City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [37]
Grazen pointed Daine toward a chair, then returned to his desk. Daine sat down, still absorbing the information. “But …”
“What am I doing here? Like I said, I had served a long tour of duty here. When he heard I was staying, Lord Commander Iyan was quite happy to offer me a commission. So here I am today. I have a lovely wife, a vast fortune, two beautiful children—albeit unmarked—and a position that offers me considerable authority and respect. I’m glad to see that you’ve managed to do as well for yourself.”
Daine’s head had cleared, but he chose not to respond to the barb.
“But you were always one for lost causes, weren’t you, Daine? And look what it got you. According to Sergeant Holas, you didn’t even have a sword when they apprehended you. I wonder what your grandfather would say about that?”
Daine clenched his fists but held his ground. “Let’s get this over with, Grazen. I killed your man. I admit it. But it was an accident, and my companions had nothing to do with it.”
“Ah, yes. Your little motley crew. You always knew how to pick your companions. Speaking of which, have you seen Alina recently?”
Daine was caught off guard. “What?”
“Oh, she’s here in Sharn. I just thought you might want to reminisce about old times. In any case, you’re mistaken.” Grazen smirked. “You haven’t killed anyone.”
He reached into a belt pouch and produced a platinum disk, which he tossed to Daine. The symbol of a feather was engraved on the surface, along with an assortment of mystical glyphs.
“Feather token. Only one use, but it’s a lifesaver if you find yourself plummeting to your death. If you live on the upper levels and you can afford one, you’re a fool not to—and Sergeant Lorrak is no fool. I suppose that I could have sent Lorrak to bring you in, but I hate to spoil a surprise. I’d stay out of Lorrak’s way, if I were you. He may be alive, but he’s certainly one to hold a grudge. And I understand you kept him from having a little fun.”
“Yeah, fun,” Daine said, thinking of the goblin girl. “Great crew you’ve got here. So the murder charge—you just made that up?”
“Would you have come if I’d just asked?”
“I don’t know.”
“At least you’re honest. Something that’s all too rare these days.” He studied Daine carefully. “What would you say if I offered you a job, Daine? It wouldn’t be easy, given that you were an officer for the enemy, but Cyre’s gone now and it’s not coming back. And I’ve got connections here. Feel like working for a winner for a change?”
“What’s that got to do with you?”
Grazen laughed. “I’ve missed you, Daine. Well, I’ll give you a few days to think about it. But a few words of advice: stay away from Alina. Stay out of trouble. And keep an eye out for Sergeant Lorrak. In light of our old friendship, I won’t ask what you were doing in Malleon’s Gate. But friendship or not, this is where my heart lies now. You haven’t crossed any lines. Yet. But if you do, I’ll be right there to bring you down.”
“Thanks for the advice, Grazen. It’s been great catching up like this. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to my friends.”
“Of course.” He ran a finger over an alarm-stone on his desk, and two guards entered the room. “Minal, Dal, escort our guest back to his companions and see that his possessions are restored to him.” He looked back at Daine. “Think about my offer, Daine. And my advice. It might be the only chance you have left to do the right thing.”
Daine said nothing as the guards led him away.
Jode, Pierce, and Lei were waiting for him in the atrium.
“Daine!” Lei called. “What’s going on?”
“It was all a misunderstanding.”
“You mean someone did catch him?” Jode said. A servant brought in their weapons and began to distribute them.
“Something like that, yeah.” The servant reached him. She handed Daine his dagger and then gave