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

Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

W arpers were in the Citadel.

Warpers who had enhanced their magical powers with that Kirakawa ritual.

Warpers who would be hard to fight with mundane tactics. Valek could kill a few, but how many of them were already here? Enough to overrun the council and take over? This was bad.

Valek hurried back to the safe house. Now that he’d seen them, he spotted them everywhere. He’d been so focused on the council; he hadn’t given any thought to what the Daviians might do after they’d decimated the Sandseed Clan. It made complete sense that they would attack the council before they had time to respond to the massacre.

He had to warn the council. Scoffing, he imagined the Scourge of Sitia informing the Sitian Council they were about to be attacked by warpers. That would not go over well. Should he gather his people and leave? No. The only thing he could do was warn Irys. She was the only person who might trust him. Valek just needed to figure out the best time and place to approach the Master Magician.

* * *

“I’ve news,” Brigi said, when she returned from her shift at the stables.

“Go on.” Valek set the kettle on the hearth. A storm had swept in from the north and sleet rattled against the windows. Poor Janco.

“There’s going to be a special meeting tomorrow morning,” she said.

“An emergency session?” Maybe they already knew about the warpers. One could hope.

“No. This is different. More of a strategy conference. They invited their aides and specialists. I think they’re planning their attack, deciding which clans are providing soldiers, and working on logistics. Stuff like that.”

At least it was progress. But it might be too late. “I’ll make sure I’m in position.” He’d slip inside during the early morning shift change. “Have you noticed more Sandseeds in the Citadel?”

She cocked her head at the change in subject but creased her brow in thought. “Actually, yes. I assumed they were the survivors. Yes, I know, I know. Never assume. Sorry!”

“I missed it as well. My ego took a serious blow when a ten year old boy pointed it out to me.”

She smiled. “What does it mean?”

“It means you need to be ready to leave if things go south.”

“I don’t think I will be a target. They would go after the councilors and magicians, but I’m part of the work force. It doesn’t make sense for them to kill everyone. Yes, they did murder all the Sandseeds, but like you said, they were a real threat. I think having someone on the inside would be beneficial. I could send messages.”

“You would risk your life for the Sitians?”

“Of course. They’re not our enemy. Sure, they bark at the Commander because they’re afraid, but the real villains in this case are the Daviians.”

True.

* * *

Trudging through the semi-darkness of dawn, Valek fought the wind and pulled his hood down to protect his face from the sleet. What a miserable start to the day. He arrived at the Council Hall at the tail end of the shift change. His boots crunched on the slush as he climbed the steps and entered the building.

All the guards who had arrived for duty were shaking off the sleet and grumbling about the weather. Valek followed them to the guard’s room. He hung his cloak on a peg. As they dispersed for their posts, he headed toward the waiting room. Soon, he was in the rafters. This time, he’d brought a small pack of supplies. He suspected he might be up here all day.

Councilors, magicians, and aides started arriving an hour later. Maps were spread on the tables, pots of tea were brought in, and conversations buzzed. Obviously, this would be a more casual gathering. Yet, something had changed. An undercurrent of fear hummed. Valek wondered what had happened yesterday to alter everyone’s… No, not everyone, only the councilors’ demeanors.

The answer walked in with Cahil. He brought four Daviians with him. Vermin or warpers? Hard to tell who wielded magic and who didn’t since their plain brown tunics and pants covered their skin. Councilor Harun scowled at all of them except the man standing next to him. Valek guessed he was a Sandseed warrior. One of the survivors? The man glared at everyone. No one dared approach him.

Cahil introduced his new Daviian friends as those he had converted to their side. The councilors stiffened and shook hands awkwardly. Irys and Bain kept exchanging confused glances. They must have also noticed the Councilor’s fear. No, not fear. Terror. Had the council realized that the Daviians had already invaded the Citadel?

The session began with a discussion of moving soldiers from the southern garrisons north, toward the border. That answered the question of who the Sitians would attack first. The councilors agreed to everything Roze proposed, eliciting alarmed looks between Irys and Bain. The Daviians stayed out of the debate but had moved to the edges of the group, as if assuming a protective position. Or was it a defensive stance? Were they waiting for reinforcements?

Sweat trickled down Valek’s back. Was he about to witness the fall of the Sitian government?

Valek listened to their plans, but nothing snagged his full attention. It was as if they were just going through the motions. The meeting ended and everyone drifted into groups. One of the Citadel’s guards rushed into the great hall. He headed directly to Roze and interrupted her conversation. Bold. It must be important.

She frowned at whatever news he’d brought. Then she dismissed him and strode over to Irys. Fourth Magician’s tight expression at Roze’s approach relaxed as they spoke. Irys smiled and nodded. Still unhappy, Roze turned on her heel and joined Cahil.

Valek’s heart thumped a question. What would make Irys happy and Roze scowl? Or rather who ? He ignored it. Speculation would only lead to disappointment. By the time Irys sought out Bain, her smile had faded. And Valek was glad he hadn’t allowed his heart to hope.

About ten minutes later, three people entered the great hall. His heart swelled in smug satisfaction while the rest of him melted with relief. Yelena scanned the great hall while her companions, Moon Man and another Sandseed warrior, headed straight for Councilor Sandseed. She hung back, uncertain, and Valek wanted to swoop down, throw her over his shoulder, and carry her away from all this danger. Then tuck her into bed. She looked exhausted.

Irys spotted her and hurried toward her. Yelena took one look at her friend’s dire expression and scanned the room again. When she spotted Cahil, Yelena was no longer uncertain. Anger flashed in her green eyes, and she stepped toward the man.

Grabbing her arm, Irys pulled Yelena aside. “Now is not the time.”

“What’s going on?” Yelena demanded.

Irys glanced around at the councilors hovering nearby. Then she stared at Yelena. Valek guessed they were mentally communicating with their magic. Handy skill, especially when you were surrounded by enemies. He had his nonverbal signals, but they weren’t as effective as having a conversation.

At one point during their silent discussion Yelena jolted as if shocked. Yes, love, Cahil has managed to convince the Sitian Council he was on a mission for Roze and those Daviians you see are allies.

Moon Man and the other Sandseed finished their conversation with their Councilman and joined Yelena and Irys.

“There are about a dozen Sandseed survivors,” Moon Man said. “They came to the Citadel and are staying here for now. Only one Story Weaver besides me survived. It is Gede, and he is the one we need to talk to about the Fire Warper.”

Irys said, “Who?—”

Moon Man kept talking. “You said Master Bloodgood has a few books about the Efe, right?”

“Yes,” Yelena said.

“We should examine them. Gede and I will come to the Keep tomorrow morning.” Moon Man turned and walked away.

“That was rather abrupt,” Irys said.

Valek agreed. Moon Man was one of Yelena’s friends.

“He’s been through a lot.”

“And so have you.” Irys linked her arm with Yelena’s. They headed toward the exit. “Tell me about this Fire Warper. Leif had only sketchy details.”

Valek suppressed a groan as she disappeared from sight. And now he was stuck in the rafters until everyone was gone. To pass the time, he considered Moon Man’s comment about books on the Efe.

They had been an ancient tribe and the ancestors of the current Sandseed Clan. Known for their powerful magic, they also created a number of rites and rituals to increase their power. One of the rituals was named the Efe. Ferde had used it to harvest the souls of his victims before killing them. The twelfth victim had to go to him willingly, and once their soul was obtained, Ferde would have gained enough magical power to counter all four master magicians. Thankfully, Yelena stopped him before he finished the ritual. And now, he would never be a threat again. Well done, love.

* * *

It was dark before he could escape the Council Hall. Every muscle had stiffened, and his back hurt from sitting on the hard wood. He gazed at the Keep as a cold wind froze the slush piles, turning the puddles into ice.

As much as he longed to find Yelena, Valek knew she needed her rest. She would forgo sleep to get reacquainted. And to pump him for information. They’d be up all night talking. No, best she had a peaceful night. He’d find her tomorrow.

Brigi had returned to the safe house along with Janco, who sat on the edge of the hearth, warming his backside. They were both excited that Yelena was alive and safe inside the Citadel.

“It is just as dangerous here,” Valek said. “We’ll have to see what the council decides about her actions with Ferde. They’re normally logical, but something has spooked them.” He explained about their behavior during the meeting.

“Now that she’s back, am I off duty?” Janco asked with a hopeful tone.

“Not yet. I need you to keep an eye on the movements of the Daviians.”

Janco wilted.

“There’s wool socks and wool long johns upstairs with the disguises,” Brigi said. “No one will see them underneath your clothes.”

He sighed. “Thanks. The others have built a campfire back behind the hall to keep warm. But that ruins my night vision.”

“It’s only for another couple nights,” Valek said. “I get the sense things are about to blow up.” He filled them in on what he’d learned.

* * *

Dressed as one of the cooking staff in a gray tunic and pants, Valek headed toward the Magician’s Keep. Fast footsteps sounded behind him. He whirled around, but it was only Fisk. And from the gleam in the boy’s eyes, he had some hot gossip for Valek.

“How much this time?”

“This news is worth five silvers. It comes directly from one of the housekeeping staff.”

Valek didn’t bother haggling; he just handed over the coins.

“The Sitian Council is going to have a special trial tonight. Someone named Captain Marrok has agreed to testify under oath, which means the First Magician can use her magic to ensure he’s telling the truth.”

Interesting and worth the five silvers. “Thanks, Fisk.”

“Anytime!” He took off, running back the way he’d come.

Considering the recent news, Valek believed it to be a good move. Marrok’s testimony would reveal Cahil’s lies and reveal Roze’s involvement in freeing Ferde.

He entered the Magician’s Keep without trouble. From what he’d overheard yesterday, Moon Man and someone named Gede would visit Bain Bloodgood to examine his books. No doubt Yelena and Irys would also be in attendance.

Valek arrived just in time to see Yelena and Irys exit the dining hall. They headed toward the southeast corner of the Keep, entering Bain Bloodgood’s tower. There were four towers that stood in each corner of the Keep. These towers housed the master magicians. Since there were currently four masters, they each had their own. But with ten levels, they could easily share. Yelena was living in Irys’s tower in the northwest corner.

Valek found a hidden spot to watch. After a few minutes, Moon Man and Gede arrived. Gede was the man who had been with Councilor Harun. Did that mean the man who entered the great hall with Moon Man and Yelena had been Tauno? He’d find out when he was reunited with Yelena. That thought warmed him.

Unfortunately, after the meeting at Bain’s, Yelena went into the infirmary. Immediate worry bloomed in his chest. Was she wounded? No. Her stride had been easy. Perhaps she was checking on the patients. Yelena had powerful healing magic.

As Valek waited for her, Bain and Irys crossed the campus toward Roze Featherstone’s tower. But halfway there, Irys turned into the Administration building, while Bain continued on. His white hair blew in the wind. Valek wondered why Bain would leave his tower at all. With the ability to communicate with the other master magicians, he could be warm and cozy next to his hearth instead of facing the elements. In fact, they all could work separately. Instead, they had offices in the Administration building and in the Council Hall, and also had their studies in their towers.

Eventually, Yelena left the infirmary and headed toward Roze’s tower. Keeping to the shadows, he followed her. She hesitated outside the doorway. This was the second time Valek had witnessed her hesitate. Something wasn’t right. And then he remembered Roze planned to assess Yelena when she returned from her mission. To test if she was a danger to others.

The door opened and Bain peered out. “Come in, child. It is cold outside.”

Yelena followed him. Valek wished he could go with her. She would be facing three master magicians. But she had her Soulfinding power and had withstood Roze’s attack before. Well, with his help. And he’d been far away in Ixia at the time. Now, he was much closer. If she needed him, he wouldn’t hesitate to give her all of his strength.

After an hour, Yelena left. Her worried expression, quick pace, and fisted hands didn’t bode well. She went straight to Irys’s tower and didn’t bother to lock the door behind her. Another bad sign. The tap of her boots sounded above him, and he followed her up the steps.

On the third level, he spotted Yelena standing in the middle of a round room with her back to him. It was sparsely furnished with an armoire, a desk, a single bed, and a night table. He doubted she spent much time here.

Yelena laughed.

He leaned against the doorway and crossed his arms. “What’s so funny?”

She jerked in surprise and whirled around. “I was thinking about curtains.” She grinned and moved toward him.

“Curtains are funny?”

“In comparison to all my other thoughts, yes, curtains can be amusing. But you, sir, are the best thing that’s happened to me all day, all week and, now that I think about it, all season.”

Two steps and she was wrapped in his arms. Joy raced through his veins. He breathed in her lavender scent. “That’s the best welcome I’ve had all day.” All year, if he was being honest.

“Do I want to know why you’re here?” she asked.

“No.”

She sighed. “Should I know why you’re here?”

“Yes. But not now.” He leaned over and his lips met hers. The world and all his problems disappeared. Nothing else mattered but the woman in his arms.

* * *

Spooned around Yelena on the narrow bed, Valek slept peacefully. Until she nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. It was late afternoon, and the air in the room was icy.

Valek moved to get up. “I’ll make a fire?—”

“No!” She grabbed his arm, stopping him.

He peered at her in concern. Yelena looked almost frightened.

“You’ll need to reapply your makeup,” she said, brushing a black strand of hair away from his face.

He took her hand in his. “Nice try, but you are going to tell me why you don’t want a fire.”

“Only if you tell me why you’re here.” She countered.

“Agreed.”

She told Valek about Ferde’s escape, Cahil’s involvement, and the appearance of the Fire Warper. And by the way her voice hitched and trembled slightly, he knew exactly who she was afraid of. No fire in the room meant that the Fire Warper couldn’t reach her. He also learned that she had saved Stono’s life by collecting his soul and returning it to his healed body.

Then she recounted her conversation with Irys in the Council Hall. Valek knew most of the information, but it was still important to hear her side of the story and get her impressions.

“According to Cahil, the Daviians are in league with the Commander of Ixia,” Yelena said.

“It’s ridiculous to think the Commander is working with these Daviians.” Valek considered her comments. “So, the Wannabe King has chosen to ignore the truth about his birth. You’ve got to admit his ability to dupe the entire council is impressive.”

“Not the entire council. Irys doesn’t believe Cahil and I’m sure there are others.” She waved her hand in a shooing motion. “Doesn’t matter. It’s not my concern. I’ve been told to be a good little student and mind my own business.”

Valek snorted. “Like you would listen to them.”

“I agreed.”

He laughed long and hard. “You. Not. Get involved.” Valek paused to catch his breath. “You’ve been in the midst of trouble ever since you became the Commander’s food taster, love. You would never walk away.” It’d been ages since he had a good laugh. He wiped tears from his cheeks.

“This is different,” she argued. “Then I didn’t have a choice.”

“Oh? And you have a choice now?”

“Yes. I’ll let the council deal with these Daviians, and I’ll stay out of trouble.”

“But you know they can’t counter them.”

“They don’t want my help.”

Valek sobered. Yelena never backed down. The Fire Warper had rattled her confidence. Despite her fear, this wasn’t the time to be a good little student. “What happens when the Daviians win?” he asked.

“I’ll stay with you in Ixia.”

While he’d love that, it wasn’t so simple. “What about your parents? Leif? Moon Man? Irys? Do they come with you? And what happens when these Daviian Warpers with their incredible blood magic decide to follow you to Ixia? What choice will you have then?” He studied her face. “You can’t let your fear of the Fire Warper stop you from?—”

Annoyed, she snapped. “The council has stopped me. They’re the ones who are against me.”

Against her? Now she was being paranoid. “You just said there are a few councilors on your side. Once the council hears Marrok’s evidence tonight, they’ll believe you about the Wannabe King.”

“How did you know about Marrok?” she demanded.

“Servants. Their information network is far superior to a corps of trained spies.” And it appeared young Fisk’s and his helper’s guild were on track to rival them. “I’ll tell you about the session later tonight.”

“You rat! It’s a closed meeting. Only you would try to pull it off.”

“You know me, love.” He didn’t tell her he’d been snooping all along, just in case Irys or one of the other master magicians read her thoughts. He knew they had an Ethical Code, but from what he had learned about Roze, she would ignore it in a heartbeat if she thought it would benefit Sitia.

“I know. You crave a challenge and you’re cocky.”

He grinned. “I wouldn’t call it cocky. A certain amount of self-confidence is needed, especially in my line of work.” He sobered. “And for yours.”

She ignored the implication. “Speaking of work, we made a deal. Why are you here?”

He stretched his arms over his head and yawned, considering how best to answer her question.

“Valek,” she warned, poking him in the ribs. “Tell me.”

“The Commander sent me.”

“Why?”

“To assassinate the Sitian Council.”

She gaped in surprise. “You’re not?—”

“No. It’s the wrong thing to do right now. The Commander based his decision on the state of Sitian affairs before these Daviian Warpers showed up. He allowed me a degree of flexibility on this mission. We need to find out what’s going on. The council meeting tonight might reveal crucial information.”

“We?”

“Yes. We .” He needed her help. Plus, the old adage about being thrown off a horse applied to this situation. The only way for Yelena to regain her confidence was to get back on that cantankerous horse.

She sighed. They both hunted for the pieces of their hastily discarded clothing.

“What are you doing tonight?” he asked, pulling on his pants.

“I’ve a meeting with Gede Sandseed in one of the Citadel’s guest quarters. He’s also a Story Weaver, and he said he could help me learn about how to be a Soulfinder.”

“I thought you knew how to be a Soulfinder?”

“Apparently, there’s more to it.” She rubbed her hands along her sleeves as she shuddered.

“What about Moon Man? Isn’t he your Story Weaver?”

“He was. We had a bit of a falling out. Gede offered to help me without using cryptic and mysterious language. And in order to regain the trust of the council, I need to work with Gede.” She scowled. “I’ve learned one thing already. There’s this…shadow world. It’s exactly like our world except it’s all gray. According to Moon Man, it’s the world’s shadow. Moon Man said the souls of his people haunt that world.”

Valek had heard about it. “He told me that you and Leif were in the shadow world when you had to…uh…untangle your relationship.”

“That makes sense. I think the Story Weavers use it as a stage to show people the threads of their lives. Those Sandseed souls are part of my story.”

“It’s not your fault they died.”

“I know, but I took the emotional turmoil of the massacre from Moon Man. It threatened to drown him. And I promised to help the souls somehow. But not now.”

“Good. The dead can wait. We need to protect the living.” He kissed her long and hard. It was a promise.

Valek left. Muscling through the cold wind, he hurried across the campus. There wasn’t much time for him to switch into his guard’s uniform and report for the evening shift change.

* * *

He’d just reached his rafter when the councilors and master magicians entered the great hall. Settling on the narrow wooden beam, he exhaled a long breath. That was close.

Roze pounded her gavel, and everyone quieted. Valek noted that Cahil and a few of his pet Daviians were also in attendance.

“I call Marrok Ixia to appear before the council,” Roze said.

Marrok entered. He strode to the podium despite being flanked by two guards.

Once he faced the council, Roze said. “Marrok Ixia, please tell the council why you are here.”

“I am here to set the record straight about the events surrounding the escape of Ferde Daviian.”

“May I have your permission to use magic to confirm your statement?” Roze asked.

“You may,” he said formally.

This should be interesting. Valek leaned forward to get a better look. Not that he could see Roze’s magic, but Marrok’s grip on the podium tightened as if he fought to stay upright against a strong gale.

“Marrok Ixia, report,” Roze ordered.

His mouth moved, but no words came out. Marrok gazed at Roze in panic.

“You cannot lie. You can only speak the truth.”

“I…” He swallowed, then the words gushed from his mouth. “I freed Ferde.”

Gasps and murmurs sounded. Cahil smirked. Poor Marrok had been forced to spew a lie.

Roze leaned back, giving him a smug smile. “Continue.”

“I planned to frame Cahil, so he’d be arrested, and I would be promoted to team leader. Once in charge of the soldiers, I would then join Ferde and the Daviians in their attempt to provoke a war with Ixia. But Cahil figured it out. He beat the information from me, and then went to join Ferde in my place.”

“Freeing a prisoner from the Council Hall’s special cells is a difficult task,” Roze said. “Did you work alone, or did you have accomplices?”

“I had help.” Sweat glistened on his forehead.

“Who helped you?” she asked.

Marrok’s body shook. “Yelena and Leif Zaltana.”