The Queen of Stone_ Thorn of Breland - Keith Baker [27]
“Wisdom and beauty,” he said with a smile. He’d seen through her disguise in an instant, but he hadn’t bothered with one; he still wore his embroidered doublet. Of course, an invisible man had little need to conceal his identity. “Does Lord Beren know what an exceptional assistant he has?”
“I’m just as surprised to see your talents at work,” Thorn said, tapping the hilt of her dagger on the word surprised. “Given that your minister isn’t speaking, I doubt she authorized this walk in the woods.”
No explanation, Steel whispered in response. I’m still not sensing any magical auras. Whatever he can do, whatever he’s carrying—I can’t help you.
Drego bowed his head to acknowledge the point. “I don’t like to burden the minister with such trivial things. Between prayer and preparation for the task ahead, she has much on her mind.”
“You’re taking quite a risk, wandering the woods like this. If something were to happen to you, who would speak for your minister? Could she even ask for breakfast?” As Thorn spoke, she slid one foot forward. If it came to combat, she needed to end it with a single stroke, before they could draw the attention of the gnolls. Throwing her blade was too risky. She needed to be quick and close.
Thorn wasn’t the only one prepared for battle. Drego had lowered his hands, but his fingers were still spread wide, ready to weave a spell. The danger of magic was that it was unpredictable. Thorn had no idea what powers Drego could unleash. Though he wore no armor and carried no sword, he had the confident presence of a predator. If Thorn had struck to kill on her first attack, he’d be dead now … but he showed no hint of fear. A moment passed as they stared at each other, poised on the edge of violence.
A burst of laughter broke the silence. No, not laughter—the hooting voice of a gnoll, coming from the main campsite.
Thorn kept her eyes on Drego. He surprised her. He slowly raised his hands and brought them together, interlacing his fingers into a tight double fist. It was a terrible position for anyone who relied on magic. To cast a spell, he’d have to pull his hands apart, and in the heat of battle, every second mattered.
“This is foolish,” he said. “We should be allies.” Since she’d met him, he’d always had a condescending air, as if he knew a joke no one else could see. Now he was calm and serious, placing himself at her mercy. Was this the true Drego Sarhain, or just another mask?
“Why is that?” she said, still ready to strike. “I haven’t seen the Korranberg Chronicle recently. Has the Keeper of the Flame recognized King Boranel’s right to the throne and made reparations for the war?”
He didn’t rise to the jibe. “You’re not in Breland, Nyrielle.” She’d given him permission to use her name when they were leaving Graywall, but after the mocking “Lady Tam,” it was strange to hear it. “And I’m not in Thrane. You and I—we both know that the war isn’t over. But I don’t believe Galifar will ever be reborn. All I want now is to protect my people from harm.”
Thorn had been trained to read people. Either Drego was serious, or a remarkably skilled liar. Since he was a spy, it was an even bet. She said nothing.
The gnoll calls rose again, and Drego tipped his head toward the sound. “Another place, another time, we might be enemies,” he said quietly. “Your king, my queen, my Keeper; they might never be friends, and the best we can hope for is that this stalemate will last through our lifetime. But you were on that bridge. This is no place for humans. We are the outsiders here, and if we don’t stand together, we may all find ourselves falling.” The hint of a smile returned. “Without any souvenirs from Sharn.”
Thorn rubbed a thumb along the pommel of her dagger. “Quite a speech. But why should I trust you?”
“I can give you three reasons,” he said. “Were you actually sent here to kill a Thrane spy? My task is to gather information about what is going on in the heart of Droaam.