal, insisting they do neither. “The Commander is the enemy,” she said. Her words held power but not the magical kind. “He might not attack tomorrow, or next season, or next year, but he will. That is a guarantee. And if we’re not prepared, our clans will be transformed into military districts and assigned numbers. Our customs and our culture will be erased as our citizens are forced to wear uniforms and follow his Code of Behavior. We must be prepared for an attack.”

“I disagree,” Irys said. “He hired Yelena to be a liaison between our countries. Why do that if he planned to attack?”

“So we won’t be prepared,” Roze countered. “So he catches us off guard.”

“Have you forgotten the history of the Ixian takeover?” Bain Bloodgood asked. “He won’t attack us with an army, that’s not his strategy. He’ll send Valek to assassinate all of us. He’ll bribe our soldiers and convince our younger generation that his way of life is better. He’ll promise the beggars and those without homes that they’ll all get jobs with equal wages for equal work.”

True. And the people of Sitia would be better off. Except, the Commander had no interest in taking over Sitia before this mess with Ferde and the Daviians. If the council wasn’t able to stop them from gaining power, the Daviians would become a direct threat to Ixia. The Commander sought to stop that chain of events to protect his people.

“Then we need to be prepared for those tactics as well.” Roze wasn’t backing down. “Our current security is not up to the challenge. Far from it. At least, let us start implementing the measures we need to keep the council safe.”

For once, the council was in total agreement. Valek silently applauded their decision. The extra efforts wouldn’t stop Valek, but they would make it harder for the Daviians to reach them.

The door banged open. Valek peered around a banner. Councilor Harun Sandseed entered. He swayed and pressed a hand against the wall. His dark face had an unhealthy hue. The rest of the council members jumped to their feet.

Irys was next to him in an instant. She cupped his elbow. “Harun, what happened? Are you all right?”

He looked at her with horror-filled eyes. “My clan…” Gulping, he tried again. “My clan was attacked. Killed. Decimated.”

Irys helped him to her chair. He sank down and buried his face into his hands. Sobs sounded as shock zipped through the others. Anger followed. Then the questions started. Who? What? How?

Shaken, Valek’s grip on the rafter tightened. An entire clan gone.

When Harun regained control of his emotions, he said, “Gede, a Story Weaver of my clan, arrived at my office today after our morning session. He said… He said the vermin…the Daviians…attacked our people without warning. They…killed almost everyone. Only about a dozen people survived.”

Valek wondered if the Sandseeds Fisk spotted in the Citadel were those survivors. But why wait two days to inform their councilor of the massacre?

“But your warriors and Story Weavers are legendary fighters,” Irys said.

“They weren’t there. They’d gone to the plateau to clear out a nest of vermin. It was a decoy to lure them away. And when they returned…” Harun’s voice hitched. “When they returned, they walked right into an ambush. The vermin pretended to be our clan. Our warriors…died as well.” He reburied his face.

The councilors glanced at each other in horror. Fear fogged the air. If the Daviians could slaughter the Sandseed Clan, theirs could be next.

Valek worried about Yelena, Leif, and Moon Man. Had they been killed as well? Breathing became difficult, he rested his head on the wall as the voices buzzed in his ears. If they had killed Yelena, Valek silently promised he would decimate every last Daviian before he joined her in death.

Eventually, he reigned in his emotions and tucked them away. The council had also settled down.

“…send a battalion to the plains to aid with burials,” Roze said. “I doubt the vermin will still be there, but if they are, our soldiers will attack with the intent to kill.”

“And the rest of the army?” Councilor Krystal asked.

“Will prepare for war. The Daviians must be stopped.”

Valek and the rest of the council were in complete agreement. And now that the paralyzing fear had subsided, he could think clearly. The answer to why the Daviians attacked the Sandseeds was obvious. They were a threat. A bigger one than the Sitian army. With them out of the way, the Daviians had a better chance of gaining control of Sitia.

* * *

The next morning’s council session was as boring as the day before. Other than the absence of Councilor Sandseed, there was no mention of the clan’s slaughter, which wasn’t a surprise. The council wouldn’t want to panic the citizens of Sitia. Not until they had more information.

Valek had worn a different disguise and sat on the hard bench in another row. He stifled a yawn. He’d had a rough night. Unable to sleep, he’d prowled through the streets of the Citadel, fighting the desire to get Onyx and travel to the plains to search for Yelena.

To stay awake, he considered the Daviians attack. He couldn’t assassinate the council now, that would just help the enemy. The council might be inept and unorganized, but they didn’t hesitate to respond to the crisis.

At the end of the meeting, he left the great hall with the crowd, but didn’t follow them outside. Instead, he climbed the grand staircase. Halfway up, a commotion exploded in the lobby. He stopped and turned.

A group of people had pushed their way into the lobby. It took Valek a moment to sort out the scene below, but in the middle of the confusion stood Ferde and Cahill. They had been captured.