The City of Splendors_ A Waterdeep Novel - Ed Greenwood [148]
Varandros Dyre swallowed, swayed, went pale, and then blazed crimson again, all in a single breath. "She was locked in the Deadrest all night? With the likes of you?"
Korvaun's lips thinned, but his voice stayed calm, even respectful. "Something turned the usual crowd of mourners into a slaying mob; so fierce was the fighting that it threatened to spill out into the streets. Even the Guard and Watch together lacked time and swords enough to quell the fray before nightfall and… were forced into a hard decision. Many folk didn't survive; we're among the fortunate few."
Naoni gently slipped out of Faendra's arms and went to her father, who was now staring at her as if she were one of the Deadrest ghosts.
"Lord Helmfast came to my rescue," she told him, "saving me first from a man who tried to…" Her voice failed, but she drew in a deep breath and went on. "Then he fought for me against a band of armed men who attacked us in their madness. We… took refuge in one of the tombs. Korv-Lord Helmfast had a blessed talisman that kept the roaming spirits safely from us throughout the night. And he gave me this."
She pulled a fine dagger from her belt and held it up. Its sharp, clean blade glinted in the morning light.
"Lord Helmfast bade me use it if I felt he in any way threatened my honor. As you can see, I had no cause."
Varandros Dyre looked at Naoni's fierce face, at the bright-bladed dagger, and then back at the young noble. "It would seem," he said slowly, "I must again thank you for protecting my daughter."
Korvaun bowed again. "It was my pleasure as well as my duty, goodsir," he said quietly. "If it please you, might your daughters and I have a few private words with your maidservant? We're concerned about a friend of mine and believe she may know something helpful."
"Aye, that's always the way of it when trouble befalls. All the day long, folk'll be seeking each other out." Dyre seemed to shake himself and added briskly, "I should be off to see how many workmen remain to me."
Faendra caught at his sleeve. "Should we stay here, Father? Or go back to the inn?"
The guildmaster sighed heavily. "There's no truly safe place in this world, lass, and I'd rather have you both home than tossed about by mobs and spirits. I'll have some of my men bring your things back here." He started to stride off down the street, and then turned and gave Korvaun a nod that was almost a bow.
Leaving Lark facing several cool, measuring gazes.
She turned to Korvaun. "If your friend's named Roaringhorn, I'm not the one to guide you."
"Who better?" Faendra snapped. "Yestermorn, you and Lord Roaringhorn lingered in the club after we left. Since you didn't return here to see to highsunfeast and the cheesemaking, as you'd said you would, I'm thinking you might indeed have some notion of what befell him."
"None whatsoever. We exchanged words, yes, and that delayed me. When I got here, you'd all left already-for an inn, apparently."
Naoni frowned. "We should have left a note, but Father was in such a hurry…"
"Another building fell," Faendra explained. "The worksite on Redcloak Lane."
Lark winced, seeing quite well why Master Dyre had hauled away his daughters with such haste.
"You know nothing of Beldar?" pressed Taeros Hawkwinter. "We've not seen him since we departed the club."
Lark didn't have to feign anger. "I know not where he is, nor do I care!"
Plucking forth her ready-cloth from its belt pouch, she swiped most of the unguent from her cheek. Lifting her chin, she stared defiantly at Taeros and let him read what he would from her bruised face.
His expression grew grim. "Beldar?"
Lark nodded.
"Are you… otherwise unharmed?"
"I am, though I think you'll find your friend somewhat the worse for wear."
Korvaun sighed. "Beldar's not been himself of late. We're all grieving over Malark, but…"
"When it seemed