Night Study

by Maria V. Snyder

  “Lieutenant Lacole. She and Ari are teaching me how to fight.”

  “Oh?” I tried to keep my tone neutral, but Janco sensed my concern.

  “Hey, Ari. You’re in big trouble,” he called.

  Ari strode into the room. His aimed his scowl at Reema. “Didn’t I tell you not to run ahead of me? And to keep in sight?”

  She shrugged. “You were too slow.”

  “I’m not racing through the castle’s halls. You need to stay with me.”

  Reema failed to appear chastised. “Can I take Kiki for a ride?” she asked me.

  “We can go for a ride later. And you can tell me all about what you’ve been doing here for the last month.” I glanced at Ari.

  “I was following orders,” Ari said in his defense. He sat next to Gerik.

  “Thanks a lot, Ari. Now I’m in trouble,” Valek said as he reached the table.

  Maren scraped her chair on the floor as she plopped down, joining us. She had pulled her long blond hair into a ponytail. Her pale complexion stood out against her black adviser’s uniform. Nodding at me, she said, “Hiya, Puker. Long time no see. You look soft.”

  I grinned. “Those are fighting words.”

  “I certainly hope so. I haven’t had a decent bo fight in ages.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  Her deep laugh rolled around the room.

  “Reema,” a woman called from the doorway. “Are you ready?”

  “Lacole!” With a quick goodbye, Reema rushed from the room. “Can we do more knife fighting today?”

  I glared at Ari and he pointed to Valek, who closed the door after Reema.

  “We’ll discuss this later,” I said to them both.

  “That’s never good.” Janco rubbed his hands together. “Can’t wait.”

  Valek returned and stood at the head of the oval table. I guessed he’d changed his mind about Onora and Maren. He filled Ari, Maren and Gerik in on what had happened in Sitia with Owen. Then he broke the news about Owen and the others being a guest of the Commander’s.

  Copying Valek, I studied their expressions closely. Onora kept her face neutral. Janco and Ari appeared to be ready to commit murder. Gerik seemed more concerned than Maren, who relaxed in her chair as if this wasn’t news to her.

  “At least we know where they are,” Janco said. “When do we ambush them?”

  “We don’t,” Valek said, then explained about the Commander’s orders.

  “That’s...that’s...” Janco was at a loss for words.

  “Bad?” Ari supplied.

  Janco shook his head. “Beyond bad. Catastrophic. We can’t follow that order. Owen may have hexed the Commander.”

  “The order will be obeyed. We will leave Owen alone.” Valek’s tone left no room for discussion. “Maren, tell everyone what you told me earlier.”

  Maren leaned forward. “When I worked in the Curare factory in Lapeer, the Boss... Owen had been working on a secret project with someone they called the Master Gardener. I tried to uncover information. But Owen suspected I’d been sent by the Commander to oversee the production, so it was difficult. During the chaos of shutting down the factory and loading my wagon with all the remaining stock of Curare, I overheard him tell one of his men to gather all the Harman saplings.”

  Everyone turned to me expectantly.

  “I’ve no idea what a Harman tree is used for. My father might. Did you catch the Master Gardener’s name or see who it is?” I asked Maren, thinking this person may have been the one to crossbreed those plants in the hothouse.

  “No. All I could discover was the Master Gardener had been key in getting the Curare vines to grow in those glass houses.”

  “Didn’t you and Leif speculate about Zaltanas who may have the necessary knowledge and skills?” Janco asked.

  “Yes. Our Councilman, Bavol, and our cousin, Nutty. My father would know if there is anyone else.”

  “Sounds like your father also has this ability,” Gerik said.

  “Watch your tongue,” Ari growled.

  “It’s okay, Ari. He has a valid point,” I said. “If my father is involved, then he was duped. Or his memories altered. Which I’d like to believe is what might have happened to Nutty and Bavol.” Better than suspecting them of treason.

  “Would Leif be able to tell if a person’s memories were magically changed?” Valek asked me.

  “It’s possible. I’ll messenger him about this Master Gardener and Owen’s location. My father should have arrived by now.”

  “What can we do?” Ari asked Valek.

  “You, Janco and Maren keep an eye out for any new construction near the castle. If Owen brought Harman saplings and Curare vines, he’d want to build more of those hothouses. Also watch for any strange deliveries like ones with unusual materials or odd supplies.”

  Ari nodded. “What about Reema?”

  “She’s going home as soon as I can arrange an escort. Gerik, you are assigned to the Commander’s security detail again. If you hear or see anything about Owen or the others, let me know.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Onora, you’re to stay by the Commander’s side during the day. He has a glass magic detector. If it flashes, then magic is in use. That’s when you don’t follow your instincts and question all your thoughts, as they might not be your own.”

  “What about at night?” she asked.

  “I’ll take the night shift.”

  I suppressed my disappointment over having the bed to myself at night.

  “And if he protests?” she asked.

  “He won’t. Although he may kick you out for sensitive conferences. In that case, stay by the door.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The meeting ended. I waited until everyone left before asking Valek, “Why did you decide to trust Maren and Onora?”

  “Maren convinced me she had no idea Owen was alive. Gerik and Onora showed up with Janco. It would have looked suspicious if I’d dismissed them.” He strode to his desk.

  I followed. “Which explains why you didn’t detail your own plans or mine.”

  Valek paused before sitting in his chair. “You’re sending Leif a message and talking to Onora.”

  “And?”

  “And staying far away from Owen. You’re not exactly his favorite person, love.”

  “Fine. What else can I do?” I half leaned, half sat on the edge of his desk.

  “Perhaps a repeat of this morning’s activities?” He leered.

  “I’m serious.”

  “So am I.”

  “Valek.” A warning tone rumbled in my voice.

  He sobered. “You have training.”

  Ah. “Spy training?”

  “Yes. You need to learn all those skills that you had previously used your magic for.”

  A daunting task. “That could take years.”

  “It won’t. You’re smart and a fast learner. Plus you already have plenty of experience.”

  “I don’t—”

  “At the meeting today, who was surprised that Owen’s here?” he asked.

  “I know what you’re doing.”

  “Answer the question.”

  Annoyed, I recalled the various demeanors that ringed the table and said, “Ari, Janco and Gerik.”

  “Very good. You picked up on Onora despite her lack of a reaction.”

  “That was a guess. How did she know about Owen?”

  “You tell me.”

  I bit down on a Janco-inspired sarcastic response. “The Commander told her. Probably after your meeting with him, since she also didn’t seem upset that he’d ordered you to leave Owen alone.”

  “That’s my assumption, as well.”

  “Okay, I get it. I’m not a total newbie. When do my spy lessons start?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon.”

  That gave me the rest of the day off, which I could put to good use. I needed to check on Kiki. And that reminded me of my promise to Reema.

  “Why is Reema learning
how to fight?” I asked Valek.

  “I may have suggested it to Ari before I left.”

  I waited.

  “She would have driven him crazy if she had nothing to do,” he said.

  “She’s missing school. They could have worked on her reading skills, math, history...” I sighed. And she still would have driven him crazy. “If Opal gets upset, I’m blaming you.”

  “Feel free. But I suspect her lessons have strengthened her magic.”

  “No one has been able to confirm she has magic.”

  “No magicians, you mean? I’ve picked up on it when I’m next to her, but last night, I felt her power in the hallway.”

  “Are you sure it wasn’t Owen’s? She hasn’t reached puberty yet.”

  “Do I need to cite all the examples we’ve encountered of magic doing strange, unexpected and impossible things?”

  “No.” It would take too long. “If she’s a protégée, then she’ll be a target. I just...”

  “Want to protect Reema?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then it’s a good thing she’s learning how to defend herself.”

  I huffed. “Don’t be all logical when I want to be irrational and overprotective.”

  “Now you know how I feel.”

  “You? Irrational?”

  He grabbed my hand and tugged me toward him. I settled on his lap.

  Valek pulled me close until I leaned on his chest. “Love trumps logic. And when it comes to you, love, I can be extremely irrational.”

  “Is that so? Give me an example.”

  “All right. I’ve put you in incredible danger by marrying you now. If my enemies discover the truth along with the news about your magic, which is spreading, they will take advantage of this unique, and hopefully brief, opportunity to target you. The logical thing to do was to wait until your magic returns and Owen is dead.”

  “Finding an ideal time may have been impossible,” I said.

  “I’d like to believe we’d find a moment of peace in our future. However, waiting would have been torture. I’m empty without you.”

  I tilted my head back to kiss him, and my cheek brushed the bandage hidden under his shirt. I wasn’t the only one in severe danger. If the Commander discovered Valek’s altered scar, he might order Valek executed for treason. I’d already experienced the searing pain of grief that burned me from the inside out when I’d thought Valek had died in that barn fire over six years ago. A horrible time I’d rather not repeat.

  Ever.

  * * *

  I checked on Kiki after leaving Valek’s office. She munched on the grass in the small pasture next to the stables, but trotted over to the fence as soon as she spotted me. Her coat gleamed.

  Stroking her neck, I said, “I see your favorite stable boy has been busy giving you a bath. Did he braid your tail?”

  Kiki moved to the side and swished her tail, which now contained a number of thin braids and colorful ribbons.

  “Pretty.” I patted her shoulder. “Are you rested enough to go for a ride with me and Reema later?”

  She dipped her head once, then glanced at the stable, clearly signaling yes. While glad Kiki was able to communicate with me, I wished I could tell her about my union with Valek. My happiness bubbled inside me, pushing to escape, fueling the desire to share it with her. But it was too dangerous to voice aloud.

  Kiki snuffled my pockets. I fed her a peppermint before searching for Reema. The young girl practiced in the northeast training yards with Lacole. Reema had wrestled her long curls into a ponytail and sparred the young lieutenant with a rubber knife. Ari leaned on the fence, watching them. I stood next to him. He tensed.

  “Relax,” I said. “I’m not going to yell at you. I’m sure you’ve had your hands full with Reema over the last month.”

  “You’ve no idea,” he muttered.

  “Then explain it to me.” I kept my tone neutral.

  Ari’s broad shoulders sagged. “She’s the most exasperating child I’ve ever met. Not that I know a bunch of kids, but I swear, she’s like a mini Janco—just with more focus.”

  “You do know you’re not making sense, right?”

  “Yeah.” He drew in a breath. “She’s smart and learns new skills wicked fast. Faster than anyone I know. Look at that.” Ari gestured to Reema. “She has Lacole on the defensive and they just started knife fighting last week. The kid’s a natural. She’s a pro at reading body language. Plus, she’s stubborn, fearless and manipulative. Reema can turn on the tears in a heartbeat and suddenly act like a four-year-old. And then she has this...this sixth sense about people, knowing if they’re lying or bluffing or sneaking around the hallways.”

  “Wow.” I studied the girl with a fresh perspective.

  Intense, Reema didn’t hesitate to take advantage of Lacole’s weaknesses. The lieutenant dodged a flurry of Reema’s strikes that reminded me of Janco.

  “Opal is going to kill me,” I said.

  “But Valek—”

  “I put her in danger and sent her here. I’m responsible.”

  “Responsible for what?” Janco asked, joining us.

  “Reema’s new skills.” I pointed to the match.

  Janco’s eyes lit up. “Holy snow cats! Look at her go. I gotta get in on that action.” He grabbed the top rail of the wooden fence and hopped over it in one smooth move.

  Lacole handed her practice weapon to him and he faced Reema with a huge grin on his face.

  “Reema’s ego is about to be bruised,” Ari said.

  “Will she get upset?” I asked.

  “She’ll be sullen for a few hours, but then it turns into determination and I’ll have to drag her to bed because she’ll practice all night if I’d let her.”

  Now his comment about her being a mini Janco with more focus made sense. Despite his grumbling, I had the feeling Ari cared for Reema.

  “You’re going to miss her,” I said.

  He remained quiet for a while. “Yeah. I am. And I’m sure Lacole will, too. She’s been helping me with more than training. There were times Reema needed...er...female supervision, like in the baths.” Red splotches spread across his cheeks.

  I suppressed my mirth over Ari’s embarrassment. We watched Janco run circles around Reema, but I was impressed with her tactics.

  “Do you want to join them?” Ari asked. “Get some practice?”

  “Not now. I promised to take Reema riding. And I’m going to need to rest before my training starts.”

  Concerned, Ari turned to me. “What training?”

  I searched his expression. “Didn’t Janco tell you?”

  “All I’ve heard from him is complaints about Little Miss Assassin and Owen the Bastard. We haven’t had time to catch up. Why? What’s wrong?”

  The desire to let Janco tell his partner about my situation welled, but Ari deserved to hear it from me. So I told him about the morning I woke up unable to tap into the power source.

  The crease between his pale blue eyes puckered into full worry. “And you’re not immune like Valek and Opal?”

  “No. Magic affects me like everyone else.” Unfortunately.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Yelena. Will you get your magic back?”

  “Hopefully once I figure out why it’s gone, I’ll be able to reverse it.”

  “I’m here for whatever you need. Okay?”

  “Okay.”

  He frowned at nothing in particular, his gaze distant. “Well, that explains why Valek asked you if Leif can tell when a person’s memories have been altered by magic. I wondered why he didn’t just ask you to check with your Soulfinding abilities, but I’ve learned to ask Valek those types of questions in private.”

  Interesting. “In case he has a grander scheme in mind?”

  “Yeah. He always has a grander scheme in mind. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what he has in mind for Owen.” Ari punched his palm. Hard.

  * * *

  After Reema finished her lessons and clean
ed up, Kiki took us on a ride through Castletown. We stopped in town and I sent a quick message to Leif. Only an hour of daylight remained, and the air held the crisp scent of cold as we trotted into the surrounding farms.

  Reema sat in front of me, still in high spirits after her sparring bouts with Janco. I’d found that even when you were being trounced by him, it was hard to get angry at him, and it appeared he had the same effect on her.

  However, her good mood didn’t last once she heard the news of being able to return home.

  “Don’t you miss your parents?” I asked in the heavy silence.

  “I do, but...”

  She had made friends here. “You’ll miss Ari and Lacole?”

  “Kind of.”

  “You’ll miss training?”

  “Yes, and I’ll miss being treated like an...adult.”

  “But you’re not—”

  “Forget it. You don’t understand. Only Teegan and Fisk understand. Besides, it doesn’t matter. I can’t refuse to go home.”

  “It’s safer.”

  “It’s boring.”

  Ah. The heart of the problem. I thought about what she’d said, puzzling over why her brother and Fisk might understand. She had lived on the streets for most of her life. First with her mother and Teegan, and then with just Teegan after their mother died. Fisk, too, grew up on the streets, begging. No time for a childhood when you were fighting to survive.

  “Can I make a suggestion?” I asked.

  Reema tensed. “Sure.”

  “In order to be treated like an adult, you need to act like one. Make a deal with your parents.”

  Her ponytail swung as she shook her head.

  “Just hear me out. The deal is that you promise to attend school without complaining and to earn high marks, and in exchange they continue your training. Your mom learned from Valek, and your father is an excellent swordsman.”

  She twisted in the saddle, meeting my gaze. “That might work!”

  “Don’t sound so surprised.” I smiled. “Reema, can you promise me one thing?”

  Her excitement dimmed. “It depends.”

  “Promise to make a friend and have fun once in a while. Stupid kid fun.”

  “Does stealing pies with Uncle Leif count?”

  “No. You need to make a friend who is closer to your age. And Teegan and Fisk don’t count, either. Will you promise?”