In the end, Pazia and I left the headquarters and headed toward the Keep. Fisk would wait a couple minutes and then recruit a few Guild members to set up an ambush near the Six Heathers Inn.
My legs wanted to run as fast as my heartbeat. Keeping my gait steady was an exercise in willpower. An itchy burning sensation bored into my back right between my shoulder blades, pushing me toward panic. I kept a sharp eye out for magical spiders and beetles.
The Six Heathers Inn appeared deserted. No lights in the windows and not a sound escaped from inside. The beginning of the cold season wasn’t a popular time for visitors to the Citadel, but, even at this late hour, I expected to see a few customers.
A shrill tweet split the air when we rounded a comer. Sounds of a scuffle ensued. We raced back to the noise. Five gangly children sat on top of a man. His indignant cries of protest died in his throat when he spotted me.
“Kade?”
21
“Are you going to call off your dogs or do I have to conjure a gale?” Kade asked.
“It’s okay. He’s a friend,” I said to the children sitting on top of the Stormdancer. They didn’t move.
Fisk appeared beside me. “Friend? Following someone at night isn’t friend-like behavior.”
“I feel an extremely annoyed thunderstorm nearby,” Kade warned. “Actually, I’m the one annoyed. The thunderstorm could go either way.”
Lightning flashed and thunder cracked. “I’m sure he has a good reason for being here,” I said. My ears rang from the clap.
Fisk nodded and the children slid off Kade, disappearing into an alley.
Kade stood and brushed the dirt from his brown pants. He wore a short tan-colored cape and had a leather backpack slung over his left shoulder. A few dead leaves clung to his shoulder-length hair, which appeared black in the semidarkness.
“You do have a good reason, don’t you?” I asked.
He scowled. “Considering two of our glassmakers have been murdered and the other is missing, I thought I would find you and give you fair warning you might be next.”
I gaped as numbing fear flushed through my body. “Who...?”
“Indra and Nodin...pushed from the cave...we found them on the beach.” He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment as if blocking an image. “Varun is nowhere to be found. Either his body washed away with the tide or he’s been kidnapped.”
“When did this happen?”
“End of the storm season—about a week ago. I really wish I could have used your glass orb to message Master Cowan.”
“What—”
“We can discuss it with Master Cowan in private.” Kade glanced at Pazia and Fisk. “I was just leaving the stables, when I spotted you crossing through the gate. I didn’t want to interrupt your evening with your friend, so I followed you to keep you safe.” He scanned the surrounding buildings with a rueful grin. All was dark, and a low rumble of thunder sounded in the distance. “Laid low by five street kids, though. I’m not much of a protector.”
“You would have used the storm to escape,” I said. Seeing Fisk and Pazia’s confusion, I introduced Kade to them.
Fisk’s eyes held a question.
“This changes nothing,” I said to him. “We’ll keep our appointment with Elita in four days.”
“Good. See you then.” Fisk walked away.
Pazia didn’t hesitate to take Kade’s arm and lead him toward the Keep. She chatted with him, asking questions about being a Stormdancer. I followed a step behind. My thoughts churned as my emotions seesawed from apprehension to grief. Questions without answers plagued me and I hustled Kade and Pazia along, hoping to get him alone.
Once inside the Keep, Pazia wanted to go with us to Zitora’s office.
“You have an early class tomorrow,” I reminded her. “This is just glass stuff. Boring to you, I’m sure.”
She said a warm good-night to Kade, shot me a frozen glare and headed to her rooms.
“I take it she’s not a good friend,” he said.
We climbed the stairs to the administration building.
“We’re working together on another project.” Foreboding silence settled on me as I escorted Kade to Zitora’s office.
As expected, a strip of lantern light glowed under the door. Zitora’s surprise at seeing Kade was quickly replaced by concern.
“What happened?” she asked.
He repeated his news.
“Are you sure Indra and Nodin were murdered?” she asked. “You knew they might be in danger, didn’t you have extra security?”
“We did. Two guards, both knocked unconscious. And there’s no doubt they were killed. If they fell, they would have landed closer to the base of The Cliffs. And we think they were unconscious when they were thrown from the cave and hit the beach.” Kade rubbed his leg. “It was late at night, and no one heard the ‘fall scream.’ It’s a distinctive shriek of fear that abruptly stops. It’s not a sound any Stormdancer can sleep through or ever forget.” He drew in a deep breath. “The next morning, we found their bodies and a few drops of blood and scuff marks on the floor of the cave. No signs of Varun.”
His explanation left one question in my mind. “Why them and not me?”
“The glassmakers were the only three besides you who knew the recipe. I’m guessing the Traitor Tal and his friends targeted Indra and her brothers after their attempt to coerce it from you didn’t work. Once they had the sand percentages, they would have only needed one glassmaker to help them craft orbs. The others...”
Thrown away. I shuddered at the image of Tricky threatening Indra’s life if her brothers didn’t tell him the recipe. They were a loving family and would have obliged in a heartbeat. Varun probably volunteered to go with Sir’s group. I understood all too well the desire to sacrifice for another family member. Did he know the sacrifice was for nothing? Did he feel the hot knife of grief ripping his body to shreds when he realized nobody was saved? Not if they wanted his cooperation. He would learn the truth later. If he lived.
My mind filled with what I had done to keep Tula safe. What I had promised to make the man stop.
“Opal, snap out of it,” Zitora said.
“Sorry.” I pulled my thoughts to the problem at hand.
“As we speculated before, the group wants to either put the Stormdancers out of business or use the orbs to bribe us.” Kade paused as if deciding how much information to share with us. “The glassmakers have always kept the orb’s exact recipe to themselves. As the strongest Stormdancer, my sister knew it and I planned to ask Indra... Well, you know how crazy this season has been. But if we can’t make orbs, then we would be at the mercy of those that could.”
“I can teach your clan members the recipe,” I said.
“Exactly! And that’s why you’re still in danger and why I’m here to warn you. I’m sure Sir wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate you so the Stormdancers have no other recourse.”
My heart flipped. “Then I should tell you both the orb recipe. It’s forty—”
“Write it down. Tell Master Cowan,” Kade said. “I don’t want to know it just yet.”
I searched his face. Grim determination pulled the corners of his mouth taut. His amber eyes darkened as if a storm brewed.
“You’re planning to go after them?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“But what about teaching the new glassmakers?”
“It’s the cold season. While the storms are mild in comparison to the cooling season, the water is high and rough. It’s safer to stay away from the coast until the warming season. Then you can come and help a new crew. If you would?”
“Of course.”
“Do you know where Sir’s group is?” Zitora asked him.
“No. They haven’t been seen since Opal burned down their
workshop. But we know they’re not in Stormdance territory or the Krystal Clan’s land.”
“You still have nine more territories to search plus the Citadel.” Zitora considered. “I could help you, but I’m embroiled in another problem. Perhaps you could wait?”
“No, I’ll start. If you can join me when you have time, I would be most grateful.”
“Sand suppliers,” I blurted.
“What?” Kade asked.
“Sir’s group would need to order the orb’s ingredients from suppliers. There aren’t many requests for lava flakes and Bloodgood’s red sand. You could talk to the suppliers, see if a purchase was made and where it was delivered.”
“Opal, you’re a genius!” Kade grabbed me in a quick hug.
At his touch, a connection between us sparked with an intense heat. He stepped away in surprise. The memory of when we linked through the orbs rose in my mind.
If Zitora noticed our sudden awkwardness, she didn’t mention it. Instead, she said, “That’s an excellent idea. Opal, can you give Kade a list of suppliers?”
“Yes. I can even introduce him to the merchants who have stands in the Citadel’s market. I’ll send a message to my father. He can check with the suppliers in Booruby.”
“Great. Kade, you can stay at the Keep as long as you want. Let me know if you need anything.”
“How about a bodyguard for Opal?” he asked.
Zitora smiled. “She already has one. Opal, please escort Kade to the guest quarters, and show him where the dining hall is located.”
As we left the administration building, Kade asked me about the bodyguard. “Was she talking about Pazia or Fisk?”
“Neither.” I glanced around the darkened courtyard. Lamps lit the paths winding around the classroom studios and student barracks. The guest quarters were housed in two separate structures behind administration, kitty-corner to the back of the Keep’s main building.
My rooms were in the southern tip of the east apprentice wing, close to both the guest lodgings and dining hall.
I spotted Ulrick lurking in the shadows. He followed us as we walked along the path.
The Stormdancer stiffened and raised his head as if scenting the wind. “Someone is behind us.”
“I know. It’s my bodyguard.” It seemed silly for Ulrick to skulk about. I called to him, inviting him to join us.
By Ulrick’s cold demeanor, I knew he was still upset with me. Yet the man did watch out for me; I would have to apologize to him later. I introduced him to Kade and had to stifle a laugh as the two men sized each other up.
They were complete opposites. Looking even more broad-shouldered next to Kade’s lean physique, Ulrick’s perfect features lacked the calm confidence in Kade’s tanned face.
“A Stormdancer?” Ulrick asked. “Shouldn’t you be dancing in the storm?” A legitimate question, but Ulrick’s tone implied a sneering disregard.
“The season is over. I have other business to attend to,” Kade said without emotion.
“What kind of business?”
Kade glanced at me. His annoyance barely concealed.
“He knows about Sir and Tricky,” I said.
“Then perhaps you should fill him in on the new developments.”
“What developments,” Ulrick asked.
“Later,” I said as we arrived at the east guest quarters. I talked to the night manager. There was a suite empty. The manager offered to escort Kade to his rooms.
Another questioning look and I assured Kade I would be fine. Ulrick hovered next to me in a protective stance.
“Rest,” I said to the Stormdancer. “I’ll meet you after breakfast and show you the market.”
Kade nodded, following the manager. Instead of going to his own rooms, Ulrick trailed me to mine.
“Don’t you mean we’ll take him to the market?” he asked.
Remembering my harsh words earlier and his efforts to keep me safe, I ignored his snide tone. “Of course.”
“What did he mean by new developments?”
I mulled over potential responses as we entered my apartment. Already overprotective, Ulrick wouldn’t leave me alone for a second if he knew Sir had murdered the glassmakers. Watering down Kade’s conviction that Sir’s group was involved, I explained about Indra and Nodin’s death and how they may have been killed.
My attempts to lessen the threat failed to work. Ulrick stood in the middle of my living room and declared he would sleep on the couch.
“Tomorrow I’ll request an armed guard to stay with you until those men are caught.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but paused. There had been a time when I would have welcomed an armed guard by my side, when I would have reveled in Ulrick’s attention and concern for my welfare. Yet, I was irritated by his assumption that I couldn’t take care of myself. I escaped Tricky before, I could do it again.
Could I? Doubt flared, but I reviewed the skills I’d learned since my last encounter with them. I still needed to explore a few more abilities and discover how to repeat the magic of trapping those spiders.
Perhaps I wouldn’t be able to escape, but I had enough knowledge to avoid getting kidnapped in the first place. I hoped.
“Ulrick, I understand your worry and I appreciate your efforts. I’m really sorry I snapped at you earlier. I think I know why I was angry at you. You assumed I couldn’t protect myself—wait.” I held a hand up to stop his words. “I am capable of defending myself. And I am being cautious, but I don’t think we need an armed guard following us around all day.”
He considered my words. “This is the first time you’ve seemed confident about Sir and Tricky. Is it because that Stormdancer is here? Think he could better defend you with his magical powers?”
I suppressed my desire to throttle him. “You missed the point completely! You’re acting...” The word stuck in my throat.
He didn’t hesitate to say it. “Jealous?” When I nodded, he continued, “Now you’re missing the point. It isn’t jealousy. It’s fear.”
“Fear?” Not the emotion I expected.
“Yes. Fear. I’m afraid you’ll be hurt or killed. I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you. I’m afraid I’ll lose you to another man.”
22
I needed to sit down. I’d heard other people talk about having to sit down when shocked by an event or revelation and I had dismissed the notion as pure exaggeration. Little did I realize the actual physical weakness. It felt as if my bones had dissolved and my muscles could no longer support my weight.
“I tried to remain the friend.” Ulrick prowled around the room as he talked. “Remain the colleague you introduced to your family. The partner who was concerned about your safety. You kept me at arm’s length and I thought I would be content with our friendship.” He stopped and skewered me with an intent stare. “But I can’t do it anymore. Not when I saw you with that Stormdancer. I want more than friendship.”
No sound escaped my throat. My body froze as my mind whirled, sorting through all the unexpected information.
“Opal, what’s wrong?” Ulrick grabbed my arm. “You’re swaying. Sit down before you fall down.” He guided me to the couch. “Guess that’s the last thing you wanted to hear right now. You’ve made it clear to me you’re not interested.”
When I sank into the cushions, I pulled Ulrick down beside me. His green eyes filled with alarm.
“You weren’t the only one afraid,” I said. “I kept a distance on purpose.” I paused, thinking of Pazia’s comments, how she accused me of acting better than everyone. “I was afraid, too. Afraid of rejection. Afraid of...” My thoughts shied away from the fear lurking deep within my soul where I had shoved it over four years ago.
Ulrick put an arm around my shoulders and drew me close. “Tell me what else yo
u’re afraid of, so I can fix it.”
I wished it was that easy. “Afraid of my reaction to your... ah...attentions. Another man...”
“Raped you?” The muscles in his arm tensed, but he waited.
“No.” I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his expression. “Tortured. Threatened.” The words burned my mouth. “I haven’t told anyone about it.”
“Why not?”
Ashamed, embarrassed and humiliated. I had been so cowed into submission, so eager to make him stop the pain; I would have done anything for him. “It’s...difficult.” I sucked in a breath, trying to keep the storm of emotions from overwhelming me.
“Was this when you were kidnapped?”
“Yes. Did someone tell you?”
“Mara mentioned it and a few of the students. But they all said a woman held you.”
“She had a partner.” Revulsion ripped through my body.
“Was he caught?”
“No, but he had to have been killed during the Warper Battle. He was a strong Warper and he wanted to use me for a ritual, but Alea wouldn’t let him. She needed me to trick...”
“Yelena,” Ulrick finished. “I heard.”
“And the worst part was...I was glad to do it.” There I said it. Shouldn’t I feel better? “I wanted to get away from him. I had no qualms about pricking Yelena with Curare.” I waited for the admonishment about putting myself before another. Or he would offer empty words of comfort, telling me how it all worked out in the end. I kept my eyes shut tight, bracing for his reaction.
“Living with your decision must be hard. Nothing I or anyone can say will give you any peace. You must reconcile your actions in your heart. In the meantime, we’ll take it slow.”
His hand stroked my cheek. I opened my eyes. He leaned closer and our lips met. A tender kiss, short and sweet.
He smiled. “A good first gather.”
I laughed at the glassmaking reference. Ulrick did spend the night on my couch, and I lay in my bed marveling over the turn of events. Thoughts of Kade also lingered. When we touched there had been that spark, yet he never indicated he wanted more. Ulrick and I had so much in common and his desire was evident. I touched my lips, remembering the kiss.
Storm Glass Page 23
