Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [113]
With a ragged sigh, Caladorn turned and mounted the stairs toward the third floor. If he was to uncover Lucia's plot, he would have to know what object she considered worth the price of his life.
*****
Clutching the box containing the magical helm, Lucia Thione fled through the quiet street. She had left one of Hhune's coins beside Caladorn's body, hoping to place the blame for the murders on the Tethyrian merchant. It was important however, that no one see her out and abroad this night. She made her way quickly to a well-guarded home she owned nearby. Armed servants stood watch at every entrance, and several fierce moor hounds patrolled the walled grounds surrounding the house.
She brushed past one of the silent sentinels and made her way quickly up to her private chamber. She placed the box on her bed and shrugged off her cloak.
"Good evening, Lady Thione."
The noblewoman screamed and spun around, one hand at her throat. A tall, slender moon elf clad in unrelieved black rose gracefully from a chair. She recognized Elaith Craulnober, and her terror increased fourfold. Backing away, she lunged for the bellpull that would summon her armed servants.
"Don't bother your servants at this hour on my behalf," the elf said with a polite smile. "I gave them the night off."
The echo of words she had recently spoken to Caladorn chilled Lucia, and an image of Antony's body flashed into her mind. "They are all dead," she stated in a dull voice.
"Quite," Elaith agreed pleasantly. He resumed his seat and began to toy with a jeweled dagger. "Sit down, won't you? We have a shared problem to discuss."
Lucia sank down onto the edge of her bed. "How did you get past the magical wards around this house?" she demanded.
"Collecting magical toys is a hobby of mine," the elf said. "I've become rather good at identifying and dispatching them. Now, about this problem. We both have allies who have outlived their usefulness. I will remove yours, if you would be so kind as to have your agents tend to a partner of mine."
"I do not need to make such arrangements. The Lords of Waterdeep will see to Hhune," she said.
"No doubt I was speaking of the other, the bard who carries an elven harp."
The noblewoman stared. "How do you know of this?"
"That is not important. Just tell me where she is-or whoshe is, for that matter-and I assure you she'll not trouble you further."
Lucia's mind whirled as she considered this possibility. The elf had proven himself capable of dispatching armed men and powerful magic. Perhaps he might be a match for the sorceress. That however, raised another question.
"If you can do this, why do you not remove this unwanted partner yourself?"
The elf's smile held a bit of self-mockery. "Let's just say it's a matter of honor. Now, have we a deal?"
"Garnet is a half-elf woman of middle years. She is staying at my Sea Ward villa. Kill her, and I will grant you anything in my power to give," she said in a hard voice.
"I see that we shall get along fine," Elaith observed. "Now, there is something else you should know. Khelben Arunsun will soon be informed that you are an agent of the Knights of the Shield. All is not lost," the elf said, holding up a hand at her cry of dismay. "I have a network of safe houses throughout the city. I will be happy to hide you and smuggle you safely out of Waterdeep. I will ensure that an armed escort will see you to an appropriate destination."
The elf smiled pleasantly. "Of course, I will do all this for you afteryou have ordered your agents to rid the world of one Danilo Thann."
Sixteen
Throughout the night, the wall surrounding Blackstaff Tower was ringed by an assortment of unhappy people. Mages from the Watchful Order stood guard, ready with spells and wands to counter another attack of wizard weather. A circle of bards took turns singing the ballads that had changed the respect many Waterdhavians