“Here we are.” Shance pushed open the back door to the clothing shop. “Zilpath, I have an emergency order for you. Expensive cloth.”
Zephryn glanced at the front counter. Zilpath was there, but her hands weren’t making their usual swooping gestures. Instead, they held her Berringer pistol, the barrel pointed at a figure across the counter. A human woman, with tiny black braids and calculating gray eyes.
Shance lunged toward her. “What the depths are you doing here? You gave us away, you conniving—!”
“Touch me, and you’ll never hear what I have to say.” Countess Nula raised her hands. “And you very much want to hear what I have to say. You all do.”
Zephryn tilted his head. “And why is that?”
“Because I can sway this whole city to your side, once and for all. If you give me asylum.”
Chapter 22
If he’d had his wind powers, Shance would have blown the countess into the next Scepter.
“Asylum? Zilpath, how can you possibly trust her?”
Zilpath shot him a fierce look that revealed she clearly didn’t. But she also refused to lower the weapon, leaving her unable to speak with him. Shance looked over at Nightstalker, but the dragon had disappeared.
“Zilpath, you can lower the weapon.” There he was, between Countess Nula and the door. The dragon prince had drawn the curtains across the windows. “If she tries anything, I will take measures.”
His voice carried the same finality Kesia’s had earlier. Nightstalker didn’t hide his predator nature as easily as Kesia did, but looking at him now, it was difficult to imagine him as anything other than a dragon.
The Countess raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips. “If you try to strike me, I will scream so loudly every officer on this street will hear.”
“They won’t hear a word.”
Realization lit Shance’s mind. “You can Cloak sounds too?”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you Cloak our sounds from earlier?”
Nightstalker smirked. “I prefer most people to remain quiet.”
Zilpath’s shoulders shook with laughter as she set the pistol behind the counter. Her freed fingers moved. ~He makes a point, Shance.~
“Thanks, Zilpath. That’s so kind of you.” Shance rubbed his knuckles, which were finally starting to scab over from his fight with the soldiers. Then he glanced at Zephryn. “Perhaps I shouldn’t translate her words for you, then. That’ll give you all the quiet you want.”
Countess Nula rolled her eyes. “Or I could continue speaking.”
“No.” Shance and Nightstalker spoke at the same time.
Nightstalker continued, “If you do not translate, Windkeeper, I will show you just how far a dragon’s flame can reach.”
Shance chose not to respond, but studied Zilpath’s rapid gestures. “Zilpath says the Countess has been an informant on the Curious Intrigue for years, but only when it suits her. The Lawless don’t trust her or even like her—”
“Consider me broken-hearted,” Countess Nula cut in dryly.
“—but she is often useful, especially with her powers of prediction and worth.” Shance swallowed hard. “But she also turned in Kesia and I when we were working in the engine room.”
“I had to. I’m a double agent, and the warmongers were getting suspicious because I hadn’t returned with useful information in a while. Besides, it wasn’t as if you were being careful; the dragon’s hands were on fire! What were you thinking?”
Shance took a step toward her. “She got angry about some weird bilge Brody gave me, saying it smelled like Nightstalker over there.”
“Nightstalker?” Countess Nula’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Oh my, they did find high-class blood for that potion. That explains why Nightstalker caught my interest.”
His head felt light, and a sudden sweat prickled his skin. “Potion?”
“Yes.” Nula flipped a braid over her shoulder. “You see, there is dragon blood in the Thredsing family ancestry. When I realized I’d have to marry you to gain some measure of freedom, I wanted to make it easier on myself. You’re not exactly my type.” Her ebony lips curled. “I arranged for an … aphrodisiac, as it were. A dragon blood love potion made from their pheromones so I would be more attracted to you. Brody passed it to you as a favor to me. I guess it worked on Kesia Ironfire as well, though clearly not enough.” The countess glanced at Nightstalker. “Your value has gone up considerably, but you’re missing one final piece.”
The dragon’s eyes flashed to slits. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, that wouldn’t be fun. Besides, that information isn’t part of the deal.”
She shifted her weight to her other hip. After all this, Shance still couldn’t help following the curves of her fitted clothing. He quickly looked back toward her face and that mouth that wouldn’t shut up. “I only revealed her as a spy. She did the rest. As I recall, Kesia had a clever way of releasing you so that she could save your life. Don’t underestimate a pretty face, Captain Windkeeper. Her embermate certainly doesn’t.”
Shance swallowed. “Embermate?”
Countess Nula grinned. “Oh yes, I see you do know what that means. You fell in love with a very married woman. It really is a shame what the Pinnacle has done to dragonkind. I have heard stories about what fiery lovers they made in earlier decades.”
She paused for dramatic effect. Shance hazarded a glance at Nightstalker, but the dark lines of the dragon’s face might as well have been carved from stone. Only his eyes gave away anything. Their cobalt depths glittered with glowing red-gold slits. “If you have nothing useful to say, I have missed roasting human flesh.”
“Don’t trouble yourself.” Her words flew out quickly now. “My parents are life-long members of the Curious Intrigue, so I was raised within the inner circle and was privy to a lot of secrets. Being able to predict future patterns and taste value revealed that the Curious Intrigue’s dominance in this war would come to an end. I chose to play both sides until I met those who were destined to take it down—namely, all of you. And it looks like it’s time for me to claim a side.” Nula smiled. “I’ll get you into the Congruency to meet a few of the Lawless’s insiders. I can relay any messages you want, and when the time comes, I’ll turn my parents over and give you access to their nefarious plans. I’ll even provide you with further predictions and value judgements—I have a ninety-nine percent accuracy rate. The only thing I ask in return is complete immunity and asylum, as well as my inheritance from my parents in full. I want to maintain my lifestyle independently.”
Zilpath started slapping the counter. Once she had everyone’s attention, her hands moved rapidly. ~Why should we trust you?~
At that, Countess Nula threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, you shouldn’t. I can be very untrustworthy. But I am your only option. You need to get to your precious dragon before her uncle tries to conscript her into his schemes—although I’m not sure he realizes the battle he’ll have. Especially if that one,” she pointed at Nightstalker, “flies ahead of us and makes sure he’s there to give Kesia back-up and increase her power.”
At that, Nightstalker’s stoic expression broke into surprise and shock. “What do you mean by that?”
“You don’t know? Mother and Father are right: they do keep you dragons dumb and ignorant.” She paused. “What I’ve heard is that your embermate is a part of you. Your hearts are entwined, so your powers are a little more…fluid, somehow.”
“How so?” Nightstalker moved closer, flames licking around his neck. “Explain.”
Countess Nula shrugged. “I don’t know. I wasn’t officially invited to that meeting, and at that point, they realized I’d been eavesdropping and shooed me away. But let’s not forget why we are here. Do we have a deal?”
Shance glanced at Zilpath. She made a few pidsyn gestures. He agreed. At this point, they had nothing to lose. Judging by Nightstalker’s attitude, it seemed they were all in agreement. Hopefully he wouldn’t e
at the Countess, though Shance couldn’t blame him if he did.
Maybe just a finger or two.
Shance nodded. “As long as you make good, we have a deal.”
“Agreed,” Nightstalker said. “Get your ship, Captain Windkeeper. I will track Kesia.”
“How will I find you?”
“You’ll be in dragon air space.” Nightstalker gave a humorless smile. “I’ll find you. Expect any other dragons to be hostiles.”
Without another word, Zephryn turned and exited the shop. Headed toward his embermate. His…wife. Shance sighed. The next woman he fell for, he’d have to be extra careful she wasn’t married and simply unaware of the fact.
Fingers jabbed sharply into his shoulder. Shance looked down in time to see Zilpath say, ~Still keeping a level head? You said you would keep focused on the task at hand, no matter what happened.~
“I am.” Shance looked over her head at the Countess. “Take me to the Lawless insiders. There’s no time to waste.”
Nula pivoted and walked to the door. “Follow me, Captain Windkeeper. Stay close. Oh, and I know it’s difficult, but try to keep your eyes on my head.”
“Easily.”
Shance followed her, trying and failing to keep a watchful eye on the street officers. Countess Nula kept a brisk pace, striding through the crowds of people as if she expected them to part before her. And they did. Even the street officers who caught sight of him were turned aside by her stare.
Such influence was impressive. Intimidating, in a different way than Kesia’s soldier skills had been. Kesia appeared every inch the quiet woman, hiding fire and danger within. Nula wore her capabilities and intellect as openly as a soldier wore weapons.
It was little wonder she’d found no suitors. While the Scepter of Commerce allowed women to inherit, own property, and take part in business, men preferred wives who acted genteel and civil. Not that the countess was otherwise, but she seemed to be more than anyone could handle.
Shance certainly didn’t want to, which left one question in his mind. He increased his pace to walk abreast with her as they crossed another street. “Why did you want to marry me if you wanted to be an independent woman? Why not just wait until you could strike a deal with the Lawless, as you have done now?”
“I don’t foresee everything, Captain Windkeeper.” She turned and gave him a quick, wry smile. “I only enjoy appearing so. At that point, marriage to you was the best way to ensure a place for myself when I had to turn on my parents. I judged that you would be fair and courteous, which suited my tastes. I do enjoy the physical aspects of life as much as anyone, so I attempted to broker an equitable situation for all parties.”
“An equitable situation.” Shance laughed in disbelief. “Is that how you see love? As something to be manipulated?”
Nula stopped in front of the Central Market and faced him. Her gray eyes softened, and her voice mellowed. “True love isn’t meant for everyone, Captain Windkeeper. I of all people should know that. I cannot see any predictions for myself, nor can I taste my own worth, but in love I will not settle for anything less than something strong and lasting. I would rather have a just and open-handed marriage with someone who respects me and gives me freedom than to chase my feelings into heartbreak and unhappiness. I suggest you do the same.”
“Have you seen something? Do you know something about me?” He shouldn’t have asked. Countess Nula was just a Talent-aided fortune teller. And yet, his breath caught in his throat, waiting for her response.
The Countess paused, her eyes clouding over. Then she shook her head. “I cannot say clearly at this point. Your value is measured by a very unstable scale. I know that a few fleeting pleasures, however sweet, are not worth a lifetime of—” She broke off, turning and walking toward the front entrance. “We should hurry.”
Shance strode quickly to catch up with her. “A lifetime of what?”
Her answer spilled out in a torrent. “A lifetime of wondering if you’re missing something right in front of you in favor of cheap thrills.”
“Are you telling me you haven’t indulged in cheap thrills?”
Countess Nula studied him, eyes hard. “No. But even I admit they lose their savor.”
She pivoted and strode ahead to the lobby, her boots clicking on the marble floor. Officers and merchants looked up from their conversations around the pillars. Nula ignored all of them and walked up to the front desk.
“Excuse me, but I found Captain Windkeeper in utter dissolution, making trouble at a tavern. As you can see, he’s been in more than one fight.” Nula gestured to Shance.” I know he has been formally discharged, but I think he would be better off in your care instead of staining the honorable name of the Congruency fleet.”
“I see.” The receptionist, a third lieutenant, made a note. “I will send for an escort to take him to the cells, Countess Nula.”
“Perhaps I should escort him personally to General Brody. This might be a matter of some sensitivity.” Countess Nula’s voice lowered. “For the sake of the curious.”
The receptionist blinked, then nodded. “Go ahead, Countess Nula.”
Another insider from the Curious Intrigue. Panic thudded Shance’s heart, but he managed to keep silent until they were in the elevator. “General Brody?”
Nula grinned. “You really should trust more, Captain Windkeeper.”
“You yourself said you were untrustworthy.”
“True. Still, I think you have little choice right now.” She smiled and exited the elevator, sauntering over to a doorway on the left side of the hallway.
Not General Brody’s door.
What was Nula doing?
“General Markem?” Shance paused just outside the opening.
Nula gestured impatiently, adding a little pidsyn curse for good measure.
Fine then.
Shance walked into the room. It was General Markem’s spare office with the same polished wooden desk, wireless commer, and suspension clipse-mirror. He glanced up at Shance, his expression sharp and unimpressed.
At his side stood Captain Tegan.
The general grunted. “Captain Windkeeper. I see you’ve managed to survive. I suppose that’s a good thing. Now, let’s get your ship out and stop this damn war.”
Shance’s mouth dropped open. “General? This whole time you were part of the Lawless?”
“Yes, despite those horrible night meetings and that curse-fingered clothing merchant.” His eyes glinted with humor. “My Talent is disguising my voice—the Talent listed on my official records was falsified. There was no chance you would have recognized me.”
The cloaked man. This whole time, it had been General Markem. Shance’s mind froze trying to comprehend this situation.
Captain Tegan rolled her eyes. “Keep your mouth open, and a crenbird might lay an egg in it, Windkeeper.”
“You’re part of this too? But you’re disgraced…”
She smiled thinly. “All is not as you see it, Windkeeper.”
Nula cleared her throat. “Now that everyone has been introduced, I have a family to betray and a supper date, so let’s get this breakout started.”
“Here. I don’t advocate much drink, but occasionally a little is called for.” Markem pushed a flask across the desk and grinned at Shance. “I promise there’s no dragon blood in this one.”
Shance grabbed the flask and took a swig. There might be a day when he gave up alcohol, but today was not that day.
Chapter 23
Cold air rushed over Kesia’s skin as someone ripped the helmet from her head, freeing her hair to fall about her bare shoulders. She was naked. Again. They must have stripped her before waking her up.
She rolled over and stood. Light trickled in from the four corners of the room. A familiar bass voice spoke from one of them. “Kesia Ironfire. Murderer. Why do you not bow before your leaders?”
“I-I have no leaders here. And I am no murderer.”
Fewmets!
No, she w
ould keep steady and firm. For Zephryn, even if he didn’t get here in time.
For Shance, even though he loved her too quickly and too much. For the Lawless resisting this war.
“You are not permitted to speak.”
Kesia turned toward the voice, allowing it to wash over her and bring with it the memory of being brought here as a child, also naked in order to fully absorb the treatments.
Even then, was her uncle preparing her to be treated as worthless? Forcing her to devalue herself? Anger coiled in her stomach. She had served them faithfully with everything she had, believing she was a criminal.
No more.
“I’m not allowed to speak because I killed my father? Is that why you named me murderer? Because a scared child defended herself against a monster, a monster that the Pinnacle created! Are you listening? I know what you did!”
Her voice echoed in the dark hall. Fire heated her skin, driving away the cold and feeding her courage.
“So you remember?”
Yes, she was a killer, and her father’s blood was on her hands, as well as the blood of those she had killed in the war. But that blood was also on the Pinnacle’s, especially Lord Garishton’s. Far more on his than any other.
“Yes. I remember.”
A pause. Did they expect her to be ignorant of the truth? Did they really think she was beaten? Kesia had been willing to take any punishment to earn their pleasure, and all the while, her uncle had stood there watching her quake and cower.
The fire spread through her veins, granting her boldness. She stepped toward the voice. “What? Are you without words now? You and your Curious Intrigue! Are you so sure of your victory in this war that you can’t imagine anyone standing against you?”
“Be careful, niece.” The light flickered around the location of the bass voice. Kesia’s heart skipped as she recognized a dragon in scale form. They were all in scale form. She knew this. It was easier on her nerves if she couldn’t see her accusers. “I have done all I can to protect you.”
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