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

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

V alek knew Star was looking into restarting her business, but to actively recruit people in the Black Cat Tavern was bold. Too bold? Was this a trick to make Valek focus his attention on her antics at the Black Cat, while she secretly built another empire? He’d be a fool to underestimate her.

“Was she successful?” Valek asked Trevar.

Before he could answer, Dallin came over to their table and set down three steaming bowls of pork and beans. Valek asked for a refill of the drink.

“Good, eh? I make it myself.”

“What do you call it?”

“It depends on your perspective.” Dallin scanned Valek. “For yours, I’d call it The Ball Thawer.” Dallin bustled away.

Impressive and accurate. Trevar and Adrik tried to hide their grins.

Continuing their conversation, Trevar said, “Star hired a couple of muscles, but everyone knows what happened to her organization, so they’re playing it safe.”

He mulled over the information as they ate. Bacon, brown sugar, and mustard had been added, transforming the usually dull meal into a flavorful experience. And he wasn’t the only one scraping the bottom of the bowl with his spoon.

“Did Star recognize either of you?” Valek asked.

“No. And I doubt she would. We haven’t had any interaction with her,” Trevar said.

“The only reason we recognized her was because Star interrupted a lesson,” Adrik added. “She stormed into the training room, yelling at Kenda for some reason, but Kenda tossed her out on her ass.”

Valek would have loved to see that. However, the fact that Star didn’t know Trevar or Adrik might work in his favor. “I’ve a mission for you, but this is voluntary as it might get perilous.”

Excited by the idea, they leaned forward. Boys .

“What do you think about getting recruited by Star and working for her?”

“Ooohhh, that would be perfect,” Trevar said.

“Then we’ll know what she’s planning, instead of having to wait and guess,” Adrik said.

“You have to do it right, though,” Valek said. “You can’t be too eager to join. There needs to be some reluctance. Let her reel you in.”

“Do we need new cover stories?” Trevar asked.

“No. Play up how little money you’re making for baiting people. And with your extensive knowledge of the dealers, she’ll see you as potential protegees.”

“We’re in,” Adrik said.

Valek met each of their gazes until their grins faded. “She’s dangerous. Trust your instincts. Request help if you need it. If you get the sense things are getting hot, leave immediately. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” they said in unison.

“Good. I want twice weekly reports. You can deliver them to the agents at the safe house.”

“Yes, sir.”

Leaving seven coppers each for the meal, they took their mugs over to the hearth, joining the others who had gathered there. The group laughed and chatted. They seemed comfortable as if they did this every night.

Valek waited until Dallin returned to clear the bowls. He gave the innkeeper a small pouch filled with five gold coins. “I appreciate what you’re doing here.”

“That so? And what am I doing?” Dallin asked with a suspicious squint.

“It depends on your perspective.” Valek smiled.

He left the warmth of the inn. When the first blast of cold, snowy air hit him in the face, he wished he had asked Trevar to steal the recipe for The Ball Thawer.

* * *

Valek opened the door to his suite. The scent of lavender nearly brought him to his knees. Hope and fear tangled in his throat. “Yelena?” He could barely speak.

No answer. He left the door open, letting in the weak light from the hallway. Fumbling for a lantern, he lit it with trembling fingers.

He shone the light around the living room. “Yelena?”

No one. Disappointment crashed over him, and he sank onto his couch to keep from toppling. He’d been keeping busy, staying focused. Yet one whiff of lavender had felled him. Valek drew in a deep breath, inhaling her scent. It had been roughly half a season since he last held her in his arms. How in the world had he lasted almost a year without seeing her before?

After allowing loneliness and pity to run its course, Valek stood. He lit a few more lanterns and stopped in amazement. His apartment hadn’t been this clean since… Never. And it explained the lavender scent. But why would Brede switch? He’d been using lemon cleaner prior to Valek’s departure.

Valek was too tired to second guess Brede’s intentions. Instead, he built a big, beautiful fire and dragged his couch closer to the flames. Ahhh.

While the warmth from the flames soaked into his skin, Valek mulled over Porter’s involvement with Star. He’d been helping new magicians escape to Sitia, and, apparently, had hired Star’s people to safeguard them. When Valek had destroyed her organization, he’d inadvertently hindered Porter’s network. The kennel master must have been unable to find anyone to escort the young magician. Instead, she had moved from place to place in Castletown until Star had time to recruit a couple people to take the girl to Sitia.

Despite it being illegal, Valek had no issue with Porter’s network. And if that was all Star was up to, Valek would allow it to continue. Except, he doubted Star would be content with such small stakes. If he had to stop Star again, Valek would ensure Porter’s network remained in business.

Valek dozed for a couple hours, waking in time for his nightly meeting with the Commander. Knocking on Ambrose’s door, he stifled a yawn.

It swung open. “I heard a rumor you were back. Come in.”

Valek followed him into the living area and settled in his spot.

Ambrose brought over a glass of fire whiskey and handed it to Valek. “You look like you could use it.” He relaxed on the opposite couch.

“That bad?” Valek asked.

Cocking his head slightly, he scanned Valek. “You lost some weight, and there are dark smudges underneath your eyes.”

Valek raised his glass, acknowledging the comment. He took a long sip.

“Tell me a bedtime story,” Ambrose said. “Did you capture the villain and save the day?”

He laughed. “Singlehandedly.”

“Of course. Isn’t that what all dashing heroes do?”

“Dashing? Aww, you missed me.”

“Like a toothache.”

“Nice.” Valek updated him.

“Magic and not a drug.” Ambrose stared into the distance. “If you think about it, magic could be considered a drug. Magicians abuse it, crave it, and are willing to do anything to get more of it. But I digress. The magician?”

“Is no longer a problem.”

“Good. Anything else?”

“Star’s back to her old tricks.” He explained.

“She’s been a problem since the beginning. Kill her and train a new taster.”

“I would, but I just discovered her company. Which makes me worry about what else I may have I missed.”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes, because if she could set up such a complex network right under our noses, then so could someone else. I need to see how it all works so I can prevent others from doing the same thing. And this time, I have agents on the ground floor.” Plus, he needed to decide what to do about Porter. If Valek killed Star, the kennel master might bolt.

“Do what you need, but if she gets too troublesome, I won’t hesitate to put a permanent end to her schemes.”

“Understood. What have I missed while I was gone?”

“I sent Adviser Maren to help General Rasmussen with his civilian watch problem. She finished her course in diplomacy.” He took a sip of his brandy. “I talked with her at length. Patience and tact are not Maren’s strongest skills, but she’s intelligent. I think she plans on the old ‘I’ll help you and you’ll help me and we’ll both keep the Commander happy’ tack.”

“That’s a good one. I’ve used it many times. And occasionally I manage to make the other person think it was their idea.”

“As long as she gets results, and I don’t have General Rasmussen complaining to me, I’m content.”

“Did you give her a timeline?”

“No. I didn’t want to rush her. If she doesn’t get results or the general remains stubborn, then I’ll have to send a more influential adviser.” Ambrose gave Valek a pointed look.

Valek refrained from groaning aloud. Instead, he put his glass in the air and said, “Here’s hoping Maren has a successful mission.”

Ambrose clinked glasses and drank.

* * *

Valek entered Kenda’s office early the next morning. He updated her about the incidents in Castletown, and Trevar and Adrik’s new mission. “And I won the bet. Star was actively recruiting people for her network before the cold season started.”

Frowning, she reached into her desk. She pulled out a small purse bulging with coins and slapped it into his palm. “Those boys are playing with fire. Star isn’t easily fooled.”

“I’ve warned them, and I’ll have Hildred and Inrick keep an eye on them.”

“Don’t let her get too far with rebuilding her network. The more complex it becomes, the harder it is for us to unravel.”

“I won’t.”

“Do you want me to dig deeper into her corporation?”

“Yes, please.” With that taken care of, Valek switched subjects. “Have you heard from Ari and Janco?”

“Just a brief report that they’d arrived in MD-1. I don’t expect we’ll get another. After they finish their mission, they’ll be on the way home. Unless they get stuck by the blizzards, and then the messengers are trapped as well.”

Valek wasn’t worried about the power twins, but he’d like them to return soon. “I think Janco is highly motivated to get the job done quickly.”

Kenda laughed. “Janco apologized in the message for his shaking handwriting, claiming he was shivering uncontrollably.”

There was a knock on Kenda’s door. “Come in.”

A castle guard entered. He carried a small wooden crate. Red ribbon had been wrapped around it. The bow held a scroll the size of a cigar. “This came for the Commander.”

“From whom?”

“The man said it was given to him by a Sitian merchant at the exchange. He was told it’s from the Sitian Council.”

Valek straightened. Ever since relations had deteriorated with the Sitians, the merchant caravans have been exchanging goods at the border. Ixian merchandise heading to Sitia was given to Sitian caravans at the border and vice versa.

“Set it on the table please.” Kenda thanked the guard, dismissing him.

Screening of all packages addressed to the Commander was the standard safety procedure prior to delivery. After the man left, Valek and Kenda approached the crate.

He held a hand over the crate, seeking the sticky strands of magic. Finding none, he touched it. “No magic.” Pulling the scroll from the bow, Valek broke the seal and read the letter. “It’s from the Sitian Council. They are apologizing for the way Ambassador Signe’s visit ended. And they’d like to reestablish diplomatic communications. The crate is a peace offering.”

“Is it legit?”

“The paper is expensive, and the words are written with authoritative strokes.”

She put her hands on her hips. “How can you tell that?”

“There are no hitches. The letters flow together, and it’s obviously written by a person who does this for a living.”

“If you say so. Since it’s from the Sitian Council, maybe we should let the Commander open it?”

“No exceptions, Kenda.” Valek studied the crate. Except, for the thin gaps between boards, it was well constructed. “The top is nailed down. I’ll go get a crowbar.”

He strode down the hallway to their weapons cache, which was a fancy word for the medium sized storage room that had been converted into an armory for Valek’s corps. A variety of swords, knives, crossbows, blow pipes, darts, bo staffs, and sais had been arranged so they were easy to find and grab when in a hurry. Other tools and manacles hung on the back wall. Valek found the stack of crowbars. They came in handy for a smash and grab operation or a raid. When there was no time for picking locks, just break the windows and force open the doors.

Kenda was studying the scroll in the patch of sunlight that streamed through her hexagonal window. “Do you find it odd that the signature is just ‘The Sitian Council?’ I thought all the eleven clan members and four master magicians had to sign a document to make it legal.”

“They do for official documents like laws and treaties. But I don’t think it’s required for a friendly letter. Otherwise, they’d have to sign everything and that would be tedious and a logistical nightmare in tracking down all fifteen people.”

Valek shoved the thin end of the crowbar underneath the crate’s lid. “Hold the bottom, please.”

Kenda grabbed it as he levered the crowbar up. The nails creaked as the lid parted. Then it popped off, landing on the floor with a bang. Green coils filled the inside of the crate.

It took a couple heartbeats for Valek to recognize the shape rising slowly from the box.

“Snake!” he yelled.

Kenda jumped back just as it lunged for her arm. The creature reared for another strike. Valek pulled his dagger and leapt onto the table. It swiveled and bit into his leather boots. Before it could disengage, Valek swooped down and cut its head off.

“For the love of mischief, did someone just try to assassinate the Commander?” Kenda had retreated to the other side of her desk.

“It depends.” Careful to avoid its fangs, he pulled the creature’s head from his boot and tossed it on top of the body. Then he eased off the table. “If the person who sent it knows about our safety protocols, they wouldn’t expect the snake to reach the Commander. In that case, they’re sending either a warning or trying to cause trouble between Ixia and Sitia.” He cleaned the ichor from his blade.

“And if they didn’t know that we open all packages for the Commander, then it was an assassination attempt.” Kenda stood as far away from the dead snake as possible.

“Yes, with the Sitian Council implicated.” Except, he didn’t think the council would try to assassinate the Commander. “It could be from Cahil, the Wannabe King. He might be trying to provoke the Commander into retaliating against the council, which would aid in his we-should-attack-Ixia-before-they-attack-us campaign.”

“And if it was from the council?”

“That would be a declaration of war.” Valek covered the crate with the lid. “I need to find out what type of snake this is. It might not be venomous.”

“Why would anyone send a nonvenomous snake?”

Valek shrugged. “Perhaps as a gift. Maybe sending a snake is a Sitian gesture of good faith or something. I’m not going to jump to conclusions until I know more.”

“You’re taking that thing with you, right?”

“Ah, Kenda, I didn’t know you’re scared of snakes.”

“I didn’t know either. Not until one popped up in my office and tried to bite me.”

* * *

Valek carried the crate to his office. The clean scent of lemon filled the warm air. Either Brede had kept the brazier burning, or he’d heard Valek had returned from Castletown. He moved a few piles on his conference table, making room for his new acquisition. Once he had more information, he’d inform the Commander of the “gift.”

He grabbed a number of books on wildlife then went to his desk. Mr. Spider and his web were missing. It was the cold season, and the arachnid had lasted longer than he should, but Valek was still sad to see him gone.

Ignoring the stacks of reports on his desk, he sat in his chair and read through the books. After a few hours, he realized the texts focused only on creatures found in Ixia. Then he remembered he had a few more books in his apartment. Valek grabbed the crate.

In his suite, he set the crate onto the floor near the hearth. Brede had finished arranging his books by subject. He found the books in no time and settled onto his couch to read.

The snick of the lock opening sent him to his feet with his dagger in hand. But it was only Brede, who was equally surprised.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you’d returned,” Brede said, pushing his cart into the living area. “Good to see you hale and whole.”

“I got back late last night. What are you doing here?”

“Uh, cleaning like I always do.”

“What’s left to clean? This place is immaculate.”

“Thank you, but the windows need to be washed. Unless you’d rather I come back later?”

“No, that’s okay.” Valek resumed reading until the scent of lavender distracted him. “Brede?”

“Yes?” He paused with his rag on the window and glanced over.

“Why lavender? Why switch from lemon?”

“Oh, it’s a soothing scent. For relaxing and sleeping. I thought it was better than the sharp citrus scent, which is more energizing. Do you not like it? I can find?—”

“It’s fine. I was just curious.”

Valek flipped through the books but found no reference to Sitian snakes. The library might have— An idea sparked. “Brede, can you come here a minute?”

“Sure.” He dropped his rag into a bucket of water. “What do you need?”

“You mentioned that you encountered all manner of critters while cleaning, have you found any snakes?”

“A few. They come in during the cold season, seeking warmth.”

“Any venomous?”

“The Black Rattler is, but it goes dormant during the cold weather.”

Valek might have found an expert. He opened the crate. “Do you know what type of snake this is?”

Brede sucked in a harsh breath. “He’s dead!”

“It was him or me,” Valek said wryly.

“Oh. Sorry.” He pointed. “May I?”

“Go ahead.”

Brede picked up the snake’s head and examined it. Then he set it down and pulled the rest of its body from the crate. “Wow, he’s six feet, at least. And take a look at this pattern on his scales. It’s very distinctive. I know I’ve seen this before.” He tapped a fingernail on his chin. “It’s not native to Ixia.” Then he snapped his fingers. “There’s a book in the library about snakes.”

“Can you find out what type of snake this guy was? I need to know where they live and if they’re venomous or not.”

“Now?”

“Yes. The windows can wait.”

“Can I take him with me?”

“Yes. But bring him back to my office before dinner. And if you find that book, bring it along as well.”

“Will do!” Brede returned the snake to its box and left.

* * *

Valek was slowly going through fifteen days’ worth of reports. Paying particular attention to Gabor’s recent update, he read it twice. No mention or hint of trouble within the council, except the debate about Yelena’s status as a Soulfinder. Many people worried she’d abuse her power, while others championed her abilities.

Valek was glad Yelena moved closer to Irys. Together, they were quite formidable. And if he included her brother Leif, and Moon Man, Yelena had a strong network of people to back her up. He’d hoped she would soon make an official visit as the Liaison between Sitia and Ixia, but she was focusing on her magic at the moment, which made sense and was what she had planned. Although, Valek’s heart still thumped its impatience. It didn’t care about logic or plans.

A knock sounded. The door swung open before Valek could respond. Brede hustled in.

“Found it!” He set the crate down on Valek’s desk. A book rested on top. Brede flipped it open to a page, then showed it to Valek. “It’s a fer-de-lance snake.”

Dread filled Valek. Ferde, the man who had killed eleven young ladies in order to increase his magic, was given his moniker by one of his victims. Tula Cowan had compared him to a fer-de-lance snake and had shortened the name to Ferde.

Brede peered at him quizzically as he waited for a response.

“Good work. Are they venomous?”

“Very. No one survives their bite.” He tapped the crate. “How long was this inside the castle?”

“Ten to fifteen minutes. Why?”

“That is what saved you. These snakes are fast, but he was probably still recovering from the cold air, that would have slowed him down.”

“Don’t tell Kenda that.” Valek considered. “Where do they typically live?”

“In the southern clans of Sitia. Mostly in the Jewelrose and Cowan Clans. They like it hot and dry.”

“What about the Avibian Plains or the Daviian Plateau?”

“The plateau for sure, but only the southern part of the plains.”

Most likely, the gift had not come from the Sitian Council but from the unsanctioned Daviian Clan. Moon Man had called their magicians warpers and the rest vermin. It didn’t matter what you called them; the Commander was not going to be happy.

“Thanks, Brede, this is all great information.”

“Uh, what are you going to do with the snake?”

“I’m going to show it to the Commander and then throw it out.”

“Can I have it?”

Valek stilled. “Why?”

“I can repurpose much of it. The meat is edible and quite tasty. The skin can be turned into leather. And you can have the venom to slay your enemies.”

He stared at his housekeeper with an entirely new perspective. “That’s rather devious. You’d better be careful, or I might try to recruit you for my corps.”

“No, thank you. I’m content here.”

“When I’m done with it, you can repurpose the snake.”

“Goody.” Brede bounced on the balls of his feet. “I’d better get back to your windows.”

That reminded him. “What happened to Mr. Spider?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s not next to the window.”

“Oh! I relocated him.” Brede walked to the brazier. “See? He’s much warmer here, but it’s getting harder and harder to find insects for him.”

Ah, Brede kept his office warm not for him, but for Mr. Spider. Good to know where his priorities lay. Valek thanked Brede.

Once his housekeeper was gone, Valek mulled over the implications of the gift for the Commander. The best official response was to ignore it. Unofficially…

Valek had assigned a couple agents to watch the Daviians when he had returned to Ixia. They might be able to deliver an unofficial message. Except…

He returned to his desk and sorted through his files. It had been almost a month; they should have reported in by now. But he found nothing. Perhaps Kenda hadn’t processed their report yet. Valek headed for her office.

“If you have that snake with you, go away,” Kenda said when he appeared at her door.

“It’s dead.”

“Yeah, well…” She shuddered. “Did you find out where it came from?”

“Yes.” He explained his theories about the Daviian Clan. “Have we heard from the agents we sent to the plateau?”

Kenda glanced at the schedule. Written in code on an oversized chalkboard were all their agents’ locations and when they last reported in. “Not yet. But they’re pretty far south. It probably took them a good two weeks to get down there and to establish a cover. Another week to investigate. Then the closest safe house is in Booruby, a city in the Cowan Clan’s land. And a message from Booruby takes about eight days via horse to reach Ixia. Add in the transfer at the border, and it’s been thirty-one days total. So, I’d expect a report any day now.”

Valek relaxed. The snake hadn’t been a message that the Daviians discovered his agents. Besides, they’d probably send Valek their heads or another identifying body part. Unfortunately, that had happened before.

“When the report comes in, please make it a priority.”

“Will do.”

Valek had one more stop before informing the Commander about the snake. He wove through the crowded and noisy throne room, heading toward Adviser Ilom’s desk. The adviser had done him a favor by allowing Valek to pretend to be him when they were in Sitia. Being rather easy going, Ilom thought it’d been an adventure. Plus, he appreciated the bottle of his favorite bourbon that Valek had given to thank him.

“Ah, Adviser Valek, what do I owe the pleasure?” Ilom asked. “Do you need a doppelganger again? I’ve been growing my hair just in case.”

Valek was glad to see that the scratches Ilom received from the Wannabe King had healed without leaving a scar.

He laughed. “Is that what you tell the Commander when he comments on your unmilitary hairstyle?”

“It hasn’t grown that long, but I’m sure to get a snide comment from our fearless leader soon. It’s unfair that you get to keep yours longer.”

“Perks of the job.” Valek set the crate on the desk. “Speaking of the job, since you’re the expert in Sitian diplomacy, do you know what the Sitian Council would send to Ixia as a peace offering?”

Ilom straightened in his chair. “Are they trying to reconcile? I haven’t heard.”

“I’m still working that out.”

The adviser glanced at the box, but when Valek didn’t offer an explanation, he said, “From what I know of the Sitians, they enjoy discovering what a person likes and gifting that item. For example, when they traveled to Ixia for the trade treaty, Fourth Magician brought a bottle of their most expensive cognac because it’s well known the Commander enjoys the drink. Which is why I never believed they would poison the cognac. Anyway, I’d say they would send a collection of Sitian teas, an assortment of their finest liqueurs, and a box of Greenblade cigars as a peace offering.”

“What would they send as a warning?”

“They might send a letter expressing their displeasure, or one of their master magicians to intimidate or threaten us.” Ilom leaned back. “Why are you asking?”

Valek handed him the scroll. “Is this legit?”

Ilom unrolled it, scanned the words, then rubbed it between his fingers. “High quality parchment and ink. I don’t recognize the handwriting, but we get so few letters from Sitia. What was the peace offering?”

Valek pulled the lid open.

Ilom jumped to his feet with a cry. When nothing happened, he pressed his hand to his chest. “You could have warned me.”

“That’s no fun.”

“That’s no gift, either. The council would never send a snake. That’d be a declaration of war.”

“That’s what I thought, but I wanted to double check this wasn’t some Sitian custom.”

“Next time, omit the dramatics and just ask.” Ilom sank back into his seat. “Good thing I still have some of that bourbon left.”

Valek laughed. Now that he had done his due diligence, he was ready to report to the Commander.

“Come in,” the Commander called.

He entered and set the crate on the Commander’s desk. “This package came for you today.” Valek handed him the scroll.

The Commander scanned the note and raised an eyebrow. “A peace offering?”

“Not quite.” Valek revealed the snake and explained his theory.

“This confirms that the Daviians are dangerous,” the Commander said. “Let’s wait for the report from your agents before we take any action.”

“And if we don’t get a report?”

“Then I expect you to personally deliver my response.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * *

Valek was just about to finish his work for the day when a knock sounded on his apartment door. He froze. No one ever knocked. Brede had a key and no one else was allowed passed the guards. Except, Yelena and?—

Ah, right. He hurried to open the door. Ari and Janco waited in the hallway.

“We’re back!” Janco said. “Did you miss us?”

Glad they had returned before the storms, he refrained from using the Commander’s toothache comeback. “It’s late. Did you run into problems on the road?” He scanned them. They were rumpled and disheveled. Fatigue lined their faces.

“Nah, we just wanted to avoid another night sleeping in a cold travel shelter.” Janco rubbed his back. “I think the ground is softer than those beds.”

“We weren’t sure if you wanted us to report in right away or wait until the morning,” Ari said.

“Is there anything time sensitive?” Valek asked.

“No, sir.”

“Then go get some sleep. Report to the Commander’s office after breakfast, I’ll meet you there.”

“Yes, sir.”

The next morning, Valek calculated how long Ari and Janco had been gone. They’d returned on the ninth day of the cold season, which meant they had spent ten days up in MD-1 and seventeen days traveling. It should have been eighteen, but it sounded like they’d pushed to get home.

Both men waited for Valek outside the Commander’s office. Wearing clean uniforms, they looked refreshed.

Valek knocked and entered with Ari and Janco right behind him. The three of them stood in front of the Commander’s desk. If he was glad to see Ari and Janco, he didn’t give any indication.

“Report,” the Commander said.

Janco glanced at Ari as if to say, ‘you go first.’

“We arrived in MD-1 on the fifty-first day of the cooling season,” Ari said. “We rendezvoused with Agent Kelia and her partner, Agent Cyrus, and they updated us on the situation. They had figured out that General Kitvivan’s hunting party planned on capturing snow cats by correctly deducing that the large steel traps and live sheep were for the cats, and not for other game.”

“How do you know they were correct?” the Commander asked.

“We observed teams of hunters setting the traps at various spots on the Northern Ice Pack. After they secured a sheep in each cage, they retreated.”

The Commander’s gaze turned icy. “Did they capture any snow cats?”

Janco scoffed. “Those cats are too smart to fall for a bunch of bleating sheeps.”

“No, sir,” Ari said, keeping his formal tone despite shooting his partner an exasperated look. No doubt because of Janco’s insistence that sheeps is the correct plural form of sheep. “We sabotaged their efforts.”

Intrigued, Valek asked, “How?”

“Well, first we released all those poor sheeps. Took them to a local farmer who promised to only shear them and not harm them.”

“We replaced them with mock snow cats,” Ari said.

“Mock?”

“You should have seen them!” Janco chortled. “Kelia sculpted them out of snow. We gathered bits of rocks and sticks and stuff for their face, teeth, and claws. I swear at ten paces out, they looked alive. She’s super talented.”

Valek hid his grin.

“When the hunters returned, they thought they had captured the cats,” Ari said. “They were so focused on their prize; they didn’t notice us.”

“My mother always told me to be aware of my surroundings,” Janco said. “Those guys obviously don’t know my mother. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gotten caught in their own traps.”

“We rounded up the wagons and horses and brought the full cages back to General Kitvivan.”

“A thoughtful present, but the general disagreed.” Janco tsked . “However, it was a convincing visual to back up our credentials.”

“I’d say. What did Kitvivan do?” Valek asked.

“At first, he threatened to throw us in jail, and then he tried to bribe us. He’s a very disagreeable fellow. But Mr. Unflappable here”—Janco hooked a thumb toward Ari—"just stared him down. Told him if he didn’t stop hunting snow cats, we’d be back with the Commander’s elite guard and a newly promoted general of MD-1.”

“That was rather bold,” the Commander said to Ari.

“I determined the general is the type of man who values his position over all else. The threat worked and he promised not to hunt them anymore.”

“How can you be certain he’ll keep his word?”

“I can’t, but Kelia and Cyrus will remain vigilant,” Ari said.

“And if he tries again?”

Ari met the Commander’s gaze. “You’ve told him not to hunt the cats, and we’ve warned him. What’s the next step if he breaks his promise?”

The Commander laughed. “I’ll send my elite guard and promote another colonel to general.”

Proud of how his seconds handled the situation, Valek smiled. “I’d recommend Colonel Laban. In fact, why wait? Be proactive and promote them now.”

“I’m well aware of your opinions about the generals, Valek,” the Commander said. “Well done, Ari and Janco, you’re dismissed.”

“Yes, sir,” they said, then left.

He moved to follow, but the Commander called him back. “I think they’re going to work out. Well done, Valek.”

“Thank you.”

When he exited the office, both Ari and Janco fell into step with him.

“What did he say?” Janco asked anxiously. “I should have kept my mouth shut like we planned. Did I overstep?”

“If you did, he would have told you.” Valek waited until they were away from the throne room and in a quieter part of the castle. Then he stopped and turned to them. “The Commander doesn’t say ‘well done’ very often. When he does, it means he’s very pleased. You did an excellent job, and you’ll have to tell me exactly how you managed to capture all the hunters.”

“Caught that omission, did you?” A gleam shone in Janco’s eyes.

“That’s because the hunters triggered the traps when they entered to remove the fake snow cats,” Ari said. “They were so angry about the ruse, they forgot.”

“Aww, Ari. You can’t just tell him everything. We could have bargained for that information.”

“No, you technically can’t,” Valek said. “But how about I buy you both an ale at the pub tonight to celebrate your successful mission?”

Janco pressed both his hands to his heart. “Best boss ever!”

* * *

Worry gnawed on Valek’s thoughts. Kenda had just delivered a combination of good and bad news. Trevar and Adrik had been successfully recruited by Star and their first mission for her was to find out who was supplying illegal goods to the black market dealers, which was also what Valek needed to know. The bad was the continuing silence from his agents sent to the Daviian Plateau.

Valek knew from experience that not all missions went as planned. In fact, most didn’t. So, he’d waited an extra week for them to report in. But now it was the fourteenth day of the cold season and still no word. He debated whether he should send Ari and Janco to investigate or not.

A knock in the late afternoon interrupted his thoughts. “Come in.”

Agent Gabor entered. The spy should be down in the Sitian Citadel, keeping an eye on the council and Yelena. And not here with snowflakes melting on the short strands of his black hair and the shoulders of his cloak.

Fear immediately coiled around Valek’s heart. “Yelena?”

“As far as I know, Yelena’s fine,” Gabor said.

That brought Valek no comfort. “Why are you here?”

“Because I couldn’t trust this news to a messenger.”

“That bad?”

“Yes, and that sensitive, which is why I came straight to you.”

Valek cursed. It had to be about the Sitian Council. “Let’s go. You can report it to both me and the Commander.”

As they hurried to the Commander’s office, Valek asked about the missing agents. “Have you seen any of our corps in the Citadel?”

“No one has come through recently. Why?”

He explained. Now Gabor cursed, but he just shook his head at Valek’s questioning glance.

The Commander was having a meeting with three of his advisers. But he took one look at Valek’s expression and Gabor’s presence and dismissed the trio.

“This better be important,” the Commander said once the others left.

“I assure you, sir, it is of the upmost importance,” Gabor said.

“Well then, report.”

“The Sitian Council has been very quiet about the status of the criminal named Ferde Daviian. According to all my sources, the man was locked in the special holding cells for magicians in the bowels of the Council Hall. I’ve learned that Ferde has not only escaped, but Cahil Ixia aided him.”

An icy dread flowed through Valek’s veins. He really should have killed Cahil when he’d had the chance. “When did this happen?” he asked.

“That’s the thing. It happened soon after Ambassador Signe left Sitia, in the middle of the cooling season.”

“I’m amazed they managed to keep it a secret for so long,” the Commander said. “How did you find out?”

Gabor glanced at Valek. “Liaison Yelena Zaltana left the Magician’s Keep quite suddenly on day four of the cold season. She was with her brother Leif, and another man. I managed to discover that they’d received a tip about Ferde and Cahil’s location from someone named Moon Man.”

“That makes sense,” Valek said. “Ferde is running home to the Daviian Plateau. And I guess Cahil made a deal with him. Something along the lines of ‘I’ll free you if you help me conquer Ixia.’ That snake must be their declaration of war.”

“What snake?” Gabor asked.

Valek explained.

“Ah, that probably also explains about the missing agents. They’ve probably been discovered and killed,” Gabor said.

“It’s obvious that the Sitian Council, despite having four master magicians, cannot handle this Daviian situation,” the Commander said. “They’ve bungled it from the start.” His gaze sent a chill right through Valek’s body.

“Valek, I want you to assassinate the entire Sitian Council.”