Azure bonds - Kate Novak [44]
"As a rule, men of my nationality are not invited to many parties in the north," Akabar replied with a shrug.
While Akabar was insinuating himself into Alias's quest, Olive was frantically trying to make up her mind. People who tried to kill priests weren't, as a rule, to be trusted, she argued with herself. But it would make such a fascinating addition to the song. Better make it a lay. Or maybe even a book. The Magic Arm Chronicles, as told by Olive Ruskettle. All thoughts of danger faded before the imaginary promise of gold and fame. Besides, Olive told herself, I have to find out the rest of that song about the tears of Selune.
"Hang on," the halfling interrupted. "If anyone owes this swordswoman a debt of gratitude, it's me. She saved my life. If you take this one along," Olive said to Alias, jerking her head toward Akabar, "you're going to need someone to keep him out of trouble. A fast thinker."
The corner of Alias's mouth twitched in amusement. She had no illusions about Olive. Pure greed motivated her. Still, the halfling's debt was even greater than Akabar's. It was likely she'd prove more hindrance than help, but at least she was an experienced traveler.
"My journey may prove perilous," Alias warned, hoping to discourage the small woman.
Olive shrugged. "As the halflings in Luiren say, 'From perils come pearls and power.' I've seen my share of danger"
"And more than your share of pearls, I'll warrant," Akabar muttered under his breath.
Alias looked at Dragonbait. "I don't suppose you'll be leaving my side either."
The lizard tilted his head with a jingle.
Something inside Alias's chest grabbed her heart. She had an uncomfortable suspicion the lizard wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't serving her.
Alias sighed. "All right. You can help, but remember-I tried to talk you out of it." She turned to Akabar. "Now what did Dimswart tell you?"
The mage pulled a small package from a pocket. He unknotted the yellow cord that bound it and flipped away its leather wrapping. Within lay five copper plates.
"Flaming dagger," said the mage, laying the first plate on the table. A flaming dagger sigil was etched into the soft metal surface, and beneath it in neat, delicate letters of Thorass, was a paragraph of explanation. "Interlocking rings, mouth in a palm, three concentric circles, and a squiggle that looks like an insect leg." Akabar laid down a corresponding copper with each description. "Which would you like me to cover first?" he asked Alias.
Alias pointed to the plate with the flaming dagger. "The assassins who attacked me carried a card with this design."
Nodding, Akabar stacked the five plates together with the dagger on top. "The symbol is derived from a Talis deck. In Turmish, we use the suit of birds, but here in the north it has been converted to the suit of daggers. In either case, the suit represents money and theft of the same. The symbol was adopted by a small group of thieves and assassins in Westgate that calls itself the Redeemer's Guild, but the group is more commonly known as the Fire Knives-from its calling card.
"The Fire Knives are not native to Westgate, but came originally from Cormyr where they ran a very profitable operation. Until, that is, they incurred the wrath of His Royal Majesty, Azoun IV. He broke their charter, executed their leaders, and sent the rest packing across the Lake of Dragons. They set up shop anew in Westgate, with the permission of the local crime lords, the Night Masks. Naturally, they have no love for Cormyr, its king, or its people."
"Do any of them carry their symbol as a brand or tattoo?" Alias asked.
Akabar shook his head. "It has never been reported that they do. Of course, your attack on someone who sounded just like King Azoun was the sort of thing they desire. Somehow, they might have ensorceled you to do so."
"Then why did they attack me the other night?"
"Perhaps they thought you discovered their plan and would warn His Majesty," the halfling guessed.
"No," Alias said. "I had no idea I was going to do something like I did.