Page 101 of The Study of Magic
Captain Marrok arrived for the twelfth check. Besides the lantern, he carried a water skin and a wooden bowl filled with…Valek had no idea. White and gelatinous, it resembled…oatmeal?
“I thought I ordered roast beef, potatoes, and candied carrots for my last meal,” Valek said, sitting on the edge of the bunk.
Marrok grunted a half laugh before tossing the water skin to Valek. He set the bowl just within Valek’s reach before backing up.
Valek raised an eyebrow. “Did you draw the short straw?” He squirted the lukewarm water into his dry mouth, sucking it down. It had been over twelve hours since he had anything to drink.
“I volunteered. Thought we could reminisce,” Marrok said. “Except this time, we’re on opposite sides of the bars. So to speak.”
“Why aren’t there bars?” Valek dipped a finger into the bowl and tasted…porridge? Surprisingly warm and sweet. His stomach growled. Between swallows, Valek asked, “Is Cahil afraid the council will set me free?”
“No. They’re thrilled you’ve been caught and have demanded Cahil turn you over to them. But they’ve been preoccupied and haven’t followed up.”
“The magician killer? Any news?” Valek didn’t care that he sounded desperate for information.
“The kidnapped girl…Opal, returned late last night. She was hysterical and claimed a woman held her. No idea who, but Opal said she was forced to prick Yelena with a dart filled with Curare.”
Ice filled his veins. “Yelena?”
“No sign of her.”
Valek sagged against the wall and closed his eyes for a few seconds as he struggled with his emotions. The only thing keeping him from screaming was the fact she had her father’s antidote-of-sorts to Curare. “What about the woman? Is she working with Ferde?”
“No idea. But the master magicians are assuming she is and are going to go search the plains once they have gathered enough information. It’s a big place, and there’s the Sandseeds’ magic to contend with.”
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Unlike Cahil, I like and respect Yelena. Except her taste in men is appalling.”
“Cute.”
“But don’t forget, I follow Cahil’s orders.”
“Why? He’s an inexperienced brat that’s going to get you all killed.”
Marrok’s expression turned bullish. “He’s the heir to the throne of Ixia.”
Valek laughed. “Save that line for Cahil. He’s going to figure it out eventually. And when he does, you’ll be the first one he turns on. Don’t forget what happened to Goel.”
“You should be more worried about yourself. Cahil has scheduled your execution at sunset. Very dramatic and, unfortunately for you, the location is very secret. We wouldn’t want any of your people interfering.”
“A private party?” Valek considered the implications. Less people would give him an advantage if he escaped. But if he didn’t and the Sitian Council wasn’t in attendance, they could claim Cahil turned rogue to avoid a war with Ixia. He met Marrok’s gaze.
Marrok’s smile was grim. “Exactly. Cahil might be inexperienced, but he’s not stupid.” He collected the empty bowl and water skin. Grabbing the lantern, he mounted the stairs.
“Captain?”
Marrok paused.
“If Yelena is killed by Ferde and he completes the ritual, he will have enough magic to counter all four master magicians and rule Sitia. You’re going to need me to stop him. I’m the only person immune to magic.”
He glanced back at Valek before disappearing up the stairs without a word. Darkness returned. Valek hoped he’d planted a seed of doubt. And even if he was hanged in the end, he’d die happy knowing he personally ripped Ferde’s heart from his chest.
* * *
The hourly checks continued, but Valek wasn’t given another meal. Instead, one unfortunate man carried a chamber pot down then turned his back so Valek could use it. Valek was tempted to throw the ceramic bowl at the guard, knocking him out, but he doubted the man had a key on him. Besides, he was about ready to explode.
When more than one person descended into his prison, Valek knew the time had come. He’d get only one opportunity to escape. Two people held each of his arms as the manacles around his wrists and ankles were unlocked.
