The Traitor Queen (The Traitor Spy Trilogy #3)(77)

“Caves where the crystalline stones form naturally. Magical gemstones are trained as they grow. I’ve never heard of any caves like these in the Allied Lands.” He spread his hands. “Not that I’ve been looking for them. It may be that we’ll find them if we search. But until we do have our own caves, we cannot apply stone-making knowledge.”

“Alchemists may find another way to make them,” Regin pointed out. “They already make some kinds of crystals. Perhaps stone-making magic can be applied to those.”

Savara’s eyes brightened with interest. “Do they really?” Then her lips quirked into a crooked smile. “Ah, but there is another catch. You will have to relax your rules regarding higher magic, since it is needed in stone-making. Your current black magicians may not be suited to the task, either. It demands a level of concentration and patience that not everyone can manage, which will also consume more of your defenders’ attention than is wise – and you will only be able to make a handful of stones a year.”

Lorkin caught his breath as his mother turned to stare at him. Guilt and fear rose, but he forced himself to meet her gaze levelly. Her eyes flickered back to Savara, then her face went still, her feelings hidden behind a false calm.

“I see,” she said. “That does make the exchange a little … more costly to us than for you.”

Lord Regin had turned to regard Lorkin as well, but his gaze lingered. His eyes were narrowed, but his expression was more thoughtful than disapproving. Lorkin felt a perverse annoyance at the lack of surprise in the man’s demeanour.

“Perhaps, then, we could exchange Healing for stones,” Savara suggested. “Your Healers could work for us and the Guild would receive stones in payment.”

Extending his senses, Lorkin tried again to hear his mother’s surface thoughts. What he picked up seemed too out of character, however. He must be imagining it. Though … it was also odd that he would imagine his mother thinking such a string of curse words.

“They will be safe,” Savara said in reply to whatever had been asked while he was distracted. “The individual who attacked Lorkin did so out of a desire to bring Healing to my people that many sympathise with. But few would use illegal means to achieve it. Hiring Healers to work for us is another way to do so. Did Lorkin tell you of the promise Lord Akkarin made?”

“Yes. Akkarin never told me of it.”

“There was much that was concealed in that agreement. Queen Zarala also made a promise that she did not fulfil, though she worked towards doing so all her life.”

Lorkin looked at Savara, remembering the former queen referring to such a promise. “I was never able to uphold one thing I agreed to. Like him, the situation at home was more difficult to overcome than I’d hoped.”

“What was that?” his mother asked.

Savara’s expression was serious as she answered. “To do what the Guild failed to do seven centuries ago: destroy the Ashaki and end slavery in Sachaka.”

As Tayend entered the Master’s Room, Dannyl frowned. “Achati may wish to speak to me alone.”

“Too bad. Like it or not, the king’s actions have a bearing on Sachakan relations with all Allied Lands,” the Elyne said. “Ambassador” he added, to made it clear he considered this something he had the right to do.

Dannyl sighed. “Of course.” But his resistance was mostly habit. In truth, he was grateful for Tayend’s company. Having a common cause, working together, and Tayend’s approval of Achati had changed something. They were no longer at odds. The resentment at their parting was gone, or at least a thing of the past. He felt as if he could call Tayend a friend now and it wouldn’t be an insult.

Having Tayend there would keep the meeting formal, too, which might make it easier to ignore his more personal feelings toward Achati. Like betrayal.

Yet we know Achati got Lorkin out of Arvice, he reminded himself.

“Lorkin is with Sonea,” Dannyl murmured. “I was communicating with Osen when Kai reported Achati’s arrival.”

Tayend’s eyebrows rose. “Good news.”

At a sound from the corridor, they turned to face the visitor. Tav, the door slave, arrived first and threw himself on the floor. Achati walked in after him, smiling.

“Welcome Ashaki Achati,” Dannyl said. “As always, you seem immune to the disfavour that association with the Guild House seems to engender.”

Achati spread his hands. “An advantage of my position, Ambassador Dannyl.” He nodded to Tayend. “Ambassador Tayend. It is good to visit the Guild House in more pleasant circumstances than the last time.”

“If you mean in the company of the king’s spies, then I’d say the circumstances are likely to be much the same.”

Achati nodded sympathetically. “The king has far fewer scruples about such things than you expected.”

“It is generally good manners to at least pretend you aren’t spying on others. Even when it’s obvious you do so.”

Achati shook his head. “Really? Kyralians do have odd ideas about manners. But this is not what I came to talk to you about.”

Dannyl crossed his arms. “And that is?”

“I came to explain why I told the king of my part in Lorkin’s escape.”

“I think we have guessed,” Tayend told him. “You saw an opportunity to gain information from Lorkin.”