Archeo cast him a sidelong glance. “I’m not sure that’s what he had in mind,” he replied. “He was asking about you this morning, when he got the reports of the bodies. He wanted to know why he hasn’t heard anything of your progress over the past few days.”
“Well, to be honest, I haven’t found anything. I’ve been asking around in plenty of neighborhoods, but so far the trail has been cold. Now that there’s been another killing, we might get some fresh clues.”
“Corlwyn will want to see you.” Archeo rose from his chair. Raelyn stood too. “I’m on orders to bring you to him when I find you.”
There was a note of something in his voice that Raelyn couldn’t quite place, and he was suddenly aware that Archeo was working at guarding his voice. What aren’t you telling me? he wondered. It’s obvious that you’re no friend of mine, but should I count you among my enemies?
The two walked down to the yard of the Gatehouse, to the small stables that were there. “We’ll ride there,” Archeo told him. “Time may be of the essence, and I know Sir Corlwyn was anxious to speak with you.” There were only four horses, and a stable boy brought two out to them. They were already saddled. Raelyn had the sudden feeling that he was walking into a trap, and wondered for a moment if it was the same instincts that had served him so well under Lord Perinor or just his fears about Corlwyn. He mounted up anyway, and rode out of the yard with Archeo.
They took their horses at a walk through the streets, and Raelyn was surprised when Archeo guided their horses side by side so that they could talk. Archeo was curious about where he grew up, how he had gotten to know Lord Perinor, what service in the Vashtik Wars was like. He was surprised that Archeo didn’t ask any questions about the past few years, and realized he was avoiding anything that would make it appear as though he was fishing for information rather than simply trying to get to know him. I suppose after hearing the horror stories from Corlwyn you might want to find out how true they are.
Archeo grew silent as they arrived at Lorin Street. Two members of the Watch were there, holding the reins of a pair of horses. The men saluted, drawing themselves to attention. One of the horses was Corlwyn’s, an enormous black gelding that stood seventeen hands. Selected to intimidate the citizens, no doubt, he thought. Everything with you is heavy handed. Would anyone come to you for any reason, other than that they were afraid not to?
They dismounted, giving the reins of their horses to the men. “He was killed over here,” Archeo said, leading Raelyn to a blood-smeared patch of cobble stones. “One stab, through the heart. Thin blade, probably a rapier. His pouch was missing, the thong still tied to his belt, and if he was wearing any jewelry it’s missing too. He had a knife on his hip when we found him. It hadn’t been drawn.”
Raelyn knelt down beside the stain, looking at the cobblestones. “There isn’t much blood, which seems right for a stab to the heart.” He glanced around at the ground, looking for clues. There also isn’t much evidence. “Was he stabbed from the front or the back?” Raelyn asked. He looked for the kind of scuff marks that would have been made by boots, but he couldn’t tell what was from the stabbing and what was from the people that moved the body.
“He was stabbed from the front,” Archeo replied. “The blade penetrated his back, but didn’t go through his cloak. We found him on his back, his mouth and eyes open. There weren’t any cuts on his hands or forearms. It looked to us like he’d been surprised.” He paused, casting a sideways glance at Raelyn. “It has been suggested that it was a robbery, since his body was looted, but….” he trailed off.
“But you don’t buy it,” Raelyn finished for him. He looked up at Archeo, judging his reaction.
Archeo shook his head. “No, I don’t. He was surprised, but taken with a single blow to the front. He’s not close to an alleyway, and the street was well lit. Besides, with the murder of Sir Aertis, it seems too suspicious. We still don’t know what he was doing here at that hour, but I think he was lured here. For what reason, though, I’m not sure.” He looked at Raelyn, almost as if he was seeking validation for his hypothesis. “I don’t know enough of his politics yet to guess at why someone would want him dead, but I think it was a political killing.”
Raelyn nodded, satisfied with Archeo’s explanation. He touched a few scuff marks, peering closely to see if he could determine what made them. He tried to envision the body laid out the way Archeo described, but could think of a number of ways the body could have been laying. “I need you to do me a favor,” he said, looking up at Archeo. “If this happens again, I want you to make sure the body isn’t disturbed. Spread the word to the men. I don’t care if you have to have a dozen men down here to cordon of the scene, I don’t want anything touched until I get the chance to examine it.”
“And by what authority do you seek to command the men of the Watch?” The voice came from behind him, and for an instant a small part of him wanted to cower in fear at that voice. A much larger part of him wanted to turn around and punch its source.
Raelyn turned and faced Corlwyn. The Lord Inquisitor was carrying his blackthorn cudgel, his knuckles white with tension. Raelyn narrowed his eyes. I don’t know how many men have been beaten with your club, but I don’t plan on being one of them. He drew himself up to his full height and stared the taller man down.
“By the authority of the First High Lord of the City,” he replied, his voice even. “Lord Elotarn made it clear that I was to be assisted in this investigation in any way possible, by any member of the city. That includes the men of the Watch—even the First Man of the Watch.”
Corlwyn sneered. “You assume too much, Raelyn. If you want the help of the Watch, you come to me. Don’t presume to usurp my authority, or you’ll find it very difficult to get the help of my men. Besides,” he added, his smile sly, “we haven’t determined that the two murders are in any way linked.”
Raelyn’s eyes widened in surprise. “How can you say that? Two men of the Council, murdered with similar weapons in one week, and you think they’re not related?”
“I didn’t say I thought they weren’t related,” Corlwyn responded. “I only said that it hasn’t yet been determined. And until that relationship is firmly established, you have no authority to even examine this crime scene. That goes for anyone who may be stabbed in the future as well. Until you get another writ from the High Lord Elotarn saying that you can involve yourself in anything suspected of being related to Sir Aertis’s murder, you will come to me if you want the resources of the Watch.” He glared at Raelyn. “Do I make myself clear?”
Raelyn steadied himself and tried not to say anything to further antagonize Corlwyn. “Clear as water,” he replied, calming his voice. They stared at each other a moment longer, and Raelyn entertained thoughts of doing something with Corlwyn’s club that couldn’t be mentioned in polite conversation. He decided to swallow his pride and try again. “Sir Corlwyn, would you please ask your men to make sure that if anyone else is killed with a thin bladed weapon, do not disturb the scene until I have the chance to examine it?” He was careful not to let his anger seep into his voice.
“Archeo!” barked Corlwyn. Archeo snapped to attention. “Inform the men that if anyone else is killed in the city and there is any chance at all that the killer could be the same, they are to cordon off the scene of the crime and ensure that it is not disturbed by anyone until I personally have had the chance to examine it. I will determine whether or not our guest investigator should be called in.” His smile was smug and his tone condescending. “Let them know that anyone responsible for failing in this will be dealt with most severely.”
“Yes sir,” Archeo said, saluting. His bearing was stiff and correct, and if he had any problem with the orders, he didn’t show it.
Corlwyn turned back to Raelyn, his smile still smug. “Although, our need for our guest investigator may not continue for much longer.”
I don’t like the sound of that, Raelyn thought. His spine was prickling.
“While you were off drinking and whoring, as you so often do when your attention should be focused on matters at hand, I have made a discovery. It is only because of Lord Elotarn’s orders that I even mention this to you.” Raelyn’s stomach dropped. He didn’t know which was worse—the fact that Corlwyn was accusing him of dereliction of duty, or that it was true.
“We have a witness to this second killing,” Corlwyn continued. It was obvious to Raelyn that he was enjoying this. “This morning, Jander Westford, who lives in the building to the left, came to the Gatehouse. He saw a hooded Slovani with a rapier and gave chase. The culprit ran into an alley off of Strader Way and climbed some scaffolding to escape, but Jander says he heard a ripping noise as he climbed the scaffolding. On that report, I personally inspected the scaffolding and found this hooked on a loose nail.” Corlwyn reached into his doublet and pulled out a small scrap of grey wool. He handed it to Raelyn.
“On top of that, sources have told us that the master thief known as Gray has been competing with Karduk, who has considerable influence in the wharfs and Coscan District, for about two years. An informant in Karduk’s operations confirmed yesterday that Gray’s agents have been moving in on Karduk’s control over operations in the Arena District, and the rumors are that Gray has been hired to assassinate certain members of the Chamber. The murders of Sir Aertis and Sir Jonan weaken the support for Coscan rights in the city, and will give Gray and his men an advantage. I think it’s clear now who our assassin is, and the motivation behind the killings. We just don’t know who has hired him.”
Raelyn stood, stunned by the revelations. I was called in to figure this out, but it looks like Corlwyn didn’t need me at all. He felt worthless. I guess I can forget about getting my reputation back. It doesn’t really matter, though—I’m not going to get the life I want anyway. I’m not going to have Callais.
“We have only one problem,” Corlwyn continued after a pause. “Although we know that Gray is behind the killings, we know precious little about the man himself. He, as well as his agents, are nothing like Karduk. He operates in the shadows, and for the past two years we have been unable to gain any informants in his operation or find out anything about him. He has worked underground until now, but we hope that as he pushes against Karduk, he will reveal himself, and we will be able to discover who he is.”
“So, you want me to help find out who Gray is?” Raelyn asked, skeptical. Corlwyn nodded.
“Whether I like it or not, Lord Elotarn has asked you to help in this case. Now that we know who is responsible, and that he is willing to kill again, we need to find him as fast as we can. Only after we find him can we find out who has hired him and bring them both to justice. I will need every man on this.”
I’m surprised you’re not using this as leverage to get me kicked off this case, Raelyn thought. He considered Corlwyn for a moment, and chose his words carefully. “I’m glad to serve the city,” he replied, “and I’m glad you think I can be a valuable resource.”
Corlwyn looked at him, and it seemed to Raelyn that there was a moment of candor in his eyes. He spoke low, so that only he and Archeo could hear him. “You and I both know that you have a gift for this. If Jander had not come to me with his discovery, we wouldn’t be any closer to knowing who was responsible for these killings. On top of that, you’re close to something or Karduk’s men wouldn’t have come after you. We may need everything—my resources, my men, and your intuition—to expose Gray and bring him down.”
Raelyn nodded. As much as he hates me, Corlwyn still thinks he needs me for this, he thought. As long as I can stay sober enough to be useful, I’ll still have a chance to redeem myself. “I’ll do what I can, you know that.” He considered the details, all of the things he knew. The puzzle still had a number of pieces missing.
“I wonder,” he started, thinking out loud. “If Gray is behind this, why would Karduk have me beaten? It would seem that in this situation, he would want to work with us. If we’re successful, we’ll take out one of his biggest enemies.”
“Karduk is no friend of the law,” Corlwyn pointed out. “If we find Gray, I’m sure we’ll find out a number of things about Karduk’s dealings. We may end up flushing him out of his hideout as well.” Corlwyn had a vicious gleam in his eye, and he smiled at Raelyn. “We could destroy his power base in the process, force him to flee, maybe even capture him to be executed. You’d like to see that, wouldn’t you?”
“I’d like to see him brought to justice,” Raelyn replied, unwilling to share in his enthusiasm. There’s something sadistic about him, he thought. He shuddered to imagine what Corlwyn would do to Karduk if he caught him. He didn’t want to stay on that subject.
“Now that we know who we’re looking for, I have some people to see,” Raelyn continued. “There are a number of people who may be able to point me in Gray’s direction. I’d like to see if any of them pan out. I’ve heard he has his hands in a number of criminal enterprises in the city, but this is the first I’ve heard of assassination. I guess we can add this to his list.”
“Good,” Corlwyn said, nodding his head. “Keep me appraised of what you discover. Between you, my investigators, and our informants, we’ll flush him out. He’s Slovani; there are only so many places he could hide. There are only so many Slovani in the city who will help him conceal his identity. If we can’t find him using your methods,” he added ominously, “ we’ll try mine.”
Raelyn thought of his Slovani friends, like Drian and Astal, and shuddered.
Chapter Ten
Raelyn spent two days looking for Gray and his men, but it was a long and frusterating search. He had asked Astal if he could get in touch with the rogue, but he said he couldn’t help him. He had dealt with his agents on a couple of smuggling runs, but he had no way of getting in touch with any of them. Drian yielded slightly better results. He said he knew someone who knew someone who should be able to get Raelyn an audience with someone in Gray’s inner circle. Drian had no idea when that might happen, however, and time was short. Other members of Galavan’s Port’s underworld gave him less promising news. A handful had dealt with his agents, but could only offer rumors. Most could offer nothing.
He was surprised when Genevar told him she could set up a meeting with one of his agents. She was going to be meeting with one of his men in two days, and she invited Raelyn to join them. He appreciated her help, but he sincerely hoped he wouldn’t see Callais when he went; after what had recently happened he didn’t think he would be able to handle it.
With that taken care of, he had turned his attention to checking up on Jander Westford. Now that he had the chance to think about it, he wanted to hear his story. What he had found out so far is that Jander was a clerk in service of the Council of Lords, that he was young and had not married, and that he often ate at the Whitestone Tavern. Raelyn hadn’t recognized the name, but he was sure he’d be able to recognize his face.
That was where Raelyn was when Jethu walked in, a worried look on his face. Looks like trouble, Raelyn thought as he waved to his friend from across the main room. As soon as Jethu recognized Raelyn the tension on his face turned to relief, and he started to make his way through the crowd. Looks like trouble might have something to do with me, Raelyn amended.
Raelyn had already stood and was fishing through his pouch when Jethu got to the table. “Well met, Rae. We’ve been looking for you.”
I wonder who “we” is, he thought. “Well met, Jethu. You look upset. What’s going on?”
“Oh, nothing much. I’ll tell you on the way to the estate. Perinor needs to see you. He has all his men out looking for you.” This really struck Raelyn as disturbing, but he held his tongue. He knew he’d get the full story once they were out in the street.
He gave some coins to the serving girl and picked up his sword as they walked out into the street. The evening was warm and the air was heavy. Raelyn wished for a breeze off the bay, but it felt like the midsummer heat would be settling in for a few days.
He was glad he had dressed light, and looked over at Jethu in his heavy, formal uniform. Beads of sweat dotted his face.
“You must be dying in those clothes,” Raelyn commented.
Jethu’s mouth tightened in response. “We’re getting air off the swamp,” he said. “It’s a bad omen. Death is in the air.” Raelyn didn’t like the way that sounded. He started to say something in response, but Jethu beat him to it. “We’ve had another killing. That’s why we’re looking for you.”
Raelyn was silent for a moment, and Jethu didn’t say anything further. He seemed preoccupied. “Who was the victim?” Raelyn finally asked.
“Another member of the council, Rorin Bruborn. He represented the Wharf District.”
Raelyn felt a bit sick. He knew Rorin, drank with him on occasion. He had been a longshoreman and was an advocate for them in the city. He was also one of the few Oervan in the city that was positively beloved by the Coscan, especially where he served. “This is not good,” Raelyn said.
“No, it’s not,” Jethu replied. “They’ve started rioting in the streets, on the docks and in the Coscan District. The watch is trying to block the gates out of the districts, but there’s no way they’ll be able to hold them in. It’s going to get much worse.”
Raelyn shook his head. “The Arena District is going to get hit hard.” He thought of what he had just heard. It’s the perfect excuse to start killing off the competition.
They walked the last few blocks in silence, each in their own private thoughts. Raelyn went over the events of the past few days, mulling them over in his head. It’s starting to make sense, Raelyn mused. Gray’s killing off key supporters of the Coscan community, starting a revolt. With the political moderates dead, they’ll turn to the extremists, like Thone—and Karduk. With that kind of chaos, the crackdown on the Coscan community should leave Karduk unable to reach past the borders of his own district, and will certainly weaken his hold on operations in the Arena district. And Gray will have done it by killing a handful of defenseless people. He thought about what he knew—and didn’t know. There have to be more people involved in this. One person can’t do this alone. There are still pieces of this puzzle, but if I can find out who Gray is, maybe I can find out who he’s connected to.
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