The Fading Dream_ Thorn of Breland - Keith Baker [22]
“Zane?”
“For the moment.” Zane was Thorn’s personal handler; he’d recruited her into the King’s Dark Lanterns.
“Was Vron ever here?”
“He was in every way that matters, wasn’t he? There’s a certain level of decorum to a royal briefing, and Oargev surely expected the Lord Commander. But we Lanterns have to deal with more complex situations than the Shields or the Blades. His majesty knows what Vron is doing right now; if my mask keeps Oargev happy, all for the good. Besides, you’re my agent.”
Thorn nodded. It wasn’t the first time Zane had come to her in an unexpected guise, though she’d never seen the changeling impersonate a changeling before. “So what is it you wanted to tell me?”
“What do you think of this assignment?”
Thorn hesitated but she’d never minced words with Zane before. “It seems ridiculous. Do you actually think we can restore the Mournland?”
“No,” Zane said. “I don’t. It’s an entertaining story, and if it somehow turns out to be true … well, it would be a boon to give the thousands of Cyran refugees living off Brelish taxes somewhere else to go. But I think we both know just how likely that is—just as we know that those stones in your neck aren’t eladrin relics.”
“So what am I doing?”
“I don’t believe that these fey are responsible for the Mourning,” Zane said. “Nonetheless, their power is clearly a force to be reckoned with. As far as we can tell, young Drix is essentially immortal. Imagine an army of soldiers possessing such power. Who knows what other secrets are hidden within the walls of that tower? If you can somehow restore Cyre, wonderful. But your primary mission is to acquire as much information about the eladrin as you can, including anything that could provide Breland with an arcane advantage in future conflicts.”
“I see.”
Zane frowned. “Cadrel is a problem. If there are secrets to be gleaned from the tower, we want them to benefit Breland.”
“Are you telling me to eliminate Essyn Cadrel?” Thorn wanted that point to be absolutely clear. She liked the old man. If Zane wanted him dead, he’d have to give an order.
Zane sighed. “It’s not your mission, Lantern Thorn. But the Mournland is a dangerous place, and I’m sure you’ll have your hands full protecting Drix. Make that your priority: don’t risk anything to keep Cadrel alive.”
“Understood. Is there anything else?”
“Yes.” Zane looked at her closely. “The man who attacked you. Cazalan Dal. You’re certain he died?”
“Steel was,” Thorn said. “He was dead center when he detonated the wand, and then the ceiling collapsed. Steel said there was little left of him.”
“Try ‘nothing.’ I received the report from the search teams while I was outside. No traces of any of the attackers, save for the damage of the battle. Bodies, equipment—nothing whatsoever.”
Thorn considered that. “So either someone purged the scene, and quickly, or they all survived.”
“Yes,” Zane said. “And we still don’t know what they were after to begin with. So be careful. Your assassin mentioned the prince by name, so odds are good Oargev is the target. We’ll keep a watch on him. Still, it’s an unknown, and I hate unknowns. Be careful.”
“Of course.”
“Good,” Zane said. “Report to the quartermaster for equipment. Your boat leaves the docks in three hours’ time.”
He left without another word. Thorn remained in the black room, staring at the glowing map. She sat down in one of the chairs and drew Steel.
“Did you get all of that?”
Of course. So now you’re going to fix the Mournland.
“Are we? I thought I was going to rob some elves and maybe kill an old man.”
I’m sure you’ll do what’s best for Breland.
“I always do,” Thorn said. “I always do.”
CHAPTER FOUR
The Thunder Sea
Barrakas 22, 999 YK
She knew she wouldn’t make it in time. She couldn’t find the path. She was running through the forest and searching for the light. Hundreds of