Page 75 of An Archer's Redemption

“The eastern quarter abuts the Spires. Is it unusual for wild beasts to wander down in winter, seeking food?” Ethan asked.

“No, of course not. We see bears and wolves on occasion, but they are rarely bold enough to attack. There are so many people packed into the capital these days that most wildlife is too afraid to venture close.”

“You said there were two things that bothered you. What is the second?” I asked, impatient to be done with the day.

Cribbs looked to Ethan. “This is thethirdkilling in three weeks that appeared to have been committed by wildlife. The other two occurred in Oliver and Featherstone.”

“Oliver? I could understand Spoke. It sits on the eastern base of the Spires, but Oliver is a port town with nothing but fields at its back,” Ethan said, scratching his stubbly chin.

“It gets stranger.” Cribbs nodded. “The victim in Spoke appeared to be mauled by a wolf or some other smaller predator. In Oliver—I hardly know how to believe the description.Constables there report the man appeared to have wounds consistent with abear. There were wide gashes across his chest and arms. Worse, whatever attacked him did not stop when he was down. It continued tearing at his flesh, his face in particular, until he was barely recognizable. Equally odd—and forgive this, Majesty—in neither attack was the victim . . . well . . . eaten.”

“Eaten? Right.” The color drained from my face as images flashed in my mind. I stepped backward and sat on the throne, my mind reeling. “Three attacks, all completely different. Spread out across the country. Coincidence?”

“If there were two, I suppose they could be. But three? That is a pattern, even though there is no obvious connection between the attacks.”

“What about the victims? Were there any similarities?” Ethan asked.

Cribbs shook his head. “None that I’ve put together—a shopkeeper, a weaver, and an innkeeper—none were prominent or wealthy, ordinary in every way.”

“All right, thank you, Sheriff. Is there anything else?” I asked.

“That is everything we have so far. I will keep you informed as we piece the details together. This may be nothing more than morbid coincidence, but I thought you would want to know about it before the papers piece things together.”

“Thank you. Please keep us informed.” I rose.

“Sheriff, wait a moment.” Ethan stopped the man mid-bow. “Your Majesty, you have one of the most prominent investigators on the continent as a guest in the Palace. Do you think he might like something to do with his time?”

I tilted my head. “There is an interesting idea. I think he would love a new challenge. He has tired of the noble ladies nipping at his heels around every turn.”

Ethan chuckled.

“Majesty? I’m not following,” the Sheriff said.

“Forgive me, Sheriff. I would like a fresh set of eyes on this situation. Unless you object, I will ask Guardsman-Lieutenant Rea to assist with your investigation.”

The Sheriff was quiet a moment, then nodded. “I think that’s a fine idea, Majesty. We can use all the help we can get.”

“Excellent. I will speak with him this evening. Thank you, Sheriff.”

Cribbs bowed again, then backed out of the room.

“What do you make of all that?” I asked as we strode to the side door toward the residence wing.

“Hopefully, it’s nothing more than an overcautious lawman with three coincidental deaths. But we’ll see.” Ethan bobbed his head. “Rest well, Your Majesty.”

“Good night, High Chancellor.”

Chapter 32

Danai

Danym kneeled before my throne, his head bowed in perfect submission as he spoke. “Our Priests report great success in the towns and villages throughout the Kingdom, Excellency. Far better than we originally anticipated. Your approach of offering necessities before attempting conversion is working brilliantly.”

I steepled my fingers and stared down. My liaison to the capital was proving a most effective leader among the clerics, allowing me to spend more time on overall strategy.

“And the detractors? Were they able to chip away at our support before the Five handled things?”

“There will always be those wary of our faith, but the Priests have not reported any morevocalopposition. Local Constables are chalking their deaths up to animal attacks, just as you predicted. Each was handled well out of the view of anyone who might raise suspicion,” Danym said.

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