Page 107 of The Study of Magic
They shook hands.
Valek pretended to doze, but his gaze never left the Keep. Four pink columns supported the two-story high arches that framed the marble doors of the entrance. Unlike the Citadel, gates had been installed and they were currently closed.
His thoughts spiraled into a dark place. What if Ferde was hiding inside the Keep? It was probably the only place the master magicians didn’t search. Was he stalking Yelena at this very moment? Or did he already have her and was preforming his vile ritual right now?
At least Valek’s pile of worries kept him awake and alert. That, and the cold night air. It was almost the middle of the cooling season. Between the two, it was going to be a long night.
Sometime during the deep hours, a voice rang out. “Hey, you. Off the steps!”
One of the Council Hall’s guards shooed the vagrants off the stairs. They shuffled away, melting into the shadows. Valek followed. The guard roused everyone from their nooks. Once they were all gone, the guard returned to the hall. It didn’t take long for the beggars to go back to their spots and settle down. It happened two more times that night.
“Not the most restful place,” Valek said to Minel.
“No, but it’s a safe place. And a profitable place.” He eyed Valek. “Not for you, though.”
“Why not?”
“The generous citizens of the Citadel don’t see the grime or the rags, but they notice smells and will be repulsed. There’s a free bathhouse near the market, I’d suggest you pay them a visit.”
“I’ll consider it.”
Minel grunted.
When the sky lightened, the vagrants woke. Many of them shuffled off behind the stables to relieve themselves in the piles of dirty straw and horse manure that had been mucked from the stalls.
Soon after dawn, the activity around both the Council Hall and Keep increased. The Keep’s gates were opened and the staff entered, reporting for work. Minel handed Valek a stale heel of bread without a word. He stared at the generous gift. Why was it those with the least gave the most? Thank fate, there were no beggars in Ixia. The Commander took care of his people, giving them jobs and clothing. Even those who were physically or mentally unable to work were well cared for.
As the morning wore on, Valek played his part, holding out his hand and pleading for coins. Most people wrinkled their noses and ignored him. A few stopped and gave him a copper or two. One lady gave him a silver to get a bath. Valek kept one copper and handed the rest to Minel to distribute.
Minel grunted. “Maybe that stink is working for you.”
* * *
It was getting close to lunch time when Valek spotted Yelena leaving the Keep. She had a determined expression. Heading west, she walked quickly. Valek was about to follow when another man left the Keep and sprinted after her. Ferde?
Valek was too far away to warn her.
CHAPTER16
Yelena spun before the man reached her and yanked her bo staff free from its holder. He skidded to a stop, holding his hands out and away from the machete hanging from his belt. Muscular, but stocky with short black hair, the man was taller than Yelena. She said something to him and turned away. He grabbed her shoulder and spun her around.
Valek hurried to intervene.
“I know where you’re going,” the man said.
He slowed. Perhaps this wasn’t Ferde.
“Bully for you.” Yelena shrugged his hand off. “Then you know time is of the essence. Go back to the Keep.” She resumed her walk.
“If I do, I’ll tell the masters what you’re doing.” He trailed after her.
And just what was she doing? Going after Ferde on her own?
“Truly? You’re not very good at telling,” she said.
“This time I won’t hesitate.” The man kept pace.
Valek hung back. Close enough to overhear their conversation but not be noticed.
