Page 106 of The Study of Poisons
“Oh joy. I’m really starting tolovethese guys.” Janco’s tone dripped with sarcasm.
“Magicians also have limits, though,” Valek continued. “Some can move objects a hundred feet, while others can only move it a few feet. And they get tired when they use too much. Distance helps us as well. Some can project their magic very far, while others can’t.”
“You mean they can reach us here? In this very room?” Janco was aghast.
“I’m sure our guest, Master Magician Irys Jewelrose, could read your minds from quite a distance away.”
“And you let her into Ixia!”
“I doubt I could have stopped her. Not unless she was within striking distance. However, she’s been on her best behavior since she arrived.”
“You said ‘your minds.’ Why can’t she read yours, sir?” Ari asked.
He explained about his immunity.
“Wow. How do I get some of that?” Janco asked.
Valek laughed. “If I knew, I’d give it to all my spies, the Commander, everyone in Ixia.” Then he sobered. “I’ve no idea why I’m immune. I discovered it when I was training to become an assassin. My goal was to kill the King of Ixia. Since he was a magician, my teacher had another student attack me with magic. It didn’t work.”
“Handy.”
“Very. I can also feel when magic is in use. A light touch feels like a strand of spider’s silk on my skin. Powerful magic is thick, like wading through invisible syrup. It can slow me down.”
“Are we going to encounter magicians at General Brazell’s, sir?” Ari asked.
“At least one. Adviser Mogkan is a magician. I don’t know how strong he is, and he might be reluctant to use his magic in front of everyone. But don’t count on it.” Valek explained what they should be aware of and things to look for. They still believed he would be staying behind. Only Kenda knew his true plans.
“Magic sucks.”
Trust Janco to sum things up so succinctly.
* * *
The Sitians finally departed,and the castle staff hurried to prepare the Commander’s entourage as they would leave the next morning. Valek finalized his plans. He collapsed with a groan into his bed for the first time in eight days. Bonus that a full night stretched out ahead of him. He needed a good night’s rest, because he doubted he’d sleep much during the next few weeks.
Except his mind refused to settle. Worries about Yelena and the Commander kept circling in his thoughts. Brazell stood to gain power if the Commander died. But why kill him if he could control the man’s actions and probably his thoughts? Yelena, though, was in the most danger. Brazell might wait a few days, but there was no way she’d leave his manor house alive. Unless Valek stopped him.
Unable to endure the dire thoughts any longer, Valek went into his carving room. The butterfly he’d carved while thinking about Yelena remained on his worktable. Picking it up, he examined the glossy black statue. Silver spots decorated the wings. It appeared so fragile, yet it was rock solid. Much like Yelena. When she’d first entered his office, he thought she wouldn’t last a day let alone two and a half seasons. Not only had she survived, but thrived, transforming before his very eyes, much like the butterfly he held in his hand.
Yelena knew her life was at risk, but she didn’t know he’d be close by. Making a sudden decision, he drilled a small hole in the butterfly. Then he returned to his bedroom and hunted through his personal effects from long ago, finding Vincent’s silver necklace. Valek’s mother had cleaned the blood off it and given it to him, thinking it would bring Valek some measure of peace. Instead, it was a constant reminder of Vincent’s murder, so he had shoved it into a small box. Funny how that box stayed with him all these years.
Valek cleaned the tarnish off the silver until it glinted in the lantern light. Then he threaded it through the hole in the butterfly. Cupping the necklace in his hand, he laid down and finally fell asleep.
* * *
The cold graymorning hinted at snow. Valek intercepted Yelena before she could leave to join the entourage.
“This is a very dangerous trip for you,” he said. “Maintain a low profile and keep your eyes open. Question thoughts in your mind: they might not be your own.” He handed her a silver flask filled with White Fright. Valek didn’t want her getting sick while in MD-5. “The Commander has your daily dose of antidote, but if heforgetsto give it to you, here’s a backup supply. Tell no one that you have it, and keep it hidden.”
“Thanks,” she said and turned to leave.
“Wait, Yelena, there’s one more thing.” Valek summoned the courage. Would she reject his gift? “I want you to have this.” He showed her the butterfly pendant and necklace, then, without waiting for a response, he looped the necklace around her neck. “When I carved this statue, I was thinking about you. Delicate in appearance, but with a strength unnoticed at first glance.”
His gaze met hers.Please be safe, love.
CHAPTER20
Valek leaned against the training yard’s fence. He crossed his arms and scowled at anyone who dared to look at him, acting like a petulant child who hadn’t gotten his way. Or, in this case, who had to stay home while the big kids got to go. The Commander’s entourage consisted of fifty soldiers from his elite guard, a handful of servants and grooms. Valek noted that Dema, Chelle, Tocara, and Felo were the four advisers chosen to accompany the Commander. It took everyone over an hour to assemble. Valek kept his vigil despite the cold air.
