"Unlike Mayyab, who trusts nobody including himself, I see no problem with her," Nyarr replied.
I wanted to laugh—none of the warlocks were fond of Mayyab. It was his ability and position with Tamp that kept him from being a target of their power, because of his nastiness.
At least Tamp was able to control them. Arna, on the other hand, could become a problem if she weren't watched carefully.
"We have concluded our examination of the body," Darkins announced as he stepped off the trans-vator. "Death was caused by a single, ancient pellet fired by an even more ancient weapon. Devious, on Juut's part, to set that up."
"Have you reclaimed all the devices I sent with him?"
"Yes. They are locked away in the armory, as instructed, except for the one you have there." Darkins jerked his head at the device Tamp had held when we first arrived.
"Good. Very good," Tamp gave a slight nod. "I appreciate your efforts in this," he swept a hand over the bundle of bones and the containment sphere. "Deen, how confident are you that you can take Velker's place?"
"Very confident, sir," Deen replied. "I have one request, however."
"What is that?"
"That Zaria goes with me whenever I'm sent after treasure. For safety only," Deen was quick to hold up a hand.
"I think I can arrange that, as I was thinking in a similar fashion," Tamp agreed. "In fact, you may take any or all of Master Smith's crew with you when you go; it seems they are quite calm in sticky situations."
"I was grateful," Deen admitted. "Jin and I questioned Zaria at length. She was very calm and thoughtful with her answers. It would relieve me to know she can transport me away from trouble whenever it becomes necessary."
"Zaria, do you fight with blades?" Tamp turned to me.
"No, Master Tamp. I have had brief instruction in hand fighting, but I am not very good at it."
Ilya, the swine, ducked his head to hide the smile.
"Dinner is at eight bells," Tamp offered a smile. "Be here on time for drinks."
"Yes, Master Tamp."
* * *
Ilya
"You have Tamp's permission to hire two more; one will not be a problem," Chief Darkins said. He'd taken the trans-vator down to the lower level with us, so I'd asked about bringing one more in.
"I think I can have him here in two days; I'll instruct him to meet us at Gubb's," I said.
"Good. Zaria and I will come with you."
"I can transport us back and forth, to save time," Zaria offered.
"I'll take you up on that," Darkins smiled. "I was hoping you'd offer."
"It's no trouble," Zaria said.
"Tamp likes to keep his warlocks close, so it's not an option with them. I'm hoping he'll allow you to transport me when I have to leave the Rock," Darkins said. "Provided you aren't on assignment or otherwise engaged."
"I enjoy traveling," Zaria said. "Whenever I'm available, I'm at your service."
Don't get too friendly, Bleek warned.
He doesn't like women in that way, Zaria returned.
Good.
He thinks you're interesting.
I wanted to laugh.
Feel free to transport him away as often as possible, Bleek replied.
"Your furnace is in place, you only need to inspect it," Darkins said when the trans-vator reached our cave and opened. He was right; the new furnace took up nearly a third of the space.
"I'll check it over, including the connections to the solar power," I said. "It won't be lit until I'm satisfied that everything is as it should be. If all is well, I should have decent blades for Master Tamp in a few eight-days."
"Be sure to add treasure-hunting days into that schedule," Darkins warned. "Master Tamp may have another target very soon."
"That's fine," I shrugged. "As long as he's not unreasonable on the deadlines if I'm interrupted."
"If the work proceeds at a steady pace, he will be pleased enough. I will leave you, now, but know this; Tamp seldom asks anyone to his personal suite. He has never invited anyone to dinner."
* * *
Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis
Lissa
To say Justis wasn't pleased with any sort of plan that involved luring Cayetes in with Quin as bait was like saying the Avii King only grew a few feathers as mere decoration. He'd ruffled his red wings and glared at all of us as we attempted to hammer out a plan.
That plan was to travel to Carek Prime in two eight-days, hoping that King Devarr would acknowledge Lenk and allow us inside his palace. Getting him to listen would be the frosting on the cake.
We can send Halimel in two days, Rylend's mindspeech broke into my thoughts. And, just so you know, Garwin Wyatt, Travis and Trent just won the Founder's Prize for Diplomacy in the mock trials.
Seriously? They won?
I think Garwin Wyatt was leading the charge, but yes, they won. Teeg wants to send Wyatt as a diplomat somewhere; I think he may be ready, now.
Well, after so many years of school, I'd expect something in return, I said. Does this mean my twins are coming home, or are they going to hare after another adventure?
You need to talk to Drake and Drew, Ry's mental voice held laughter. I think they may have mentioned a life of piracy.
So soon? I expect their diplomacy skills are going to rot quickly. Which ship do they have their eye on?
They want to sail with Amos Thompson and Bear Wright.
Of course they do. They wanted BlackWing I, because it was the fastest in the fleet, no doubt. Your stepson and your younger brothers are going to get in trouble, I just know it, I added.
They are adults, although you can't always tell that, Ry observed.
So are their fathers, I said. Ry's mental laughter made me smile.
* * *
Quin
Justis was angry and refused to speak to me. Instead, I watched him pace back and forth inside the guest suite Lissa provided, his red wings plastered tightly against his back and his movements stiff with displeasure.
I'd asked him if he wanted to go with Queen Lissa and Deonus Wyyld. He didn't reply. Justis, the Black Wing Commander, wouldn't have hesitated—he'd have insisted on being included.
King Justis wasn't happy and didn't care that it made me unhappy, too.
I saw no other way to find Cayetes than this. Kooper's attempt had been well-planned and should have succeeded. It didn't, because of unforeseen interference.
"What do you want me to do?" I flung out a hand when I couldn't take Justis' anger and pacing any longer.
He stopped and leveled a dark gaze upon me. His jaw worked and he shook his head before turning aside for a moment.
"It isn't just you I want to protect," he muttered before turning back to me. "My heart cannot take another beating where you're concerned."
"Justis," I struggled to hold back tears as I ran to him. He wrapped me in his arms and his wings as he kissed me and told me he loved me, many times.
* * *
Paricos II
Zaria
"Please, come in," Tamp held out a hand.
I stepped off the trans-vator into his suite, where he stood, waiting for me to arrive right on time.
He was dressed comfortably, although the fabrics were rich and well-designed. I'd had to pull what I wore from the bottom of my trunk, never thinking I'd have a use for the long, blue gown.
The color of the dress matched a Larentii's skin—and a sunny sky in summer. When I'd walked past Ilya in the cave to reach the trans-vator earlier, a frown had appeared on his lips.
Perhaps this was penance for his making me suffer. Perhaps it was something else entirely.
I preferred the second option. Seldom does anyone walk into an opportunity the likes of which I'd found. It was my hope that the opportunity would not fail, based on such a massive amount of hope as it was.
"Master Tamp," I held out my hand to him.
"Call me Tampirus," he said. "There is no need for anything else."
&nb
sp; * * *
Vardil Cayetes' Private Quarters
V'ili
"I've heard the woman was moved afterward," Skyf, Vardil's spy reported. "There are no records of where. The Criminal Detention Facility has been emptied and repairs are under way."
"What in the name of the bloody god happened? They almost killed V'ili," Vardil hissed between clenched teeth.
"I heard it was an attempt by another band of pirates, looking to collect the reward. I believe the ASD is frantic that so many breached their security."
"How many?" Vardil demanded.
"At least a dozen. All killed, of course. Their deaths saved V'ili's life."
"I did not see or hear them, either," I said, surprising Vardil. "It has to be a new technology, to get past the ASD. I did not instruct them to ignore anyone else."
"Then search for that device," Vardil snapped at Skyf. "I want it in my hands within three eight-days, understand? I want to walk into the palace on Le-Ath Veronis and let everyone know who I am and what I want."
"Of course, Master Cayetes."
"Leave me," Vardil waved Skyf away. "I wish to speak with V'ili alone."
"What is it?" I asked, once the door closed behind Skyf.
"I believe the black-winged woman is either in the palace dungeons on Le-Ath Veronis, or in the cells inside that infernal Avii Castle. I want both searched if at all possible. Find a way to make that happen. I care not if those who may stand in our way are killed, you understand."
"I do understand," I said, smiling at Vardil. "In fact, it will be my pleasure."
"There is one other thing," Vardil said.
"What is that?"
"I want the ranos cannon built. Those fools on Vic'Law provided more than enough extra parts to repair the one which was destroyed. That means we have everything we need to build a new one."
"I will see to it," I said. "If we do not have enough engineers, I'll find more."
"Good."
Chapter 8
Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis
Quin
I woke with my head on Justis' shoulder. "Want breakfast, love?" Justis murmured before kissing my forehead.
"Yes," I snuggled closer to him. "Do I have to move to get it?"
"I can send for breakfast, but I'll have to move to do it," he teased.
"We should get up," I said. "I just don't want to."
"I know. Let's get up together, and go to breakfast together."
"Sounds perfect."
* * *
Paricos II
Ilya
"Did he discuss what he is?" I asked over breakfast. Turtle and Flyer had cooked for us, although they'd already eaten. Zaria, Bleek and I were having our morning meal in the small space we'd reserved for our makeshift kitchen.
"He worked around that. I think he's worried I'll find him disgusting if I learn he likes to become a tree, a rock or a cactus now and then."
"Do you find him disgusting?" Bleek lifted his cup of tea and drank, although he kept his eyes on Zaria to watch her expression.
"Not because of that," she shrugged.
"So part of him is disgusting?"
"I didn't say that. Like any of the bosses on Paricos II, he's done away with his share of people—mostly criminal employees. He doesn't drag it out, though, like some of the others. He likes to acquire things—and sells most of them—but you already knew that. He prefers to get a team in and out with no losses, or at least a minimum of losses."
"What does he want with you?" Bleek asked.
"To talk, mostly. He gets sex from Arna."
"She wasn't pleased about his dinner invitation, I know that much," I dipped my toast into poached eggs and bit off a corner. Turtle and Flyer were excellent cooks.
"She wants to kill me," Zaria said casually.
"Are you worried about that?"
"I'm only worried about what she might do to everybody else. I can feel her coming from miles away."
"Can you give me some of that?" Bleek asked.
"Probably, although it might make you uneasy until you get used to it."
"I'll take uneasy. I worked for years for Cayetes, and I'd have settled for being uneasy. Constantly watching your back does strange things to people."
"I hear that," I agreed.
"What are we doing today?" Zaria asked.
"Lighting the furnace. I checked everything over last night while you were at dinner. We're ready to start the smelting process."
* * *
Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis
Lissa
"Tell me about the device you used to get past my men," Kooper said. Captain Lenk was having breakfast with us in the kitchen. Gavin and Tony were with us, listening to what Lenk had to say.
Tony had been at the detention facility when Lenk and his men had strolled past, with no sound or scent to indicate their passing. Of course he was interested in the answer.
"The chief scientist for the King created it," Lenk admitted. "It worked too well this time and got my men killed."
"You're telling me you have this technology on Carek Prime?" Kooper sounded incredulous.
"We do. Devarr controls the number of devices produced, because he sees this as a necessary evil—somewhat like ranos technology. Extremely dangerous in the wrong hands, you understand."
"I can see that," Kooper agreed. "I'm concerned that Vardil Cayetes will come looking for it, if he learns of its existence. Along with every other criminal in and out of the Alliances. I have a meeting with Teeg San Gerxon scheduled to discuss it."
"Devarr will never allow the technology to leave Carek Prime," Lenk insisted. "He will destroy all devices and the plans before he'll let that happen."
"While that sounds more than altruistic, things like that often find their way into the worlds regardless of our best intentions," I pointed out. "We'd be working on something already to counteract it, if we had one of the devices to work with."
"Devarr will never agree to that," Lenk said. "He trusts Hulce and everyone else involved in manufacturing those devices. Carek Prime will never allow them to fall into the wrong hands. My apologies, Queen Lissa, that came out wrong," he said quickly.
"No, I understood your meaning. I'm merely pointing out that not everything is always as we wish it to be, Captain Lenk."
Kooper, I sent, find out what Carek Prime's vulnerabilities are. If word of these devices gets out, I can honestly see the planet being attacked, just to get the technology or kidnap the scientist involved.
On it, Kooper acknowledged.
"Captain Lenk, I understand that you think this technology will be kept secret," I said. "However, you and your king gave up that fantasy the moment you employed it to walk into an ASD facility."
* * *
Paricos II
Zaria
We spent the day heating the furnace and bringing in barrels of iron ore to smelt. We had a use for the barrels afterward, too; to hold slag—the glass-like substance formed by the smelting process. The furnace would divert the molten slag away, cool it and then grind it to fine granules, which could be recycled for other purposes.
The cave warmed and then became hot. I employed power to keep the temperature down; Bleek had his shirt off and was sweating already as he moved hover carts loaded with iron ore toward the furnace.
I'd already changed to a tank top and short, close-fitting pants to accommodate the heat produced by the furnace. My hair was piled in a bun atop my head and I wasn't looking my best when Loor and Nyarr arrived to watch us work.
"We've never seen this before," Nyarr grinned as Ilya shoveled iron ore into the furnace.
"Want to help?" Ilya turned and grinned at both.
"No," Loor laughed. "We were just curious, that's all. It looks as if we've been taking the production of our metals too lightly."
"An industrial furnace will be larger and better controlled," Ilya wiped sweat off his face. "It's still hot work, no matter how you look at it."
"Those
tattoos for real?" Nyarr asked as Turtle and Flyer, both bare-chested, rolled empty barrels out of the way to make room for another load Bleek brought in.
"They're Falchani. Of course they're real," Ilya said. "Want water or something else to drink? I'm ready for a break."
"No," Nyarr declined. "But we'd like to have dinner with you and your crew tonight—in the supervisors' mess."
"Sure," Ilya shrugged. "Especially if the food's better there than what's in the regular mess."
"We have trouble getting decent cooks," Loor said. "The best ones go upstairs, as you probably have guessed already."
"What time?" Ilya asked.
"Seven?"
"We'll be there. We'll even clean up, first."
What's that about? Bleek sent the moment both warlocks disappeared.
Curiosity, mostly, I told him. They want to size all of us up, and want to get in on the ground floor, since we're Tamp's new favorite toys.
Worried they'll be replaced? Turtle asked.
No—they've seen many come and go; Tamp isn't looking to replace any of his warlocks. They keep him happy; he keeps them happy. We're still an unknown quantity, and those five learned long ago not to put stock in anything Mayyab says.
What do you really think? Ilya asked.
I think they're looking for friends. Nobody here has similar interests, and, as I'm a certified witch who's apparently worked with all of you before, they believe we as a group may have something in common.
Does Tamp use them to carry out executions? Flyer asked.
No. He does that in a more tradition fashion. He has several spies and two assassins on his staff; we just haven't met them, yet.
Great, Bleek said. Why didn't you say that before?
Because I didn't want to scare you.
You think I'm scared?
Honey, please stop, I begged. I'm getting a headache.
"Come here," Bleek walked toward me. He lifted me up and placed my legs around his waist with both lower arms while holding onto me and rubbing my back with the top two.
I dropped my forehead against his shoulder with a sigh.
I'd seen the spirits gather inside the cave once the warlocks appeared. They stayed when the warlocks left, and now studied Bleek and me as he held me and rubbed my back.
I sighed again—deeper, this time.
WhiteWing Page 11
