Page 87 of The Study of Magic
Ah, nice. Ilom wasn’t often chosen to go on missions, but he was roughly the same height and build as Valek. He also had black hair. Bonus.
“I’m assuming you’ll want to add a few of your corps to the group going to MD-3,” Ambrose continued.
“I do, but for both groups. Ari and Janco are proving to be very useful. And they’re friends with Yelena. When is the delegation leaving?”
“In three days.”
Which meant in six days, he’d be reunited with Yelena.
“Ah, there’s that smile,” Ambrose said. “I’ve been missing it these last few seasons.”
Then it dawned on Valek. “Did you arrange all this just for me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I need to reassure the Sitian Council that the events in MD-5 have not affected the treaty. It’s also a gesture of good will between our countries.”
“Uh huh.”
“Don’t you have work to do? You’re leaving in three days.”
* * *
Three days was just about the right amount of time to get ready for the trip to Sitia. First, Valek visited Ilom. The adviser had a small office near the throne room.
“Adviser Valek, to what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked, but the glint in his eyes said he already knew.
Valek explained.
“Ha. I thought so. I never usually get picked for missions. But I don’t mind. I get to go to Sitia, and I’ll be working undercover as well. Exciting.”
“You’ll still get to sit in on all the meetings with the Sitians.”
“Oh joy.” Ilom’s tone was sarcastic, but it didn’t last long. He smiled. An easy-going man in his early forties, he had short, straight hair that just covered his ears. With a weak chin and a soft fat nose, Ilom frequently liked to give others the impression that he was an idiot. He claimed being underestimated gave him an advantage. Regardless, he knew all the intricacies of the trade treaty with Sitia and had a good deal of experience with diplomacy.
“Thanks.”
His next stop was Ari and Janco’s suite. Bonus that Maren was also there. Valek explained that the Commander was sending a delegation to Sitia.
“You’re not going, right?” Janco asked. “They hate you there.”
“No. I’m going to MD-8 with the Commander to hunt sand spiders.”
Janco shuddered. “Those things are huge! And they’re covered in sand. Double yikes.”
“I need you and Ari to join the group going to Sitia. You’ll be scouting for them. Maren, you and Kimette are going with the group heading to MD-8.”
“Ooh, do we get to hunt spiders, too?” she asked, sounding just like Janco.
“Yes. Actually, everyone will. The spiders tend to overrun the beaches if they’re not culled. Be careful you don’t get bitten. They’re venomous.”
“Once we get to Sitia, what’s our role?” Ari asked.
“You’ll be part of the security team for the ambassador. But you’ll have some free time.”
They both grinned. No doubt looking forward to seeing Yelena again. Valek wanted to join them, but he needed to act sad that he was missing out.
Valek pulled out four of his statues. He handed Janco the snake bracelet. “Could you give this to Yelena for me? Let her know I’m thinking about her.”
Janco took it solemnly. “Of course. It’s beautiful.”
