From the Ashes (The Elder Blood Chronicles, #3)(114)

“Like a damned cockroach,” Kithvaryn sighed and nodded slowly, his expression relaxing into one of resignation. Looking back to Jala he shrugged. “It will take more than my son’s return, Lady Merrodin. I have soldiers to pay and supplies to buy. I cannot work for free on any contract that I take. So what can you offer in coins?”

Jala smiled and nodded in understanding. “Of course you can’t work for free, General Kithvaryn. I understand that. I can offer you two hundred thousand gold to begin the contract as well as the return of Kithkanon’s soul and another five hundred thousand to be paid upon the end of the war. I know there are others that could pay you more, but they will ask more of you as well.”

Uh, Jala, I really hate to break into your bargaining, but where exactly are we going to get that kind of money? Sovann’s voice in her mind was as anxious as his expression and she had to suppress a smile. It took effort to hide a mind link in both magic and mannerisms. Sovann had always been good at hiding his magic. He always failed at hiding his emotions however.

I spoke with Madren about it before we left for Goswin. He will pay most of the two hundred thousand that will start the contract, Jala explained calmly.

And the five hundred thousand? Sovann pressed, his voice still filled with concern.

Will be paid from the Avanti coffers once we defeat them, Jala replied and once again had to suppress a smile as Sovann’s eyes widened dramatically.

What if we don’t defeat them, Jala? Sovann’s voice had risen in panic and she was sure if the mage had spoken the words aloud they would have been in soprano.

Then I will be dead and I won’t have to worry about it any longer, Sovann, Jala answered with a faint smile as she broke the mental link between the two of them. She could tell by Sovann’s expression that there was more he wanted to say on the matter but she didn’t have time for it now.

Kithvaryn was watching her with a thoughtful expression on his face glancing over at Vaze he raised an eyebrow. “And what did the Fionaveir plan to offer me?” he asked.

“They had planned to hire you to defend Sanctuary, but I retract the offer for contract in light of Lady Merrodin’s request. So now I suppose it is between Lady Merrodin, Lord Hexian, and whoever offered you the fourth contract. Who exactly was it that arrived before me, Kith?” Vaze said, raising an eyebrow as he spoke the last words.

“Morcaillo, actually. He wanted me to level Goswin before they could become a problem. Coincidently, he offered more money for the job. While it would bloodier than simply defending them, it would also be very quick. Which would allow me to take another contract before this is all done,” Kithvaryn answered with a faint smile.

“Is that a no on my offer then, General?” Jala asked calmly, though in truth, she was anything but calm. She had been so certain Kithvaryn would accept the contract for return of his son that she hadn’t actually thought about what she would do if he refused it. Then, of course, there was the possibility that he would take Morcaillo’s offer which pretty much guaranteed the destruction of Goswin. Of course, Lord Hexian’s contract would likely mean the same thing. Hexian’s homeland of Rivana shared a border with Goswin and while they were currently at war with Delvay she doubted it would be long before they looked at Goswin. Things were going from bad to worse at a speed she had never anticipated.

“Not a no, as of yet. I will think on it and I will speak with Lord Hexian first. You will stay as my guests here for the night and I will have your answer by morning,” Kithvaryn said after a long silence. Slowly he stood from his chair and rolled his shoulders. “Too long in that bloody chair and too long ignoring my other guest,” Kithvaryn sighed as he turned to look at Vaze with a faint smile. “I have no doubt that you know my fortress as well as most of my guards, Fionaveir. You are, after all, the favored spy of your people aren’t you?”

Vaze shrugged and stood as well, as it became obvious that their meeting was at an end. “I know a bit about the place, I suppose. Why do you ask?”

“Because I trust you to guide my guests to quarters better than I trust my own guards to do so. Lady Merrodin is not well loved on this island and I think it would be best that I not tempt fate. Take them to the north tower if you will, Vaze. You will all be safe and out of the way there,” Kithvaryn answered.

“As you say, Kith,” Vaze agreed with a faint smile and motioned Jala and her two companions toward him. “The shadows will be the quickest I believe,” he explained as the room around them began to darken.

Jala nodded quickly and held her hands out for Valor and Sovann. It was not the first time Vaze had transported her by shadows and she was incredibly grateful for it now. The thought of walking through the fortress again through the countless halls and stairs was akin to torture in her mind at the present.

Don’t look forward to sleep just yet. The night is far from over I’m afraid, Vaze warned her as his magic washed over the three of them.

What is that supposed to mean. Is Kithkara planning on murdering me or something? Jala demanded once her feet touched down on solid stone once more. There was a time when translocation magic had nearly made her sick. Lately however she had been using it so much that it barely even made her dizzy.

“Welcome to the South tower,” Vaze said softly with a faint smile.

“I thought Kithvaryn said the north tower?” Sovann asked in confusion as he scanned the narrow hall they stood in.