Elfshadow - Elaine Cunningham [77]
Elaith politely seated her in one of the leather chairs that flanked a desk of exotic Chultan teak. Danilo refused a chair. Carefully arranging the folds of his cape, he leaned indolently against the wall just behind Arilyn.
"What do you know about the bard's death?" Arilyn asked, getting right down to business.
Elaith sat down behind his desk and spread his hands before him. "Very little. I left the inn shortly after you retired. Why do you ask?"
"Never overlook the obvious, I always say," Danilo observed brightly.
The quessir threw a contemptuous glance in Danilo's direction. The troublesome human hovered behind Arilyn Moonblade as if he intended to protect her, at the cost of his worthless life if need be. It was a humorous notion, but Elaith was not in the mood to be amused. "Young man, don't try my patience. I am not the Harper Assassin, as you so clumsily imply." The elf's scowl faded, and he smiled evilly. "If truth be told, I almost wish I were. He-or she-is very good indeed."
"When next we encounter the Harper Assassin, we'll be sure to pass along your good wishes," Danilo drawled. "I'm sure your approval means everything to him."
Arilyn ignored her companion as she spoke to Elaith. "I have reason to believe that the assassin is someone within the Harper ranks."
"Really?" Danilo broke in, sounding surprised.
She threw a glance over her shoulder at the nobleman. "Yes. Now if you'll excuse me for a moment?" She turned back to Elaith. "This makes any investigation difficult for me. Obviously, I cannot make inquiries directly for fear of alerting the wrong person."
"Obviously," Elaith murmured with a smile. "I am delighted to be of service, but might I ask why you have come to me?"
"I need information, and I'm aware that you have many connections in this city. I will pay whatever fee you require."
"That will not be necessary," the moon elf said firmly. "The Harpers are unlikely to pass secrets on to me, at least not directly, but I have other sources, as well as information not available to the Harpers. I will certainly make inquiries." Elaith opened a drawer and pulled out parchment and a quill. "Why don't you tell me a little more about this assassin. Start with the kill list."
Kill list. Arilyn winced at the elf's choice of words, spoken with such callous ease. Perhaps she was unwise to try to do business with Elaith Craulnobur. As she hesitated, Danilo came up and seated himself in the chair beside her. The nobleman took a small snuffbox out of his magic sack and helped himself to a liberal pinch. He sneezed violently and repeatedly, then he offered the box in turn to Arilyn and to Elaith.
"Thank you, no," Elaith said coldly. Arilyn just stared at Danilo. His intention was too obvious to miss: by reminding her of Perendra's snuffbox, he was telling her not to trust the elf. She would not have thought Danilo capable of coming up with such a ruse, and for a moment she was inclined to agree with the dandy. Yet she intended to tell Elaith Craulnobur only what the elf could easily gain from other sources. What harm could there be in that?
Arilyn briefly described the assassin's method and macabre signature. Under Elaith's prompting, she listed the victims, the approximate date of each attack, and the location. Finally she could think of nothing more that she wished the elf to know.
"Very impressive." Elaith looked up from the parchment, and smiled reassuringly at Arilyn. "That should give me enough to start. I'll get right on it and let you know as soon as I learn anything." He rose and held out his palm to Arilyn.
Grateful, she laid her hand over his. "I appreciate your help."
"My dear, be assured that I shall do whatever I can."
"Why?" demanded Danilo bluntly.
Elaith withdrew his hand from Arilyn's and looked the noble over, an amused smile on his face. "The etriel and I have much in common. Now,