The Howling Delve - Jaleigh Johnson [43]
Meisha took the small ctystal. Its weight in het palm was so familiar that her skin prickled. The crystal was a mirror of the memory stone Varan had shown her as a child. She turned the crystal in her palm and saw the wizard's mark on the underside.
Why would Balram's man have one of Varan's possessions? Meisha thought. As far as she knew, her master had never sold his creations. To him, they were beyond price.
Meisha's heartbeat quickened, but she schooled her features to reveal nothing. "Beautiful," she said.
"Is it magical?" Kali asked.
"The mark on the base indicates sorcery." That much was truth, Meisha thought. "I can't say what it's used for, but I know someone who might. My former teacher, Varan Ivshar, is skilled in the making and identification of magical items. What makes you think this is connected to Balram?" she asked carefully.
"Just a feeling," Kail said. "Or maybe it's desperation. The trail has gone cold. I have to pick it up somewhete."
"And in the meantime, you've not only returned to the silks and soft beds of merchant nobility," Meisha said, deliberately provoking him to steer the conversation to safer territory, "but you go to salvage the house and fortune of Haig's murderer."
Kail's expression darkened. "Are we going to tread that path again, Meisha? I never lied to you. My father acted under
Balram's manipulation. I place the blame where it belongs."
"As you say. AH I see is a murder almost ten winters old and no one to pay the price. I've been waiting a long time, Kail."
"I know," he said. "This crystal may be the key to finding him. Will you aid me?"
"Yes," she said, reluctantly. "I can look into Dantane soon enough," she said. "The crystal will take more time. I'll be in touch when I have information."
"You have my gratitude," Kail said.
"I don't need it." Meisha untied the strings of a scarred leather pouch that hung from her belt and offered it to Kail. "This is for you."
Kali took the pouch. "What is it?"
"Another inheritance-it belonged to your mother."
Kail froze, looking stricken. "How did you find this?"
"I traced her from your description," said Meisha. "She was killed fighting Zhents on the road east of Athkatla, if you're curious. Haig's account of her was accurate. She was banished from Morel's house for her affiliation with the Harpers, and threatened with the death of her son if she tried to return to take him away. So she asked Haig to watch over you. I believe they were eithet onetime lovers or close companions for him to devote so much of himself to the task. At any rate, the pouch was all the material goods I could find of her. I've been keeping it, for just this sort of parting."
Kail stood in shocked silence, absorbing the words. Finally, he said, "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you tread in your father's footsteps so readily," Meisha said in disgust. "I wanted you to know the man you're honoring."
"He's my father," Kali said.
"My fathet sold me fot food," Meisha said bluntly. "Blood means nothing to me, unless someone cares enough to shed it on my behalf. That, I would be a fool to ignore, as you are a fool to exchange your companions for a life among the merchant fops."
Kali squeezed the pouch in a fist. "I don't want this."
Meisha nodded but didn't take it from him. "Legacies are often that way," she said. "This one is yours. Deny or embrace it as you choose, but you can't change it. Welcome home, Kali."
She turned and strode from the bridge, leaving him with the rush of the river and old memories for comfort.
Overhead, a goshawk ciied out. Kail watched its shadow cross the river. A sudden temptation to throw the pouch in the water seized him, but his curiosity proved stronger. He tied the long strings around his neck and tucked the pouch away. His thoughts were full of what he'd just leaf ned. But could he trust it? Could he trust Meisha? Although the volatile Harper had kept her word, never harming his father, Kail knew little about her or her past. Why should she take such an interest in his?
He looked again in the ditection of