Starwatch

by Ian Blackport

  “Would it be too much trouble to ask for a drink?” Cyriana questioned. “My mood is leaning toward an amber wine, though I’m not terribly fussy.”

  No reaction was forthcoming from the officer. Auburn hair streaked in white circled a balding scalp above glowering green eyes etched with wrinkles. Thin lips that seemed incapable of smiling parted to speak. “You may leave us.”

  Legionaries saluted and departed from the stale chamber. A red cloak billowed while the officer collected parchment and paced uneven flooring. One groomed eyebrow lifted as he glanced in her direction.

  “Cyriana Faesen, originally from Prydin’s Domain. Not a shining example of an upstanding citizen.”

  “Depends who you ask, I suppose.”

  He placed papers atop the table and tented his fingers on its surface. “Implicated in several thefts against the nobility throughout our Empire.”

  “I’ve always tended to believe most charges were fabricated out of spite.”

  “As I’m certain all degenerate criminals do.” Clasping hands behind his back, the man straightened and stared down a hooked nose. “I am Decius Thanren, Legatus of the Sixteenth Legion.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Legatus. I have a healthy opinion of myself, but never suspected I warranted a full legatus. Reassuring to learn my standing with the Empire has climbed a notch or two. Indicative of respect, perhaps?”

  “Does this banter typically charm others? Or endear you to those who might otherwise be hostile? Because in my limited experience I find your quips wearying.”

  “Give it time. I win over my critics in the end.”

  Decius tapped a forefinger on the pale sheet. “Apprehended yesterday evening during an attempted burglary against Procurator Livia Trulii. Pillaging from a taxation official…how audacious.”

  “She had it coming. You Draugans love forcing peace on other nations, but ignore corruption in your own ranks. Tell me, do you even care how much procurators gouge Imperial subjects in addition to their defined mandate? I find it suspicious that every living tax collector boasts absurd personal wealth.”

  “Since a civilian official doesn’t concern the military, I won’t argue your quarrel’s merits. Instead, I find myself needing someone with your brazen pluck. This is the reason you were brought to me.”

  Cyriana furrowed her greasy brow in bemusement. “You’re hiring me.”

  “Think of it more as involuntary conscription. I want you to acquire a particular item for me.”

  “You’re keen on having me steal for you? Even after delivering a lecture on my moral failings? I haven’t ever found evidence suggesting Draugans have a sense of humor. Meaning this is a poor attempt at some perverse jest, correct?”

  “This is no joke. Though the profession you choose sickens me, your peculiar talents are appealing in this occasion.”

  “I’m swooning from your flattery. What’s my motivation?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Why am I doing this?” Cyriana uplifted her hands and shook the trailing fetters. “In case you haven’t noticed I don’t respond positively to authority. I need tangible incentive.”

  “I can have you tossed in a tiny cell for the remainder of your days. Imperial citizens have the right to a trial. As a Prydinian, the same is not true for you. No laws require me to grant you any courtesies. However, if you retrieve what I covet all charges against you will be dropped.”

  “Just like that? No secretive stipulations?”

  “My responsibilities typically involve far more pressing matters than the whereabouts of one petty thief. I don’t care whether you’re wandering the streets, because I haven’t the interest in concocting provisos. Fetch me the artifact and leave a free woman.”

  “And if I refuse to act as your lackey?”

  “As promised, you’ll be shepherded to another dark hole. One you’ll never again leave.”

  “Intriguing.” Cyriana tried to tap her chin but discovered the chain did not reach. She settled for fiddling sore thumbs. “Let’s try another question. Why is a presumably respected army officer embroiled in shady dealings? With a degenerate no less, as you nicely phrased it.”

  “My reasons are no concern of yours.”

  “Naturally. I’m only the minion risking her neck to satisfy your whims. And how can I be sure you aren’t having a laugh at my expense? The freedom clause seems a little too tantalizing to be believable. I might find a host of guards waiting to pounce on me from the shadows.”

  “I suppose you can’t know for certain. A naturally paranoid mind is also understandable for someone in your line of work. Though since I have you chained in a private room with no witnesses, why go to all this trouble?” Decius placed a palm on the scabbarded sword strapped to his hip. “I could kill you now if I desired. No one would ever learn your fate.”

  “Except my escorts. I don’t know if you’ve spent much time with them, but they gossip endlessly.” Cyriana squirmed in the chair and wiggled numb fingers. “Fair point though. Okay, this isn’t an elaborate ploy meant to punish me. Still doesn’t explain why I’m the one trussed up in a chair being offered a job.”

  “You have considerable experience.”

  “Not good enough. Stay tight-lipped regarding my other inquiries if you must, but this I’m too curious to forfeit knowing. Why force me to perform your dirty work? Have some burly troops kick down your target’s door and ransack the place. I don’t need to factor into this nonsense. Could it be all your legions are too busy being embarrassed in Almaya? Those rebels are waging war with such inexplicable tenacity. No, that wouldn’t explain it. Even a handful of novices wearing armor could do what you’re asking me to.”

  “Are you finished surmising my actions?”

  “Barely warm. Unless…this isn’t a sanctioned operation, is it? Oh ho. That’s why you’re putting faith in a criminal extraordinaire. And why you dragged me here to some clandestine hole. We aren’t beneath your barracks, I presume. Must mean this is a personal score for you. What is it, vengeance? Greed? Don’t be shy. You can trust me.”

  “I don’t believe I can,” he retorted. “Nor do I wish to.”

  “That’s fine. At least I figured out your reasons. Quiets my inquisitive mind a little. Clearly you don’t want your involvement in these illegalities to be known. And that begs the question regarding who I’m burgling. I think I’ve shown uncharacteristic patience waiting this long to ask.”

  “You’re familiar with Destiran Arviss, yes?”

  “More than most, I’d wager. He likes to maintain the façade of running a legitimate shipping business, though he jams his pudgy fingers into all manner of illicit dealings. Extortion, bribery, peddling drugs. I’ve always wondered why you justice-loving Imperialists don’t arrest the man and be done with it.”

  “Delivering justice is never so simple.”

  “Worried about your career, maybe? Destiran has more prominent officials wrapped around his finger than you’d care to admit. I can’t imagine the chances for promotion are high if a province revolts under your watch. Sounds absurd on the surface, but that might happen if you force Destiran into a corner. The man could call in all manner of debts. Some discontented folks are listening to rumors from Almaya and wondering why a rebellion hasn’t started here, given Asdor’s proclivity to wage war against you Draugans. A lone execution made those northerners heft their swords and declare war. What will the catalyst in Asdor be? Of course you’d have less concerns if someone like me got snatched. I’m expendable.”

  “Your most appealing feature.”

  “Wait a moment. This kidnapping rattled my brain, but I finally remembered what was nagging me. I know damn well there isn’t a full legion stationed in Asdor City. Sorry if that’s meant to be a state secret, but it’s common knowledge for those who care to think. You have three or four cohorts worth at best. What kind of legatus doesn’t have a legion under his command? Is this an honorary rank or some such? You’re only a legatus until someone more tal
ented bothers to arrive on scene? Makes sense, since any soldier with a shred of talent is off bravely fighting to squash rebels in the northern war. You’re probably struggling with feelings of inadequacy, having been kept far from the front lines and all that. The budding lack of self-confidence eventually led you to me, where you glimpse an opportunity to shine.”

  “A more astute mind would consider it unwise to attempt angering the man willing to grant you freedom.”

  “I figure a legatus, even one leading a phantom legion, probably has thick skin. Plus we’re partners now. You and me fighting to unearth corruption.”

  Raw distaste flickered on Decius’ stern features, as though a fetid odor had wafted unbidden into his nose. “Don’t even insinuate such a relationship between us. You’re no more than a tool for Imperial use.”

  “Touchy subject. Okay, we’ll leave our association unsaid. But care to confide in me what I’m filching? Even though you’d probably love to keep me floundering in the dark, I’ll eventually need some details.”

  “A ledger listing Destiran’s associates and business dealings.”

  “Crafting a complex scheme, are you? I guess I assumed you wanted a fancy relic that might fetch you some gold. But it’s information you desire. The notion has piqued my curiosity.”

  “You mentioned targeting Livia Trulii due to her purported dishonesty. A not uncommon accusation leveled against procurators. Destiran is a plague on Asdor City and its inhabitants in a similar vein. Though one that is far more widespread and corrupting. This is an opportunity for you to accomplish genuine good, rather than purloining trinkets from the elite.”

  “I thought civilian matters didn’t concern a military man. Changing your tune when it suits you?”

  “Destiran’s reach extends to the army. I suspect several officers are involved, though without his ledger I cannot be certain. You will acquire it for me and I’ll dismantle his operation.”

  “Okay, I’ll play along. But only in the name of justice.” Cyriana licked dry lips. “I suppose it’s too much to expect payment for all this.”

  “In exchange for retrieving the item, you merely won’t be imprisoned for what remains of your life. Considering your past exploits, I’m offering generous compensation.”

  “And if I were to pilfer another valuable object for myself while there?”

  “I would not be impressed. Though admittedly there is little I could do to prevent it.”

  “All I needed to know.” Cyriana blew an errant red strand from her eyes. “What resources might you be willing to give me? Destiran isn’t exactly a simple mark.”

  “None. There can be nothing that connects me to your actions. Find a way to acquire what you need without my help. Any crimes you commit during this process will likewise be forgiven once your role is finished.”

  “I have a blank slate? Sweet.”

  “Only related to theft and other petty offenses. Kill someone and our deal, like you, will be terminated.”

  “You should hand me some silver though. I can’t steal an accomplice, and coins won’t be traced to you.”

  “How can I be certain this isn’t a wily attempt at convincing me to pay you against my better judgment?”

  “You can’t,” Cyriana conceded. “But even if I did con you, think what you’ll acquire in the end. A fair trade in my mind.”

  “As you wish.”

  “Am I on a deadline?”

  “I’d prefer our arrangement be concluded within a week’s time, but I’d rather you not rush and risk failure. Take what is required to do this right.”

  “I’m actually enamored with these ground rules. They’re freeing.” Cyriana raised her arms and smirked. “Speaking of freeing, time for the best part. Unchain me so I can begin my quest.”

  “Presumptive to go along with all your other amiable traits, I see.” Decius wandered toward the closed door and knocked twice against its surface. “You’ll be chaperoned out the way you entered.”

  “Ugh, with the stupid hood?”

  “A non-negotiable element. Once beyond our facility you’ll be released and left to your own devices. Provided your choices align with my desires.”

  “Plan to have me watched, do you?”

  “I take precautions to guard my assets. Especially the unwitting ones.”

  Gauntlets seized Cyriana’s arms, hauling her upright into a clumsy stance. The legatus retrieved one leather pouch jingling with coins and tucked it into the rawhide belt looped around her waist.

  Decius granted her a final parting look. “Do not disappoint me.”

  Abrasive fabric shuttered torchlight and darkness enclosed Cyriana.

  Chapter 2

  “You’ve lost your mind.” Aelina crossed legs attired in buckskin and leaned backward on the bench, basking in warm sunlight. “Unreasonable capers might be your specialty, but even this is stretching things. I need to draw the line somewhere.”

  “You haven’t even bothered to hear my entire plan,” Cyriana said.

  “I’ve heard enough to be skeptical. Someone in our profession needs to avoid Draugan attention. Not sign up as a gleeful recruit and do their bidding. Go enlist Thorkell or Maylene. They’re less sensible than I am.”

  “Thorkell isn’t in the country and Maylene thinks I’ll be dead by month’s end.”

  “She isn’t wrong.” Aelina plucked one pistachio from a bowl nestled on the bench and popped it into her mouth. “I’d rather not shackle myself to you when the scheme falls apart and you inevitably sink.”

  “What happened to homeland solidarity? Us Prydinians need to support one another.”

  “You’re leading with that weak argument? Please try harder or find something else to tempt me with.”

  Cyriana watched a songbird flit over sculpted bushes and land atop one marble fountain. “Do as I ask and I’ll split the earnings with you.”

  “What earnings? You aren’t even being paid for this.”

  “Maybe not officially. But I intend to leave Destiran’s estate with a treasure-trove of valuables stuffed down my pants. Whatever I find you can share.”

  Aelina glanced through dangling black bangs and frowned. “All for some sleight of hand work? Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’ve never been known as a paragon of generosity.”

  “This second chance at life I’ve been given has convinced me to change my ways.”

  “It’s a wonder anyone ever believes a word you spout. Don’t dump your lies on me and expect I’ll be receptive to that drivel.”

  “Fine, the truth then.” Passersby strolled the public garden, some shielding delicate skin from oppressive sunlight with frilled umbrellas. Cyriana regarded the blue bloods with barely hidden scorn. “I can’t do this without you and in return I’m willing to part with a fraction of the coins I labor to earn.”

  “Oh? Pray tell, what fraction is my expertise worth to you?”

  “Fifteen percent?”

  “Have fun doing all this without me.” Aelina climbed off the bench, licked fingertips sprinkled in salt and ambled alongside a red brick pathway. “I’m not in the mood for less than thirty.”

  “Okay, twenty-five. You frigging swindler.”

  “Thirty. Didn’t you hear what I said? Save negotiations for people who are less skilled than you.”

  One meandering boot touched an uneven surface and Aelina wobbled off balance, thrusting both arms outward. She toppled into a gentleman, groping at his tailored frock coat and spluttering breathlessly. One manicured hand grasped her sleeve and shoved while the other perched atop a lacquered cane and steadied his footing. Loathing colored his pallid cheeks a rosy hue.

  “Watch where you walk, filthy urchin.”

  “My apologies, good sir,” begged Aelina. She withdrew a stride while her downcast eyes studied grass underfoot. “Please forgive my clumsiness.”

  The gentleman dusted imaginary dirt from his ruffled jacket, straightened a crooked tricorne hat and dismissed her with one contemptuous g
esture. Smacking a gold topped cane against the pathway, he departed without speaking another word.

  “You’re a bloody pirate. Thirty it is.” Eyeing the pretentious man’s backside, Cyriana turned to her friend. “You’d better be worth it.”

  Aelina flashed a wicked smile and jangled the stolen coin purse in one hand. “You know I am.”

  *

  “You want me to intentionally bungle my touch?”

  “Bungle is such an unbefitting word,” Cyriana countered. “Makes you sound careless rather than clever.”

  Leaning against a stone wall, Aelina blew limp strands from her eyes. “You missed your calling as an orator, the way you spin unpleasant truths into witticisms.”

  “It’s a gift. Now are you keen to be difficult?”

  “No, I’ll do your chore. You’d best hope none of our acquaintances happen by and see me screw up on a mundane mark.” She shoved off the wall and sauntered to the alley mouth. “Point him out to me when he bothers to appear. I’d like to get this over with on the double.”

  Several minutes passed in companionable silence until Cyriana noted a man wearing modest attire meant to convey wealth. Though garbed in a doublet tailored to mimic muslin, he wore a cheaper alternative that did not properly pinch at the waist as befitted a gentleman. She had spent enough time watching nobility to distinguish affluent clothing from varied imitations. “There’s the little worm.”

  “Stocky fellow in the faux fashion?”

  “Aye. Name’s Dorvan, a repulsive lieutenant for Destiran’s shady dealings. He’ll have what I desire. The question is whether he insists on keeping it with him all day or if we need to slip into his home.”

  “You’re certain this is the guy we want?”

  “I don’t doubt your looting expertise. Don’t question my snooping and penchant for bribery.”

  “Your hunch had better be right.” Aelina cracked her knuckles. “Time to be a failure.”

  She moseyed from the passage and mingled amid others strolling the boulevard. Her path soon traversed Dorvan’s route and she feigned carelessness, eyeing a nearby carpet vendor while smacking into him. Aelina acted with insincere panic and seized Dorvan for balance, threading her hands over his torso. She mumbled apologies inaudible to Cyriana and withdrew.