Bronze gods. I’m too weak to do more than blow dust in their eyes; they’re going to break through, kill my crew—spirits, no!
She ducked and grabbed Captain Lev’s pistol, pulling it free and stepping away while he was busy pressing back against a renewed push by the enraged crowd.
Saskia stepped back three paces and braced, sighting along the barrel of the heavy revolver.
“Give me thunder, my darlings,” she murmured under her breath. As soon as she felt the stir of air around her hands, she fired.
The elementals amplified the sound, funneling it and adding their voices to it.
The sound of her shot crashed and rolled over sailors and townsfolk alike, sending a dozen of them tumbling to the ground with a cry of pain, holding their ears. The screaming demagogue let out a high-pitched scream and disappeared from view behind the panicking, dispersing mob.
They carried some of their fallen friends, left others to crawl away if they could. At least four of them did not stir at all.
The sailors fared a little better: most managed to regain their feet, though three had to be helped back to their ships by their mates. Nell was rubbing her ears, sitting on a piling; Irahi was already tending to the wounded and sending others back to their ships.
“I’ll take that.” Captain Lev held out a hand; Saskia returned his pistol. “You are full of surprises, Captain Braelan of the Gull.” He was bleeding from a half dozen cuts and bruises, but seemed in surprisingly good spirits. “We’d best make the best of it, yes? Come on, you layabouts! Move your arses, get a guard post set up here. We’ll rotate watches, always a half dozen men. I’ll talk to your captains, now do it!”
She nodded, running a hand over her face.
Irahi was right there, bless his heart, turning her to guide the way back to her ship. “Well done, Li’l White. One shot fired, and you saved three ships.”
Saskia looked over her shoulder. There was no sign of the spidery man. She turned back toward the Gull, leaning heavily on Irahi.
“A girl needs a hobby. Let’s hope our missing three do as well, whatever they’re up to.”
CHAPTER 13
RITSUKO SIZED UP VIKOR MAGNUS IN A GLANCE. HIS DARK eyes were hard; cruel lines bracketed his mouth. This wasn’t a man who had time or patience for anything outside his own agenda. He didn’t look pleased at their interruption, either. If he could pitch their documents into the ocean and get away with it, she had no doubt that he would. Mikani put away their packet of papers, however, and seemed unperturbed by the impatience in Magnus’s tone.
“We’re here because you seem happy to sit on a powder keg and wait for someone to light the fuse,” her partner said. “If the Skarsgard men get nervous and start shooting, they’ll start a small war out there.”
“I’m not in charge of Northport defenses,” Magnus returned.
“Small wars have a habit of growing. Sooner or later, a stray round will hit a Magnus warehouse, or one of your defensive pickets.” Mikani leaned toward the commander, who matched his stance. “And then you’ll be forced to strike. By week’s end, you and the trigger-happy Skarsgard idiots will be at each other’s throats while the city burns around your high-and-mighty selves . . . just in time for a cragger armada to sail in and thank you all for making it easy for them to raze Northport.”
Magnus’s expression became increasingly sour as Mikani spoke, and by the time her partner was done, he looked ready for a fight. “You arrogant bastard. If those Skarsgard coal miners so much as spit in our direction, the Pride’ll tear their squadron apart . . . and what the hells are you on about, a cragger armada?”
In terse tones, Mikani summarized what they’d learned, and Magnus seemed genuinely shaken. “If what you’re saying is true, we need to mobilize immediately.”
“Pulling out of Northport won’t save the city. Right now, you have more pressing problems,” Ritsuko pointed out.
“I’ll send a scout ship to confirm your report,” Magnus said. “Once I have corroboration, I’ll proceed accordingly. I can’t let the craggers push this far.”
Mikani nodded. “It’ll take more ships than you have here. You might have to cooperate with the other Houses to break them.”
She relaxed somewhat, pleased to shrug off the cragger threat from her shoulders. But she still had to persuade Viktor Magnus to take action instead of waiting to see how bad it got. If someone didn’t step up to restore order, it could take months for Northport to recover. Magnus had to grasp his role in minimizing the damage caused by panicked citizens.
Maybe profit was all this man understood, so she said, “Loss of life will make it difficult to do business, and while you may command the Magnus forces in Northport, I wonder how long that will continue if House profits diminish due to an armed conflict in the region.”
The commander raised a brow at her. “Are you threatening me?”
“Merely reflecting on likely outcomes. If you choose to assist us, it will go much better for all concerned. I had thought you might be familiar with our names from some work we did a while back . . . involving House Aevar?” She paused.
The commander looked surprised, and he sized them up afresh. “That was you two? Stories make you out to be ten feet tall and significantly less . . . disheveled.”
“We clean up nicely. Listen, we’re wasting time here, Commander. Simple truth is, letting this escalate will result in little more than grief for everyone involved. You’re the only one with enough firepower around to force the Skarsgard squadron to stand down and listen to reason before they start shooting civilians who wander too close. And you’ll need all your resources when those craggers sail in.” Mikani seemed to be struck by inspiration. “And what better way to show up Skarsgard?”
Ritsuko pinpointed the moment Viktor Magnus saw their point of view. He looked from one to the other of them, clearly weighing the benefits against the cost. “If I order my men to defend the harbor, I get full credit for the salvation of Northport.”
Otherwise, you let the place burn and innocent citizens die? Jackass. She didn’t use that word often, but it applied to Viktor Magnus.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Ritsuko hoped that the other man didn’t notice the faint ring of sarcasm in her partner’s tone. “You’ll get all the laurels, Commander.”
Once they wrapped up with Magnus, who was already barking orders to his men, Ritsuko disembarked. Standing beside Mikani, she watched from the end of the pier as the Pride of the North cut loose from its moorings and maneuvered toward the center of the docks, between the Skarsgard squadron and the city. That should keep Skarsgard from decimating civilians, though the way the mobs were prowling, who knew what would happen next?
“House Skarsgard won’t risk shooting while the Magnus ship’s in the way.” Mikani sounded quite certain, though she had her doubts.
“Will that be enough? It’ll only take one overeager gunner to set them off.”
“I expect they’ll be quite careful not to do that.” She’d nearly forgotten Loison, who had elected to wait for them outside. True to his word, the man was a shadow, and she hadn’t noticed him slipping up behind her. “Firing at House Magnus’s flagship could be construed as an act of war. The last time two Houses engaged in open combat, they both took years to recover from the vicious circle of vendettas and proxy wars. No House scion would risk a repeat . . . especially when there might be a fleet of raiders headed this way.”
“Well, that’s one less threat hanging over our heads.” Mikani turned toward the town. “Which leaves us with elementals running wild and a city ready to tear itself apart without House Skarsgard’s help.”
“We need to locate the source of the problems. Mr. Loison, you’ve been to Northport before?” Ritsuko addressed her question to the clerk.
The man nodded. “Thrice previously.”
“Then direct us, if you please. If things were more . . . normal, who would we talk to regarding these difficulties? Who’s tasked with keep
ing order?”
Mr. Loison considered for a moment. “That would be the Major General. I believe that it’s still Lady Maire Thorgrim, wife to the late Lord Aolfe. She took over his post a year ago.” He pointed toward the palace on the hill.
“What do you know about her?” she asked.
“She’s an able administrator. Her late husband was no laggard, but the word is she can outmaneuver most. It’s widely believed that she’s the reason they got the appointment for Northport—several factions of the Council wanted them out of Dorstaad.”
“Politicians.” Mikani glared toward the palace. “Hate them.”
“Then we need to speak with her,” Ritsuko said.
She estimated that the mansion Mr. Loison had indicated might be a mile and a half away, perhaps. On an ordinary day, that would be a pleasant stroll. Today, it could take all afternoon, so they’d best keep all their wits about them.
“Then let’s start walking. Watch out for mobs and possessed carriages.” Her partner checked his sidearm and set off at a brisk pace.
The streets were clogged with people, debris, and here and there, overturned wagons or carriages, some still steaming. Like the ship, they thrashed more like living creatures than machines, and she had to avert her eyes, quickening her step to keep up with Mikani. Mr. Loison stayed close to her side, either for company or protection, Ritsuko wasn’t sure which. But she had the feeling that the clerk might not be as helpless as he purported.
The sky was dull and heavy as lead, clouds echoing the fires below. Northport might usually be a lovely, inviting city, but at the moment, it felt as hospitable as a heavy rain. Mikani glared most of the troublemakers into submission on the way to the Thorgrim residence. A few looked like they might start a brawl anyway, but her partner stopped them with a hand on his weapon, encouraging them to move on in a hurry. Fortunately, the ne’er-do-wells were armed with knives and cudgels, not solid sidearms.
The sprawling edifice was even older than the Nuall villa, the weathered stone showing clear signs of centuries of exposure to briny air. There were tall, wrought-iron gates, where they had to flash credentials to get past the throngs milling outside. At first, the guard wasn’t inclined to let them in, but a judicious application of tact and determination carried the day. After striding up the drive, Ritsuko lifted the heavy knocker, which was forged in the shape of a wolf. The resultant bang echoed through the house, followed by slow, ponderous footsteps coming to answer. At last, the door swung open to reveal a silver-haired man of venerable years. He looked too old to be fetching and carrying, and Ritsuko wanted to tell him to find a comfortable chair and put up his feet.
“May I help you?” the servant asked.
“We’ve come to see the Major General,” Ritsuko said.
“Do you have an appointment?”
Mikani made a frustrated noise beside her. Before he could say something like “the burning buildings are our appointment,” she spoke quickly. “No, but I trust our credentials will prompt her to make time in her schedule for us.” She proffered them with a smile.
“Come inside, please. You may wait in the opal sitting room while I discuss your petition with the lady.”
The room in question was gorgeous, decorated in opulent fabrics that glimmered in the light; even the walls held a pearlescent sheen. Ritsuko opted not to sit down, as she was afraid her clothes would smudge the pristine fabric of the settee, and that wouldn’t endear her to Lady Thorgrim. Rare oil paintings in gilt frames adorned the wall, along with a framed collection of antique coins. Something about that portion of the room caught her eye, but Mikani distracted her by pacing, while Mr. Loison took up a watchful pose on the opposite wall. She noted that he had an excellent view of the whole room from there, reinforcing her impression of his acumen.
“This is a lovely home,” the clerk said. “Exquisitely appointed. I’ve never been permitted entry before.”
“Did you try?” Mikani asked.
Mr. Loison chuckled quietly. “Hardly. I know the General only by reputation.”
Ritsuko regarded the clerk in silence. Interesting. That’s not the truth, is it, sir? Though she didn’t say anything, the equivocation certainly gave her pause. Just how did Miss Braelan meet you, Mr. Loison, and how did you earn her complete confidence? She chose not to say anything, however. If the man knew about her gift, then he already understood that she’d registered his minor deception. If not, he was an ally, and she couldn’t afford to offend him.
“It’s too fancy for my tastes.” Mikani made a face. “Feels more like a museum. I expect a guard to come by and tell us to not touch anything.”
Ritsuko thought of Mikani’s cottage, with trinkets scattered all over. It was definitely more inviting. To her surprise, she missed the place, though she hadn’t spent much time there, comparatively speaking.
Before she could reply, the door swept open in that distinctive style favored by long-term retainers. The elderly servant stepped in and intoned, “The Lady Thorgrim.”
I suspect he’d have asked us to rise if we weren’t standing already.
• • •
LADY MAIRE THORGRIM was a little shorter than Ritsuko, with a cherubic face and laugh lines at the corner of wide, expressive brown eyes. She looked to be in her forties, dressed in mourning black with a hint of Thorgrim silver at the hem of her skirt and sleeves.
“Welcome to Northport,” she said. “Though I’m afraid we’re not at our best at the moment, Inspectors.” She held out her hand; Mikani hesitated.
Hells and Winters. Shake or kiss it?
Mr. Loison stepped into the pause, bending to not quite press his lips to her knuckles, so Mikani followed suit.
“We appreciate your hospitality, Lady Thorgrim.” Ritsuko bobbed in a little curtsy, which surprised Mikani.
She always did have better manners than me.
“I admit I was curious. We don’t get too many tourists from Dorstaad, let alone the Council’s lawkeepers. Though gods know, law and order is something we sorely need at the moment . . .” She trailed off as she looked out the windows at her city in turmoil.
“That damnable portal is destroying my city,” she finished in a softer voice.
“Portal?” Ritsuko and Mikani asked almost in unison.
Lady Thorgrim turned to them. “I can’t think of any better way to describe it. Several weeks ago . . . something happened. The Magnus wind witches and several seers and sensitives all felt it. A couple passed from the shock, I heard. Quite horrid.” A shadow passed over her eyes, and Mikani could feel the wave of emotion rolling off Lady Maire even without trying.
“What do you mean?” Ritsuko asked.
“A hole opened to whatever lies beyond. That crack in the veil between the worlds is—as near as we can tell—waking up the old spirits and causing our binding enchantments to fail.”
“The wall was raised to seal off Hy Breasil from the brewing wars in the Iron World,” Mikani interrupted. “You think something is now . . . seeping through from there and waking up the elementals?”
They say we originally came from the other side, but there’s no telling what might be there now.
But Lady Thorgrim shook her head. “When the Architect erected his walls a century and a half ago, he was sealing us off from other . . . places. There are other lands, as far away and strange to Hy Breasil as our islands are to the Iron World. But now there’s a break in those barriers, and that hole in the fabric of the world is making the old, primal spirits of the land—the elementals, awaken from slumber.”
“In truth?” Loison was surprised enough to forget he was supposed to be a ghost.
“What would cause something like that?” By his partner’s tone, Mikani thought he knew what Ritsuko was thinking.
And sure enough, Lady Thorgrim replied, “Only a dark and unthinkable ritual.”
Damn’d be. It’s as bad as I suspected. The spell we interrupted in Dorstaad seems to have done some damage after all, if not exactly
what the mad bastard intended.
“I see,” Ritsuko said softly. “Exactly how long has this been going on?”
Lady Thorgrim considered for a few seconds, then supplied a rough estimate for the date. And it coincided with the trouble in the city. There’s definitely a connection. Now we just have to put a cork in this. However that works. Likely easier said than done.
“That was when we stopped Lorne—”
The other woman erupted into a coughing fit, apparently choking on her tea. She collected herself quickly as Mikani frowned.
The Major General waved off their concern. “I’m fine, pay no mind. Whatever you may need to help restore order in Northport, ask and you will have it. My own guards are run ragged trying to keep order. As I imagine you noticed, there are only two left on my property.”
“The ones on the gate,” he said, nodding.
“So I’d appreciate any aid you can render.” She gave them both a hard look, and Mikani suddenly understood why the Council had been so eager to get her out of Dorstaad. She can’t conceive of not getting what she wants. “My city is in trouble, Inspectors. Set her to rights, and we can discuss the elemental trouble afterward. Until then, though, you’ll understand if I don’t have the time or resources to spare for anything more . . . esoteric.”
That was clearly a dismissal. Lady Thorgrim summoned a servant to show them out. Ritsuko was obviously worried, which proved she was as clever as she looked, and Loison was silent, chewing on what the Major General had said about the portal.
“She was . . . odd,” Ritsuko said as they walked. “And she was hiding something, not telling us the whole truth.”
Mikani nodded. “I saw that, too, but that’s common amongst politicians, no? The left hand never knows what the right is doing.”
Ritsuko agreed with a sigh, and they continued to the ship in troubled silence. Mikani hoped to convince Saskia to lend them some manpower as Northport desperately needed aid.
Back at the Gull, he counted two hundred sailors and dockworkers setting up a perimeter around the westernmost docks, led by Hu and a tall man he introduced as Captain Lev. With Viktor Magnus keeping watch over the bay proper in the Pride, it took only a few hours to convince the captains of the makeshift alliance Saskia and Lev had forged to lend their men to restoring order.
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