A World Without Heroes - Brandon Mull [86]
“So if you lose,” Jason said, “you lose big.”
“None know the consequences better than I do,” Nicholas sighed. “Considering the risk, few have the boldness to issue a challenge for the chancellorship. The office is normally appointed by the king.”
“This seems like our only way into the vault,” Jason said. “At least in my case all I’d have to risk is a title nobody would want.”
Nicholas grinned. “Nothing would delight me more than to see Copernum humbled. It will not be easy. First you must get Dolan to recognize your claim to Caberton. The ring is authentic, and it should serve as sufficient evidence, unless they bring forward false witnesses to label you a thief. The second trick will be actually defeating Copernum. Perhaps you know some unfathomable riddle from the Beyond?”
“I’ll have to think about it,” Jason said.
“I know some riddles,” Rachel added.
“The question would have to be exquisite,” Nicholas said. “Copernum has held his office so long for good reason. He is as keen as they come.”
“Who judges the contest?” Rachel asked.
“Dolan,” Nicholas said. “His word will be final. If there is room for doubt, he will side with Copernum. But if you clearly provide a superior answer, he will name you victor. Dolan knows that Copernum wields the real power in Trensicourt. I believe Dolan would gladly demote him if he could do so without blame.”
“How do I establish my claim as Lord of Caberton?” Jason asked.
“You will need an audience with the regent.” Nicholas sniffed and tugged absently at a strap. “You must not breathe a word about challenging for the chancellorship. Save that surprise for after your claim has been acknowledged. It would help if you found a sponsor.” Nicholas bowed his head in thought.
“Could you sponsor him?” Rachel asked.
“My sponsorship would only harm his cause,” Nicholas said. “In fact it should not be made public that the two of you came here for advice. If we were linked as conspirators, it would end badly for all of us. We must end this conversation soon, and you should not return.”
“Does anyone know we’re here?” Jason asked.
“Spies infest Trensicourt,” Nicholas spat. “You must treat every person you meet as a potential traitor. Plenty of professional spies make a comfortable living in this town, not to mention the legions of casual busybodies eager to sell a secret as soon as they hear it.”
“Do you think spies saw us come in here?” Rachel asked.
“Absolutely,” Nicholas affirmed. “My alley is under constant observation. The watchers may not know your identities, but they know you are here. You will leave with crossbows. My models set the standard for all of Lyrian. The weapons may suffice as a legitimate reason for newcomers to Trensicourt to pay me a visit.”
“Where should we go from here?” Jason asked.
“You want the legless ruin to lay out a strategy?” Nicholas chortled. His eyes grew thoughtful. “You are young, and you are strangers here. Perhaps I could help you avoid early missteps. My mistakes have taught me much. Be forewarned—politics in Trensicourt are ruthless. No amount of planning could insulate you against all the possible pitfalls.”
“I get it,” Jason said. “We’re here. I have to try.”
Nicholas wound a loose strap tightly around his hand. “Very well. How much money do you have?”
“This will cost?” Jason asked.
“You misunderstand,” Nicholas said. “I mean to help you. The crossbows will be free, along with the advice.”
“We have a gold pellet, a silver, and some change,” Rachel said.
“Insufficient,” Nicholas sniffed. “Money and connections mean everything in Trensicourt. One often leads to the other. Since you lack connections, you will need money. I will provide it.”
“You’re too kind,” Jason said.
Nicholas snorted derisively. “I have much more money than I can use. So I will give you enough to make you dangerous