The Howling Delve - Jaleigh Johnson [80]
Eddricles considered the question. "If the items are as powerful as you claim, the Shadow Thieves had better have a hand in their distribution. They may be extortionists and cutthroats, but at least they have the resources to handle such magic."
"Not this time, if the debacle at Morel's party is any indica- ' tion," said Dantane. "What about the portal?"
Eddricles laughed loudly. The sound was disconcerting, as if he lacked sufficient ptactice in the action. "Do you think me an idiot, boy?"
Dantane wisely kept his silence.
"Do you believe I will give you information on one of the best-kept secrets of one of our most powerful merchant families without the guarantee you'll make it well worth my while?"
Eddticles pulled Dantane to one side of the avenue, whete the crowd was sparse. He hustled the wizatd close by the collar of his robes and spoke rapidly into his eat.
Dantane listened and nodded. "It can be done. I've had assurances from Morel."
The moneychanger rolled his eyes, clearly not happy, but he nodded agreement. He spoke again, softly, so Dantane had to strain to hear him. He managed to catch the most important word, and his eyes widened.
"Bladesmile."
CHAPTER 22
The Howling Delve 5 Marpenoth, the
Year of Lightning Storms (1374 DR)
Meisha came awake to total darkness and hands pressing her upper arms. She struck out, found a human throat, and dug her fingers into it. She heard a ragged cough and the smell of garbage hit her square in the nose. She relaxed her grip and heard Talal hiss, "Sune suck me, but you're a mean one."
"Why is it dark?" she asked. "I left a candle burning."
"I blew it out. We have to move, Lady," he said urgently, – pulling her up from her pallet. "Don't," he hissed as she began chanting a spell. "No light. No damn fire. Give me your hand."
He took her down the passage out of the warrens toward Varan's chamber. Meisha could see a faint line of light beneath the wizard's door. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"Shh! They're coming," Talal whispered.
"The Shadow Thieves?"
"Them-Balram too. And his son. One big, happy clan again."
Meisha stilled. "Both of them? Why?" "To make sure you're dead. We have to hide you. If they find out we kept you alive…"
"Wait." Meisha caught his arm, stopping him in front of
Varan's chamber. "You said they never go in here. They're afraid ofVaran."
Talal shook his head so vigorously Meisha felt it through his entire body. "He'll attack you again. They'll find your corpse, and it'll still be bad for us. Come on!"
"I won't touch anything. I won't disturb him." Voices drifted out to them from the watrens.
"They're gathering everyone together," Talal said, fear rising in his voice.
"Then we're out of time." Meisha hauled the doot open. Ambient light from the room cast shadow pits on Talal's pale face. "I'll be fine," she promised. She reached out to ruffle his hair playfully, because she knew it would annoy him.
The boy darted away, snorting. "Oh, sute, rip my throat out then pet me like your lap dog. Don't fret, Lady, my manhood's unscathed. If you'te going to do this, give me your boots before you go in."
"My what-why?"
"Just hurry!"
Rolling her eyes, Meisha pulled the buckles loose and braced herself against the door as Talal yanked off her thigh-length boots. Het stockinged feet instantly went frigid when they touched the Hoot.
"You'te welcome," she muttered as the boy darted off down the passage in the direction of the voices.
Meisha pulled the door shut, sealing it securely from the inside. She stood a moment with het ear to the wood, listening fot approaching footsteps, but she heatd nothing. Taking a deep bteath, she turned to face the room and whatever doom might await her.
Varan was asleep. She'd looked in on the wizard from behind the door a handful of times since coming to the Delve, and each time he'd been awake and active, building his mysterious items. She'd never seen him at rest.
He lay in a half-slump in a corner, clutching sheafs