Page 58 of The Study of Fire
“What happens if Yelena doesn’t return?” Irys asked.
“We will have an official trial where I can use my magic to determine the truth,” Roze said.
“And if she returns?”
“I will assess her involvement in these events.”
“No,” Irys said. “It’s obvious you hate her. You won’t be impartial. She can make her report in front of the council like the others.”
“No. That is too dangerous. ShedestroyedFerde’s mind. You all saw him. If she survived the massacre, her mental state might be further unhinged. I won’t risk the council. However, Bain and Zitora are welcome to witness my assessment. Will that appease you?”
“No. I need to be there as well.”
“Your objectivity is compromised by your friendship with Yelena,” Councilor Thema Cowan said. “I think First Magician is being reasonable.”
In the end, the council agreed to Roze’s proposal. They filed out of the room while Valek mulled over the reports, teasing out the inconsistencies. Cahil had to be lying. Had Roze backed him up because he provided evidence that the Commander had allied with the Daviians to attack Sitia? That would give Roze a legitimate reason to go after both Ixia and the Daviians. But why not include Ferde’s release to Cahil’s tale? Why implicate Marrok? Because purposely releasing Ferde from jail was too dangerous for the council to accept. However, if Marrok did it and Cahil swooped in to save the day, that was more palatable.
One question remained. Would Roze go after Ixia and the Daviians at the same time or focus on one before the other?
After the great hall had been empty for a while, Valek shimmied down the ropes and exited through the waiting room. He had to send a warning to the Commander.
When he left the Council Hall, he signaled Janco. Valek needed to update him. He’d send a message to Ari in the morning. Gabor and Brigi pounced on Valek the second he entered the safe house, asking him questions without taking a breath.
He held up his hands. “Slow down. One at a time.”
Gabor gestured to Brigi.
“I saw they brought in Cahil and another man. Was that the infamous Ferde?”
“Yes, and I’ll tell you all about what happened when Janco gets here.”
As if on cue, Janco entered through the back door.
Brigi wrinkled her petite nose. “Perhaps we can have the meeting in the park.”
“On behalf of all the people without homes, I’m insulted,” Janco said. “Don’t worry, I left my smelly blanket and cloak hidden in the alley.”
Valek studied Janco. His clothes were still in good shape, and his scruff was thicker. And…he sniffed…he didn’t stink. But, then again, he’d only been on the streets for three days.
Janco noticed the sniff. “Your friend, Minel, badgered me into bathing. There’s a free bathhouse near the market. The restchargeyou to use their baths.” Janco’s tone was outraged. “Clearly, we’re not in Ixia anymore.”
“That’s because the Sitian government doesn’t fund them like the Commander does,” Gabor said. “They have to charge a fee so they can pay their staff and buy supplies.”
“Why is the one by the market free?”
“The market stall owners fund that one. It’s to lure shoppers to the market.”
Janco creased his brow. “But they’re the only game in town.”
“Not really. There are shops in the residential districts.”
“I haven’t been there yet.” He eyed the kitchen. “Any chance there’s tea? And a chicken roasting? Or a steer? Or a pig? Perhaps all three?”
Gabor laughed. “Coming right up.”
“I’m assuming this meeting is due to the excitement this morning,” Janco said. He scootched his chair close to the fire and warmed his hands. “My new friends have a ton of wild theories. All were overjoyed to see Cahil arrested. He not only refuses to give them a single coin, but he’s nasty to them. One lady claims she saw him kick a child who got in his way. They’re hoping he is hung for treason.”
The sound of the back door opening brought them all to their feet. Valek drew his dagger and investigated. Ari stood by the door. He removed his cloak and hung it on a hook, revealing a white uniform.
