Page 81 of The Study of Fire
“They’re probably targeting the homeless. Who would miss a few beggars in a big city? No one.”
“What about the need for magicians?”
The magicians from Porter’s network wouldn’t be enough for all the warpers. “The first year after a magician reaches adolescence is a difficult and vulnerable year. Half the people don’t even realize they can access the power source, and the other half don’t have a clue how to use it. The warpers could be hunting the streets, looking for someone in that precarious situation.”
They also discussed the best way to approach Bavol Zaltana. Yelena believed the councilor believed and supported her, but it would be difficult, but it was important to find out why the councilors agreed with Roze so easily. And hopefully the man also had information about the Daviians’ plans.
“I’ll leave Ari and Janco here. They won’t be happy, but security around the Citadel is too tight, and we’re better off just going ourselves. Two of my corps have already been caught.” Valek sat up with reluctance. “I have some business to attend to. I’ll meet you in my suite later tonight and we can finalize our time schedule. I’ll have your belongings delivered there.”
“Why did you want Leif to come with us?”
He shook his head. “You wouldn’t have agreed anyway.”
“To what?”
“To letting Leif get caught and using your mental connection to him to find out what’s going on in the Keep. But now you’re mad at him?—”
“No. He would be killed. I’m notthatangry with him.”
Valek smiled and glanced back at the table when they left the war room. Yet another memory to add to the place. At least this time, no one was set on fire. Well, then again…
Yelena followed him to his office to pick up her uniform. By the time they parted, she had withdrawn from him as if she’d sealed off her emotions. It reminded him of when they’d first met. He wondered what she wasn’t saying; what she thought she was protecting him from. The Fire Warper, perhaps?
He tried to catch up on reading the mountain of reports but abandoned the task when his thoughts kept returning to Yelena. A nagging anxiety gnawed on his heart with its sharp little teeth. She had promised to not go to Sitia without him, yet the feeling wouldn’t go away. Would she lie in order to keep him safe? He hoped not. Needing to move, Valek gathered supplies for their trip and packed his bag in order to be ready at a moment’s notice.
Even when he finished, the uncertainty still nibbled. He decided to go to the stables. Maybe after he cleaned tack and filled his saddle bags with feed, his nerves would settle.
The pleasant smell of earth, hay, and horse greeted him when he arrived. Most of the horses were out in the pasture. Valek grabbed a jar of saddle soap, sat on the stool in the tack room, and worked on the leather. Just like when he was carving, he let his thoughts wander.
Movement out the small window drew his attention. The horses crossed the pasture as if they’d seen something. Valek put down the reins and peeked outside. Yelena stood at the fence, feeding the horses apples. Then she scratched Kiki behind the ears.
An idyllic scene, expect Yelena kept glancing around. She wore a plain gray Ixian wool cloak. Would she hop on Kiki and ride south without him? After patting Kiki on the neck, she turned away. But instead of heading for the castle, she joined in the flow of workers aiming for the south gate.
Valek’s thoughts spun. She could be going shopping in Castletown. Or meeting with a friend. She hadn’t taken Kiki, so she was not going to Sitia. And Valek wouldnotfollow her. He trusted her. Except, he also spotted Star leaving the castle complex via the west gate. Both the south and west gates were used by those living in Castletown.
Yelena had been responsible for Star’s arrest. If Star hadn’t tried to kill her, she wouldn’t have been arrested. He suspected Star might try some form of revenge, but he hadn’t expected it so soon. Perhaps it was just a coincidence? Star had probably just finished tasting the Commander’s dinner. Valek didn’t believe in coincidences.
He threw on his short cape and hurried after her. If anything, he might learn what she was planning. Star entered Castletown and strode through the streets as if on a mission, but it didn’t appear that she was stalking Yelena.
The streets were busy. Many of the town’s residents were hurrying home after work or stopping at the market for groceries.
When Star reached the Garden District, unease swirled. She was joined by three goons. Too bad none of them were Trevar and Adrik. Why not? If they were Star’s go-to recruits, they should be involved. Unless Star knew exactly who they were. Valek suppressed a groan. He’d underestimated the woman again.
Star and her companions slipped into Peach alley. Forty-three Peach Lane was the property Star owned. Was that her new headquarters? Except, they didn’t enter the house. The four of them found shadows to hide in instead.
Odd. Very odd. Valek circled around the block and entered the alley from the other side. He kept his distance but was within sight of number forty-three. Settling in, Valek pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. The still air smelled heavy, hinting of a potential snowstorm. Lovely.
After an hour, two young teens left the house. When they walked past Star’s shadow, she stepped out. Two puffs sounded.
A girl’s voice asked, “Did you feel that?”
“Felt like a bee sting, but it’s…too…cold,” her companion said.
The two girls slumped to the ground. Two goons rushed over to their bodies and picked them up, carrying them from the alley. Star returned to her post.
After a few minutes, Yelena exited the house. Shocked, Valek opened his mouth to warn her as she paused, as if letting her vision adjust to the semi-darkness. Valek snapped his mouth shut. Of course, she knew they were there. He grinned in anticipation. Star and her goon were in for a surprise. Yelena turned to leave, luring Star from her hiding place.
Spinning, Yelena pulled her switchblade from her pocket. Star puffed. The dart hit Yelena’s neck. That was unexpected.
