Page 88 of Flameborne: Fury
Diaan nodded. “You place an agent in Fyrehold who provides different intelligence to each source you’re exploring, and see whose information is changed before it reaches you. It’s very straightforward. You don’t need me to tell you that.”
“Yes,” Alexi agreed. “But the only way to be certain we aren’t being manipulatedagain,is to ensure the agent hasn’t worked in royal circles before, so won’t be recognized, or suspected. Yet, this humble, intelligent person must also possess the strength and initiative to handle delicate political maneuverings. We have messengers, servants, spies, and whores, but I wondered on your thoughts.”
“Someone new to this level of espionage—or at least, new outside of our court?”
“Yes. There can be no chance they’ve been identified or suspected of this work in the past. None.”
“A commoner then, though possibly one from the palace—we need to entice our enemies into believing they have connections.”
“Exactly.”
Her lips pursed, then she looked at me. “Alexi has listed all the standard roles, but for something of this magnitude, it must be a Fang, surely?”
“We don’t believe using a Furyknight is wise,” I replied carefully. “The dragons complicate too much if they’re separated from their bondsmen, and draw too much attention if they’re kept close. Even if we sent a dragon messenger or scout rather than a knight, the dragon’s bond immediately implies honor and will keep those in the shadows wary. They’d be more likely to kill him than attempt a bribe, for example. But even more so, those near the dragons are too well known. Too recognized. Even if they aren’t personally known to the rulers, our men have a way about them. Combine that with an attending dragon and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suspect a Furyknight spy. Not to mention that many of the men have worked and fought with our neighbors. Many would be identified—”
“I meant aShadowfang, Donavyn,” the Queen sighed.
I cut off, grimacing and glancing around to make certain none of the servants were close enough to hear. We usually didn’t even speak that name.
Of the three Furyknight wings—Flyer, Flame, and Fang—only the Fang had a second, secret purpose. The Fang were already known for stealth. We used them as trackers, scouts, troops for ambushes, and they led in any battle approach that required subterfuge. They were known sneaks. It was the sole purpose of the Fang. A practical and honorable job. But within that Wing was a second, secret faction, unknown even to the other Fang members.
Shadowfang were the most highly skilled stealth flyers and warriors among our kind. And the only people who knew they existed were the Wing Leaders and Officers who trained them, the King and Queen, and the other members of the secret Wing.
Even when we were alone, those of us who knew of them rarely spoke of the faction outright. It was imperative for even the Furyknights to remain ignorant of their existence, to retain their advantage. No man could let slip a secret he didn’t know.
When Ronen and I discussed inducting Bren to the Shadowfang, every statement and understanding had been implied, never spoken outright. That was how tightly guarded the secret was. Even those in squad with Shadowfang members didn’t know of their brothers’ extra training and duties. They were always undertaken under the guise of other activities. Ronen already had two members in his squad, which was rare, because the Shadowfang were rare. Most squads had none, and those who did, generally had only one. The tasks and duties of the Shadowfang were kept clandestine, even from their brothers.
Part of the reason I’d been willing to appoint Bren as a Shadowfang member was because she had two brothers with which to share the load.
Any spy was naturally isolated from their peers to a degree. The Shadowfang maintained that isolation for decades, even from those closest to them. They vowed to it. It was how they were sworn in.
I cleared my throat. The Queen still awaited my response to her suggestion.
“While some of our, er, brothers in the shadows are skilled enough for this, the truly experienced who haven’t already worked in Fyrehold are very small in number, and most are already on mission. Those in the wing may be able to provide support to whomever we select if they’re in proximity, but I don’t see anyone in the current ranks here at the Keep with the right combination of humility and assurance. Plus, to pull off a potentially lengthy mission with the added complication of a dragon bond, and the necessity to get close to royal sources—it’s a lot to ask of a bonded manalone.”
The Queen tapped her lip with one, polished fingernail, her gaze drifting around the room. “You think the dragon bond eliminatesanyFuryknight? Even those with the skills?”
“No,” I hedged. “It would be difficult, but it could be done. It’s the added complication of the mole on our side of this that worries me. No measure of skill can avert treasonous betrayal. I have men I would have chosen for this, but they’re already known toourAdvisors, even if not as Shadowfang. Add to that fact, particularly delicate purpose that doesn’t need a dragon for success—in fact, I’d argue that kind of bond adds a second complication—I think we’re better to choose someone without it. The mole in the Council is less likely to suspect them.”
“Except, the dragons allow quick travel and a better chance of escape if the agent is uncovered,” she said, a slight question in her tone.
“True,” I said reluctantly. “But all the risks have to be balanced—”
“What about the new Furyknight? She won’t be known outside our borders. She won’t be known at all. And the arrogant men in that circle wouldneverimagine that she’d be selected for this kind of mission.”
The newest Furyknight…?She wanted to send Bren?I blinked and frowned at the same time the King tipped his head like he’d heard something. My heart stopped beating as the Queen’s intention became clear. This wasn’t a joke. Or a flippant suggestion.
“No,” I snapped without thought, at the same moment the King began to nod.
“It’s an excellent idea,” Alexi said.
“Absolutely not,”I insisted, turning to face him. “She hasnoexperience or covert training—she was raised hours ago! We need someone with experience in subterfuge—”
“She was raised to the Fang because she rides a gray, she’s evidenced natural skills in stealth, and demonstrated courage and innovation. You said yourself it was the most creative way you’d seen a Flameborne complete the second trial in your career—and she successfully identified our intruders without being caught. She clearly has excellent instincts,” Diaan said firmly.
“Andno onewill suspect her,” the King said with a smile that made my skin crawl.
In my mind I watched my hand shoot out to grip his throat, felt myself lean in with bared teeth, squeezing the air from him until he dropped to his knees and vowed never to touch her.
