Thornhold - Elaine Cunningham [21]
“Why wouldn’t I? It belongs to Bronwyn,” Danilo said.
“No, it doesn’t,” she gritted out. “I received payment. The bargain was made.”
“Was it?” Her friend’s usually merry face showed deep concern. He walked into the room and sat beside her on the sea chest. “From what I hear, there was a slight downturn in the course of bartering. Something about an attempted kidnapping and a leap from a fourth floor window? Why are you so angry about a little assistance, Bronwyn? They might have killed you.”
This argument did nothing to lessen Bronwyn’s ire. “Obviously, they did not succeed. I was away before your… friends made an appearance.” She gave him an impatient little shove. “Don’t you realize what you have done?”
His eyebrows rose. “I thought I did. Obviously you are of a different opinion, and the archmage quite clearly holds a distinct third. Since I am sure he will share his thoughts with me at a later time, no doubt in four-part harmony, why don’t we discuss your views?”
Bronwyn leaped to her feet and strode to the little window that overlooked the city. “Promise made, promise kept. That’s my reputation and the most valuable thing I possess. This is the first time I have not delivered. You have undermined more than a single deal. Now do you understand?”
The silence stretched out for a long, tense moment. “The necklace has great magical value and must be properly safeguarded,” Khelben said.
Bronwyn struggled to hold her temper. Hadn’t the archmage heard a word? Or did such minor things matter nothing? After all, what regard does a dragon have for a mouse?
“I’ll keep it in my safe,” she said in a stiff tone. “Danilo can tell you what magical wards have been placed upon it.”
Her friend rose and placed one hand on her shoulder. “What price did the necklace command? I will see that Malchior is amply compensated. Although that will not fully satisfy him, it may serve to restore your honor in his eyes and your own. We owe you that.”
“And more.” She tipped back her head to glare at her friend. It was a relief, not having to hide her irritation. “You’ll have to forgive me if I prefer to collect at some later time.”
A faint smirk lifted one corner of the bard’s lips. “Lord Arunsun, I do believe we are being thrown out.”
Bronwyn glanced at the archmage. “I didn’t mean-”
“Of course you did,” Dan broke in smoothly. “And not without justification. Get some rest. The day’s… bargaining has taken a toll.” Before she could respond, the two men turned and left her chamber by the back stairs. Bronwyn sat staring after them, all thoughts of sleep vanished.
* * * * *
As the Harpers walked down the stairs, Khelben began to transform. His broad form compacted and lengthened into that of a lithe young man, and his clothing changed from somber black to shades of forest brown and green. The silver streaks disappeared from his hair and beard, and his face took on a faintly elven appearance.
Danilo had seen this so many times that he did not remark on it. The archmage seldom went about the city wearing his own face. In fact, neither man spoke at all until they had reached the alley behind Curious Past.
“What were you thinking, bringing the necklace to Bronwyn’s shop? Now she is aware that Harpers are watching her.”
“We took on that risk when we sent men to the festhall,” Danilo said bluntly. An alley cat streaked out from behind a crate, yowling as if in protest. No doubt their appearance had spoiled a long and patient stalking of some prey, likely a rat. Danilo was not fond of such, and he quickened his pace. “Bronwyn is no fool. Surely she realizes that she got away too easily and suspects that someone detained Malchior’s thugs.”
Khelben lengthened his stride and fell into pace. “And now, thanks to your misguided gesture, she knows without question. Given Malchior’s involvement, this has become a delicate situation.”
“Enlighten me.”
They emerged onto Selduth Street, which at this hour was bustling with tavern traffic, as well as the paid escorts and would-be