City of Towers_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [88]
Doras pushed Greykell aside and stepped up to Daine. He was at least four inches taller than Daine, and heavily muscled. Contempt surrounded him like a cloud.
“Yes, there is a problem. Our homeland has been destroyed. Our world could be coming to an end. And you, soldier—you who failed in your sworn duty to protect our people—dare to come into my home and pretend you can help us now?” He looked over at Greykell. “You and your kind had your chance to protect the people. Instead, your little war destroyed our land. And you think you can make it better by helping a man get a job making swords for Brelish soldiers? You disgust me.”
“And where were you when my men were dying on the Brelish border?” Daine said. Greykell kept her hand on his arm, holding him back.
“I was tending the fields that fed your armies. And I never failed in my duty. Can you say the same?”
The third man—a lean half-elf with terrible burns across much of his exposed flesh—stepped forward. “We trusted you, soldier,” he said. “And this … this is what you did for me. The end is coming. And you bloodthirsty fools opened the door.”
Greykell moved in front of Daine, raising her hands. “Fine. You’re right. We should have won the war. But what does this anger get you, Doras? Where will it take you?”
For a moment, Daine thought Doras was going to hit her; his knuckles whitened against his club. Finally, he loosened his grip. “What do you want? I told you I never wanted to see you here.”
“I’m looking for someone,” Greykell said. “I’m sure you remember Hugal? Or Monan? Either one will do.”
“I haven’t seen either in over a day,” Doras said, his eyes narrowed. “Why? Have you found them work as street performers?”
“Actually, you’d be surprised,” Greykell said. “I think they’d have a real knack for it. But I was wondering … did they have any friends? Other people who haven’t been seen recently?”
“No. There are no friends here. Only survivors.”
Greykell rolled her eyes. “Life is miserable and hard. You’ve lost everything. I hear you. And you know what? I’ve lost everything too. But whatever you may think, it’s not the end of the world. We just need to let go of the past and embrace the future. To begin again.”
“Very inspiring. But have you been to the ruins of Cyre? Have you seen what the war has left behind? If you’d seen what I’ve seen, you’d understand. We’ve seen the end, and it’s only just beginning.”
“Well, it’s always a pleasure, Doras. If you don’t want to see us here, I suppose we had best be on our way. Just one more thing. Do you know old Hila, the seamstress? Has she ever come around?”
Doras’s eyes were as cold as stones. “No.”
“Great!” Greykell took Daine’s arm and pulled him out to the street. “And please, do something for Syllia, will you? She can’t keep on like this.”
Doras said nothing.
“So what did you think?”
Night had fallen, and Greykell was leading the way back to the Manticore.
“Do you think that man is working with Hugal?” Lei asked.
“It’s possible that Doras is Hugal,” Greykell said. “Changelings, remember? But truthfully, I don’t know what to think. I’ve known Doras for a few months now. He has a loud voice, and the people of Dolurrh’s Door adore him … but I don’t know. He likes to provoke, but I’ve never actually seen him take the first swing in a fight—and he seemed to have both his hands.”
“I wish Jode had been there,” Daine said. “He’s got an amazing sense of people.”
Greykell shrugged. “Well, he certainly seemed suspicious. I just didn’t think that it was going to help to press the discussion. I’d rather try to go back sometime when he isn’t around, sometime when we can take your Jode with us.”
Daine nodded.
“Well, I’m dining with the Sorans in the square tonight,” Greykell said. “One of the benefits of being a professional busybody. There’s almost always someone having a meal somewhere. The Manticore is just around the bend. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow!” She hugged them each in turn and then disappeared down one of the dark sidestreets.
The group turned the corner, and the Manticore came into view. A familiar