Page 30 of The Study of Magic
“Yes, sir.” Muttering under his breath, Nowles dashed away.
While Valek would have loved to find the guest quarters and a soft bed to spend the day in, he needed to leave the garrison before Tesso sent soldiers to arrest him. He had left Onyx at the gate, but he doubted his horse was still there.
On his way to the stables, Captain Silas intercepted him. “The drivers have been given permission to leave with their wagons and cargo.”
Not a surprise. “And the explanation?” This ought to be good.
“It seems there has been a misunderstanding. A certain…” He cleared his throat. “High level adviser has panicked and is causing problems over nothing. Overcompensating for his incompetence, this adviser is jumping at shadows and no longer fit for the job.”
Valek laughed, giving extra points to the general for his creativity. Then he sobered. “In my experience, shadows can be quite deadly.”
Silas gave him a sly smile. “They’re also good at hiding secret activities.”
Valek stilled. “For example?”
“Let’s say there are three wagons carrying a dangerous and illegal substance that also happens to be heavy. Deep in the shadows, one can empty the containers holding this material and fill them with…oh, let’s say rocks, just in case the drivers are allowed to continue on their journey.”
“And the boxes in the pantry?”
“Alas, not enough time, but the substance that was collected will be properly disposed of. In the shadows of course.”
“Of course. Captain Silas, I think you’re due for a promotion and reassignment. I don’t think the people at this garrison appreciate your talents as much as I do.”
“Thank you, Adviser Valek.”
“It might take a few months for the paperwork to go through, since I’m overcompensating for my incompetence.”
“Now, now. I never saidyouwere the high level adviser.”
Smooth. Perhaps he should recruit Silas for his corps.
* * *
Valek found Onyx in the stables. His saddle, pack, and the tack had been removed and hung on the wall in his stall. The big black horse’s coat gleamed as if he’d been recently groomed. All good, except the stall’s door was secured with a large padlock.
While glad Onyx had been taken care of, Valek worried about the delay that would be caused by picking the lock and then saddling his horse. Nothing to do about it, except to get a move on.
As the sky lightened, Valek worked at a fast pace. Unfortunately, it wasn’t fast enough.
“Hey,” a booming voice called. “You’re not allowed in here.”
Valek finished tightening Onyx’s girth straps, then faced the Stable Master. “I don’t need permission.”
“General Tesso?—”
“Has no authority over me.”
“But he has authority overme.”
“So do I,” Valek said in a cold tone. “And authority over the General.”
“Yeah.” The man drew the word out. “But once you leave with your horse, I’ll be in trouble regardless.”
Good point. “How are you planning on stopping me?”
“Well, I was hoping you’d just leave the stables. That way I followed my orders to keep you from getting your horse. See? I’m sure you can work out another way to depart the garrison.”
Valek crossed his arms as if thinking about it, drumming his fingers on his right sleeve. “Okay, sounds fair.” He held out his hand. “Deal?”
