Dawn Study (Soulfinders #3)(74)

The boy gripped the armrests. “Do you know about the Problem Gang?”

“No.”

“They are a rival group that formed a couple years after Master Fisk founded our Helper’s Guild.”

“I didn’t know they had a name.”

“They dubbed themselves the Problem Gang because they cause problems. It’s all the kids who would rather bribe, cheat and steal from people than help them. They also sell illegal goods and services.” He rubbed a hand on his leg. “They managed to get a spy inside our guild, and he or she learned we did more than just help and ratted us out to the Cartel.” He flashed a scornful grin. “For a price, of course.”

Yelena’s grip on her cup tightened, but her voice remained steady when she asked, “Was anyone hurt or...killed?”

“Right before the soldiers raided our headquarters, Master Fisk told us all to scatter and disappear. A few of the guild were hurt resisting arrest, but no one was killed. Lots of us escaped, but after Master Fisk was in custody for a few days, the soldiers invaded all our hideouts and dragged in our field agents from outside the Citadel.”

Valek hoped the Cartel had used goo-goo juice on Fisk to extract the information. He didn’t wish to consider the alternative, but Yelena’s rigid posture and clamped jaw meant she’d already envisioned poor Fisk being tortured.

“How did you escape?” he asked Phelan to distract her from her morbid thoughts.

“Luck. I was on a food run when the soldiers attacked our hidey-hole. Ever since then, I’ve been on the move, living on the streets.”

“Where are they keeping everyone?” Yelena asked.

“They sent most of the guild members to the garrisons. Bruns Jewelrose’s been telling everyone that he’s cleaning up the streets, and instead of begging and taking from the good people of the Citadel, these criminals will be rehabilitated so they can give back by protecting Sitia from the Ixians.”

Interesting strategy. Who could argue with that? “And the Problem Gang?” he asked.

“Lying low. I think the Cartel is paying them to keep up the ruse.”

“And Fisk?” Yelena asked.

“In the cells under the Council Hall. We tried to get to him, but no one goes into the Council Hall without being questioned. Even the kitchen and housekeeping staff are being searched when they enter. None of our usual methods will work to bypass security.”

Onora met his gaze. She raised her eyebrows as if to say, Challenge accepted.

“Do you know where Master Magician Zitora Cowan is?” Yelena asked.

“Rumors have been flying that she’s back. We haven’t seen her, but many of us wouldn’t recognize her,” Phelan answered.

“She has to be with Bruns,” Valek said. “She would head straight to the Keep, and when she saw it was closed, her next stop would be the Council Hall.” He considered. “Are there still watchers at the Keep?”

“A few. Not as many as there were before the other gates were closed.”

Good to know. “How many guild members are still free?”

“No. We’re not going to endanger them any further,” Yelena said. “They’ve risked their lives for us already. Phelan, you and your friends are to find a safe spot to hide in until this is all over.”

He glanced at Valek, then Yelena, and recognition shone in his gaze. “Lovely Yelena, we are not going to hide. There are only a dozen of us, but we already have shifts of people watching the gate, the market and the Council Hall. How can we help?”

Yelena huffed in frustration. Valek understood her desire to keep them safe, but if they were determined to help, then he wouldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Unable to remain seated, he stood. “How’s the market? We need provisions.”

“Let us shop for you. There are too many soldiers in the market, and they are all looking for new faces.”

“All right.” Valek paced. It helped him think. “What is the status of the Council Hall?”

“Guards inside and outside all entrances. Shift changes every four hours around the clock.”

“Where does Bruns sleep at night?”

“The Council Hall.”

Valek clamped down on a curse. So much for targeting the man between locations. He mulled over the information from Phelan and developed a plan for the next couple of days. Giving the boy a few coins, Valek listed the items and food they needed.

After Phelan left, Valek sent Onora to observe the Council Hall. “I’ll relieve you later tonight. While there, watch for Zitora.”

“Yes, sir.” Onora prepared to leave.

“Aren’t you going to eat first?” Yelena asked.

“I’ll get something on the way.”

“But Phelan said—”

“No one will see me. Queen of blending in, remember?” She swept her arms wide in a dramatic fashion.

Yelena laughed—one of Valek’s favorite sounds. “Just wait until I tell that to Janco.”

“Go ahead. He’ll just argue with you that he’s the queen,” Onora shot back.

“Don’t you mean king?”

“Janco doesn’t worry about the details.”

“True. He’ll just wave it off and say it’s all royalty.”