“How are you going to afford to make your messengers? You’ll need equipment and supplies. Perhaps you should go home to Booruby and work in your family’s factory.”
Her suggestion had merit. In a normal situation, I would heed her advice. Nothing about this endeavor was normal. “Gressa offered to let me use her glass equipment and supplies. I will reimburse her when I earn enough money.”
“You’re going to get hurt,” she warned.
I shrugged. Not like I hadn’t been hurt before. “Then I’ll stay on snake alert.”
“Snake alert?”
“When I lived at home, we used to have a snake alert the first cold night of the season. The hot kilns were guaranteed to draw in poisonous fer-de-lance snakes. Armed with machetes, my family would kill as many as possible. It reduced the number of snakes living close to us. We couldn’t get rid of them all, but it helped.” I returned to my packing.
“Isn’t that how your uncle died?” Yelena asked.
“Yep. Uncle Werner went left when he should have gone right. But he was well aware of the danger and made an honest mistake. Much better than being surprised.”
“What about Kade?”
“Smart man. I should have listened to him when he advised me to keep quiet about my new power. Once I set up my shop and stockpile enough messengers, I’m planning to visit him.”
“Opal, you know what I meant.” Her frustration had grown to a dangerous level. “He won’t approve.”
“I don’t need his approval. Do you seek Valek’s consent every time you embark on a mission?”
Her chagrined expression answered for her. After a few more attempts to change my mind, she left. I sagged with relief. If I could endure Yelena’s lecture, then Mara’s should be easier.
Wrong again. Mara sliced into me. I was being selfish. Chop. I was being greedy. Chop. I was being stupid. Chop.
“Mara, stop,” I said. “If I stay here, I’ll be miserable.”
She inhaled a breath as if to reply, but released it in one long sigh. “You need to do this?”
“Yes.”
“Will it make you happy?”
“I’m not sure happy is the right word.”
She considered. “Will it help you return to my carefree, trusting sister? You remember the one? Before her trip to Ixia with Ulrick?”
My response lodged in the back of my throat. “Don’t you mean Devlen?”
Her hands pressed together as misery twisted her face. “Didn’t Yelena talk to you about her experiment?”
Obviously Leif had told Mara. I wondered how many more knew. “She told me.”
“You don’t believe her?”
“Nope.”
“But she’s the Soulfinder, she’d know.”
“Maybe.”
Mara stepped back as if my lack of trust was contagious. “Do you think she’s lying to you?”
“No. I think she gave up too soon.”
“Opal, she cares about you. Why wouldn’t she put her full effort into helping you?” Outrage and disbelief warred in Mara. She rubbed her forearms in agitation.
“Don’t know. Don’t care. I’m no longer relying on her. This trip should put this whole nasty business to rest.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“Then I’ve been duped. I’ll concede the point and get on with my life despite being the world’s biggest idiot.”
“Opal, you’re not...” Another huff escaped her lips. “I hate to agree with you, but you do need to take this trip. Just remember, you have me, Ahir, Mother and Father all willing to support you no matter what. You will message us if you need us. You will be very careful.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
“...since I’m not going to be employed here, I’ll pay the Keep for Quartz, the saddle, tack and my weapons with glass messengers,” I said to Bain Bloodgood. “I already talked to the Stable Master and the Weapons Master to determine an amount. And I met with the head of the Messenger Committee, Councilor Featherstone, about providing them with new messengers as long as they provide me with details regarding their use.” I continued to babble at him. “If you need my other services, let me know and I’ll return to help.”
Bain remained quiet. He sat behind his messy desk in his administration office. He fiddled with a piece of parchment, letting it slide between his fingers over and over.
“I’ll make sure the shipments are well guarded,” I said into the horrible silence.
Finally, Bain let the parchment fall onto the top of a pile. He focused a troubled gaze on me. “You realize Gressa is ambitious. She will desire control of who receives your messengers?”
“Yes.”
“Then why, child, have you agreed to work with her?”
The endearment grated on my nerves. My childhood was over. All illusions and dreams were worn away, exposing the ugly reality.
“No matter what she desires, I don’t plan to give her control. This is just a temporary arrangement until I become solvent.”
“Plans can change,” Bain said. Sadness hung on him like one of his robes. “You surprised the Council into agreeing to this...arrangement. Once they reconvene in the cooling season, be prepared for them to enact a law or make a counteroffer to bring you back here.”
“They would actually try a legal route and not threaten me?” I tapped my chest as if shocked by the notion.
He ignored my sarcasm. “Try, yes. But will use other...methods to get what they want.”
“Ahh... That’s more like it. I was beginning to worry my views of the Council had been wrong.”
Bain stood without warning. He leaned forward, bringing his face close to mine. “You are playing with dangerous people. The Council can be an ally for you to use if your arrangement with Gressa fails to work. But they won’t support you if you make them your enemy.”
I sorted through my encounters with the Council. “Since they haven’t ever supported me, I think I’m okay without them.” I waved bye and left his office before he could reply.
Bain’s comment about allies reminded me of Vasko Cloud Mist’s offer. I found Pazia outside her room, loading a wagon.
“I didn’t realize how much stuff I bought this past year. I filled all the extra space with junk,” Pazia said.
I helped her carry a few crates from her quarters.
“Did you have a chance to consider my father’s offer?” she asked.
“Yes.”
She stopped pushing a stubborn box. “Well?”
I explained my intentions. Barreling over her arguments before she could voice them, I said, “However, if the arrangement doesn’t go well with them, I’d like to come to Ognap and work with you and your father. Do you think he’d be agreeable?”
“He’s used to getting his way, so he doesn’t deal well with rejection. He’ll probably sweeten the deal and try to tempt you to work with us. I think as long as he can buy messengers from you there won’t be any hard feelings.”
“Think?”
She shrugged. “My father is difficult to read. If he feels a certain deed is a personal slight, he’ll be very upset and vindictive. If he sees the action as just business, he’s fine. The difficult part is knowing which way he’ll go. He’s not consistent and I haven’t figured out a pattern.”
* * *
Vasko’s counteroffer arrived late in the day. I finished packing and saying goodbye. Councilor Moon’s retinue would leave tomorrow at first light. Composing a note to Kade, I planned to send it overland—a cowardly deed. By the time he responded, I would be in Fulgor. Too late to change anything.
One of Vasko’s associates knocked on my door. I debated arming myself with my sais, but decided to hide my switchblade in my pocket instead.
Whe
n I opened the door, he handed me a sheet of parchment. The expression on his wide face remained impassive as he said, “I’ll wait here for your reply.”
I scanned the document. Pazia was right. Vasko had sweetened the deal so much my teeth ached. “I need time to think it over.”
The man didn’t move.
“I’ll need to sleep on it. I’ll send—”
“I’ll wait here.”
“Fine.” I closed the door.
Carrying the deal over to the lantern on the table, I read the offer. Straightforward and with no fine print, it listed all the items he would provide for me. Glass factory, workers, supplies and sales force remained the same, but he added a house for me and a stable for Quartz to live in, a generous salary and two of his finest rubies each year. All in exchange for glass messengers.
Every aspect of the business would be taken care of. My job would be to produce them. He even left a space for me to write in a yearly total of messengers. I could write ten or a hundred. My choice.
The room tilted and spun. I groped for a chair, feeling light-headed. Resting my forehead on my arms, I sucked in deep breaths.
The downside of the contract would be not having a say in who bought them, and not being able to give a few away for free, bringing me back to where I started. The Messenger Committee had decided who they sent messengers to and how they were used. Working for Vasko, I would be in the same situation except I would have a house, money and rubies.
Though tempting, I couldn’t relinquish control of my messengers. They were all I had. On unsteady legs, I shuffled to the door. I handed the man—who hadn’t moved an inch—the parchment. “Please tell Vasko I decided not to sign the agreement, but I might change my mind in the future.”
He left without saying a word.
* * *
I thought saying goodbye to Mara had been difficult, but it resembled a party compared to this morning. Joining Councilor Moon’s caravan just after dawn, I focused on the transfer of my crates and bags into one of Tama’s wagons. When I saw my possessions nestled in with hers, I felt queasy.
My stomach continued to sour as we left the Citadel through the east gate. The trip to Fulgor would take six days, two days longer because of the slower pace of the wagons.
Tama appeared to enjoy the ride despite the rising heat and humidity. She led the caravan along with two guardsmen. She smiled and called out instructions with a light tone. Her white horse shone in the sunlight, almost matching Tama’s hair. Gressa rode in a carriage behind Tama. I suspected the cushioned coach was meant for the Councilor, although Gressa had no qualms about making it her own.
I hung back with the wagons. Aides and servants perched on boxes or sat next to the drivers. Five guards on horseback completed the group.
We traveled through Featherstone lands. Rolling green hills and bushy trees dominated the landscape. Wildflowers bloomed in the fields. We passed a few areas where the trees had been chopped down. The Featherstone Clan members used wood to earn a living. Carpenters built houses, furniture and wagons. Woodworkers carved bowls and artwork.
The first night on the road, we stopped at the Azure Inn in a small village called Bluejay’s Eggs. All the towns in the Featherstone Clan’s lands were named for an aspect of birds. Owl’s Hill, Robin’s Nest and Cardinal’s Tree were three of many examples.
Tama secured lodging for us. I would share a room with two other women. As long as I had a bed to myself, I didn’t mind. Having no desire to make small talk with strangers, I returned to my room after dinner, planning to enjoy a few moments alone.
I groaned when someone knocked. Hoping it was a staff member, I palmed my switchblade and asked who was at the door. A mumbled reply about supplies for the washroom. I cracked open the door. Devlen stood in the hallway holding a stack of towels.
21
“Go away,” I said to Devlen, closing the door.
He stuck his foot in the jamb. “Opal, I—”
“Get out.”
“But I—”
“I don’t want to hear it.” I knew he would lie.
“...to explain.”
“I’m done listening to you. Go. Now.” I kicked his foot.
He shoved his way into the room with his shoulder. I backed up. Tossing the towels onto a bed, he crossed his arms against his chest. “I’m not leaving until—”
Snick. I brandished my switchblade. He should have come armed.
“Leave or I’ll stab you,” I threatened.
His lips curved into a half smile. “No, you won’t.”
The old Opal wouldn’t. But not the new girl. Oh no, she was tired of being pushed around. I jabbed the blade toward his neck, aiming for his Adam’s apple. Even though I surprised him, he moved a hair faster than me, blocking the strike.
I stabbed again, he ducked. He blocked another thrust and a fourth, sidestepping away from me. My last strike forced him up against the wall and unable to dodge another attack.
“The doorknob is on your right. Use it,” I said.
“No.”
“Suit yourself.” I shoved my weapon toward his stomach.
He grabbed my wrist with both his hands. We struggled. Using all my strength, I leaned my body into it. I might have won if he didn’t cheat. His fingers pressed. Pain ringed my wrist and shot along my hand, numbing it. My switchblade clanged to the floor.
He gasped. “You really were trying to—”
“Yes.” I yanked my hand, but he clung to it.
“But what about preserving this body for Ulrick?”
“You’ll heal.” I pulled my arm. “Let go.”
“So you can grab your sais and try again?”
“Good idea.” My sais were hooked onto my saddlebags. I punched him in the solar plexus.
He hunched forward, grabbing my free arm. “Stop...it.” He gasped for breath.
I rammed my knee toward him, but he turned his body, so I missed my mark and hit his upper thigh. Twisting, I tried again, but he dug his fingers into my wrists. This time I collapsed to my knees as the pain raced up my arms and through my legs.
“Promise you’ll...stop,” he said.
Wave after wave of burning needles pricked my skin from the inside. How could two little spots cause so much agony? “I’ll stop...for now...I promise.”
He released his grip. I lay back onto the floor, panting.
He sat next to me. “I only came to warn you.”
“Then consider me warned.” I shooed him with a tired arm.
“Don’t you want to know why?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s not like I’d believe you anyway.”
He whistled. “You’re nasty.”
“Thank you.”
“Tama and Gressa aren’t doing you any favors by sponsoring you. They plan—”
“To use me to gain control of the supply of glass messengers. Once they have a monopoly of the messengers, they’ll use them as political bribes and other...illicit deeds. Did I get it right?”
Devlen squinted in confusion. “If you knew all this, then why are you here?”
“Everyone wants to gain control of the messengers. The Council, Tama and Gressa, and Vasko Cloud Mist. The Council will pretend I have a vote, and Vasko will mask my lack of power with money and rubies.” I paused. His offer still tempted me. “Tama and Gressa will just take what they want. They seem more...honest to me.”
“You’re insane. What happened to you?”
“You.”
“No. You were still optimistic the last time I saw you.”
I’d hardly call escaping an optimistic endeavor. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is you warned me. Now run along.”
He remained sitting. “Aren’t you curious about why I would risk my position
on Councilor Moon’s staff to warn you?”
“No.” I struggled to my feet.
“Do you already know why?” He stood, too.
“You want to save me from them so you can force me to lead you to one of the glass prisons. I’ll release the Warper trapped inside and you can learn how to finish the Kirakawa ritual.”
“That’s not why. Although you don’t appear bothered by that scenario.”
I shrugged. “At least then the Council would believe a Warper still lives and others are using blood magic.”
“But people would die,” he said in shock.
I almost laughed out loud at how we had reversed roles. It was fun playing the heartless destroyer. “It would be the Council’s fault. In fact, the idea is growing on me.” I tapped a finger on my lips as if lost in thought. “If I release a Warper, I don’t really need you at all. Unless we use you as a sacrifice.” I studied him.
He backed up. “You really are insane.”
I pished. “I’m being smart. Think how powerful I would be if I teamed up with a Warper. We’d have my messengers, blood magic and, with my ability to siphon power, we’d have diamonds to fund our takeover. I could release the others and be unstoppable.”
Devlen’s shoulders dropped in chagrin as he realized what I’d been doing. “I should have known. You may have changed, but you’re not a ruthless killer.”
“I can learn to be ruthless.” I bent to retrieve my switchblade.
He grabbed my arm to stop me. This time I grasped his wrist with my free hand and clamped down on his pressure point. He fell to his knees.
“After all, you taught me well.”
* * *
I enjoyed the rest of the trip to Fulgor. Devlen avoided me, and I had a nice chat with Tama regarding my new job. She managed to mask most of her ire about the previous commitments I had negotiated for my messengers. Though she brightened at the prospect of being consulted before any other messengers were delivered. Being consulted was different than being in charge. I wondered how long it would take Gressa to resort to strong-arm methods.
Gressa graciously offered me rooms above her glass shop.
Sea Glass Page 28
