Page 123 of Dawn Caravan
He looked at them, two decadent immortals with servants hovering around them. He surveyed the other guests—rich beyond what he could imagine—tossing money at strangers to make themselves disappear into luxury while they escaped the chaos they’d likely caused in the outside world. Parasites indulging in games and wine and music every night in fairy-tale settings while others cleaned up their messes.
Ben was so tired of them.
“Radu.” He sat and nodded to Kezia, trying to mask his disdain. “Kezia, how are you?”
“Contemplating how a fine bottle of schnapps ended up spilled across my floor,” she remarked dryly. “Do you have any ideas?”
Ben didn’t feel like playing her games. “Are there earthquakes in this area?”
“Not usually.”
Radu said, “But there are earth vampires, are there not?” He laughed and nodded toward René, who was glaring at Ben from a distant table. “One of whom you invited yourself.”
Kezia smiled. “At your urging, if I recall.”
“Was it?” Radu lifted his glass. “It’s good to see old friends.”
“Like Tenzin.” Kezia looked at Ben. “I know you and Tenzin are old friends, are you not?”
“Whatever Tenzin and I are, it’s definitely more complicated than friendship,” Ben said. “Though I’m sure I haven’t known her as long as you two have.” He forced himself to smile.
“Yes.” Radu pointed his glass at Ben. “In that you are correct. I told you…” He glanced at Kezia. “Tenzin is an accomplished thief.”
You have no idea.
“Foolish men.” Kezia smiled. “Tenzin only steals things that want to be stolen.”
Radu snorted. “Whatwantsto be stolen, my sister?”
She turned her eyes to Ben. “Some things.”
He forced himself to ignore the glaring subtext. “Whatever her reputation, Tenzin has been a good partner in the art-acquisition business,” he said. “Though obviously we only retrieve items for clients like Radu who are the true owners of a piece.” He reached for an empty glass and helped himself to some blood-wine. “Like the icon.”
Kezia and Radu exchanged a look.
“Of course,” Radu said. “So wonderful to have it back in my collection.”
“Yes,” Kezia replied. “A sacred treasure should be with its rightful owner.”
Ben turned to her. “Do you think so?”
“Absolutely.” She pouted. “Now if I could just find a new bottle of schnapps.”
Radu said, “Perhaps Tenzin could steal one for you.” He laughed uproariously and slapped Ben on the shoulder. “I am joking of course.”
He was definitely not joking. Radu still thought Tenzin had the goblet.
Ben noticed Vano lurking along the edges of the clearing. “Your brother is here,” he said. “Should we invite him for a drink?”
“Oof.” Kezia rolled her eyes. “Vano is the definition of that American phrase:buzzkill.”
Radu laughed. “I am afraid I have to agree. Vano is the businessman among us, Ben. He cares nothing for telling stories.”
“Really?” Ben openly stared at Vano as the man stared back. “I don’t know; he seems hungry.”
Kezia said, “He is always working. Work, work, work.” She rolled her eyes. “He is spending the week before Vashana asking the darigan for household inventory. Why? Let them relax!”
Radu waved a careless hand. “His motives are inexplicable.”
