Page 40 of The Study of Fire
“Can you find out what type of snake this guy was? I need to know where they live and if they’re venomous or not.”
“Now?”
“Yes. The windows can wait.”
“Can I take him with me?”
“Yes. But bring him back to my office before dinner. And if you find that book, bring it along as well.”
“Will do!” Brede returned the snake to its box and left.
* * *
Valek was slowly going through fifteen days’ worth of reports. Paying particular attention to Gabor’s recent update, he read it twice. No mention or hint of trouble within the council, except the debate about Yelena’s status as a Soulfinder. Many people worried she’d abuse her power, while others championed her abilities.
Valek was glad Yelena moved closer to Irys. Together, they were quite formidable. And if he included her brother Leif, and Moon Man, Yelena had a strong network of people to back her up. He’d hoped she would soon make an official visit as the Liaison between Sitia and Ixia, but she was focusing on her magic at the moment, which made sense and was what she had planned. Although, Valek’s heart still thumped its impatience. It didn’t care about logic or plans.
A knock sounded. The door swung open before Valek could respond. Brede hustled in.
“Found it!” He set the crate down on Valek’s desk. A book rested on top. Brede flipped it open to a page, then showed it to Valek. “It’s a fer-de-lance snake.”
Dread filled Valek. Ferde, the man who had killed eleven young ladies in order to increase his magic, was given his moniker by one of his victims. Tula Cowan had compared him to a fer-de-lance snake and had shortened the name to Ferde.
Brede peered at him quizzically as he waited for a response.
“Good work. Are they venomous?”
“Very. No one survives their bite.” He tapped the crate. “How long was this inside the castle?”
“Ten to fifteen minutes. Why?”
“That is what saved you. These snakes are fast, but he was probably still recovering from the cold air, that would have slowed him down.”
“Don’t tell Kenda that.” Valek considered. “Where do they typically live?”
“In the southern clans of Sitia. Mostly in the Jewelrose and Cowan Clans. They like it hot and dry.”
“What about the Avibian Plains or the Daviian Plateau?”
“The plateau for sure, but only the southern part of the plains.”
Most likely, the gift had not come from the Sitian Council but from the unsanctioned Daviian Clan. Moon Man had called their magicians warpers and the rest vermin. It didn’t matter what you called them; the Commander was not going to be happy.
“Thanks, Brede, this is all great information.”
“Uh, what are you going to do with the snake?”
“I’m going to show it to the Commander and then throw it out.”
“Can I have it?”
Valek stilled. “Why?”
“I can repurpose much of it. The meat is edible and quite tasty. The skin can be turned into leather. And you can have the venom to slay your enemies.”
He stared at his housekeeper with an entirely new perspective. “That’s rather devious. You’d better be careful, or I might try to recruit you for my corps.”
“No, thank you. I’m content here.”
