WhiteWing

by Connie Suttle

  "I sure hope so," Bleek murmured. "Whoever put that together is a genius."

  "I'm worried about riots on Q'eefur," I said. "People are already scared; I can feel it."

  "Perhaps it's time that people learned that some of the poison was sold to others who intend to harm, like the Pre-Empsis of Q'eefur did." Hal said. "That information has been held back for many years. It is time the people knew what to look for, I think. Do you suppose the servants in that household wouldn't have said something sooner if they realized their lives were on the line?"

  "There's that, of course, but on the other side of that coin is who may try to steal it for their own gain. No matter how dangerous something is, if somebody sees a profit in it, they'll take their chances. So many believe themselves invincible, when they are anything but," Ilya grumbled.

  "Like we're stealing it?" Jin turned to me.

  "You know why I'm taking it," I said. "As for Tamp's intentions, I can't really talk about that right now."

  "I say let everyone know that the original containment spheres were faulty," Hal said. "Tell them the spheres need to be heavily shielded to remain safe."

  "I'd say that's a sound idea, unless somebody wants to kill entire planets with the stuff. Then we're back to where we started," Ilya countered.

  "If that were their intentions, it would have happened already," Hal argued.

  "Look, both of you are right—that's not impossible, you know. We have our own set of problems. Hal, send your thoughts to your boss. Let him and the others decide," I said.

  "Who's your boss?" Deen asked Hal.

  "Ah, young one," Hal breathed, "someday, perhaps, I will introduce you."

  * * *

  Q'eefur

  Quin

  "If this weren't such an emergency," Teeg San Gerxon grimaced when Lissa, Kay, Daragar and I arrived on the grounds surrounding the former Pre-Empsis' palace.

  "I know. I can feel the poison surging," I confessed. "This was the proper thing to do, to keep the people of Q'eefur safe."

  "I can't believe the asshole let it go that long. He had to know it was happening," Lissa huffed as she gazed about us. The gardens were dying; that was easy enough to see. No amount of water or a gardener's best care could cure what killed the exotic plants and trees.

  "He did know. He answered that question under compulsion," Teeg said. "His excuse was that he could marry more wives and have more children."

  "Is he affected by the poison?"

  "Sadly, no. He spent a great deal of time away from his palace—intentionally—after he learned the poison was spreading from those spheres."

  "Dearest," Daragar sighed as one of my downy feathers lifted and floated away in the breeze.

  "I know," I said. Somehow, amidst all this, I was molting. It was coming at a terribly inconvenient time, too, in my opinion.

  "All the Avii molt," Daragar pointed out. "It is nothing to fear. New feathers will come."

  "Yes. It will merely take time," I agreed. "Shall we plant our sphere?" I held up the smallest sphere I'd found in Avii Castle's secret treasury. It would do for this.

  "How deep?" Lissa asked. I told her.

  "Come," I whispered to the tiny sphere and dropped it into the hole Lissa made with power.

  * * *

  Paricos II

  Ilya

  "They did exceptional work; I can find no flaws in the many layers of shields surrounding the spheres and the bones," Nyarr reported to Tamp.

  The bones and spheres lay on the same table as last time; Tamp was determined to ensure that the poison was no longer leaking from what we'd brought to him.

  "The CSD must have a powerful warlock in their employ," Loor observed.

  "Hmmph. Karathia is a part of the Campiian Alliance; don't forget that," Tamp said absently. "I find this fascinating, that the fool would allow these to sicken his household. I also find it fascinating," he lifted his head and smiled at Deen and Zaria, "that you managed to pull this away right under the CSD's nose."

  "I find it amusing that those fools aren't admitting it," Nyarr said. "I've seen the vids—they say the location of the spheres is secret and can't be released."

  "That is the truth," Tamp pointed out. "They have no idea who took them. I've been searching the sites on my comp-vid. Nothing. I did find," Tamp turned toward Bleek and I held my breath, "that there is a price on our Blevakian's head, here."

  "I will not allow you to sell him," Zaria came to stand beside Bleek.

  "My dear, I have no intention to do so. He is more valuable to me where he is. I do have a question, however," Tamp continued, leveling his gaze on Bleek again. "Tell me about the black-winged woman."

  Chapter 10

  Paricos II

  Zaria

  "Yes, I worked with the BlackWing crew," Bleek shrugged. "As did Zaria. When the ASD began their search, we resolved to find other work."

  "There is no reward offered for you, my dear," Tamp turned to me.

  "Because the authorities have no knowledge of my involvement in piracy. I made a choice to go with Bleek."

  "Fair enough. Thank you for these," Tamp swept a hand over the spheres and bones. "I am happy with your success in this. You'll receive a bonus for your work. Zaria, I wish you to accompany me tomorrow evening; I have a business matter to attend to."

  "All right. How shall I dress?" I asked. I already knew, but it was the proper question to ask.

  "Nyarr will provide for you—he and Loor will also be going. Be ready for transport at seventeen bells."

  "As you say," I nodded.

  He smiled.

  * * *

  Le-Ath Veronis

  Perdil

  "Where are we going?" Captain Lenk asked as he, Rigo and I climbed into the hover-van.

  "To the detention facility," Rigo replied. "You've seen Cayetes and a few of his men, I believe. We will attempt to identify one of his spies, if possible. We have reason to believe that at least one has been sent to learn more about your security device, Captain."

  Lenk's face paled, but he merely nodded and settled into his seat. He'd cast several questioning glances my way when Rigo and I arrived at his suite to collect him, but he never remarked on my height or any other question that crowded his mind.

  I'd learned to decipher those looks long ago. Most dealt with natural curiosity. Some were downright insulting.

  The curse of being different from what surrounds you, my Lissa said often enough.

  Don't worry about it, Drew always said. People will underestimate you. That's a good advantage to have in a battle of wits or steel.

  He was right. I could have someone gutted physically or mentally, if it were necessary and they weren't paying attention.

  The entrance to the detention facility's parking area was well-lit, with security-cams hidden throughout to record the comings and goings of employees and visitors alike. Large, hover-trucks were parked at one end, filled with supplies and equipment waiting to be used or installed.

  A few workmen were unloading a crate near the freight-vator; we walked toward them, first. Those four appeared normal enough; one was vampire and Rigo knew he wasn't involved with Cayetes.

  Rigo didn't speak until we'd boarded the freight-vator and its doors closed to transport us to the detention cell levels. "All four of those have been on Le-Ath Veronis for several years; I doubt they're involved with Cayetes," he said.

  I was of the same opinion, but that was only four of many. There were three shifts, working around the clock to effect repairs, strengthen damaged walls and replace prisoner cages and locks.

  All four workers had stared at me as I passed.

  Another gauntlet waited for me downstairs.

  * * *

  Paricos II

  Ilya

  "Where is he taking you?" I demanded of Zaria, once we arrived in our cave.

  "The bosses are meeting—they do it once per sun-turn," Zaria sounded weary. "It's one of the few events Tamp feels obligated to attend. Nor
mally he takes three of his warlocks, but chose to take Nyarr, Loor and me this time."

  "Has he ever taken Arna?" I asked.

  "No."

  "She'll be pissed," I said.

  "Did you notice she wasn't present when we met with Tamp, this time?" Zaria asked.

  "I did. I wondered about it, too, up until Tamp made his comments about the price on Bleek's head."

  "When I leave tomorrow with Tamp, I want you to place your best shield around all of you, and ask Flyer and Turtle to do the same," she said.

  "You worried about something?" In my experience, if Zaria were worried about something, then I should worry, too.

  "Something isn't right," she said. "I can feel it."

  "How will he dress you?" I asked. I wanted to know—for personal reasons.

  "Like Nyarr and Loor—in a guard's uniform," she said. "Dark blue with gold—Tamp's colors. All the bosses have their own servants' colors—it's easier to sort them at a meeting."

  "I know you can take care of yourself," I admitted, "Just—be careful, all right?"

  "I will. You do the same."

  "I will." I leaned in to kiss her.

  "Hey, now," Bleek interrupted. "I haven't gotten a kiss."

  "You want one?" Zaria asked.

  "Of course I do. Then I want food."

  "Of course you do," she laughed.

  * * *

  Queen's Palace, Le-Ath Veronis

  Quin

  "Here are the images that Perdil and Rigo recorded when they walked through the detention facility," Lissa set a comp-vid on the small table beside me. I'd chosen the palace pool as a place to relax. The sound of the waterfall spilling into the indoor pool at the far end was quite soothing.

  "You're worried that someone could be spying on us?" I asked, lifting the comp-vid.

  "Yes. It won't take a genius to add things together and come up with the knowledge that new technology was used to get a dozen men into the facility—without anybody seeing or hearing anything," Lissa said.

  "I know." I shivered at the thought of it.

  "Will you be able to tell from the images whether we should investigate any of these?"

  "I should," I said. "I think Zaria does this best, but I can do it, too."

  "Unfortunately, Zaria is in the middle of tracking containment spheres and keeping a criminal boss happy," Lissa sighed.

  "I heard Drake and Drew say the same thing," I admitted.

  "Where is Justis?" she asked.

  "Speaking with Wolter and Captain Ardis about the guards and others who are staying at the replacement castle. Wolter, Orik and Deeds are still running the boat tours as if nothing is different. Ardis says that they haven't seen anyone approach the castle, but there are still boat jumpers."

  "It amazes me daily how stupid people can be," Lissa offered a grim smile.

  "Did you wish to speak with Justis?"

  "When he isn't busy," Lissa said.

  "I'll let him know," I offered.

  "I'll send mindspeech," Lissa waved a hand. "When you've had a chance to look at those images, let me know if anything stands out. This is the first shift only; there will be two more shifts to examine before we're done."

  "I'll have it finished by tonight," I promised.

  "Thank you."

  * * *

  Justis

  "There isn't a thing out of the ordinary so far," Ardis said. "We've been watching carefully, and the soldiers and agents sent by Queen Lissa are recording everything. Nothing is amiss."

  "I want it to stay that way," I grumbled. "Don't let your guard down, just because things are proceeding as normal."

  "I don't intend to. Lives depend upon it," Ardis said.

  "What do you want me to do about the receipts for the tours? Tomorrow, Orik is scheduled to bring the accounts to Dena, as usual," Wolter said.

  "Then treat it as a normal occurrence; just make sure there are extra guards discreetly placed when the boat arrives at the cleft."

  "I'll make sure of it," Ardis agreed. "I will likely be there myself."

  "Very well. I expect to have regular communication, as usual," I said, rising and stretching my wings.

  "How is Quin?" Wolter asked.

  "Very well," I replied. "Although she is going through the molt. It is time, I suppose—it comes to all who bear wings."

  "I hear from Amlis now and then," Wolter said. "He often says he wishes that Quin would visit. I know not what to tell him."

  "I will pass that message to Quin. Her decision in the matter will stand."

  "Of course." Wolter dipped his head. At that moment, I received mindspeech from Queen Lissa, expressing her desire to meet with me privately.

  "I have to go—I have another matter to attend to," I said.

  "Thank you, my King," Ardis dipped his head respectfully. Wolter followed suit.

  * * *

  Lissa

  "You asked to see me?" Justis strode in after Renée, who'd brought him straight to my private study.

  "I did," I said, waving Renée out of the room. She closed the door softly behind her.

  "What do you have?" Justis got right to business.

  "Something that involves you, I believe—and Quin. She doesn't know yet, so please behave in a circumspect manner after I tell you the news."

  "Please, go on," Justis swept out a regal hand.

  "Quin's pregnant," I said. "I think the baby's yours."

  * * *

  Paricos II

  Zaria

  At least the uniform fit well; the boots I altered to suit me better. I was expected in Tamp's suite in a few minutes as I pulled my hair back in a braided bun and secured it.

  I'd look the part of a guard, whether I was one or not.

  "Remember what I said," Ilya reminded me as I walked toward the trans-vator.

  "You, too," I pointed a finger at him. "Your best shields. Don't forget." Something wasn't right and it troubled me. Perhaps too many were in danger at the same time, which didn't allow me to focus on one as opposed to many.

  The crowding spirits and my feeling of uneasiness had only grown as the last day passed, until it was time for me to join Tamp, Nyarr and Loor upstairs.

  Squaring my shoulders, I gave Ilya a nod and walked into the trans-vator when it opened. Good or bad, I had my guard up and prayed that all would be safe.

  * * *

  "Right on time," Tamp said with a smile as I walked into his suite. Nyarr and Loor had arrived ahead of me and flanked Tamp, who was dressed formally.

  It was a meeting disguised as a dinner party, looked like. "Nyarr, will you do us the honor?" Tamp turned to the eldest of his warlocks.

  "It will be my pleasure," Nyarr agreed. "Zaria, if you will stand beside Loor, we will arrive properly at the venue."

  "Of course," I said and took my position next to Loor. Nyarr folded us away.

  * * *

  The Rock

  Chief Darkins

  "Chief," Reyks walked into my office.

  "Reyks?" I wasn't visited often by Tamp's chief of spies.

  "I felt I should inform you, since Tamp has left already," Reyks said.

  "Of what?" He wouldn't be here unless it were important.

  "Arna went to Gubb's bar earlier. At first, I believed it another dalliance, but she received a small package from one of Weir's guards. Afterward, she left and went to a dress shop. I had someone watching all exits, Chief. She went in and never came out again. I had the shop carefully searched. Arna has disappeared."

  "She didn't return here?" I rose from my chair, ready to search the Rock for her presence.

  "Not that anyone has seen," Reyks said. "Nobody knows where she is, including that fool, Mayyab."

  "Or so he says," I snapped. "Come, shall we call the warlocks who are here and question Mayyab together?"

  "Most certainly."

  * * *

  Zarbec's Compound

  Zaria

  Zarbec hid his insecurities behind a simpering fa�
�ade. While pleasantly chatting with other bosses, he was busy mentally calculating their worth and determining ways to ingratiate himself.

  A few bought into that image; he stood to profit from their gullibility.

  Tamp could read the fool like a book and gave noncommittal answers to Zarbec's seemingly inane questions regarding recent business successes.

  Most of the bosses were men; three were women. Nyarr, Loor and I followed Tamp, just as other bodyguards followed their boss. All of them were wary and watchful. A handful had warlocks like Tamp; most had humans or humanoids who were armed to the hairline—secretly, of course.

  "Weir is noticeably late," Tamp murmured to Nyarr.

  I went still. Just the mention of that name sent a shiver through me. Terrible thoughts crowded my mind.

  "Get us out of here," I snapped at Nyarr. Zarbec's compound exploded in a series of detonations less than a blink after Nyarr folded us away.

  * * *

  Ilya

  The five of us sat at the table in our small kitchen inside the cave, having some of the best Falchani noodles with chicken that I'd ever tasted.

  Flyer was a genius with rice noodles. I hadn't forgotten what Zaria told me, either—Flyer, Turtle and I had our strongest shields in place surrounding the cave.

  Those shields stopped just short of the trans-vator door; if anyone dropped in to visit, they'd at least be able to step out, giving us time to alter the shields well enough to allow them in—depending on who it was.

  "I can teach you how to make these," Flyer offered with a grin as I dipped more noodles into my bowl.

  "I think I'll continue to appreciate them like this," I said and employed my chopsticks to lift noodles to my mouth.

  That's when the trans-vator doors opened—to reveal a blank space. I blinked, as did the others.

  Ilya, Zaria's voice shouted into my mind. We're under attack.

  That's when we felt the rumble and shudder of the rock above our heads—the entire thing was collapsing around us.

  * * *

  Le-Ath Veronis

  Tourist Vessel Whimsy

  Orik

  A small part of my brain told me to weep. His words kept me from it. "Tell me about the black-winged woman," he'd demanded. I couldn't hold the words back. Information regarding Quin tumbled unwillingly from my lips.

  "She has white wings," I'd confessed. "Her name is Quin. The black wings were a disguise."