City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [134]
“A tall order in High Walls,” Alina said. “But one I can accomplish.” She considered for a moment, then reached through one of the mirrored walls. When her hand emerged, she was holding a small casket. She handed it to Lei. “A respectable home will be expensive, even in High Walls. But here, my lady Lei, a hundred platinum dragons for you and your friends. Hopefully you can find some little luxury amidst the squalor your captain has chosen for you.”
Lei took the casket but said nothing.
“And as for you, Daine, I’m sure that you can imagine my surprise when I found an heirloom sword in the hands of a pawnbroker. I was even more surprised by the condition it was in. The pommel had been badly damaged. I had it restored to its original condition, and I thought that you might want it back.”
She reached into the mirror again and pulled out a long sword. Daine’s sword. But it was almost unrecognizable. The blade had been sharpened and polished to a mirror finish, but what drew the eye was the hilt. When he had served in the guard, the pommel of Daine’s sword had been worn down, devoid of any detail. Now the hilt was as polished as the blade, and the pommel was glittering black and silver, engraved with the watchful eye of House Deneith.
“I’m sure that your grandfather would be proud to see it back in your hands,” said Alina, smiling slightly.
Daine took the sword without a word. Lei and Pierce looked at him, but it was clear from his expression that this was not the time to ask questions.
“It will take a few days to locate an appropriate property,” Alina said. “I’ll arrange for rooms at the Silver Tree for the interim. It’s just down Prospers Street.”
“We still have our room at the Manticore,” Daine said.
“Daine,” Alina said reprovingly. “Won’t you allow your companions a chance to see the best that Sharn has to offer before you settle down in the depths? Enjoy a few days of luxury, at least. Consider it a gift.”
“I told you before, Alina …” Daine paused and turned away. He looked at Lei. “Fine. We’ll be leaving, then.”
“I’ll be in touch when I’ve located your new home. And I was very pleased with the way you handled yourselves. All of you. I’m sure I’ll have more work for you soon. Until then …” She gestured, and the mirrored door drifted open. “You know the way out.”
“‘I’m sure I’ll have more work for you soon.’” Daine fumed as they made their way through the relentless cheer of the streets of Den’iyas. “Whether you like it or not.”
Lei caught him by the arm and pulled him to a halt. “High Walls?”
He looked away. “You said you were willing to stay in the city for a time. I thought we’d be able to get the most for our gold in High Walls.”
“I told you before, Daine. Cyre was your home, not mine. I only lived there.”
“You were born in Cyre, Lei. You fought at our side. Your parents died there.”
For a moment, there was a flash of real anger and he thought he might have pushed her too far. “And you!” she said. “How do you explain this?” She slapped the pommel of his sword. “Is there something we should know, Daine with no name?”
“Do we need to have this conversation in the street?”
“I want answers. Now.”
“Fine,” Daine said. “I was born into House Deneith. My father is General Doran d’Deneith of the Blademark. This is my grandfather’s blade, and yes, I removed the sigil when I joined the Cyran Guard.”
“Do you have—?”
“The Mark of Sentinel? No. I failed the Test of Siberys, much to the disgust of my father.” Lei looked away, embarrassed.
“But that was only one of many disappointments and far from the worst. You see, I cared. I wanted to believe in what I was fighting for, to believe that I was actually serving a noble cause. But when your family business is built on selling your sword for gold, caring is a crime. You fight for anyone with the gold, and you do whatever you’re ordered to do.”
His tone had become more intense with each sentence. Lei still wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“For a time, I played the part of the good son. I served a wealthy client of the house, and I did whatever was asked of me.