Page 15 of The Study of Poisons
Rand was the Commander’s chief chef. Valek had suspected the man was working with Star. He was both glad and disappointed to learn he had been correct. “And your reply?”
“I grumped at him for even suggesting such a thing. He shrugged and reminded me about my ‘caterwauling’ over being denied a raise. I countered that I was trying to save for my retirement.” Margg huffed. “He made a disparaging remark about how everyone would happily donate to my retirement fund.” Another huff of indignation. “I resentfully told him I’d think about it. I thought if I was too eager, he’d suspect.”
Smart. “When are you going to agree?”
“In a couple days.” She stabbed the duster at the door. “After the news has spread that the rat has survived, and I’m supposed to keep an eye on her. With no additional compensation for the extra work I have to do, it will be the tipping point in my disgruntlement.”
A fine plan. Too fine? He knew she held a grudge against the food tasters, but it seemed Yelena irked her more than the others. Or was she really upset about her pay? Only advisers earned more money than Margg. And she’d claimed she wouldn’t keep Star’s bribes because it was dirty. However, she just demonstrated a sharp mind and a fair bit of acting skills. Valek suppressed his doubts. The Commander trusted Margg, that was enough for him.
* * *
Valek spentthe rest of the morning reading through the old reports from MD-5. He had assigned spies to every Military District and, if anything strange or unusual happened, they sent him an update. Encrypted, of course, which meant extra time to decipher them. There were two assigned to Brazell’s manor house and he’d hoped to find more information on Adviser Mogkan from one of their reports.
Halfway through a boring account of a budget meeting, Valek realized it was time for lunch. If he didn’t hurry, he’d be late again. Striding from his office, he raced through the servant’s corridors. His thoughts focused on the need to send a request to his spies to discover Mogkan’s history.
Yelena suddenly appeared around the corner. Her attention was focused over her shoulder, so she bumped right into him. Her long black hair had sprung from her braid. Cobwebs clung to the strands. Disheveled, dirty, and wild-eyed, she panted for breath as if she’d just run a mile.
“Yelena! What happened to you?” Alarmed, he grabbed her arm to steady her.
She winced in pain, and he immediately let go, noticing the blood-stained tear on her sleeve and the lacerations on her hands.
“I…fell…on some glass.”
Fell? Not bloody likely.He waited.
“I’m on my way to get cleaned up.” She tried to step past him.
Oh, no you don’t.He grasped her shoulder and spun her around. “You need to see a medic.”
“Ah…okay.” She tried again to slip by him.
“The medic is this way.” Valek kept his hand on her shoulder, guiding her back in the direction she had obviously run from. Once they turned the corner, Valek spotted her pursuers. Two of Brazell’s guards argued in the middle of the corridor. He cursed under his breath. He should have assigned one of his corps to keep her safe right away.
Valek ignored the men, hoping they’d follow him to a deserted part of the castle. The two guards fell into step behind them. Valek squeezed Yelena’s shoulder, silently signaling her not to worry.
When the hallway emptied of people, Valek released his grip and swung around to face Brazell’s goons. Yelena wisely moved in closer to him.
“Are you lost?” Valek asked them.
“No, sir,” said the goon on the left. He was about a foot taller and much wider than Valek. Armed with a short sword and a knife, the goon eyed Valek.
“Just want to reclaim our prisoner.” The goon tried to grab Yelena.
Valek blocked his meaty hand. “Yourprisoner?” His cold tone held a warning.
The guards glanced at each other before they smirked at him. “Actually, General Brazell’s prisoner, sir. Now, if you would…” The goon gestured for Valek to step aside.
They obviously didn’t recognize him. “Tell your boss thatValekdoesn’t appreciate having his new food taster chased through the castle. And that I would like her to be left alone.”
The guards exchanged another look. Valek suppressed a sigh.What’s the point of having a fearsome reputation if it doesn’t work?Granted, he wore the standard adviser’s uniform and didn’t look fearsome. He’d forgotten his sword in his haste—a rookie mistake. However, he had plenty of other dangerous weapons tucked away. Too bad they were hidden. Otherwise, the goons would be hesitating instead of shifting into classic fighting stances.
“We have been ordered to bring thegirlto the General. Not messages,” the goon said, pulling his sword from his belt.
His partner also drew his weapon. Valek really didn’t have time for a fight. Instead of grabbing his dagger, he palmed a couple of darts that he’d threaded through the cuff of his sleeve. He aimed for their thick necks, throwing a dart into each one. Then he rushed in close, making it difficult for them to swing their swords. Not that he’d given them enough time to react. Ducking under their weapons, he crouched down and spun, sweeping the men’s feet out from under them. They crashed to the ground with a curse and a thud. Their weapons clattered to the floor, and all was quiet.
Even though they were motionless, Valek moved away just in case one or both were playing dead. He counted under his breath, giving the sleeping potion time to work its magic. When he reached ten, he bent over the goons and removed his darts. Straightening, he met Yelena’s startled gaze.
“It’s a dirty way to fight, but I’m late for lunch.”
