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

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

V alek’s heart paused. Execute Yelena, Leif, and the others? The Commander couldn’t be serious. Could he? Best to act as if he was. Jolting his heart back into action, he said, “That’s exactly what the Sitian Council wants you to do. Yelena and her companions are a threat to the Daviians. You would be doing them a favor, and not all the councilors are with Roze. Two master magicians have been arrested for treason. We have some allies in the Citadel.”

“And according to Yelena, her Councilman, Bavol Zaltana, is also an ally. Yelena wants to return to the Citadel to talk to him.”

“By herself?”

“No, she requested your aid and a few of your corps. I told her no, it’s too dangerous.”

Which just meant she would either go on her own or take her friends with her.

“I offered her a job as my adviser.”

“Did she accept?”

“Not yet.”

Another clue she didn’t plan on staying.

The Commander sipped his brandy. “She asked about her companions. I told her they could be a part of her staff, but they are not to use their magic against any Ixians without my permission.”

That was amazing progress. “Does this mean you’re not planning on executing them?”

“For now.”

“And you couldn’t have led with that?”

The Commander’s icy expression melted several degrees. “Where’s the fun in that? Although, I might tie Leif up with a big bow and send him back to the Sitians.”

“Why?”

“He had the audacity to criticize my way of governing Ixia during dinner.”

Ho boy. The Commander did not entertain often. “I’m sure Yelena told him the error of his ways.”

“I hope so. We’re having a meeting tomorrow afternoon. I want you, Ari, and Janco in attendance. I also want ideas on how to stop these Daviians.”

“Yes, sir.”

Valek entered his suite. He breathed in the scent of lavender and smiled. The thought of Yelena becoming an adviser and staying in Ixia was a pleasant one. Unrealistic, but a man could dream. He lit a single lantern and trudged up to bed. The crisp sheets were clean and fresh.

Ahhh. He sank into his comfortable mattress—a decadent luxury compared with the couch he’d been sleeping on. Tomorrow night, Yelena would join him. Ahhh.

* * *

The next morning, Valek stopped in Kenda’s office to update her.

“Yeah, Gabor filled me in on the situation. Anything new since then?” she asked.

He brought her up to date. “Any news from our agents sent to the plateau?”

“No.” She gestured to the board on her wall. “I’ve marked them as missing-in-action and presumed dead.”

Although he already suspected their fates, Valek slumped in his chair. He would need to inform their next of kins. It was the worst part of his job.

“How about some good news?” she asked. “Trevar and Adrik are becoming Star’s go-to recruits. She’s still in the preliminary stages of building her network, but they’re in the inner circle.”

Valek was glad to hear it. “Do they know what she’s planning?”

“Her smuggling operation took a big hit. One of her clients fired her. Seems the cargo, so to speak, never arrived in Sitia. The person was supposed to send a letter to the client once safely in Sitia. A letter arrived but without the proper code words.”

It must have been Porter. “Do Trevar and Adrik know the name of the client?”

“Not yet.”

Valek considered. Porter had been saving young magicians and sending them to Sitia. Why would they go missing? The Sitians should be thrilled. “Kenda, I know who the client is, and I need you?—”

“I’m not an idiot, Valek. I’ve known as well. Don’t worry, I won’t tell the Commander. I’m glad Porter’s helping those poor kids. Do you want me to provide a safe escort for his ducklings? Maybe Trevar and Adrik could impress Star even more by getting her client back and taking his ducks into Sitia.”

“That’s an excellent idea. But hold off until it’s safer.”

“And how exactly are you going to make it safe?”

“I’m working on it. In fact, I’m heading to talk to an expert now.”

Valek left Kenda’s office and searched for Yelena. The Commander had assigned the group to a guest suite. The main room had a large comfortable couch, a scattering of soft chairs, desks, and tables. Four bedrooms branched off the main area, two on each side. A row of round windows along the back wall let in the early morning sunlight.

Moon Man sat on the couch with Marrok. Tauno prowled from one end of the room to the other like a caged animal. They all glanced at Valek when he entered.

“I’m glad you weren’t fried,” Valek said to Moon Man.

“I am as well.”

“How are you feeling, Marrok?”

Marrok looked at Moon Man in confusion.

“His injuries are healed,” Moon Man said. “But his mind has been shredded. I am trying to repair the damage.”

“I figured Roze forced him to confess. Can you fix him?”

“I can try.”

“Is Yelena here?”

Moon Man chuckled. “I admire your patience. She is not. Leif is in his room if you want to talk to him.”

“Do you know where she is?”

“I do not.”

He remembered Yelena’s comment about them having a falling out. “Why aren’t you her Story Weaver anymore?”

Moon Man’s humor faded and a deep sadness creased his face. “She has rejected my help. Gede is her Story Weaver now.”

“He can’t be. Gede tried to feed you both to the Fire Warper.”

Grief and a flash of pain sparked in his eyes. “Gede has betrayed my people. He is a warper not a Story Weaver. However, Yelena must reject Gede and reestablish our connection.”

Valek considered the night he and Leif saved Yelena. “You escaped the fire. Do you know how to counter the Fire Warper?”

“No. Gede pulled me from the fire. The Fire Warper has no need of the living in the fire world.”

“Fire world?”

“There are four facets of our world. The living world, the shadow world, the fire world, and the sky. When we die, our souls can either find peace in the sky or suffer in the fire world. They can also get lost in the shadow world.”

“Let’s focus on the Fire Warper. Who is he?”

“A soul trapped in the fire world. One who has grown strong enough to heed Gede’s call. And once called, he agreed to aid the Daviians for a price.”

“More souls?” Valek guessed.

“Yes. Gede and the other warpers have been feeding him souls.”

“By using the Kirakawa ritual?”

“Yes. The victims’ souls are being fed to the Fire Warper, except for the souls of those who had magical abilities when they were alive. Those souls are being used to empower the warpers.”

“Is there a way to stop the Fire Warper?”

“He grows stronger with each soul acquired. Stopping the rituals would keep him from returning to our world, but I fear it is impossible at present.”

“What happens if he returns to our world?”

“It will burn.”

Okay then. First thing on Valek’s to-do list: stop the Fire Warper. Which meant he’d have to stop the rituals. “Do you know where they’re currently performing the Kirakawa?”

“No. But I can guess that now that the warpers are in the Citadel, the magicians in the Keep will all become their next victims.”

A good guess. However, Valek wondered how the Daviians managed to gain so much power without anyone noticing. “Before they massacred your people, where did they find their victims?”

“I do not know. I can only speculate that they took those who would not be missed. Those without homes or families. As for magicians, they would have needed to capture those who are young and not under the guidance of another.”

Ice coated Valek’s skin. Porter’s ducklings. But the warpers no longer needed them now that they had an entire smorgasbord of magicians in the Keep. Right?

“How strong does the Fire Warper need to be in order to cross into our world?” Valek asked.

“Much stronger than a master magician. He has gained a great deal of power, but still requires a great deal more.”

That was probably what Gede had been waiting for. And now that they controlled the Citadel, they could feed the Fire Warper until he crossed over. Then what? Use him to destroy Ixia, was Valek’s guess. “If the world burns when he arrives, then why invite him?”

“Hubris. They believe they can control him.”

“Can they?”

“No.”

* * *

Valek searched for Yelena with no luck. He’d see her at the meeting, which reminded him to inform Ari and Janco that their presence was required. Janco was still sleeping, but Ari said they would be there. Valek then went to his office, took one look at the stacks of reports on his desk, and almost turned around. He built a fire in the brazier and noted Mr. Spider’s absence. It was the middle of the cold season, and the freezing temperatures must have killed all the insects.

With a sigh, Valek settled behind his desk. Instead of reading through the files, he stared out the window. The Fire Warper had to be stopped. Despite Moon Man’s pessimism, there had to be a way to counter him. If the Fire Warper grew stronger with each soul he acquired, perhaps Yelena could take the souls away from him. She had done something similar to Ferde when he’d performed the Efe ritual. Yelena had pulled the souls of Ferde’s victims from him and sent them to the sky. Except for Gelsi’s; she’d returned her soul to her body.

Once the Fire Warper was no longer a threat, they only had to deal with all the Daviian Warpers. If they eliminated the Fire Warper before the Daviians killed all the master magicians, then the masters could stop the rest of the warpers. A big if. As the most powerful magicians, the masters were probably going to be sacrificed first.

A knock on the door interrupted Valek’s dire thoughts. Brede poked his head inside the room and he gestured him closer.

“I heard a rumor you were back,” Brede said. “I’m just checking if you need anything.”

“No, thanks. And I won’t be here long. I’ve unfinished business in Sitia.”

“Too bad. You’ve missed out on… Nothing. It’s been rather boring around here. Well, except for the arrival of the Sitians. Everyone is abuzz with speculation.”

“I’m sure the rumors are outrageous.”

“I hope so. Dull rumors are no fun.” Brede smiled. “Are you sure you don’t have a snake from Sitia for me to study? Preferably one that is still alive. I’ve been learning a lot about them. Did you know they have these necklace snakes in the Illiais Jungle that strangle their prey?”

“I’ve heard. Sorry, no critters. Not that I’ve seen any with this cold weather.”

“That reminds me. I’m sorry to say Mr. Spider has passed on to the big cobweb in the sky. But there’s good news!”

“Really?”

“Mr. Spider was really Mrs. Spider. And she left a sac of spiderlings. Isn’t that exciting?”

“Not if they hatch in my office.”

“I’ll take the sac outside when it’s ready to hatch so they’ll be born where they belong. Well, except one. You’ll need a Mr. Spider Junior to carry on the family tradition.”

Valek laughed. “You really have been bored.”

“That obvious?”

“Yes.” Valek considered. “Ask Kenda if there is anything she needs to be organized. She loves organization, but she’s been extra busy while I’ve been gone.”

“Perfect. Thanks!” Brede dashed out the door.

Valek stood to follow, but the fabric of his pants caught on a nail sticking from his chair and ripped. He cursed. They were his favorite pair, and he’d been meaning to fix that nail for ages. He hurried to his suite to change and took the pants to the seamstress.

Dilana sat at her workstation near the windows. Her curly blond hair shone like gold in the sunlight. Bits of cloth peppered the floor around her. Bolts of mostly black fabric leaned against the wall. Piles of uniform shirts, pants, and skirts littered the floor. When he approached, she cut a thread with her teeth then looked up. With her heart-shaped face and long eyelashes framing honey-colored eyes, she was beautiful.

“You just missed her,” Dilana said.

“Her?”

“Oh, come on, Valek. We all know about you and Yelena.”

Lovely. “Yelena was here?”

Dilana stood and shook out a pair of black pants before folding them. “She needed an adviser’s uniform. I just finished the alterations. Can you give them to her when you see her.” She leered.

Lovely times two. “If you can fix my pants.” He showed her the rip.

She tsked . “These are old. I’ll replace them with a new pair.”

“No, thank you. The fabric has finally softened to a comfortable level.”

“If the Commander complains about your shoddy appearance, you better not blame me, or I’ll make your next sneak suit one size too small.”

A genuine threat. “I’ll take full responsibility.”

“Good.” She handed him Yelena’s uniform. “Now shoo , I’ve work to do.”

Valek left. Dilana provided him with all his disguises, and his sneak suits were vital to his work.

He stopped in his office to drop off Yelena’s uniform. She hadn’t agreed to become the Commander’s new adviser, and he doubted she would. The only reason she would need a uniform was because she planned to sneak out of Ixia. Her Sitian clothing would draw unwanted attention.

Valek wondered if she’d leave tonight as he hurried to the meeting. The Commander’s war room was located in one of the castle’s four towers. Despite the distance, he was the first to arrive. Weak sunlight streamed through the long stained-glass windows that striped the round walls. A large egg-shaped conference table occupied the center. Valek glanced up, checking that no intruders hid in the rafters.

Circling the table, he sat in his place, which was to the right of the Commander’s seat at the narrow end of the oval. The Commander arrived next, followed by Ari and Janco.

“Have you determined the best way to counter these Daviians?” the Commander asked as he settled in his seat.

“I’ve a few ideas.”

The door to the war room opened. Yelena and her companions entered. No one smiled and tension emanated from their tight shoulders, pressed lips, and stiff spines. They were not acting like a cohesive group. Something wasn’t right. When they sat down, they left empty seats between them.

“Valek was just informing me on the state of affairs in Sitia,” the Commander said. “Continue.”

The state of affairs? Interesting word choice. Had the Commander sensed the friction as well. Valek changed tactics. “I found the situation to be rather ah…unique.” He leaned back in his chair and scanned the unhappy faces.

“Unique is putting it mildly,” Janco said. He rubbed the scar where the bottom half of his right ear used to be. It was a nervous tick.

“Try alarming,” Ari added.

“Alarming would work,” Valek agreed. “Taking out the Council wouldn’t result in better leaders. In fact, it would have inflamed the citizens to all-out war. And they have some new players who could potentially tip the battle in their favor.”

“Players? Try creepy men. Scary magicians. Evil demons.” Janco shuddered.

Valek shot Janco a warning look. He was being vague. “I need to obtain more information before I can assess the true nature of the threat and determine the best way to counter it.” Which was somewhat true.

“Why have you returned?” the Commander asked even though he knew the answer.

Valek glanced at Yelena. Was all of this for her benefit? “I require more help. Things were getting a little too hot, even for me.”

The room fell quiet as Commander Ambrose considered. “What do you need?”

“A few more men, Yelena and her brother.”

Leif grunted in surprise but kept quiet.

“She hasn’t agreed to be an adviser yet so I can’t order her to assist you,” the Commander said.

“Then I will have to ask.” Valek looked at them.

“Yes,” Yelena said at the same time as Leif said no.

“I’m a Sitian, remember? I can’t aid Ixia in overthrowing Sitia,” Leif said.

Ah, that explained some of the tension.

“I don’t want to take control of Sitia,” the Commander said. “I just don’t want them to invade us, and I will take preventative measures to stop them.”

“By helping us, you will also help your country,” Valek said.

“We can do it on our own. We don’t need you or Yelena.” Leif turned to her. “You could never have been a true Liaison, little sister. Ever since we’ve been in Ixia, you have revealed your true loyalties.”

“Is that what you believe?” Her voice shook with her outrage.

“Look at the evidence. At the first sign of trouble, you run for Ixia. We could have returned to the Citadel and explained everything to the council.”

With a grief stricken expression, Yelena said, “The council will not believe us. I told you what Irys said.”

“But what if you lied? You know I don’t have the power of mental communication on my own. You don’t trust us, so why should we trust you?”

It was worse than he’d thought. Yelena had not only pushed Moon Man away, but apparently the others as well.

“Believe what you want, then. Valek, can we do without him?” she asked.

“We can.”

The Commander stared at Valek. “You will tell me your plans before you disappear again.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. You’re all dismissed.” The Commander stood.

“What about us?” Leif gestured to Moon Man and Tauno. “Can we return to Sitia?”

“Consider yourselves guests of Ixia until this unfortunate incident is resolved,” Valek said. If they returned to the Citadel, they would be immediately captured and killed. Staying in Ixia would keep them safe.

“What if we no longer wish to be guests?” Moon Man asked.

“Then you will be our first prisoners of war, and your accommodations will not be so luxurious. It’s your choice,” the Commander said before leaving.

Leif glared at Yelena. Valek signaled Ari.

Ari nodded and stood. “We will be happy to escort you to your quarters.”

Valek shifted his weight as Leif glowered at Ari. Moon Man seemed unperturbed, but Tauno’s brow was creased with worry. Eventually, they followed Ari from the war room.

Janco took up the rear guard position. He flashed Yelena a smirk. “Training yard, four o’clock.”

“You need more lessons?” She countered with her own smirk.

“You wish.”

Her smile faded when the door closed. Not sure what to do, Valek remained seated on the far side of the table.

“Is it that bad?” she asked.

“It’s a situation I’ve never encountered before. I’m worried.”

“About Ixia?”

“About you, love.”

“Me?”

“I’ve always been amazed with how you can draw unwanted attention and ire from powerful people. This time, though, you managed to get a whole country upset. If I was the Commander, I would wait out the political strife in Sitia and then offer you to the victors in trade for Ixia being left alone.”

“Good thing you’re not the Commander.”

“Yes. And we should leave Ixia before the Commander figures it out. What are you planning?”

She tried to look innocent. “Me? You’re the one with the plan.”

“And the adviser uniform you had Dilana size for you? You weren’t thinking of sneaking off to Sitia without me, were you?”

She wilted. “Did she tell you?”

“I had ripped a hole in my favorite pants. When I dropped them off, she asked me to deliver your uniform and gifted me with a leer. I would guess the staff is already betting how soon one of them will spot us together.” He sighed. “If only intelligence information worked through my corps as efficiently as gossip flowed through the staff, then my problems would be minimal.”

Unable to stand being apart for another second, Valek stood. He strode over to Yelena. He leaned on her chair’s arms, bringing his face inches from hers. “I’ll ask you again. Your plans include me, correct?”

She slumped deeper into her chair.

“Yelena?” His voice held a warning.

“You said you had never encountered this situation before. It’s an unknown. I don’t want to risk…”

“What?”

“Risk losing you. With your immunity, I can’t heal you!”

“I’m willing to take the chance.”

“But I’m not willing to let you.”

“Sorry, love, that’s not your decision. It’s mine.”

She grumbled. “Okay, I promise not to go to Sitia without you.”

“Thank you.” Valek brushed his lips against her cheek. His blood hummed with desire.

“What about your plan?” she asked.

“This is my plan.” He moved closer and kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around him and started to yank his shirt off.

He pulled away in surprise. “In the war room, love? What if someone comes in?”

She stood and removed his shirt. “Then they’ll have a good story to tell.”

“Good?” He pretended to be offended.

“Prove me wrong.”

Fire raced through his veins. Challenge accepted, love.

* * *

They ended up underneath the war room’s conference table, wrapped in each other’s arms. Valek wished they could stay in the bubble of bliss forever. But like all bubbles, it burst. They discussed the events in Sitia.

“I could hardly move within the Citadel,” Valek said. “The air was so thick with magic, I felt like I swam in syrup.”

“But you weren’t detected.”

“Not really,” he explained about his near miss. “After that, it was only a matter of time. With that many warpers, my presence would have eventually caused a noticeable dead zone.”

Yelena was quiet for a long while, then she asked, “Do you know who their victims are?”

“They’re probably targeting the homeless. Who would miss a few beggars in a big city? No one.”

“What about the need for magicians?”

The magicians from Porter’s network wouldn’t be enough for all the warpers. “The first year after a magician reaches adolescence is a difficult and vulnerable year. Half the people don’t even realize they can access the power source, and the other half don’t have a clue how to use it. The warpers could be hunting the streets, looking for someone in that precarious situation.”

They also discussed the best way to approach Bavol Zaltana. Yelena believed the councilor believed and supported her, but it would be difficult, but it was important to find out why the councilors agreed with Roze so easily. And hopefully the man also had information about the Daviians’ plans.

“I’ll leave Ari and Janco here. They won’t be happy, but security around the Citadel is too tight, and we’re better off just going ourselves. Two of my corps have already been caught.” Valek sat up with reluctance. “I have some business to attend to. I’ll meet you in my suite later tonight and we can finalize our time schedule. I’ll have your belongings delivered there.”

“Why did you want Leif to come with us?”

He shook his head. “You wouldn’t have agreed anyway.”

“To what?”

“To letting Leif get caught and using your mental connection to him to find out what’s going on in the Keep. But now you’re mad at him?—”

“No. He would be killed. I’m not that angry with him.”

Valek smiled and glanced back at the table when they left the war room. Yet another memory to add to the place. At least this time, no one was set on fire. Well, then again…

Yelena followed him to his office to pick up her uniform. By the time they parted, she had withdrawn from him as if she’d sealed off her emotions. It reminded him of when they’d first met. He wondered what she wasn’t saying; what she thought she was protecting him from. The Fire Warper, perhaps?

He tried to catch up on reading the mountain of reports but abandoned the task when his thoughts kept returning to Yelena. A nagging anxiety gnawed on his heart with its sharp little teeth. She had promised to not go to Sitia without him, yet the feeling wouldn’t go away. Would she lie in order to keep him safe? He hoped not. Needing to move, Valek gathered supplies for their trip and packed his bag in order to be ready at a moment’s notice.

Even when he finished, the uncertainty still nibbled. He decided to go to the stables. Maybe after he cleaned tack and filled his saddle bags with feed, his nerves would settle.

The pleasant smell of earth, hay, and horse greeted him when he arrived. Most of the horses were out in the pasture. Valek grabbed a jar of saddle soap, sat on the stool in the tack room, and worked on the leather. Just like when he was carving, he let his thoughts wander.

Movement out the small window drew his attention. The horses crossed the pasture as if they’d seen something. Valek put down the reins and peeked outside. Yelena stood at the fence, feeding the horses apples. Then she scratched Kiki behind the ears.

An idyllic scene, expect Yelena kept glancing around. She wore a plain gray Ixian wool cloak. Would she hop on Kiki and ride south without him? After patting Kiki on the neck, she turned away. But instead of heading for the castle, she joined in the flow of workers aiming for the south gate.

Valek’s thoughts spun. She could be going shopping in Castletown. Or meeting with a friend. She hadn’t taken Kiki, so she was not going to Sitia. And Valek would not follow her. He trusted her. Except, he also spotted Star leaving the castle complex via the west gate. Both the south and west gates were used by those living in Castletown.

Yelena had been responsible for Star’s arrest. If Star hadn’t tried to kill her, she wouldn’t have been arrested. He suspected Star might try some form of revenge, but he hadn’t expected it so soon. Perhaps it was just a coincidence? Star had probably just finished tasting the Commander’s dinner. Valek didn’t believe in coincidences.

He threw on his short cape and hurried after her. If anything, he might learn what she was planning. Star entered Castletown and strode through the streets as if on a mission, but it didn’t appear that she was stalking Yelena.

The streets were busy. Many of the town’s residents were hurrying home after work or stopping at the market for groceries.

When Star reached the Garden District, unease swirled. She was joined by three goons. Too bad none of them were Trevar and Adrik. Why not? If they were Star’s go-to recruits, they should be involved. Unless Star knew exactly who they were. Valek suppressed a groan. He’d underestimated the woman again.

Star and her companions slipped into Peach alley. Forty-three Peach Lane was the property Star owned. Was that her new headquarters? Except, they didn’t enter the house. The four of them found shadows to hide in instead.

Odd. Very odd. Valek circled around the block and entered the alley from the other side. He kept his distance but was within sight of number forty-three. Settling in, Valek pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. The still air smelled heavy, hinting of a potential snowstorm. Lovely.

After an hour, two young teens left the house. When they walked past Star’s shadow, she stepped out. Two puffs sounded.

A girl’s voice asked, “Did you feel that?”

“Felt like a bee sting, but it’s…too…cold,” her companion said.

The two girls slumped to the ground. Two goons rushed over to their bodies and picked them up, carrying them from the alley. Star returned to her post.

After a few minutes, Yelena exited the house. Shocked, Valek opened his mouth to warn her as she paused, as if letting her vision adjust to the semi-darkness. Valek snapped his mouth shut. Of course, she knew they were there. He grinned in anticipation. Star and her goon were in for a surprise. Yelena turned to leave, luring Star from her hiding place.

Spinning, Yelena pulled her switchblade from her pocket. Star puffed. The dart hit Yelena’s neck. That was unexpected.

Yelena yanked the dart out. “How?”

“Some great magician you are,” Star said. “Missing my own tiny talent.”

Star had always claimed to have magic, but he’d never felt nor seen it in action. Was the ability to hide from magic her talent? Valek eased closer to the women, debating his next move.

Yelena stumbled and Star caught her. “What?”

Star cradled Yelena in her arms. “Valek’s goo-goo juice. Relax, Yelena. Star’s going to take good care of you.”