City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [42]
What is it?” Daine asked.
Lei had produced Alina’s packet of parchments. “It’s supposed to be the primary center for gambling in the tower—especially for betting on aerial sports, such as the Race of Eight Winds. Jode’s thought was that we might be able to get information about Rasial from some of the patrons. As for the design, I imagine it was inspired by the stories of the fiery plane of Fernia. Are you ready to go in?”
Daine glanced around, looking for Pierce. Given his size and unusual appearance, the warforged soldier had a gift for concealment, and it took Daine a moment to pick him out against the shadows. He gave Pierce a “hold and watch” sign with his right hand, and Pierce nodded almost imperceptibly.
“All right,” Daine said. “Let’s see what we can find.”
The tables were on fire. The walls and floor of the King of Fire were the same black stone as the exterior. Mystical symbols were carved into the walls and inlaid with brass; set against the dark stone they almost seemed to be floating in midair. There were no torches, no chandeliers. The light came from the chairs and tables themselves. Half a dozen round tables, carved from darkwood and inscribed with the same symbols as the walls, were spread around the common room. Cold fire had been woven into the wood of the tables, and these insubstantial flames cast long shadows across the walls. People were laughing and talking, and the rattle of dice and flutter of shuffling cards filled the air.
“Welcome! What are you looking for?” The voice seemed to come from thin air, but as his eyes adjusted to the strange lighting, Daine realized that there was a slender halfling woman standing next to him. She had short dark hair and wore a black dress embroidered with the same symbols that could be seen on the walls.
“Can I get a flagon of korluaat?” he asked. He had developed a taste for the pitchy brew while serving with a troop of Darguul mercenaries.
Lei made a face, but the halfling nodded. “Oh, absolutely.” Noticing Lei’s expression, she said, “A lot of people think the Gargoyle has a strong chance this year, and we’re expecting to have a lot of goblins up from Malleon’s Gate to get a closer view. Now, what can I get for you, dear?”
“Blackroot tal,” Lei said.
“Very well. Take any open stool, and I’ll be right back. I’m Kela. Just call if you need anything.” As if in response, a burly half-orc bellowed her name from across the room and she scurried away.
They found an empty table and sat down. Daine found it difficult to set his hands down on the smoldering table. No heat flickered from the flames that covered the table, no crackle or smoke, but it was still difficult to overcome his instincts.
Lei had no such trouble. She set her elbows on the table and gazed into the silvery flames. She looked over at him, and there was sorrow in her eyes. “I remember my first lessons with eternal fire,” she said, her voice distant. “My mother had woven the flame into the lining of a small wooden casket. I used to keep it by my bed, so I always had light at my side when the wind rose and the shadows seemed threatening …” Her voice drifted off.
Daine wanted to let her reminisce, to work through her emotions and her loss, but there simply wasn’t time. “Lei …”
Her misty eyes cleared, and she looked up at him. “Yes?”
“We need information. We don’t have enough money for bribes, and with Jode busy … well, you know I’m not a master of diplomacy.”
“True enough.”
“Thanks. Anyhow, without Jode, you’d better prepare a charmer.”
Lei nodded. She pulled a small shard of quartz from her belt pouch and began to polish it with a piece of fox’s fur, whispering quietly.
As Lei wove an enchantment into the stone, Daine examined the common room. A number of people played games of chance, but these appeared to be friendly contests, and from the stream of people moving to and fro, Daine gathered that there was a formal gaming hall farther in the building. The patrons of the King came from all races and nations. Glancing around the room Daine could see a gnome