Page 92 of The Study of Magic
He pretended to shop and noticed a number of street rats helping customers. They carried packages and some negotiated prices with sellers. Almost everyone ignored them, and they took advantage of that invisibility. Not to steal, but to observe. To see who looked confused, so they could rush in and offer aid. Valek wondered if one of them was Fisk, Yelena’s friend.
Yelena and Irys arrived in the market, joining the flow of shoppers. She wore her cloak, and Irys tried to blend in but there was no hiding her confident posture or her direct gaze. They bought a few items and a young boy, around nine years old, sidled up to Yelena and pulled on her sleeve.
They exchanged a few words and Yelena gave the boy a copper coin. Ah, this must be Fisk. He ducked his head when Irys spoke to him. Then he led them away from the market. Valek waited, scanning the crowd to see if anyone else took an interest in them. No one.Good. He hurried to catch up.
The boy cut through alleys and crossed courtyards, navigating the maze of buildings and factories with ease. They stopped at a plaza that had a large jade turtle in the middle. Intricate carvings decorated the creature’s shell. It shot water from its mouth into a nearby pool. Valek would have loved to get a closer look at the markings, but he hung back, watching the trio.
They talked and gestured to a building on the opposite side, and Valek felt magic brush his skin. After fifteen minutes, they headed back to the market. He kept an eye out for followers, but no one paid any attention to them.
By the time he reached the market, it started to rain. Fisk gave Yelena a jaunty wave before melting into the chaos of the market vendors packing up or covering their goods. People rushed about, pulling hoods up over their heads. One woman bumped into Yelena. She slid a note into Yelena’s cloak in one smooth motion while apologizing and dashing off. Not Ferde. But the lady could be working for him.
Valek debated following her. Thunder roared and the rain fell in sheets, soaking him. It was best to stay with Yelena; with this weather, it was too easy for someone to sneak up on her.
She parted ways with Irys, entering the Magician’s Keep while Irys headed south. Yelena’s guards had been waiting at the gate, and they followed her.
Valek hurried to reach her rooms first. He peeked through her bedroom window while her guards searched it. As soon as they left, he entered before they could get into position. When Yelena invited them inside, he almost jumped back out the window. Fortunately, they declined, citing some regulation. Thank fate.
He waited until she started a fire before coming out. Yelena stood in front of the small hearth, holding a piece of paper in her hands. She’d gone pale, and Valek hoped it was from the cold and not the note.
“What does the message say?” Valek asked.
She just gaped at him.
He plucked the paper from her hand. “She had some rudimentary skills. Probably a pickpocket hired to give you this note. Did you get a good look at her face?”
“No. Her hood covered most of her head.”
Ah, too bad. Valek shrugged. He read the note and met Yelena’s gaze. “Interesting development.”
She gave him an incredulous look. As if to say, ‘only you would think this interesting.’
“Seems the killer is one step ahead of the magicians,” he said. “He knows they won’t exchange you for Opal. So, he has taken matters into his own hands. How important is Opal’s life to you?”
Ferde’s note specified a location and a new date for the exchange. Three nights before the full moon, which was four days from now. Yelena’s gaze turned distant and conflicted. Valek let her work through the possibilities. Tell the council about the change in plans and hope they could capture Ferde at the new location or go on her own. Well, not on her own. There was no way Valek would allow that. He’d tag along no matter what. Ari and Janco would provide backup.
She glanced at Valek with a sudden determination. “Her life is important. But capturing the killer is vital.”
He agreed. “What do you need, love?”
CHAPTER14
Yelena and Valek discussed various plans until late in the night. In the end, he would trail her to the meeting site and ambush Ferde when he appeared. Ari and Janco would keep far away so they didn’t alert the magician but would be close enough if Valek and Yelena ran into trouble.
Valek returned to the Council Hall and collapsed into bed. Being with Yelena trumped sleep, but it had caught up to him.
Ilom roused him later the next afternoon. “Can you be me for dinner with the Sitians?”
“Sure. Why?”
“A couple of the councilors like to seek loopholes in everything and won’t give up. They’re exhausting and I’ve a horrible headache.”
“Verbal acrobatics?”
“Yeah. Bring your sharpest wit.”
Valek didn’t mind standing in for the adviser. It was a good chance to see how Signe was getting on and to eat a delicious meal. Ilom hadn’t been exaggerating; the Sitians liked to spar without swords. Signe kept up with the verbal battle with ease, seeming to relish the challenge. The best part, it never turned heated. No one appeared offended and there were no hurt feelings. A truly engaging discussion.
As dessert was being served, Bain Bloodgood’s gaze turned inward. Valek had learned that meant he was communicating magically with another magician. A look of alarm crossed his face before he schooled his expression and excused himself from the table. Immediate worry for Yelena swirled in Valek’s chest, which turned into a maelstrom when Ari appeared in the doorway. He caught Signe’s eye and gestured.
