Page 101 of The Study of Poisons
“I’mon the Council along with three other master magicians, Commander. I can assure you we would not allow that to happen.”
“I believe you would do everything in your power to prevent it. However, magic corrupts and gives a person an unfair advantage. It’s not a matter ofifa magician tries to take over your Council butwhen. The answer is still no.”
If Valek considered Ixian history, the Commander had a point. A century ago, the King of Ixia used to be elected, along with the dukes of each province. But a powerful magician thought he deserved to be King. He gained control of Ixia, assigning his magical friends as dukes. That had ended the elections, and the King’s powerful offspring inherited the throne each generation.
Sensing it was a waste of time to argue, Irys switched topics. Everyone appeared to relax as the discussion changed to more mundane negotiations. The meeting lasted late into the night. Valek finally escorted the Commander back to his suite after midnight.
“You were tense during parts of the proceedings, Valek” the Commander said. “Did you sense magic in use?”
“No. Not at all. Although, I thought she’d blast you after your comment about magicians.”
“Like you, she’s good at hiding her emotions. I wanted to see if I could provoke her. However, I didn’t lie. Magic corrupts.”
As soon as the Commander closed his door, Valek hurried to check on Yelena. All the lanterns were lit and Janco snored on the couch. Ari sat in the chair next to Yelena’s bed, looking as if he hadn’t left her side. She still muttered in her sleep and thrashed, but it wasn’t as frantic.
“How’s she doing?” Valek asked.
“Better now.” He pointed to the bucket next to her bed. “She expelled everything in her stomach this afternoon. It was a rough couple of hours, but she hasn’t thrown up since.”
“Did the medic stop by?”
“Yes. She said all we can do is wait it out. That, and try to get Yelena to drink some water.”
Valek noticed the glass on the night table. “Any luck?”
“Some. The medic did change her clothes, making Yelena more comfortable.”
“I can sit with her so you can get some sleep,” Valek offered.
“No thanks, sir. I’ll switch out with Janco when he wakes up.” He hooked a thumb at the door. “He’s exhausted from cleaning the bucket and fetching supplies. Or so he says. Besides, you look like you need the sleep more than I do.” Ari smiled to soften the insult.
“I’ve had a tough day of sitting.” Valek rubbed his back. “And I’ve reports to read before I can sleep. Ah, the exciting life of the Chief of Security. Are you sure you want to become my second?”
“Truthfully, I didn’t want to join your corps without Janco. And I figured if I became your second, I could promote Janco. Make him my assistant. He’dlovethat.”
Valek could easily picture Janco’s outraged expression. He laughed.
Ari sobered and looked at Yelena. “However, I’d rather stop others from causing harm than be a scout, regardless of the drudgery.” He met Valek’s gaze. “Most of her ravings were nonsense words, but not all. It’s a good thing Reyad is dead, or I’d have to request leave to go kill him.”
Valek was tempted to ask for details, but he’d rather wait until she trusted him enough to share her story. Ari’s comments confirmed Valek’s guess that Ari and Janco were a package deal. “What about Janco? Would he be able to handle the grind?”
“Janco only has two speeds: in motion or asleep. But I’m working on him.”
“You are the voice of reason. Why do you put up with him? He’d drive most people crazy.”
“That’s all part of his charm,” Ari joked. “Despite his tendency to act like a distracted puppy, I wouldn’t want anyone else guarding my back. Janco would do anything for a friend, and he sees the fun side of life. I tend to forget that thereisa fun side.”
“There is?” Valek asked in mock surprise.
“No offense, sir. But if anyone needs to remember there is a fun side, it’s you.”
“I have fun. Those challenges are fun when I have the time. And I enjoy outsmarting criminals.”
“Sounds like work to me,” Ari said.
“I carve statues for fun.” But usually, when he carved, his thoughts were on a work problem. Ari still looked dubious. Valek gave up. “I’ll be in my office if she wakes up.”
“Yes, sir.”
