Aazen set the glass back on the desk with a soft clink. “You should perhaps be concerned that I’ve poisoned your drink,” he said bluntly.
Daen didn’t immediately react, until Aazen held up his open palm. Wired to his middle finger was a small vial, no larger than a thimble. Daen opened his mouth, but Aazen went on, “To answer your question, yes, I still desire a place among the Shadow Thieves—your place, specifically.”
Daen grunted. “You’re bluffing. Do you truly believe we don’t have ways of dealing with poison?”
Aazen shrugged. “In that case, we’ll talk tomorrow, when the time for an antidote has passed.”
“Wait.” Daen’s bravado slipped a fraction when Aazen turned to the door, but he tried to appear more interested than upset. “What do you want?”
“To know more about my ‘family,’ ” Aazen said. “I want to know how far your web reaches and who controls my fate.”
“None of us know that,” said Daen. When Aazen started to turn away, he chuckled. “Kill me if you like, but it’s the truth, and the not knowing serves us all well. You’re clever, but you’re still a babe, Aazen. You need my guidance.” Daen had returned to patronizing, the master to the student. “I can help you.”
“Can you?” asked Aazen. “Because I tire of having my fate dictated by others. I told Kall the Shadow Thieves would not control me, and I will keep that promise.”
“What is it you want, then, to rule us all?” scoffed Daen.
But Aazen was perfectly serious. “Yes. And you will help me, Daen, or you will die painfully tomorrow. Which will it be?”
“Oh, you’re a dead little fool,” said Daen serenely, but he nodded. “I’ll help you, as long as it serves me to do so. For now, I have no choice, if I want to stay alive. But if I get the chance to kill you—”
“Agreed,” said Aazen. “We’ll take things one day at a time. As long as you impress me, Daen, I promise you’ll stay alive.”
Daen’s jaw tightened—the first visible sign of anger Aazen had ever seen from the man. “Where shall we begin?” Daen asked.
“The lowest point in the web,” Aazen said. “Every Shadow Thief under your command. We’ll work from there.” Were he to lead them someday, he would need to know every member of his new family. He was looking forward to meeting all of them.
About the Author
Jaleigh Johnson lives and writes in the Champaign/Urbana area of Illinois. When she’s not sitting in front of her computer creating stories, she enjoys sitting in movie theaters, gardening in her backyard, and gaming in the basement. The Howling Delve is her first FORGOTTEN REALMS® novel.
Visit her online at www.jaleighjohnson.com.
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