Page 38 of The Study of Magic
“Won’t they know we know?” Ari asked.
“They know I found the third Criollo shipment. I’ll spread a little disinformation, saying we stopped the delivery, and the threat has been neutralized. Hopefully, they’ll take that as a sign that we didn’t figure out they were targeting the generals and continue with their plans, walking right into our trap.”
“But our trap has mundane things like blades and swords. While they can set us on fire from a distance.” Janco tapped his finger on the journal. “And once the gig is up, they’ll all know about it in an instant.”
“Then let’s ensurethe gigis never up,” Valek said.
* * *
“You want me to do what?” the Commander demanded.
Even though they were in MD-5, they still continued with their nightly meetings. They were sitting in the living area of the lavish guest suite that the Commander had moved into after he’d woken from his magical coma. General Ute was in the process of cleaning out Brazell’s wing, giving away all his heavy dark furniture and replacing it with bright colors and practical furniture with elegant designs.
Valek sipped his whiskey, waiting for the outburst to subside. The Commander really didn’t need him to repeat his request.
“Why would I invite the generals to my castle, when the last thing I wish to do is deal with them?”
“For damage control, and to set a trap,” Valek said, then explained about the discovery of Alea and the seven magicians in Ixia, and the targeting of the generals.
The Commander drained his brandy, stood, refilled his glass, downed it, filled it again and sat heavily on the couch. “Can you assure me that you’ll kill all seven of the vile creatures?”
“You know I can’t, but I’m going to try my hardest.”
“This is precisely why I hate magicians. They’re power hungry, greedy, manipulative and?—”
“Would you include Yelena in that assessment?”
“Not yet. She’s still new. After a while, all that power warps their thinking and all they want is more and more.”
“We’ve had military officers who’ve abused their power. No magic required.”
The Commander harrumphed.
“And then there are the master magicians in Sitia. If they all turned into ravenous creatures, then why haven’t the four of them attacked us? Why work for a mutually beneficial trade treaty with Ixia? Why help us fight Brazell and Mogkan?” Valek asked mildly.
“Would you please stop countering my rant with logic. I’m not in the mood to be logical.”
“Clearly.”
Another annoyed huff, but the Commander soon relaxed back into the cushions and sipped his drink. Perhaps the brandy had taken the edge off his anger. “At least if all the generals are together, I won’t have to visit their districts.”
Valek wanted to argue, but he knew when to pick his battles.
“Find out if Brazell knew about this Beta team of Mogkan’s, and if he has any additional information to share. He’ll be traveling with us to the castle,” the Commander said.
“Is that wise?”
Ambrose stiffened.
Valek rushed to explain. “This Beta Team might attack us to free Brazell.”
“Are you saying we can’t handle an attack?”
Oh no. Valek chose his words with care. “We can handle a physical attack. I’m more worried about a magical one. I don’t know how long the Criollo lasts. You might still be vulnerable.” That didn’t go over any better.
The Commander’s expression turned to stone. “Then it will be a good test. And if it doesn’t work, it’ll put my mind at ease.”
And if it does, Valek and the Commander’s unit would not only have to fight seven magicians, but the Commander as well. Lovely.
