“I will do all I can to assist,” Vaelon said, and greeted them with a shallow bow. “Ambassador Althir, a pleasure to see you again.”
Despite having to stand with her knees bent and her back stooped beneath the low ceiling, Althir smiled as if she was perfectly at ease. “And you, Vaelon. This is Tane Carver.” He didn’t bother to introduce Tinga. “He’ll be asking the questions. I am only here as a guide.”
“Glad to meet you, Vaelon.” Tane said. “Tell me, is it true that you’re left unsupervised here at the residence?” Althir had told him that, and he was counting on it.
“Indeed,” Vaelon said with a short nod. “We are blessed with great freedom within these walls.”
“They are Belgrian citizens, after all,” said Richt. “And their work is all in service to the nation. They deserve privacy.”
“Right,” Tinga said, not hiding her anger very well—which was hard to blame her for. “More like they can’t use magic here, so why worry. It’s not as if they can leave.”
Althir reached down to put a huge hand on Tinga’s tiny shoulder, as if to restrain her. “I’m sure Mister Richt does all he can for his charges, Tinga, but we should focus on the issue at hand. We are only here to ask some questions about the Gerthine’s construction.” Tinga bristled visibly, but didn’t challenge her.
“Ah, but I am happy to address such concerns,” Richt said, though his strained smile suggested otherwise. “Our mages are contained for their safety and the nation’s, but they are well cared for. Each residence elects a spokesperson, like Vaelon here, to make any requests they find necessary. I think you’ll find that they are quite happy here. Isn’t that right, Vaelon?”
“Of course, Master Richt,” Vaelon responded, with great deference. “Speaking of which, there are some matters I must discuss with you, when you have a moment.”
“Ah, yes. Well, why not brief me on your requests right now?” Richt glanced over his shoulder at Tane, very clearly wanting to ensure that his magnanimity was seen and appreciated. “We can talk at length later, but the sooner I know what you need, the sooner I can see it done. Never let it be said we don’t take care of our workers! Give me one moment, please, Mister Carver.” He drew Vaelon away to the far corner of the entry hall, and they began to speak in hushed tones. Every so often, Richt flashed his fake smile across the room at Tane and the others, and held up a finger to indicate that he wouldn’t be long.
Tane turned to Tinga and Althir and lowered his voice. “We’re not going to get anything out of anyone as long as Richt is here. He’s clearly been told to make this all look as benign as government enforced slavery can be, and I’m guessing the workers have been told it won’t go well for them if they don’t toe the line.”
Tinga swore under her breath. “Could it get worse?”
Althir stooped down even further so that they could hear her lowered voice. “I assure you, it could. It is awful to see for the first time, but this is much improved from even a few years ago. Allowing the election of spokespersons for the residences and full visitation rights for families are both very recent developments, influenced by Lady Abena’s efforts. Belgrier wants airships, and they are willing to trade in better treatment for their mages.”
“And a lot of the mages in here probably remember the times before,” Tane said. “They’re not going to say anything in front of an overseer and risk losing what they’ve gained.” He tipped his head toward the far end of the corridor, at the men and women visible in the common room. “I need to speak to some of them without supervision.”
“That will not be easy,” Althir said with a frown. “I can make the request, but they have never granted me free access. I suspect it will be the same for you.”
“Doesn’t hurt to try, does it?” said Tinga, and glanced over at Richt with clear disgust. “Especially if you grab him now while he’s trying to look like a benevolent master.”
Althir frowned. “You must promise you will do nothing but talk. And only you, Mister Carver. I… believe it would be best if Tinga keeps her distance.”
Probably a good idea. “Of course. Just me.” Tane put a hand over his heart. “I solemnly swear I’ll be good. But we’re never going to learn anything with Richt listening in.”
“Then I will see what can be done,” said Althir. “But I cannot promise anything.” With clear reluctance, she approached Richt and Thiamor.
As soon as Althir was out of earshot, Tinga whispered. “That’s not going to work. You need someone to sneak in where Richt isn’t looking. Let me do it.”
Tane shook his head firmly. “Absolutely not. That’s far too dangerous.”
“Who then? You? You think no one’s going to notice Tane Carver of the Magebreakers sneaking off? But Richt has barely even looked at me.”
That was true. And they did need the information. “There’s also the issue of a diplomatic incident if you’re caught poking around where you aren’t supposed to be,” Tane said. “I doubt Althir would be thrilled.”
“I won’t be caught,” Tinga said with conviction. “They said family is allowed—people will just assume I’m visiting someone. No one looks twice at a goblin girl, especially in here. This is where they keep us. And I speak the language. You can’t eavesdrop very well with that thing.” She pointed at his earpiece. “It’s like you said, Endo is up to more than just the airship thing. He’s got something else coming, and it’s not going to be good. Someone has to do this, and I’m the only option you have.” She lifted her chin and gave him that utterly determined look that meant she’d probably try to do it anyway if he said no. “I can do this, Tane. I want to help these people. They’re going to be punished for whatever mess Endo makes if I don’t.”
Tane sighed and spread his hands. When could I ever control her, anyway? She was clever and capable, and most of all she was right about this—she had the best chance of getting what they needed. “Fine,” he said. “But I’m supposed to be responsible for you, so don’t get caught. And whatever you do, just… never tell your parents.”
Tinga grinned. “I promise.”
“Good.” The part of Tane’s mind that had known he was going to lose the argument from the start was already pulling together an improvised plan. “Now, this can’t be a long game. You need to be out before our little guided tour ends. You can sneak by now while Richt is busy with Althir—she’s big enough to provide cover. I’ll tell him you went back to the carriage to wait. Remember what I’ve been teaching you—don’t come on too strong. Ask questions that circle around the one you actually want without touching it. Make them volunteer the information, so they think it was their own idea.”
Tinga nodded, practically bouncing with excitement. “I remember. I can handle it.”
“Can you?” Tane raised an eyebrow. “Because right now you look entirely too eager, which is exactly what you don’t want.”
With obvious effort, Tinga restrained herself. “Right. How’s this?” She widened her eyes, opened her mouth slightly, looked around like she was lost. “I’ll be a first-timer, visiting family.”
Tane nodded. “That’s a good angle. Gives people a reason to explain things to you. It’ll do.” I hope. “I’ll give you as long as I can, and then I’ll ask if we can talk to everyone in the building who worked on the airship engines. Richt will have to put out an announcement to gather them up. That’s your signal. The commotion should cover you creeping around to meet back up with us. Just say you got bored waiting and came looking.” He gave her his sternest look. “And you come as soon as the call goes out. Is that clear?”
“Yessir, Mister Carver, sir.” Tinga stood straight and gave him a mock salute.
Tane rolled his eyes. “Dismissed, soldier.” He waved her away. “Go, before he looks over here.”
Tinga turned and darted down the hall behind Althir. She bent low as she moved, but she was so small and the ogren ambassador so large that Tane doubted Richt would have seen her either way. When she neared the common room, she slowed he
r pace and crossed the threshold in a nonchalant stroll.
He’d set her loose, and there was no calling her back now.
Astra, Tane thought as he watched her disappear into the crowd, don’t make me regret this.
Chapter Thirteen
_____
INDREE SAT IN Berken’s office, tapping her foot impatiently. She’d been waiting there in the Belgrian Guard’s headquarters for hours now, and they were giving her absolutely nothing. All she could get on Stennig’s interrogation were broad ‘still in progress’ non-answers, even from Berken. She’d been asked to fill in dozens of forms—all of them in Belgrian—just to make a simple request for a list of people who had visited the crash site, and she still hadn’t heard back. And it didn’t make the waiting any easier that the building was Astrally isolated. She couldn’t touch her magic, and the cold absence inside her chest grew more unbearable with every minute that passed.
“Do you think you could check on how much longer it will be?” she asked, fighting to keep a civil tone.
Berken looked up from her paperwork. “These administrative requests take time to dig up, and the papers must be looked over to ensure no unnecessary information on state investigations is handed over. You understand. I’m sure it won’t be long now.”
Right. I’m sure a small list of names from a recent investigation is proving very difficult to locate and look over. You probably have a copy in your drawer. Indree knew exactly what was really going on. Berken had been told to keep her busy so the Guard didn’t have to worry about a mage wandering free around Stelihn. They’d keep her there all day if they could, and as many days after as she’d let them before she stopped trying.
But now that she’d thought of it… Berken very likely would have a copy of that list somewhere in the office.
“I understand,” said Indree. “I’d just like to know if there have been any further delays. If something’s come up, perhaps it’s not worth waiting today. I could go work on some other aspects of the case, and come back when everything is ready.” That ought to do it—the last thing they wanted was to let her leave.
Sure enough, Berken stood from behind her desk. “Of course. I will see if anything has changed.” She strode briskly out of the office, closing the door behind her.
Indree knew exactly what would happen next. Berken would come back after a few minutes—long enough to make it seem like she’d actually asked around—and ask her to wait just a little bit longer. Probably offer some made-up reason why it would be faster and more convenient if she stayed. And then that little bit would stretch into another hour, and another, and so on.
It didn’t matter. All Indree wanted now was enough time to dig around the office. Berken had been the lead on the Guard’s investigation—she had to be keeping something relevant somewhere.
There were several papers out on Berken’s desk, including the report she’d been working on while Indree waited. What’s she reporting on? She hasn’t done anything the last few days that wasn’t related to our investigation. It was written in Belgrian, of course, and the earpiece artifact didn’t work on writing. A spell could do the trick, except that the Astral wards would get in the way. But as Tane was so fond of saying, there was always a loophole. And she suspected that Belgrier’s wards probably didn’t account for a lot of those, given that they didn’t expect mages to be walking free. She glanced up at the window behind Berken’s desk. It can’t be that simple, can it?
Indree unlatched the shutters, pushed them open, and surveyed her surroundings. She was a floor up, overlooking a snow-drifted alley that ran alongside the building. Across the way sat another building of indeterminate purpose. Several windows faced directly at Berken’s office, but she couldn’t see anyone looking. And if they did, they’d have no way to tell she wasn’t just taking in a breath of fresh air.
She grabbed the papers, leaned out the window, and muttered a spell under her breath.
It worked. She felt the Astra rush in all around her, as refreshing as if she’d just dived into the ocean on a hot day. When she looked down at Berken’s report, Belgrian letters shifted across the paper to form a rough Audish translation.
The report outlined Berken’s interrogation of Stennig, and though the translated words were sometimes a bit garbled, it was clear that she didn’t believe his story any more than Indree did. In fact, she’d requested that her superiors allow her to question him further still. It appeared that they’d come to the final conclusion that he had been working alone with no greater purpose than to steal medical supplies, despite Berken’s strong objection.
Which made it all the more annoying that Indree had been told the questioning was still in progress so many times. What a joke. They weren’t interested in him from the beginning.
Reading further, she found that Berken’s report pointed out a number of inconsistencies, including the infeasibility of Stennig’s story regarding the supposed enhancement charm he’d purchased, and the fact that he’d been unable to even properly identify all the medical artifacts he’d taken. In summation, it concluded that “to suspicion, the suspect lacks knowledge that should be held”. Which, despite the spell’s imperfect translation, spoke to the same strange behavior Indree had noticed.
It was a solid case, although Indree was sure it would be ignored. Someone higher up in the guard—either under orders from Endo or his agents, or simply out of a stubborn refusal to work with Audlanders—was intent on eliminating Stennig as a lead. But Berken does want to get to the bottom of this. She’s not just here to slow us down. That’s worth knowing.
It wasn’t what she was looking for, though. She put the unfinished report back where Berken had left it, and shuffled through some of the other papers on the desk. When something looked promising, she popped her head back out the window to cast another translation spell. Minor requisitions, case reports on everyday incidents. None of it was of much interest.
She was rifling through the top drawer when the door opened. Spellfire, that was quick. Of course she had to pick this moment to stop making me wait. No time to cover what she’d been doing. Berken walked in, saw her, and stopped where she stood. A strange look crossed her face—disappointment?—and then her expression hardened, and her hand went to the shackles at her waist.
“Stand back from the desk,” she ordered.
Indree did so, and held her hands up in surrender. “I’m just looking for that list of names.”
“It does not matter what you were looking for,” Berken said. “You will have to explain yourself to my superiors.”
If I go along politely, I’m going to end up restricted to the embassy, if not outright arrested. The only option left was to put it all on the table and hope she’d judged Berken correctly. “I read your report, Lieutenant Berken. You know as well as I do that something is going on here, and your superiors don’t want to admit it. I think you want the truth, not the version of events you’ve been told to believe. That’s what I want too. I know you have orders to keep me occupied here, but we could help each other.”
Berken’s hand stayed on her cuffs. “You are only saying this because you were caught. Will you come willingly, or do I need to restrain you?” But she didn’t move from where she stood.
“You need to listen to me. Someone is trying to start a needless war between our countries, and neither of us wants that. My friends and I are the best chance of stopping him.” Indree hesitated there—saying anything more was a risk. Lady Abena had asked them to keep Endo’s involvement to themselves. But she also put her trust in my judgement. And I don’t see another way. “I’m going to trust you with something I’m not supposed to share. I believe we’ve dealt with the man behind this before.”
Berken blinked, surprised. “You have a suspect?”
“His name is Endo Stooke.”
It was clear from the look on Berken’s face that she knew who that was. What he’d done in Audland was no secret, or that he’d gotten away afterwards. “Why not share
this? Why keep it hidden?”
Indree gestured wide around the office. “Because of all this! Because a mage from Audland can’t even get access to a simple, harmless report. Imagine what it would be like if I told your people that someone like me was behind the crash. We’d lose access, and that wouldn’t help anyone.” She took a deep breath, and made her leap of faith. “You didn’t turn me in for using magic before, with Stennig, which means you know there are times when rules need to be bent. I promise you, we are the best chance to solve this. Help me.”
Berken stared at her for a long moment, her hand still lingering on the cuffs. “I… I admit, something strange is happening, and I do not agree with the final interpretation of the evidence against Stennig.” She shook her head. “But I could not… to cooperate with a mage would be…”
“Magic is a tool, Lieutenant Berken,” Indree said. “And it can be a dangerous one. We have laws around it in Audland too. But I used it to save your life yesterday. Do you really think I am a greater danger to your country than whatever Endo Stooke is doing?”
Berken opened her mouth as if to respond, and then snapped it shut and set her jaw firmly. With a scowl on her face, she marched across the room toward Indree.
There was no point fighting—without magic, it was even odds who would come out on top between her and Berken, and Indree had no illusions that she could get out of the building afterward. And even if she did, she’d be a fugitive in a foreign country. Better not to struggle, and preserve some chance that the Protectorate could salvage the situation diplomatically.
I tried, at least. Indree extended her wrists to be restrained. “You’re making a mistake, but I’m not going to—”
Berken didn’t cuff her. Instead, she reached down to pull open the drawer beneath the one Indree had been searching, and retrieved a single piece of paper. She slapped it down on the desk in front of Indree. “Your list.”
Indree looked at her blankly for a moment, and then glanced down at the paper. A short paragraph in Belgrian gave way to a list of names that she could read even without a spell. “These… these are the people who visited the crash site?” she asked cautiously, half-worried that saying the wrong thing would put her in those cuffs after all.
The Spirit Siphon (Magebreakers Book 4) Page 11