Realms of Valor - James Lowder [67]
the parents of the children could have the spells countermanded. We also wanted to know why he had left the door open in such an enticing fashion. The boys had been wrong to go inside, but they had practically been invited. “One of the guardsmen who had been given Othmann's description was also one of the first men to arrive at the gardens this morning. That's how the victim was identified so quickly.” Stralana gestured to a guard standing apart from the others. “I've asked the lad to wait until you're done here, in case you wish to speak with him.” When Myrmeen shook her head, he shrugged and continued. “I sent two of our finest sorcerers around to Othmann's shop the moment we had the body identified, along with several of our investigators. Elhazir was upon them very quickly. She was filled with questions, and when she learned that Othmann was dead, she seemed genuinely grieved. The woman told our agents much of what we needed to know-that Othmann specialized in high-priced artifacts, magical and otherwise. His shop was open by appointment only. Elhazir gave him referrals whenever it became obvious that her clients knew what they wanted and would not be tricked by her fast tongue. In return for sending him clients, Othmann gave her a healthy commission.” “Was Othmann a sorcerer?” Myrmeen asked quietly. “No one seems to know.” “But he trafficked in items of power. I would wager that if he was not well- versed in the Art, he was closely affiliated with someone who was. That person may have been the one who subdued our guards, defeated the spells protecting the gardens, and killed Othmann.” Stralana nodded. “That would make sense, but Elhazir made no mention of a partner. Othmann seemed to run his trade completely alone.” “She's lying or ill informed. What did she tell your men of Othmann's personal affairs?” “Only that he kept them extremely private. They enjoyed a professional relationship and nothing more.” Myrmeen paused to consider this. “I don't want anyone going into Othmann's shop until I'm through with the blasted delegation this morning. Then I'll join the men there. Oh, and I'll want to talk with Elhazir myself.” The pale-skinned man waited patiently for her next command. “Evon, I need to visit the gazebo. It would be best if I did it alone.” “Of course. But...” Myrmeen leveled a cold gaze on her minister. “But what?” “Nothing, milady,” he murmured. Lowering his eyes in respect, Stralana left her and returned to his men. Alone, Myrmeen walked through the gardens until an elegantly adorned gazebo loomed before her. Carved into the far wall was a representation of a phoenix, her late husband's symbol. She thought of his funeral pyre and the vain, ridiculous hope she had nurtured that somehow he would rise from his own ashes. He had risen only in her heart, where a part of him would remain forever. But those mournful thoughts were quickly replaced in Myrmeen's mind by shock. Blood spattered the gazebo's walls, marring Haverstrom's phoenix. Whoever had murdered Othmann had left his body in the gardens as a message
to her. There could be no other reason for this senseless vandalism. Anger flooded into her with renewed vitality. Since her husband's death, there had been many times when the pressures of ruling Arabel were too much to bear. She needed a place to which she could retreat, a place where she would always feel safe. The gardens-and this spot in particular-had been that sanctuary. Standing in this gazebo, Myrmeen had always been able to recall the joy, love, and comfort she had found in her husband's arms. Images raced into her mind. She thought of one morning after invaders had attempted to take the city. Haverstrom had been stabbed,