The Mists of Sorrow_ Book Seven of the Morcyth Saga - Brian S. Pratt [111]
“Yes,” replies Jiron. “I give my word that I and those with me shall cause no harm to the person you name.”
“As strange as it sounds, I believe you,” he says. “But before I tell you his name, I must warn you.”
“I assure you,” Jiron tells him, “I and my friends are more than capable of handling ourselves.”
Azku gives him a sardonic grin, “I’m sure you are. However, you may wish to know that due to your earlier visit to the Cracked Ladle, you and those with whom you travel may have drawn the attention of an Eye.”
“An Eye?” asks Jiron. “As in an Eye of the Empire?”
“The same,” he nods. “You see the Order of the Scarlet Sword counts many who are not of the Empire among its members. This gives the Eyes of the Empire cause for concern, they think we’re a bunch of spies and such. Nothing however could be further from the truth.”
“I would think they would move against such an organization,” Jiron says. “From what I’ve heard of them, they tend to be fairly ruthless when they feel something is not right.”
“Ordinarily that is true,” nods Azku. “But keep in mind, some of the highest commanders in the Empire’s forces are members. It’s also rumored that the Emperor himself is one too, but I have yet to see creditable evidence to support it. Those in high places keep the Eyes from moving against our members.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “Members from the Empire that is. Anyone who’s from outside the Empire is fair game.”
“So they keep our Houses under observation and anyone who enters is immediately suspect,” he says. “Those they’ve never seen before are doubly so.”
“Very well,” says Jiron. “We may be targeted by an Eye. It won’t be the first time.”
Azku’s eyes widen at that. “Really?” he asks.
“Oh yes,” Jiron replies without expanding any further upon it. “Now, can you tell me who you received the necklace from?”
“In the city of Cyst to the south, you will find the person in question in the large compound on the eastern edge of town,” he explains. “When you arrive, ask for Buka.”
“Is Buka the one from whom you received the necklace?” Jiron asks.
Nodding, he adds, “Though I doubt if he’ll be willing to help you.”
“Why?”
“For one thing he hates those from the north,” he explains. “For another, he’s a slaver. Being from the north as you are, he’s just as likely to make you a slave as look at you.”
From behind him, Jiron hears Stig snort. “I’d like to see him try,” he says.
“A slaver huh?” he muses.
“I know how those of you from the north view slavery,” Azku states. “Are you still going to be able to hold to your word and cause him no harm?”
Jiron nods. “Yes.”
“Good. If you break your oath to me, no power on this world will protect you from my wrath,” he warns. “I’ll find you no matter where you go.”
“Your threats are unwarranted,” Jiron assures him. “I do not break my oath.”
“Good enough then,” Azku states. Standing up, he says, “Now that I’ve answered your questions, would you be kind enough to take your leave?”
Coming to his feet, Jiron offers his hand. Hesitantly, Azku shakes it. “I thank you,” he says.
Azku nods and steps aside so he and Stig can leave. Moving past him, Jiron and Stig walk through the door and into the hallway then down to the door. Azku does not accompany them.
“That went better than I thought it would,” Jiron states. Opening the door he glances back down to the room and sees Azku still standing there, his eyes upon them. Then he passes through to the street outside.
Stig follows him out. “What if he lied to us?” he asks.
“Then I’ll come back and kill him,” Jiron replies matter-of-factly.
Outside, they check to make sure the street is quiet. Then Jiron has Stig go around back to get Scar and Potbelly and meet him across the street with the others. As Stig moves to do as requested, Jiron hurries across the street.
Before he completely crosses the street, James leaves the shadows. “Everything go alright?” he asks.
Jiron nods his head. “Yes. I found out what I wanted to know.”
“Good,” states James.
They wait there a few moments before Stig arrives with Scar and Potbelly.