The Study of Fire (The Study Chronicles: Valek’s Adventures #3)

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

T he drink in Ambrose’s hand paused midway to his mouth. “Are you certain Kitvivan plans to hunt snow cats?”

“What else could the cages be for?” Valek asked. They were sitting in the Commander’s living room, having their nightly meeting. Like all the rooms Ambrose occupied, it was clean, neat, and sparsely furnished with minimal decorations. They sat on matching plain gray couches that faced each other, with a low table between them.

“Elk, deer, bears.” He took a swallow of his brandy. “Wouldn’t your agents know if he planned to hunt snow cats?”

“Not if Kitvivan kept his plans quiet. All the generals have been more cautious about who they trust since their encounter with the magicians.”

“Still, it’s a big leap in logic. Plus, snow cats are almost impossible to kill.”

True. Except…Valek couldn’t shake off his trepidation.

“Send a message to your agents. Ask them to investigate further,” Ambrose said.

“All right.”

“Anything else to report?”

“Yes. Maren wants to be a ‘when-you-really-need-me’ second-in-command.”

“What does that mean?”

“That means she’d rather be one of your advisers, only helping me when needed.”

“That’s interesting. How do you feel about it?”

“I’ll admit, I was disappointed. Maybe a little hurt. But I understand. Her interests are focused more on politics than intrigue. Plus, it’s better to have her some of the time instead of none of the time.”

Ambrose tapped his finger on his glass. “True. She has a unique set of skills that my other advisers don’t have. And I have just the mission that needs those abilities.”

“Oh?”

“The civilian watch in Rasmussen’s Military District has a number of corrupt officers. The chain of command is a joke, and their judges are no longer adhering to the Code of Behavior’s sentencing requirements.”

Valek thought of Janco and how his judge gave him the option of going to prison or joining the army. Enlisting in the army had set Janco on the right path. Except, the Code of Behavior ruled that helping a prisoner escape jail resulted in ten years in prison. No exceptions. No deviations. No leniency for a first offense. No good-old-boy network. The exact same punishment was given to everyone. All Ixian citizens had to memorize the Code of Behavior. While Valek generally agreed with the Code’s mandates, there were times when he felt they were too harsh. Good thing he was in a position to circumvent them.

“I thought the problems with the watch was only in the two towns Star had set up her operation,” Valek said. Crooked Nook and Sectown were near the Sitian border, close enough to smuggle in black market goods with ease. They’d both been raided by the Commander’s special unit of fifty soldiers, and Star’s operation had been permanently shut down.

“Major Granten has interrogated the corrupt watch members and discovered it’s a district-wide problem.”

Ah. The civilian watch was under each Military District’s general. The Commander could step in when needed, but he had enough to do with overseeing the country and the army.

“You think Maren would be a good person to send to General Rasmussen?”

“She has the military background and security knowledge. Maren can help the general to plan and implement a sweep of all the civilian watch stations and remove all those who are taking bribes or not following the Code of Behavior.”

“A big job. Plus, General Rasmussen doesn’t like to spend his money,” Valek said.

“Then it’s a good thing it isn’t his money.”

His cold tone warned Valek. “Can I tell Maren she’s officially part of your staff?”

“As long as she doesn’t become overprotective like Adviser Dema, Maren is welcome.”

Valek laughed. “Dema was at MD-5, give her some time to recover and she’ll stop acting like Mother Bear.”

“She requested permission to learn how to fight,” Ambrose said dryly.

Choking on his whiskey, Valek spluttered. “Give a guy warning, will you.” He wiped his chin, chuckling.

“I’m glad you find it humorous.” He huffed, but it was half-hearted.

“Did you give her permission?”

“Of course. I encourage my staff to continue learning new skills. I just hope she doesn’t tackle me whenever anyone sneezes.” Ambrose gave him a pointed look.

Valek failed to rise to the bait. He set his empty glass on the table between them, wincing as his muscles protested the movement. He would be sore for a few days.

“It’s getting late.” Ambrose finished his drink. “When do you think Maren will be ready to work with Rasmussen?”

He considered. “I’d wait until after she’s gone through the course on diplomacy.”

“Why?”

“She can be brutally frank, which I appreciate, but not many others do.”

“I don’t care if she upsets Rasmussen.”

“Well, we can’t all be the Commander.” Valek held up his hand as Ambrose’s expression hardened. “Rasmussen is passive aggressive when angry. Even though Maren’s there on your orders, he won’t implement any actions that she plans. Why would he? He’s the one in charge. Eventually she’ll get frustrated and message you, who, in turn will order Rasmussen to proceed with her campaigns. Rasmussen will invariably sabotage the efforts, they’ll fail, and he’ll blame it all on your brand-new adviser.”

Ambrose gazed at him for a moment. “Is this something you’ve learned from experience?”

“I’ve seen it happen. My agents encounter this scenario on occasion. For Maren to succeed, she’ll need to convince the general that this was more his idea than an order from the Commander. He needs to agree with her assessment and support her efforts. It’s pure manipulation, which is why she needs to learn diplomacy.”

“I’m glad I am the Commander and don’t have to deal with all that bullshit.”

“But you have done it. I’ve seen you pour on the charm when needed.”

“Yes, because I wish to, not because I have to. Big difference.” Ambrose smiled.

“Must be nice to be you.” Valek teased.

“It is, until someone sets your uniform on fire.”

Sobering, Valek remembered the attack six months ago. Eight rogue magicians had tried to assassinate the Commander and almost succeeded. Ambrose would always have a target on his back.

* * *

Maren hovered next to Valek’s office door. It was only a few minutes past dawn, and, except for the kitchen staff and the Commander, the rest of the castle denizens were just stirring in their beds. He wondered how long she’d been waiting for him. By the anxious creases in her brow, he figured she wanted to know the Commander’s decision.

“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked as he unlocked his door.

“No. I love mornings. The earlier the better. It’s quiet. And there is no one around to bother me.” She followed him into his office.

“And no Janco to bug you.”

“That, too.” She hesitated, then asked, “Who am I reporting to today?”

Valek sat behind his desk. “The Commander has approved your new appointment.”

Maren’s brow smoothed and she grinned. Valek soaked it in. Good news should always be savored.

“Report to Adviser Carmia. She will schedule your classes. Tell her you need to start with the one on diplomacy.”

“Yes, sir.”

Maren left before he could warn her that Carmia was not a morning person. Oh well, it’d be her first lesson.

* * *

The quiet lasted four days. Long enough for some of Valek’s bruises to fade. He was working in his office when Kenda entered with Ryda, the captain of Castletown’s watch. The two of them together never boded well for anyone.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as they approached his desk.

“I’ll let you explain,” Kenda said to Ryda.

Captain Ryda smoothed the tunic of her uniform. Her black hair had been braided and arranged in an artful knot on the top of her head. With wide hazel eyes and a long thin nose, she was rumored to be able to elicit a confession with one piercing glance.

While technically civilians, the watch’s personnel were arranged in a military hierarchy with the captain overseeing the watch station. Depending on the size of the city, up to five lieutenants reported to the captain, and each lieutenant oversaw a dozen street patrollers.

Normally, Captain Ryda would report to Major Edan, who oversaw six cities in MD-6. If someone ascended high enough through the ranks, they would eventually reach the general of the district. But because Castletown was so close to the castle complex, Ryda sent reports to Valek as well. Unless it was serious. Then she came in person.

“I’m not quite sure what is wrong,” Ryda said. “Which is why I’m here.”

“Then sit down. Would you like a drink?” Valek stood and gestured to a row of bottles on his sideboard. “I’ve some iced gin from MD-2.”

Ryda’s expression brightened. “Yes, please.” She settled in the seat. “Do you stock that gin just for me?”

He poured her a glass and handed it to her. “I do. It’s your favorite.”

“I’m debating if it’s nice that you know that, or scary.” She took a long swallow, and then relaxed back. “This could be nothing.”

Valek waited.

“Like any town, we have our share of drunk and disorderly conduct, fights, petty thefts, pranks. Minor stuff. Except, these incidents have increased to numbers we usually deal with during the Fire Festival. We’re heading toward the cold season and stuff like that tends to die down until the weather warms up.

“Also, what’s puzzling is the people who are acting out are those who tend to be law-abiding citizens. We arrested a grandfather the other night for running through the streets naked.” She shuddered. “And he wasn’t drunk. Just convinced he was on fire.”

“Sounds like a drug,” Kenda said.

“We thought so, too. But there’s no consistency to the symptoms. And those who have recovered, have no memory of taking anything. They’re quite confused and alarmed that they’re in a jail cell.” Ryda met Valek’s gaze. “It could be a new drug smuggled in from Sitia, but we’ve found nothing. No evidence.”

Or it could be magic. There was a possibility that a young person living in Castletown had reached puberty and had developed magical power. A new magician had no control over their powers, which would explain the random strange actions of ordinary people. Valek’s heart sank. Magicians were not tolerated in Ixia. When found, they were executed by him.

“I’ll assign some of my corps to investigate,” Valek said.

“Everyone’s on edge. Strangers will be noticed,” Ryda warned.

“Noted.”

After Ryda left, Kenda asked, “Do you think the cause could be magic?”

“It’s possible. I’d like to rule out the mundane reasons first.”

“Who are you thinking for the job?”

Valek considered his agents. All could blend in, but it’d take longer to get the locals to trust them. “Trevar and Adrik.”

“They’re still in training.”

“Yes, but Trevar grew up in Castletown. He’s not a stranger.”

“But he’s been gone for almost a year.”

“He disappeared when we arrested all the black market dealers. It makes sense that he moved to another town to avoid being captured. The fervor has died down, and no doubt there is another set of dealers setting up shop. The best baiter in town has returned and brought with him a new friend.”

“He’ll be thrilled with the assignment.”

“Have them report to me.”

“Yes, sir. Anything else?”

“Yes. Who on the housekeeping staff is totally trustworthy?”

Kenda glanced around his dust-covered office. “They’re all vetted when hired.”

“We both know not everyone is loyal.”

“I can ask Inrick to test them out, see who’s willing to sell information and who gets upset.”

“That would be great. And the sooner the better.”

“You mean you’re not intentionally letting this place resemble a dungeon to intimidate your visitors? That cobweb in the window grows bigger by the day. It’s seriously impressive, and I can’t wait to get a glimpse of the spider. He must be massive.”

“Your sarcasm has improved. Clearly, you’ve been hanging around Janco too long. Maybe I should send him and Ari to MD-1 to check if General Kitvivan is hunting snow cats this season.”

Kenda’s snarky smile died. “I hope he isn’t. I’ll let you know right away when I receive a message from our agents in MD-1.”

“Thanks.”

When she left, Valek turned around to study the square window behind his desk. Sunlight streamed in and glinted along the silky strands of the web. Some spy master. He’d failed to notice the growing net. He searched for the occupant. A black spider the size of a gold coin crouched in a shadow, waiting for his next meal. With the temperatures cooling daily, food would become scarce.

Careful not to disturb the web, Valek cracked the window open a notch. Hopefully a juicy moth or two would be attracted by the lantern light in his office and fly into the trap. As a fellow hunter, Valek respected spiders. They were intelligent, skilled, and patient. Too bad he couldn’t recruit them. But he could ask his new housekeeper to leave the web alone until Mr. Spider left.

Valek returned to reading the reports that had been piled on his desk. It wasn’t long before the silence was interrupted by a knock on his door. He called for the person to enter.

The door flew open, and Trevar rushed into his office with his weapon drawn. Valek hopped to his feet, but Trevar stopped and spun in a circle with his left hand out. His right hand clutched a dagger, which he kept tucked close to his chest. A textbook entry when a person suspected there might be an intruder or ambusher waiting inside a room. Once Trevar was satisfied no one would jump out at him, he relaxed and sheathed his knife.

He straightened. “Sorry, sir. I thought this might be a test.”

Ah. Valek studied the young man. About twenty-three years old, he had sandy-blond hair and blue eyes. Normally, a handsome and affable fellow who tended to be cocky, the poor boy standing in front of him appeared haggard. Dark circles rimmed his eyes. Trevar’s tousled hair was dull and looked as if he had scraped his hands through it in agitation. Two shades paler than normal, Trevar practically swayed on his feet.

“Come, sit down,” Valek ordered.

Before sitting, Trevar picked up the chair and inspected it. Then he pressed his hands on the seat, testing that the legs wouldn’t buckle. Or so Valek guessed. He settled his weight, only relaxing once nothing happened.

Valek grabbed his pitcher of water and filled a glass. “Drink this.”

Trevar took the tumbler cautiously, sniffed at the water, sipped, and finally downed it.

Kenda had said she’d increased the intensity level of Trevar’s training. However, she wasn’t cruel. Mild sleep deprivation was one thing, but the poor boy was well beyond that and into the realm of paranoia. Something was going on.

“Where’s Adrik?” Valek asked.

“He’s…ah.” Trevar blinked. “Shopping, I think. This is our day off.” Another blink. “I think.”

Valek muttered a curse. “How’s your training going?”

Trevar flinched. “Ah…okay. I’m no longer bored.” His laugh held a hysterical edge.

“Tell me what’s been going on.” Valek’s flat tone belied the anger growing inside him.

“Ah… I’m being tested.” He gestured vaguely. “All the time.”

“By whom?”

“Ah…Everyone?”

That was the paranoia talking. “Kenda said?—”

“Oh, no. She’s… Well, yeah… She’s done some… But she’s grand.”

“Then who?”

“The…Captain…er…Adviser Janco has taken a keen interest in my training.”

Valek rubbed his face. It was easy to guess that once Kenda ignored Janco’s suggestions, he had decided to go ahead and implement them. At least he hadn’t tied the boy to a tree overnight with spearmint leaves shoved into his mouth. No, he would have used a dirty sock like Janco’s cousins had once used on him.

He stood. “Come on, Trevar.”

Panic flushed through his face. “Where are we going?”

Valek glanced at the window. The sunlight had faded into a gray twilight. “To have dinner.” He lit a lantern and set it near the window before tucking a pile of reports under his arm. Good hunting, Mr. Spider.

If Trevar thought this was odd behavior, he didn’t say anything as he followed Valek through the castle and into the kitchen. Trevar jumped at each clatter and loud noise caused by the staff preparing the evening meal.

Filling a tray with an obnoxious amount of food, Valek then led Trevar to his suite. He directed him to sit on the couch and set the tray on his lap.

Valek crouched in front of him. “You’re safe here. Eat.”

While Trevar devoured the food, Valek dropped the files onto his desk and then entered Yelena’s old room. Dust coated the blanket on the bed and the night table. Unlike the other two rooms that lined the right wall of his living room, this one remained uncluttered. Actually, it remained exactly how Yelena had left it. A pang of loneliness echoed in his heart. But his mood improved when he realized that next time she visited Ixia, she’d share his bed.

He shook out the blanket. The scent of lavender mixed with the dust, and he coughed. The sheets underneath didn’t look dirty, but he changed them anyway. He had started keeping a stack of clean linen in his suite after he’d fired Margg. Dust and cobwebs were one thing, but soiled sheets were another. He did have standards. After lighting the lantern by the bed, he rejoined Trevar.

“I left you some,” Trevar said sheepishly. Some color had returned to his cheeks.

“Feel better?”

“A little.”

“Good. You’ll feel more like yourself after a good night’s sleep.” Valek gestured to Yelena’s room.

“You want me to sleep here?” he asked with pure astonishment.

Valek suppressed a smile. “Yes. No one will test you tonight. I promise.”

Uncertain, Trevar fingered the hilt of his knife as he glanced at the weapons displayed on the opposite wall. It was an impressive collection.

“They are all secured. Do you really believe anyone can get to you while you’re under my protection?”

“No… Of course not. I’m just… Not thinking clearly.”

“Understandable. Go. Sleep.”

“Yes, sir.” Trevar closed and locked the door behind him.

Did locking the door give Trevar a false sense of security, or did he hope the noise of someone picking the lock would rouse him?

Valek lit the lanterns hanging around his living room. The layout was the exact same as the Commander’s, except piles of books, rocks, and miscellaneous items littered the floor. He also had a desk near the long windows since he frequently worked late into the night. The Commander never worked in his suite, claiming it was a place for rest.

Sitting at his messy desk, he ate the remaining food while reading reports. An hour later, Trevar came from the room.

“I can’t sleep,” he said. He had stripped down to his undershirt, boxers, and a pair of socks.

Not too surprising. The inability to fall asleep sometimes happened with extreme sleep deprivation. Valek palmed one of the darts hidden underneath his desk. “I know this great trick for settling your thoughts. Come on, I’ll show you.” He followed Trevar into the room. “Lie down and close your eyes.”

Trevar did as instructed and Valek pricked him with the dart.

He sat up and demanded, “What was that?”

“Sleeping potion.”

“Oh.” He blinked at him for a few moments as if trying to decide on the proper response.

When he slumped over, Valek straightened him and covered him with the blanket. He returned to work for another few hours, then met briefly with the Commander, filling him in on Captain Ryda’s visit.

He returned to his suite and grabbed his pillow and blanket. Clearing off the rest of his couch, he arranged his bedding before extinguishing the lanterns.

Valek squirmed into a comfortable position. The couch would do for a night or two. He had crashed on it a number of times when he was too exhausted to climb the stairs to his bedroom, and when he’d been feeling overprotective when Yelena slept in her room.

He dozed until the slight click of the window’s latch woke him. A rush of cold air blew through the room before the window slid closed. Impressed that the intruder climbed the castle’s walls in the dark to attain his suite, Valek waited until the black-clad figure reached Trevar’s door.

“Leave the boy alone, Janco,” he said.

The figure spun. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?” Janco asked.

“I could ask the same of you.”

“I’m just helping Kenda with the puppy dog’s training.”

“Did she ask you for help?”

“Well, no, but he needs to learn how to function in any physical condition.”

“It’s not your place to decide what Trevar needs to learn.”

“He certainly needs a lesson in manners.” Janco huffed.

“What you’re doing is not a lesson. It’s hazing, and borderline bullying.” Valek continued before Janco could interrupt. “You are an adviser now. Second-in-command. This behavior is beneath you.”

“But he?—”

“Accused your team of cheating. I know. We’ll do another set of exercises.”

“I want an apology. A heartfelt apology and not ordered by anyone.”

“Do you really think harassing him to the point of exhaustion is going to elicit an apology?”

“It’s not like he has anything else to do.”

“Again, it’s not your place to determine that. I need him for a mission, but he’s currently incapable of forming a complete sentence.”

Janco perked up. “A mission? Ari and I have been bored to tears, we can?—”

“No. Trevar and Adrik are best for this job.”

“But they’re still in training.”

“Are you questioning my authority?”

Janco rushed to assure him. “No. It’s just…” Another huff. “No one calls us cheaters and gets away with it.”

“Did you cheat?”

“No! Of course not!” His outrage held an edge of betrayal, as if Valek just mortally wounded him.

“Then why are you so upset?”

“It’s just…” Janco balled his hands into fists as he tensed. “My cousins accused me of cheating every time I won a game, or a race, or did anything better than them. They never acknowledged that I was good at something other than getting into trouble.”

Ah, the real reason for the harassment.

“I understand your frustration and anger, but Trevar is not your cousin. He’s your colleague. A young and inexperienced one that lost his temper over losing the exercise and said some things that I’m sure he’s regretting. You can’t get upset every time someone calls you a cheater. You are my second-in-command and need to learn to ignore all the comments and criticism and name calling that goes with being in a position of authority. Petty revenge and childish behavior is a thing of the past.”

“It was just a bit of fun—” Janco protested.

“Fun? He might not recover. Do you understand? Even after he’s caught up on his sleep, Trevar might jump at every shadow and noise for the rest of his life, rendering him useless as a spy.”

“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Obviously. Which is why we’re having this chat. Now, do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you’ll leave Trevar alone?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You’re dismissed.”

Janco headed toward the door.

“Where are you going?”

“Back to my suite.”

“You came in through the window. You can exit the same way.”

Janco paused a moment, then changed course. The window opened and closed with barely a whisper.

* * *

Trevar slept for a day and a half. Dressed in his training uniform, he emerged from Yelena’s room, blinking in the bright sunlight. The young man paled when he spotted Valek working at his desk.

“Uh. Sorry, sir?” Trevar ran a hand through his hair.

“For what?” Valek asked.

“I’m not sure. But…” He gestured to the living area. “I must have done something bad to end up here. Uh… No offense.”

“If you’d done something bad, you would have woken up in a cell. How do you feel?”

“Better.”

“Good. Go get cleaned up, grab something to eat, and find Adrik. Both of you are to report to me in my office in two hours.”

“Yes, sir.” Trevar strode to the door, but he stopped with his hand hovering over the knob.

“You passed the extra testing. No one is going to ambush you. Well, no one on our side. There’s always a chance of an attack from our enemies.”

“But it’s a slim chance.”

Valek thought about the Ambassador’s recent visit to Sitia. It had not gone well and Ixia’s relationship with the Council was currently strained. “It’s always best to be prepared.”

* * *

Adrik and Trevar arrived at the appointed hour. Some color had returned to Trevar’s face, but he appeared to still be on edge. They sat in front of Valek’s desk while he explained their mission in Castletown.

At the end, Trevar leaned forward. “Do you think it’s a new drug?”

“I don’t have enough information at this point to form an opinion. And you shouldn’t either. If you think you’re searching for a new drug, then you’ll miss any clues that point in another direction. Keep an open mind. If anything strikes you as odd, don’t dismiss it out of hand. Investigate it.” Valek removed a pouch full of coins from his drawer and handed it to them. “This is for lodging, food, and bribes if needed. Also, if things get hot, leave town right away. I don’t care if it blows your covers.”

They exchanged a glance. Valek wondered if they thought of Sven, Adrik’s father and one of Valek’s corps. Sven had thought he could handle the heat and ended up being murdered.

“Take the rest of the day to gather supplies. Kenda will have the appropriate transfer paperwork for you. I’d suggest you arrive in Castletown tomorrow afternoon as if you’ve been traveling. I want weekly reports, unless you learn something important, then send word right away,” Valek said. Although it was a rather straightforward mission, he asked if they had any questions.

“No, sir,” they said in unison.

“Good. You’re dismissed.”

They left and Valek considered the other possibility. That magic was causing the citizens of Castletown to act strangely. He debated if he should go undercover as well, but decided to wait until Trevar and Adrik reported in.

Later that day, Kenda arrived in his office with a lanky young man at her heels. He had short dark brown hair, light brown eyes, and appeared to be in his early twenties.

“This is Brede, he works in housekeeping,” Kenda said.

Careful not to squeeze Brede’s long thin fingers too hard, Valek shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Half-distracted, Brede nodded as he took in the state of Valek’s office and his eyes widened with glee.

Glee? Valek expected disapproval or distain or disgust.

“Oh, man,” Brede said. “You said this place needed a good cleaning, but you didn’t mention the sheer chaos. This is gonna be a challenge! I better get my cart and start right away.” He dashed from the office.

Valek lifted an eyebrow, inviting Kenda to explain.

“You wanted someone trustworthy. He’s the son of Adviser Abelard and he just about throttled our agent when he tried to bribe him to sell secrets. Brede was so outraged, he dragged the agent, who is twice his size, to my office and demanded I arrest him.”

“Could have been an act. It seems odd that an adviser’s son is working in housekeeping.”

Kenda’s expression turned cold. “What are you implying? That he’s too good to scrub floors?”

“Not at all. Those positions are usually filled with people from other military districts who want an entry-level job in the castle. He grew up here. Most of those children either find apprenticeships or leave to work elsewhere.”

“All I know is he enjoys his job and is trustworthy. Plus, the Commander approved. In fact, he’s assigned Brede as your personal housekeeper.”

Valek groaned. “Why do you hate me so much?”

She laughed. “For the record, I didn’t go over your head. The Commander happened to be talking with the housekeeping manager when I went searching for a reliable staff member.”

“Anything else you wish to torture me with?”

Kenda’s humor faded. “I received a message from Kelia. She confirmed General Kitvivan is hunting snow cats.”