Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(18)

"Few things are offered for free if this is true—I imagine the wizard asked for something in return for what he purportedly gave to Dorthil," Melis said. "I hesitate to place another communication, but it may become necessary. Strange things are happening upon our planet as you know—Berel says a very tall, blue man and another who claims to be a King we do not recognize are there with him and Quin, although he cannot record images of them, for some reason."

"More wizardry? I thought such only happened in children's tales."

"Perhaps we have fallen into one of those tales," Melis shook his head in confusion. "I find no explanation for any of this."

"That means we're back to what Dorthil wanted from this so-called wizard."

"We have spies in Sector Two—they are reporting the current unrest among the people. Shall I ask that they get as close as possible to Dorthil?"

"Close, but not too close—I want no deaths," Edden sighed. "If he is visited again by this wizard, I wish to know it. Immediately."

*

Le-Ath Veronis

"I have a message," Kooper arrived in Lissa's office with very little notice.

"From?" Lissa, smoothing back strawberry-blonde hair, studied Kooper Griff.

"Daragar. He says his nexus echo received a hit."

"On whom?"

"Marid's name was mentioned."

"Cripes," Lissa rubbed her forehead. "Who said it?"

"Someone on Siriaa who recently attempted a coup against the Kondari government. Seems he wanted the High President's position. He had it—for a short time. He's been chased away for the moment, but it looks as if he's plotting civil war from one of Kondar's Five Sectors."

"He wants a civil war while the planet is dying beneath his feet? That's preposterous."

"He's a bona-fide difik," Gardevik Rath appeared beside Kooper.

"How do you know about this?" Lissa's hands went to her hips and her eyes narrowed at her High Demon mate.

"Our son, Torevik, has apparently had a conversation with Salidar, who spoke with Trajan."

"Of course he did," Lissa tossed up a hand in resignation. "Is there anybody who doesn't know by now?"

"The information is kept among the powerful," Garde defended himself.

"Except that King Jayd knows it, Queen Glinda knows it and likely half the High Demon population on Kifirin knows it. Are you trying to panic everybody in the Alliance?"

"Not intentionally. You know High Demons are impervious to poison. That makes us a logical choice to visit this planet—I've never heard of it before."

"Siriaa, and it's almost at the space travel stage. If this weren't happening, Ildevar would likely approach them for membership in the Reth Alliance."

"That's an interesting offer though—if that's what it is," Kooper interrupted thoughtfully. "A few High Demons as guards—they can protect anyone within a few feet by the natural shields they have. We can dig for this poison and take samples, but I hesitate to take it off the planet. Can we build a facility there, to study it?"

"That sounds logical," Lissa blew out a breath. "Will Daragar consent to construct something with Kaldill's help, or should we send someone else? How many High Demons want to go?"

"I do. Tory wants to go. Reah, perhaps, and Kordevik Weth."

"Don't you think we need more than four?" One of Lissa's eyebrows rose as she asked the question.

"Kifirin. Kifirin wishes to come." Garde hung his head.

"Fine. Is this your way of trying to get back in my good graces?"

"I—yes."

"We'll talk if things go well on Siriaa."

"Really?" Garde's head jerked up and a smile tugged at his lips. "I'll make sure of it."

*

Fyris

Ardis moved to fly above me as we approached Vhrist. Pulling in my wings, I dropped until he caught and held my body against his while his wings continued to work above us.

I could tell Justis and the black-wing guard had practiced this maneuver many times. It was a method of collecting a wounded comrade in midair and I couldn't fault Ardis' execution of the tactic.

Perhaps a mile to the north under a half-moon's light, I could see Vhrist and the sea beyond. It was time to tell Justis where we were going.

The dungeon is near the docks—the one where drunken sailors are often held, I sent to the Commander. I knew Justis imagined Rath would be held in the palace dungeons, but Yevil, in an attempt to keep Rath's loyal troops from fighting to free him, had moved the prisoner under cover of darkness to the new location.

I also knew this dungeon had its share of water-covered floors and rats that swam in and out with the rise and fall of tides. Rath, who'd fought with Yevil's troops, had received a damaging blow to his head and now lay unconscious on a stone floor with filthy water rising about him.

Yevil hoped Rath would die of the head wound or drown while unconscious. I hoped we'd arrive in time to prevent either.

"Tell Ardis where to fly—we'll follow," Justis hissed as he flew close.

I will, I responded silently. I'd been compelled to tell Justis before we flew away from Lironis that I could send mental messages. He'd promised to have a discussion with me later concerning withheld information.