"You're not cooperating. Malthus stabbed her through the back with a spell. Searlait jerked, spasmed, and Malthus put her underwater again.
She thrashed hard for an instant and her dress tore, causing him to lose his grip on her. Another chunk of her hair came free in his grasp as she tried to scramble forward.
Malthus slammed his fist between her shoulder blades, driving her into the muddy streambed. He seized her hair and dress again, holding her submerged and watching her struggling outline distorted by the water. Malthus lowered his chin to his chest with a blasé sigh, jerked her head up, and snarled at her. Whether I drown you or not, you're already dying."
"Noooo. Blood mixed with froth and mud smeared the lower half of Searlait's face. She coughed and more blood broke from her sinuses, adding to the mess beneath her nose.
"What the hell do you think I was doing back there? I was killing you, you stupid bitch."
"My ... my heart... She exhaled the words wearily.
"Yesss! He gave her a violent shake, wished he could be quit of all the annoying subtleties, and shoved her under again. A simple death web to the heart or brain would have killed her in moments; however every Reader in the valley would have recognized the signs of oneespecially that Guildsmon.
Searlait jerked and writhed, twice getting her head to the side to snatch a breath of air, putting up more resistance than Malthus had expected so late in the game. He managed to retain his hold on her, rolled his eyes, and snorted in aggravation. Resigning himself to putting more effort into it, he straddled her, using the weight of his hips on the small of her back to hold her frail body pinned to the riverbed. Malthus shoved her upper body into the muck with a hand between her shoulder blades, grasped her hair again, and forced her face into the mud. Searlait shuddered and spasmed. Her struggles slowed, grew intermittent, and finally stopped. Bubbles broke the surface of the water as her lungs gave out. Searlait's body twitched convulsively in his grasp, and he held her under until the last tiny movements subsided. Shifting his grasp on her clothing, Malthus wiggled his fingers through a tear in her dress, touched the chilling flesh, and Read her. His limited assault had left no detectable residue.
A naughty boy smile touched the edges of his lips. Well, that wasn't so bad, was it, Searlait? You're all nice and dead now. What do you think about that?"
He released her dress and patted her head, making it bounce under his fingers. Malthus let go of her hair, stood up, and watched her body bob to the surface between his legs. He stepped free of her, disentangling his feet from her skirts, and thrust her body into deeper water. She floated, the strands of her hair spreading around her in disarray like strings of pale algae, arms outstretched. The current caught Searlait's corpse and swept it downstream into the swiftest part of the churning waters.
Malthus emerged from the stream shaking himself. He disliked being wet on a cold day, but at least it would not be for long. Concealed by a thick stand of pines, Malthus departed by a different path, retrieved his dry clothes from the pine covert, and changed his clothing before heading into the village.
* * * *
Claw spent the day in the Blue Room at his checkers table, refusing offers to play, unable to concentrate on anything for along. He shuffled the checkers around the board, stacked them up, and knocked them down, which necessitated ringing a bell for Kissie to come and pick them off the floor for him. The chieftain quickly bored with that and had her get him the chess set instead. That held his attention for all of ten minutes and then he started throwing them at the bottles of liquor on a shelf to see if he could break one of them. Sheradyn tried to coax him into taking a nap. Instead, Claw terrorized the nancidawg by cussing a blue streak at him until the healer fled the room. The only time Claw settled down was when one of Kynyr's friends returned to the manor with news about his grandson's condition.
Malthus stopped by and was greeted with a Get the Hell out."
Claw heard the swish of Fianait's steps and smelled her distinctive cologne before his younger sister announced her presence by calling his name.
"What is it? Claw snarled and downed another glass of whiskey. More and more he did nothing except drink and stare out the windows.
Fianait looked hesitant, as if she did not want to tell him, but had no one else to go to. Searlait is missing."
"Missing? Claw's head came up and his brow furrowed. What do you mean missing?"
"We were supposed to walk into the village to visit that new peddler after lunch... Fianait hesitated. But Searlait didn't show up for lunch. Or any of the other things we normally do."
"Have you asked Belgair to have a look?"
A single tear slid down Fianait's face as a flush spread across her cheeks. He said he had better things to do than go looking for a dotty old bitch who's probably just forgotten about me."
Rage flashed across Claw's face. Tell Belgair I want to talk to him. And I want to talk to him now."
Fianait swallowed and left to find Belgair.
Claw fumed. A year ago, Belgair would never have dared to speak to Fianait that way. Belgair, Malthus, Sheradyn ... many of his guardsmyn also ... they were treating him like an invalid child. One whose opinions and desires no longer mattered.
Belgair arrived with Fianait at his heels. I think you're making much ado about nothing, Belgair said before either Claw or Fianait could speak.
Rage crimsoned Claw's face. I'll make any ado I wish. Find my sister."
Belgair exhaled loudly. Claw, it's nothing to become upset or worried about. She's around here somewhere."
"I said, find my sister."
"Calm down. This isn't good for your heart."
Claw clenched his fingers into fists. Don't patronize me. I'm your chieftain."
"I'm not. I'm simply pointing matters out."
The long-suffering patience in Belgair's voice irritated Claw. Ever since he first began to have trouble with his heart, Belgair had started treating him differently. Since his fall, Claw felt as if he had become a devalued, emasculated cripple in Belgair's eyes, one to be humored and ignored. His command of his household had slipped through his fingers. Claw wondered who was running things now: Belgair or Malthus.
By nightfall it had become clear even to Belgair that something had happened to Searlait, and a search was called with most of the villagers participating.
* * * *
Pandeena carried a tea tray into the sitting room, placed it on the low table, and started filling cups. Hathura flicked his fan closed, shoved it through his belt and leaned forward. I hope you brought honey. I'm not fond of sugar."
"Same for me, said Jushan, Hathura's cousin. Where Hathura was pale, Jushan was golden. His coloring marked him as having been one who explored the ancient ruins of a city more vast than some kingdoms which lay beneath the island of Faewin in the middle of the Hillora River. The radiant magic of the place had altered him.
"I wouldn't ever forget the honey. I know all about your Faery taste buds."
The two Fae chuckled.
An urgent pounding came at the back door. Everyone paused. Hathura frowned. Who'd use the back?"
"Don't know. But I'll find out. Pandeena straightened.
Meleajys Sun-Child, the son of Kalirion by a Sharani woman, pushed away from the wall he had been leaning against. The dark-skinned blond, whose lanky build stretched his ropy muscles along a raw-boned frame, went armed almost to the teeth with daggers hanging from a harness crossing his chest, a Sharani longsword at his shoulder, knives up his sleeves and in his boot tops. Let me."
"I'm not some wet-tailed cub! Pandeena put her hands on her hips, preparing to argue.
The pounding on the door came again.
Hathura shrugged at his cousin, and slipped past Pandeena and Meleajys. He returned a moment later with Erskine.
The guardsmon looked rumpled, as if he had slept in his clothes and armor. A flush of agitation glowed on his features. Searlait's missing."
Pandeena stopped short in the mi
ddle of framing an irritated non sequitur aimed at Meleajys. What do you mean, missing?"
Erskine explained.
"Why didn't you come sooner?"
"Belgair kept me with him the entire time. I couldn't get away. He didn't want a bunch of outsiders drawn into it."
Hathura tapped his fans, his eyes distant. Well, we are now."
Erskine looked worried as Pandeena's people started grabbing their cloaks and heading for the door. If you don't mind..."
At Pandeena's gesture, everyone paused and glanced at Erskine. What?"
"Should Belgair ask, I only came to ask you to pray for her safe return. You took it out of my hands. Otherwise, I'll spend the next month scrubbing privies."
"Understood."
Toniqua arrived with her satchels slung across her chest, a sword at her hip, and the javelin she used like a walking stick. I'm ready."
People were about despite the earliness of the hour. When they reached the commons, they found Belgair standing in the middle of the green forming search parties to look for Searlait. The Guard Captain spotted Erskine and gestured at him. Where the hell have you been?"
* * * *
Pandeena sat in the Great Hall with Aisha and Fianait. While Aisha had a tense look, edged with determination; Fianait's eyes were red-rimmed from weeping.
"I'm glad you came, Aisha said. Claw wanted to send for you yesterday, but Belgair and Malthus... She spread her fingers in a gesture of helplessness. I feel like I'm losing control of my own home."
"I'm sorry. Where's Merissa? Pandeena squeezed Aisha's shoulder.
"Sheradyn sedated her. He's worried the stress will cause her to miscarry."
"I see."
Toniqua settled her satchels on the table. When was the last time anyone saw her?"
Fianait lifted her head, rubbing at her eyes. Yesterday. Just before breakfast. She's always liked watching the sunrise at the river."
"Was there a special place she went to there?"
"Yes. We used to sit on this rock as girls, tossing cedar chips into the water with our sweethearts initials on them."
"Can you show me?"
Fianait hesitated. The path has gotten too hard on my legs the last few years... Her head lowered and she sucked in a deep breath. I'll need my stick."
Meleajys squeezed her arm. I'll carry you."
Fianait regarded the handsome yuwenghau with a girlish smile. I'd like that."
He swept her up, grabbed her cloak, and covered Fianait warmly.
Fianait guided them to the Bonnie Draw where she and Searlait used to sit as girls and pointed to the smooth rock by the willow tree. Up there."
Toniqua climbed to the rock, waving the others to stay back while she examined it. Look around and see if you spot any footprints."
Meleajys lowered Fianait to a smooth boulder and sat with her.
Toniqua examined the surface of the rock with a Guildsmon investigator's sharp eye and keen instincts. She spied a spatter of tiny brown stains in an irregular pattern, took out her knife and a crystal. She scratched the particles of the stain up and stored them.
"What did you find? Pandeena asked.
"Blood."
Fianait paled. Meleajys put his arm around Fianait's shoulders, murmuring comfort noises in her ear. She leaned into his shoulder with a sob.
Toniqua glanced at Fianait. Not enough to have come from a wound. More like drops from a pricked finger. Still..."
"Over here! shouted Hathura.
Toniqua climbed down and joined Hathura at the water's edge. He pointed and she saw two isolated footprints, one booted, and the other barefoot. She glanced about for more, but failed to find any. Toniqua opened her satchel, took out a jar of powder, a bowl and a small canteen. She mixed the powder and water in the bowl, forming a thick paste.
"What are you doing? Hathura watched her closely as she poured it into the footprints.
"Making a cast. Then we can match the foot or shoe to someone."
"I've never heard of it."
"It's something new. Aramyn has been experimenting with the idea. So far plaster works best."
Moonlight-haired Gyongy had aquiline features more appropriate to a male than a female and carried herself like the bird of prey she resembled, with a shield at her back and longsword at her hip. She stepped through a stand of pine trees with a bit of blue cloth in her hands. I found this caught on some rocks in the river."
Fianait's eyes widened and she swallowed several times, her voice cracking when she finally spoke. That's the color of her dress."
Everyone went still for a moment. Pandeena took the bit of cloth from Gyongy and carried it to Fianait. Could this have come from her dress?"
"Yes."
Gyongy stared at her feet. It was far out in the rapids. I had a hard time reaching it."
Pandeena threw her head back and released a long ululating howl to bring others. As the sound died out, she spoke again. Then she drowned."
Fianait burst into uncontrolled keening, tearing at her hair.
As more searchers arrived, Pandeena sent them down along the river. The sound of horses and the jingle of harnesses drew Pandeena to the worn footpath beyond the Bonnie Draw. Belgair rode up at the head of his myn with Malthus at his side.
"What the unholy hell is going on here? Belgair dismounted and stalked to the rock where Fianait wept in Meleajys arms. Get back to the manor, Fianait."
The fragile bitch cringed against the dark-skinned yuwenghau. He lifted her in his arms and held her close, her face buried in his blond hair. She'll go when I take her."
"She'll go when I tell her, outlander. We don't need your kind around here."
Gyongy stepped to Meleajys side, her lip curling into a sneer. And we don't take orders from you. Your priest is our captain."
Malthus regarded them with a twist of venom and mock concern. I would question the loyalty of a priest who chooses her guardians from outside her own people."
"Enough of this! Pandeena moved to stand between Belgair's myn and Gyongy. You should be more concerned about what we have found than who I choose to employ."
Belgair dismounted and stalked to within killing distance of Pandeena. And what is that?"
"Evidence that Searlait has been drowned."
"Show me."
* * * *
Claw heard the sounds of many feet and loud voices echoing in the hallways. He wheeled his chair to the doorway of the Blue Room and gazed out. Aisha came toward him, her expression tight with grief.
"What's the commotion down there, Aisha? Claw asked, and then noticed his wife's tears. Searlait?"
Aisha's mouth tightened and she nodded. Drowned. Sheradyn's Reading her."
Claw's voice caught in his throat. How?"
Aisha hesitated, struggling for composure. He thinks she had a stroke and fell in."
Claw spun his chair around to cross the threshold. I want to see her."
Aisha rushed to step in front of him, grabbed the arms of the chair, and prevented him from going forward. Not until Kissie, Isbeth, and I have made her presentable. Gorgarty and Belgair are building the coffin themselves."
"Fianait?"
"Taking it hard. Merissa's with her."
Claw felt hollowed out. He was losing Kynyr and now he had lost Searlait. He could not even go down and sit with his sister's body unless someone helped him. Tears that he did not want to shed in front of Aisha gathered in his eyes, demanding the release that he refused them. The old chieftain resented the sense of impotence that had nagged him since his crippling. He reached for something, anything to focus his emotions on. What's that bastard Malthus doing?"
"Claw, please. Merissa has enough to deal with without you talking of her husband that way."
"Well, what is he doing?"
"Comforting Merissa."
"Wrap my sister's body and don't do anything more to it until Pandeena and Toniqua have examined it."
Seeing that Aisha would not allow him out of the room
. Claw backed up and wheeled over to his checkers table. He brought his fist down in the center of it, sending the checkers flying in all directions.
"Do what I say Aisha! Now."
Aisha acquiesced with an unhappy nod.
* * * *
Malthus watched Pandeena and Toniqua leaving that night after examining Searlait's body. One of them had to be the Guildsmon. The household had gone into mourning, everyone dressed in black, and the air hung heavy with their sorrow. He waited until the household slept, and stole downstairs to confirm his findings.
Searlait's body lay in a plain coffin on a bier in the center of the Great Hall. Someone had draped her loom with black cloth to signify that she would never be returning to it. Malthus went to the body and stared down at her remains.
Aisha and Fianait had dressed Searlait in her best gown, a long blue dress cut in the human style with a darker bodice and a lighter skirt. Malthus ran his fingers over Searlait's face. He felt the stasis spell the priest must have placed to prevent the body from corrupting further until Searlait could be laid into the ground of the small family graveyard at the rear of the gardens. Pandeena must have mage gifts, for this went beyond the usual priest gifts he had seen among lycans. Mages were rare among the lycans. Malthus wondered how Claw had found her. Pandeena seemed more dangerous all the time.
"I need to discuss Pandeena with Belgair."
He unlaced Searlait's bodice, paused to squeeze her spongy breast, and then opened the garment to examine the corpse. His eyes fell on the black stitching that showed Searlait's body had been opened and samples taken before they closed her up again.
Guildsmon . It had to be Toniqua. None of this had been done to his other kills before she came here. Was she working alone? If they suspected the Butchering Serpent was involved, there would be a team of them, not just a single mon. Were all of those myn living at the Lawgiver House Guild? It was possible, but Malthus doubted it. More likely they had spread themselves out among the several dozen newcomers that had been pouring into Wolffgard since the queen's rebellion started against the Sharani occupiers.
Frank-EReturn Page 23
