The Howling Delve - Jaleigh Johnson [51]
Must they all flock to towers and high places, Cesira wondered. She didn't see the appeal. Then again, she knew nothing of Syrek Dantane or his tastes. That worried her, more than she liked to admit.
CHAPTER 15
Keczulla, Amn 2 Marpenoth, the Year
of Lightning Storms (1374 DR)
Aazen approached the Contiall Estate from the tear, nod-ding to Isslun as she strode forward to bar his path. "I need to see him."
"He's waiting for you. We've already heard from the buyet"-she cast a quick glance around the deserted patio- "and the Cowl. We were set up."
"I was set up," Aazen corrected her sharply. "And two Gem Guards ate dead for it."
Isslun shrugged, unconcerned. "If they cannot identify us, what's the wotry?"
"I see your sistei took the lion's share of the wits between you," Aazen sneered. "We're starting to attract attention. If this incident draws concern anywhere near the Council's hearing, how long do you believe the Shadow Thieves will continue to support this operation?"
The Council of Six, Amn's anonymous body of rulers, saw to the needs of the land primarily by keeping business running as smoothly as possible between the merchant families-business which would not include an influx of black matket magical items, not with two Gem Guards dead in the Haibor Moon Ward.
Isslun comprehended none of that. She pouted, catching her lower lip between her teeth. "If you place so high a value on my sisters wits, perhaps she will welcome you to her bed when you grow cold tonight."
"She already has," Aazen said, closing the door on the twin's shocked face.
His father waited in the library. The few books remaining in the tall, narrow room had gathered a thick blanket of dust. For as long as they'd dwelled here, his father had shown no interest in them.
"Ate you all tight?" Balram asked as Aazen closed the library door.
Aazen felt the abrasions at his wrists where one of the guards had briefly put him in manacles. "Minor wounds. We have a problem."
"I'm aware," Balram said grimly. "A watch commander, Aazen?"
"It was the only way I could see to escape. I took him as hostage. His own men fired the bolts."
Balram nodded, letting it pass. "Jubair was here before you. It seems a member of the Chadossa family approached a contact within the Cowled Wizards concerning a rumor he'd heard about black market magic."
"A rumor including the location of the exchanges and the contents of the latest shipment?" Aazen asked.
His fathet nodded. "So it was Chadossa."
"No doubt the family is having second thoughts about dealing with the Shadow Thieves," Aazen guessed.
"But their son is not."
"What do you mean?"
"Chadossa broke off all contact with us just before their betrayal, all except the boy, the youngest son," said Balram. "He's still buying. There's an exchange tonight. I've left the location up to you. I trust you will be discreet."
Aazen shrugged. "Perhaps he was not privy to his family's intentions. Or they were not aware he was also our client and so failed to warn him. What do you propose to do?"
"I intend to send a message. Chadossa's son will bear it for me, and his sire will learn the price of betrayal."
"You risk the wrath of a powerful family," Aazen warned, but he already knew what his father would say.
"My own family's resources far outstrip any the Chadossas could gathet," Balram said confidently.
"And will your family support such a bold action?" Aazen dated to ask.
Uncharacteristically, his father waved it off with a chuckle. "Even Daen could not argue with the profit alteady amassed in this venture. And if Chadossa acts anything like I expect him to, the authorities will never trace the message back to us." His father's expression changed as he looked on his son. ' "You'll have to delivet the item to him, Aazen." Aazen kept his face neutral.
"Is there no one else?"
"None of the others will touch the broken items," Balram said. "They're afraid."