Page 77 of The Study of Poisons
Generalsand their retinues swarmed the castle over the next couple days. Valek spent the bulk of his time putting out proverbial fires caused by the inflated egos of the generals and their staff members, who expected to be treated like royalty and were outraged when no one capitulated. It happened every year and Valek had long ago ceased to be surprised by their apparent memory loss.
The barracks also filled with soldiers from all the Military Districts of Ixia. They used the annual meeting as a chance to spar new opponents, swap stories, catch-up with friends, and drink, which led to drunken boasts, fights, and trips to the infirmary. If Sitia wished to attack the castle, any evening during this week would be the best time. However small the chances of that happening, Valek still sent his agents to keep watch on the Sitian border and a handful of others to act as bouncers and listeners in the barracks. Drunken soldiers tended to blab.
In the afternoons, Valek needed to be available to fight challengers. Many soldiers in the generals’ security forces had been promoted because they were the best in their districts. They arrived each year eager to prove it by beating Valek. At least those opponents managed to give him a few decent matches.
And some, like his current challenger, made it fun. The sergeant from MD-4 had chosen rapiers. While lightweight, the long, thin, triangular sword was Valek’s least favorite weapon. Blocking and parrying was all done with a twist of the wrist. And the shuffling back and forth and lunging was limiting. He’d rather chop an attacker’s head off with his broadsword than poke someone full of holes with the tip of a rapier. It was a great weapon when fighting in a narrow hallway, but out in the open... Meh.
However, the sergeant kept up a fast pace of attack and she took advantage of the wide training yard. He countered one quick set of lunges, reposed, and stabbed air. She’d sidestepped out of range. Nice. She grinned and jabbed at Valek’s unprotected side. He blocked just in time, turning a puncture into a surface scratch. Then she poured on the speed.
Blocking, Valek backed up as her sword sliced through the air around him. Metal clinked against metal in a steady beat. Cheers from the onlookers encouraged her. Valek stayed on the defensive to learn what else she could do. The sergeant had an impressive range of attacks and a few unique moves that almost slipped past his blocks.
Her speed reminded him of Janco, and, with that thought, Valek discovered her weakness. Instead of ending the match, he switched to the offensive to test her. She countered with ease. Counting beats in his head until he had her internal rhythm, he altered the beat. Lunge. Lunge. Pause. Block. Pause. Duck. Lunge. Duck. Tackle.
Her rapier flew from her hand as she hit the ground. She conceded the match and allowed Valek to help her to her feet.
Once she caught her breath, she said, “That’s not a legal move.”
“Am I disqualified?”
She opened her mouth and hesitated. “Point taken. Does that mean there are no rules when fighting you?”
“Yes.”
“And I can break them as well?”
“If there are no rules, then there’s nothing to break.”
She grinned. “Then I’ll see you next year.”
“I look forward to it, Sergeant…”
“Pasha, sir.”
They shook hands and parted. Pasha was his last match of the day. Valek glanced at the dispersing crowd, looking for Janco. A sword fight between Pasha and Janco would be good practice for them both. Instead, Valek spotted Maren having fun fighting one of the visiting soldiers with her bo staff. She’d improved a great deal while training with Yelena and the power twins. He’d thought Ari and Janco would also take advantage of new blood, but he hadn’t seen them in the yard since the generals arrived.
And now that he was paying attention, it seemed there were far more of Brazell’s soldiers than any other Military District. A matter of timing, or did the old goat bring extra? Valek would have to ask his agents for a head count.
His unease grew as he encountered a few of Brazell’s soldiers in the hallways of the castle. Not that they were banned, the main dining hall served everyone living in the complex. Yet it was a few hours until dinner. Their presence made him very glad Yelena had been remaining in their suite during her off hours since the generals had arrived. Smart move. She avoided both her ex-friend Rand and Brazell’s people. It had been four days since she’d learned of his treachery and she’d been quiet, withdrawn, and brittle.
The only thing she appeared to enjoy was eating the stolen Criollo, which caused Valek to worry she’d become addicted, or her personality would change. So far, nothing seemed amiss. Yet.
They had discussed what to do about Rand, and she’d agreed to pretend they were still friends so Valek could continue observing Star.
Valek washed up and headed to his office. The generals’ brandy meeting was tomorrow evening, and he had a few things to do to prepare. While there, Inrick arrived to give his report in person.
This can’t be good.
“Star knows about the southern delegation,” Inrick said as soon as he closed the door behind him.
That was fast. “From Rand?”
“No. An unknown client.”
That was unexpected and a bit alarming because it meant the Commander had told someone. With the generals and their staff in constant meetings with him, it could be any one of them who sold the information to Star. “Unknown or new?”
“New. Arrogant bastard, too. Star never said his name. When he left, I tried to get eyes on him, but he had on a cloak and his hood was pulled low over his face.”
“Did he tell her anything else important?”
