Storm of the Dead - Lisa Smedman [27]
A lie, that. When Q'arlynd did eventually appear before the Conclave, it would be with the backing of a master.
Miverra nodded in obvious sympathy.
Over her shoulder, Q'arlynd saw the proprietor of the slave house making his way across the display room toward them. Klizik's double chin wobbled as he walked. He held up a clearstone and waved to catch Q'arlynd's eye. "Something new has just come in," he called out. "A chitine. Would you like to-"
Not now, Q'arlynd signed. At his side, where Miverra wouldn't notice.
Klizik halted, uncertain.
Fortunately, a customer chose that moment to half-drop a clearstone on a shelf with a loud clunk. Q'arlynd glanced sharply in his direction. When Miverra turned as well, Q'arlynd signed at Klizik a second time. Set it aside. I'll buy it later.
A calculating look flickered-briefly-across Klizik's face. He realized Q'arlynd was up to something. The price of the chitine had probably just gone up.
Q'arlynd picked up the clearstone Miverra had been staring at and snapped his fingers at Klizik, as if he'd only just noticed the merchant. "How much for this one?"
As Klizik told him the price, Miverra frowned. "You own slaves?"
Q'arlynd winked at her. "Only for as long as it takes to teleport outside the city and set them free," he whispered back.
Her expression immediately softened.
The price Klizik had just quoted was inflated, but Q'arlynd didn't bother haggling. He fished coins out of his pouch, handed them over, and took the goblin.
"How many have you freed?" Miverra whispered.
"I couldn't begin to count them," Q'arlynd said breezily. She showed no signs of faerie fire, so it was probably safe to lie. "Why, only yesterday, I purchased two grimlocks."
"You teleported them outside the city?"
"Of course. Otherwise they'd be recaptured."
"Far from the city?"
There was a purpose behind her question, but Q'arlynd couldn't discern it. "Far enough." He tucked the clearstone under his arm and turned toward the door. "Let's go somewhere a little less public, shall we?" he suggested. "Somewhere we can… talk."
He noted the shiver of anticipation that passed through her and the slight dilation of her pupils. The priestess was pathetically easy to read.
Rather boring, really. He just hoped whatever information he gleaned would be worth it.
As they neared the door, Q'arlynd touched Miverra's arm, slowing her. "There's a wizard outside who's spying on you."
Miverra nodded. "I noticed him earlier. White robes-a necromancer."
Q'arlynd's opinion of her went up a notch. Miverra wasn't quite as naive as she seemed.
"Should I be concerned? Is he a threat?"
"Personally, I wouldn't want Master Tsabrak taking an interest in me."
"Why not?"
Q'arlynd lowered his voice, as if revealing a confidence. In fact, Master Tsabrak's predilection was an open secret among the higher-ranking wizards of Sshamath's other colleges. Even Eldrinn had heard of it. "He's a vampire."
Miverra's eyes widened slightly. She really was too easy to read.
"Will it cause problems for you to be seen with me?" she asked.
Q'arlynd shrugged, then gave her a coy smile. "Even if it does, I'm sure it will be worth it."
She nodded. "Then play along with me. When we step outside, pretend to say goodbye. Be sure to bow."
They exited the slave house, and Q'arlynd did as instructed. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady," he said, bowing. "May your stay in Sshamath be a pleasant one."
Miverra echoed his farewell and bowed, one hand briefly touching her chest-and her holy symbol. Then she straightened and strode away. The necromancer hesitated, glanced between Q'arlynd and the departing Miverra, and followed her into the crowd.
A moment later, Miverra's body shimmered back into view beside Q'arlynd. None of the people streaming by took any notice; they were used to wizards teleporting back and forth across the city.
"Well played," Q'arlynd said, "but I thought Eilistraee's faithful preferred a more direct approach when dealing with threats."
Miverra shrugged. Her eyes