The Dream Spheres - Elaine Cunningham [110]
"Were there any such items among the lost cargo?"
Lord Gundwynd's face turned a deep shade of puce, and his eyes slid guiltily toward the suddenly wary Cassandra. He puffed and hmmphed for a few moments, then admitted there had been.
"We had an agreement," the noblewoman said coldly. "None of us would support the sale of these toys!"
"Arrangements for this delivery were made well before that agreement," he argued. "This was between Mizzen Doar and Oth Eltorchul. Take it up with either of them." His eyes narrowed into slits as he regarded the ball in Danilo's hand. "Where did you get that?"
"In an alley behind the bazaar," Danilo lied smoothly. "The thieves must be an efficient lot-the goods have already reached the streets."
The merchant snorted in disbelief. "I knew it!" he exploded. "The Thann family are behind this-you lot, and the elf lord with you. So much for your agreement, my lady! I'll see you all ruined before this is through." He sliced the air with one hand in a gesture of finality-or possibly execution-spun on his heel, and stalked out.
Cassandra took a long, calming breath and turned to her son. "Danilo, I am going to ask the same question Lord Gundwynd posed. Where did you get that infernal thing?"
"It was in Lilly's possession," Danilo said bluntly. "In light of Oth's death, it is reasonable to assume that the dream spheres at least in part led to Lilly's fate."
The noblewoman turned white. "Have you any idea-any at all!-of what you have done?"
"I know that I had a sister, that she was in danger and in need of my aid. I know that I failed her. Now she is dead, and I intend to know why."
"Sentimental nonsense." Her angry blue eyes settled on the watchful half-elf. "Can you talk no sense into him?"
Arilyn merely shrugged.
Cassandra hissed a sigh. "Let me paint the picture. Many caravans are waylaid. Pirates, bandits-these are hazards of the trade. This theft was unusual, but we could have quietly worked the matter through to its conclusion. For whatever reason, rumors are turning it into a parlor guessing game, in which all those involved are suspect. By presenting that… thing … while Gundwynd was ranting about the ambush, you gave him fuel for his fire. What do you suppose he will conclude when he learns what you've brought to the family villa? Do you think the pieces will not be put together? By your actions, you made it appear that Rhammas's little bastard was involved in this theft!"
"That was hardly my intent," Danilo began.
"Intentions seldom matter. Impressions, on the other hand, matter a great deal. This may well put the Thann family in an untenable position. Once this new scandal comes to light-and it will, for you've made sure of it!-no one will believe that the girl acted without the complicity of the legitimate clan."
"How can any reasonable person draw that conclusion?" protested Lord Rhammas. "I did not even know the girl existed until after the attack! From our scant acquaintance, I would venture to say that she could not possibly have had a hand in that sordid affair."
"Oh, and I'm sure all Waterdeep will accept your word as if Ao Himself had finally spoken," the noblewoman retorted. Her angry gaze traveled from her husband to her son. "You are a pair of children, blinded to the larger issues by a worthless trollop!"
"That is remarkably callous, even for you," Danilo said with equal heat.
"Think what you like, but obey me in this. The matter dies with the girl. You and Arilyn have already stirred up more trouble than the pair of you can possibly charm, buy, fight, or spellcast your way free of."
Danilo studied his mother for a long moment. "Forgive me, my lady, but I must observe that your words could be construed as a threat."
"Could they now?" Her thin smile was as sharp as a dagger. "I am gratified to