City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [133]
Alina picked up one of the vials and examined it carefully.
“The people who stole your goods and killed Rasial had developed a process to remove dragonmarks,” Daine explained. “That’s supposed to be the essence of the dragonmark—at least, an aberrant dragonmark. I have no idea what you’re supposed to do with it. Since the people who’d stolen it hadn’t done anything with it, it may well be dangerous.”
“Fascinating,” said Alina. She glanced over at Daine. “And the tools they used in this extraction procedure?”
“It was a rough fight, Alina. We were almost all killed, and I’m afraid the workshop was destroyed in the battle. You said to recover whatever was left of your shards. You didn’t say anything about limiting property damage in the process.”
Alina shrugged. “I’m sure there was nothing that could be done. A tragic loss, however.” She studied the vial more closely. “I suppose that this battle occurred after your visit to Councilor Teral’s tent in High Walls?”
“It’s good to know you’re keeping an eye on us.”
Alina smiled. “I always like to watch my investments. You know that.”
“If you’ve been keeping such a close watch on us, I suppose you already know about Jode.”
Alina set the vial down and placed a hand over her heart. “Yes. Daine, I am sorry. He will not soon be forgotten, and I can only give thanks that the rest of you survived the experience.” She glanced down at the two dark vials. “What intrigues me is the fact that these villains preserved these aberrant dragonmarks but let Jode’s mark slip through their fingers.” She glanced up at Daine, her violet eyes cold in her otherwise perfect mask of sympathy. “Surely a fool could see how valuable the essence of such a mark might be.”
Daine said nothing, and Lei spoke on his behalf. “There could be any number of explanations,” she said. “Perhaps the process hadn’t been perfected and they failed to capture the mark. Perhaps they already put it to use, though I still don’t know how you’d apply it.”
Alina studied Lei, and for a moment she said nothing. Lei found the experience disturbing. Alina was the size of a human child, but it was hard to reconcile that with her elegance and intelligence. From the way Daine acted around her, it was clear that Alina was dangerous, but Lei still hadn’t learned what made her such a threat.
Finally Alina spoke. “True. That is ever the way with magical experimentation, and I suppose that it’s for the best. If someone did find a reliable way to remove and transfer the powers of a dragonmark, what would happen to our civilization? Certainly, if I could buy a dragonmark, I would, and I’m certain I’m not alone. As you’ve already seen, there are those who would be more than willing to kill to obtain the power.” She smiled at Lei. “How lucky for you, my dear, that the workshop was destroyed.”
Daine shivered. He knew that Alina’s minions would be searching through the wreckage beneath High Walls before the day was done. He hoped he and Pierce had done enough damage to render the workshop useless—though somehow, remembering the inhuman thoughts that had flowed through his mind, Daine thought the technique might require the touch of the mindflayer.
“In any case, you have completed your task, and at a terrible cost. How would you like to receive your payment? In coin? Jewels? A letter of credit?”
“Actually, Alina, I have a favor to ask.”
Alina’s eyes glittered in the light of the amethyst fire. “A favor? Well. What can I do for you, Daine?”
“I imagine that when it comes to matters of business, you have a few connections in the city.”
“Indeed.”
“Well, I was wondering if you’d take a portion of our payment and help us purchase property in Sharn.”
Alina arched a perfect eyebrow. “A piece of the tower? A costly proposition.”
“I’m interested in a place in High Walls.”
Alina’s face was as expressionless as ever, but Daine could feel her sneer. “Well, yes, that I could arrange. Do you want a hole in the wall or something vaguely bearable?”
Now Daine could feel Lei’s stare. “Bearable. As good as we can get.