You recognized them, was Teelas flat reply.
She nodded. They were the same as the sigils on the Arcane bomb.
Youve been informed that the Imperial mages could only find one?
Yes. The secondat least on the doorwas subtle; it was pervasive, but strangely amorphous. Im to speak to Sanabalis about it, but hes so busy that I might be able to put it off for six weeks.
Private.
Sergeant?
When the alleged Arcanist tried to kill you a second time, was it because he recognized you?
No, sir. In my opinion it was because wed seen him, and wed interfered with whatever it was he intended. We no longer ditch our tabards when we enter Tiamaris at the request of Lord Tiamaris; its likely that the Barrani saw only the Hawk. She exhaled. If theres any way to investigate the financial activities of the fieflords, I think youll find that a large portion of the embezzled treasury funds are now in the fiefs.
Thefiefs.
Its possible that the money was funneled to the Arcanistsor an Arcanistwho then used it to pay fieflords for a few dozen of their citizens. There would be no reports filed and no objections to the disappearances.
The fiefs are not our jurisdiction, Marcus growled.
The disposition of the Imperial funds is, though.
You think the Exchequer was indirectly involved in slave trafficking?
No. Pause. Technically, yes.
If this is your idea of not adding to our workload, you fail.
Can I keep the job anyway?
Out. I believe you have an appointment at the High Halls. But first visit Records. The Arkon has sent word about needing another full scan of your marks.
Given the events of the afternoon, I was really hoping to give that a pass.
Given the importance of your pilgrimage, and your ignorance of same, that is not considered an option. Dont give me that lookif you have a problem with the decision, take it up with the Hawklord and Lord Sanabalis. Corporal.
Teela nodded.
Ive been extremely appreciative of your duty detail for the past three weeks. That detail had involved hours that would have driven the mortals in the department literally insane; the Barrani worked around the clock with breaks for meals. They didnt need something as petty as sleep, and lack of sleep didnt slow them down at all.
Not so appreciative that youre offering a raise.
No. Im following what Im told is a time-honored tradition.
Which would that be?
If you want something done, give it to the person whos always busy.
Teela chuckled drily. You want me to make certain Kaylin survives.
More or less.
Yes, sir.
* * *
Teela was not in good enough humor that she insisted on driving the carriage after their detour to Records, which was a mixed blessing; driving placed her on the outside of the cabin.
You are certain about what you saw in the border zone?
Given that Yvander was convinced he was walking with a friend in an entirely different part of the fief? Possibly not. But that kind of illusion usually makes my skin break out in hives.
Teela nodded in the absent way that implied she wasnt listening to the answer. Long experience had taught Kaylin that this didnt actually mean she didnt hear it. Refrain from mentioning this in the High Halls, she finally said. The Barrani Court expects a certain amount of political fallout from the failed assassination attempt. The Emperor was not pleased. Gaze firmly fixed on the exterior landscape, she added, What else happened? Before you attempt to tell me that there was nothing, remember what Ive said about lying.
I dont really want to talk about it.
Teela, however, did. You visited Nightshade. Oh, dont give me that look. Given that Teelas gaze hadnt shifted, this said something. Kitling, I dont know what hopes you have for Lord Nightshade, but hope, among our kin, is not a double-edged blade. It is single edged, and the edge always wounds. Always. He is not mortal. He does not value what you value.
Does he value what you do?
You dont understand what I value. You assume because Im a Hawk, I share yours. This is not a safe assumption, she added in case it was necessary.
Why did you come to the Hawks?
For reasons of my own. They are not particularly relevant. They were reasons, she added drily, you would possibly approve of; your ownwere not.
But the reason I stayed
Oh, hush, kitling. Not all of our heartless plans work as we intend; nor do all of our good intentions. We are where we are, and we can rarely predict where we will go, no matter how firm our beliefs.
After a longer pause, Kaylin said, I cant tell whether or not youre warning me off Nightshade or telling me not to judge him.
Can I not do both? Teela turned to her then. It has never been safe to know him or to keep his company. That much is true. But this is less about Nightshade, to me.
How so?
He is what he is, Kaylin. Accept that; you will find the Barrani less daunting. He is not mortal, and his concerns are not mortal concerns.
He sold mortals to the Arcanist, was her flat reply.
Teelas eyes darkened. That is unfortunate, she finally replied. You are certain?
Yes.
The same Arcanist
Who was responsible for a portal that led to what Tara called the outlands, yes. And who destroyed my home.
What is he doing? Teela said, but she didnt ask it of Kaylin; she spoke to herself. Realizing that she had a rapt audience anyway, she shook herself. We are almost at the High Halls. I should warn you that the High Halls are in slight disarray at the moment.
What do you mean by slight?
I did mention that our raid was not entirely conclusive. The Eternal Emperor paid a visit to the High Hallsin personthis afternoon.
He went Dragon?
Ah, no, you misunderstand me. Teela hesitated and then added, Or perhaps not. He did not, however, arrive at the High Halls in Dragon form. He did arrive at the head of the Palace guard, companioned by the worthy Lord Diarmat.
And he was let into the Halls?
Let us say that a detachment was sentin hasteto greet him. He was not, by all reports, in an entirely pleasant mood, nor was he willing to embark upon the more delicate dance of diplomacy usually employed between the Barrani High Court and the Dragon Court.
What happened?
Swords were brought, armor was broughtIm afraid youve probably missed them; they are artifacts, preserved in the Halls, from the wars between our kind.
The Emperor wasnt impressed.
I wouldnt say that. They didnt enrage him, however; he was already too close to that state to be concerned about simple armor or weapons.
Kaylin grimaced. Youre enjoying this, arent you?
I assure you, a Dragon in the High Halls
I meant tormenting me.
Oh, that. Yes, I admit your very mortal patience is a delight to try on occasion. I have to get it out of my system before we reach the High Halls and Im forced to call you Lord Kaylin in a serious way.
I meant tormenting me.
Oh, that. Yes, I admit your very mortal patience is a delight to try on occasion. I have to get it out of my system before we reach the High Halls and Im forced to call you Lord Kaylin in a serious way.
As opposed to the way you use the title in the office?
As opposed to that, yes. She smiled. She had a beautiful smile.
So the Emperor was hunting for the missing Arcanist in the High Halls?
Yes.
I dont understand.
I believe there is some confusion. He wasnt hunting for the Arcanist because of the Arcanums interference with the Human Caste Court; the investigation into the matter of the Exchequer, while a growing annoyance and a severe inconvenience, is unlikely to bring the two Courts to the brink of open conflict. She paused. It is likely, however, given your current suspicions, to cause far, far more concern to both Immortal Courts. At the moment it is in the hands of the Thaalani and the Imperial Order of Mages.
Ugh. Let me guess: the Human Caste Court is claiming that they were enspelled.
Very good, kitling.
Is there any possibility thats true?
If greed is a spell, yes, in my opinion. The Thaalani will sort some of it out. At the moment, its uncertain how many of the Caste Court were involved in covering up for the Exchequer because they were expressing racial solidarity and how many were being heavily bribed. We have our actuarial experts working on that, as well. It is just possible that the Caste Court was collectively the victim of severe extortion; Nightshade indicated two Arcanists, one of whom perished and one of whom is missing.
Its not likely hell flee to the High Halls.
No. As Lord Evarrim will, however, be present at the High Halls, it would be best if you tucked your pet under your tunic until we reach my rooms, if at all possible. I dont think I need to tell you to
Avoid him like the plague?
Indeed. I realize you are not fond of him. He is my cousin, and I am not fond of him, either.
Do you have any idea who the Barrani was?
I believe so.
What are the Emperors chances of catching him?
Not, at the moment, high. It would also be an interesting fight, although I think I would place odds on the Emperor.
Speaking of the Emperor
He would have been content to leave the investigationand the usual negotiations that occur when the Law and the High Halls collidein the hands of the Halls and the Hawklord.
But?
Patience. You will recall one other event of significance that occurred yesterday?
My apartment was destroyed.
Very good. Yes. Your apartment was destroyed, and by some stroke of luck, folly, or very peculiar destiny, neither of its two occupants joined it.
Hes pissed about Bellusdeo.
He is, indeed, angry about Bellusdeo.
Did the Barrani even know about Bellusdeo?
Demonstrably.
How many others are likely to try to kill her?
After the Emperors visit? Only the suicidal. Were immortal, not invulnerable.
Kaylin frowned. How do you feel about her?
Teelas eyes narrowed. That is an unwise question.
Which means you wont answer.
Which means I will answer.
Kaylin lifted a hand. I dont want to hear it.
Then, next time, dont ask. It wouldnt trouble meat allif she died. It would not have troubled me at all had the attempt on her life been made in any other location. Or rather, had it been made while she wasnt dogging your footsteps like a foolish, bored child. The Dragon Court already shadows the High Halls, as it shadows all of our kind; what need have we of more of them?
Teela
We serve the Emperor.
I dont think hed consider your opinion appropriate service.
No, he wouldnt. Bellusdeo has two points in her favor. She apparently likesand respectsyou, something that most of the Immortals of any power or significance fail to do, and she has, purportedly, argued at length with both the Captain of the Imperial Guard and the Eternal Emperor himself in an attempt to elevate your stature.
How do you know that?
I am part of the High Court, of course.
Which is never allowed anywhere near the Imperial Court. Youve got a lot of spies in the Palace?
Kitling, please.
Kaylin allowedbarelythat it had probably been a naive question. But I dont think the High Court cares whether or not she likes or respects me.
Ah, I wasnt clear. She has two points in her favor where my opinion is concerned. Neither of those points will hold much sway where the rest of the High Court is concerned, but Im sure youre aware how much I care.
You wear the Hawk.
Exactly. Teela grimaced. No one was happy when word of her arrival reached the High Court. Its been somewhat tricky for the Barrani Hawks, but as one of the few who is also a Lord of the Court, its been trickier for me. The others simply remained outside of the reach of the High Court.
They can do that?
They know the mortal city quite well. Yes, they can. Its not considered politically wise in most circumstances, but given the probability that they would be required to spy on Bellusdeo in the best possible case, it was prudent.
You went to Court.
I did. I am not particularly afraid to deny a request that has no merit. Bellusdeo is a Dragon, and it is probable that if she survives, there will be young Dragons again, but I cannot see that as a material threat in the near future. The heart of the fiefs is a greater danger, and the Emperor is, in my opinion, critical if we wish to keep the Shadows in check. Evarrim does not agree; he feels all that we require are the Towers, now active. Her frown was cool and slow to develop. The Dragons and the Barrani are not at war, at the moment. But war has oft been our state in the past, and it is clear that it is a possibility in the future, as well. Fewer Dragons, in that case, would work to our advantage.
Kaylin said nothing very loudly.
You asked, kitling.
It was true. She had. And she pretty much hated the answer, even if it didnt surprise her. But she didntand couldnthate Teela for it. And why? Because Bellusdeo was a power. She was immortal. She had once been Queen. Hating Bellusdeo wasnt in any way the same as selling gods alone knew how many helpless and powerless people to an Arcanist.
The small dragon nudged her cheek with its head; she ignored him until he bit her earlobe. Can you just promise me one thing? she said when she had stopped her very Leontine cursing and had covered one ear with her hand.
Teela lifted a brow.
Can you hold off on the whole war thing until after Im dead?
Chapter 8
Fittings for Barrani clothing were definitely not the same thing as fittings for uniforms. For one, there was no Quartermaster. There were Barrani, but they appeared to have been vetted by Teela, because they treated Kaylin with abjectand genuinedeference. Kaylin found that, more than anything else in the Halls, truly unsettling, because Teela didnt even seem to notice. Kaylin did. She usually noticed the exchanges between those who had all the power and those who had none; shed been on the zero end of the scale for a majority of her life, and in her case, old habits died hard.