Page 119 of The Study of Poisons
He took her hand. “Let’s go.”
In the guardroom, they found MD-5 uniforms to wear. Valek had correctly calculated the time. Darkness filled the windows, and the manor house was quiet. Once outside, he headed to the barracks to grab his bag of tricks. He’d need every one.
A single lantern cast a weak glow on the empty beds. The scattered debris on the floor indicated the soldiers had left in a hurry. Good. He hoped everyone was out searching for him and Yelena.
Just as he reached his bunk, two figures jumped from the shadows. They shouted with anger and brandished their swords at Valek. He froze in confusion as he recognized Ari and Janco. Were they now under Mogkan’s influence as well?
“Stop!” Yelena yelled.
Ari turned and smiled at her. The captains relaxed and sheathed their swords.
“We thought Valek had escaped without you,” Ari said, giving her a big hug.
Jealousy flared until he realized he was being ridiculous. “Aren’t you supposed to be with a search party?” He pulled his black bag from under his bunk. Removing his black coverall, that had plenty of pockets and weapons stashed inside, he changed.
“We’re too sick.” Janco smirked.
“What?” Yelena asked.
“The charges against you were obviously fabricated, so we refused to take part in the hunt,” Janco said.
“That’s insubordination.” Valek extracted a long knife and some darts from his bag.
“That was the point. What’s a fellow have to do around here in order to get arrested and thrown in the dungeon?” Janco asked.
Valek paused as the significance of Janco’s comment sunk in. That Ari and Janco were willing to be court martialed for them spoke volumes about their loyalty and friendship. Another gift.
“Which direction did the search parties go?” Valek asked, placing more weapons in his various pockets before strapping his sword and knife onto his belt.
“Mainly south and east, although a few small groups were sent west and north,” Ari replied.
“Dogs?”
“Yes.”
“And the manor?”
“Minimal coverage.”
“Good. You’re with us,” Valek ordered them both.
They snapped to attention. “Yes, sir.”
“Prep for covert ops but keep the swords. You’re going to need them.” Valek finished stashing his weapons as Ari and Janco went to their bunk.
“Wait,” Yelena said. “I don’t want them getting into trouble.”
Valek squeezed her shoulder to reassure her. “We need their help.” And he’d like a dozen of his agents for back up as well. But Hildred and Inrick had returned to the castle and the two others had been influenced by Criollo.
“You’re going to need more than that,” a woman’s voice said from a shadow.
He spun and drew his sword at the same time Ari and Janco pulled their weapons. Irys Jewelrose stepped into the light and Valek relaxed, but Ari and Janco brandished their swords.
“At ease,” Valek ordered.
“She’s a friend. She’s here to help.” Yelena said when they glanced at her for confirmation.
So much for being in charge.
