“There’s a few others but they have such little support that they’re barely footnotes, really. Those are the main two we need to worry about. Riana, you and I will be trying to steal their supporters over to Hendrix as much as possible.”
“Understood.” Riana knew how to convince Axley’s supporters well enough, but how to reach Quillin’s? The older generation didn’t have as much to lose; it might take some thought on her part to think of a tactic.
“Now, my immediate support. I have a full staff at the townhouse that not only keeps the place running but also serves as informants. Mrs. Pennington is my main pillar of strength as she’s the one that keeps up with everything for me—house and spywork. If she ever chooses to retire, the world will sputter to a stop, I’m quite convinced of it.”
This was the first time that Woelfel had ever spoken highly of anyone, and the tone he used was that of a son speaking of a mother-figure he adored. It made this polished gentleman seem more human for a moment and Riana warmed to him a little more. “I look forward to meeting her. Who else?”
“Outside of my main house, we have The Gossiping Quartet, as I like to think of them. They are very dear to my espionage heart. Indeed,” Woelfel put a dramatic hand over his heart, “I’d be a little lost without them.”
“Only a little?” Ash repeated, deadpan.
Still looking off in a dramatic pose, Woelfel reiterated, “Only a little.” Dropping the pose, he continued more seriously, “The first of these is Lord Sudenga. Pompous little windbag is the kindest way I can describe him. He’s technically the Minister of Music, not that anyone knows what the Minister of Music is supposed to do, as I’ve certainly never seen him doing anything that resembled work. He spends his entire time gossiping. If I want some bit of news to get about quickly, he’s the first person I track down.
“Lady McAdaragh is the second person. She’s roughly,” Woelfel gave Riana a thoughtful look, “your age, I think. How old are you, Riana?”
“Twenty-one in a few months,” she responded forthrightly.
“Then yes, I do believe the two of you are exactly the same age. Unlike you, however, she has the most naturally empty head of anyone I’ve ever met. She’s one of those types that will actually forget to breathe at times.”
Riana’s eyes crossed at his description. Surely the man was exaggerating a little. Surely people weren’t so stupid they actually forgot how to breathe. “But you like her?”
“I adore her,” Woelfel oozed with false affection. “She’s the most faithful parakeet that I’ve ever encountered. She repeats nearly verbatim everything that she hears and never questions any of it. She’s actually one of the people I tested Dunlap with, to see if he would believe her over me, that’s how easily she’s manipulated.”
That poor girl. Riana felt sorry for her but wondered if the sympathy would last past their first meeting. Riana had a low tolerance for fools, it was one of her weak points. “So I can literally tell her anything. Noted. Who’s the other two?”
“Bexton. Now, he’s not a lord but in fact a page. He’s roughly, hmm, thirteen? But he runs messages for literally anyone and everyone and because of that, he’s like this fly on the wall. He’s constantly in places that he technically shouldn’t be in, hears things he’s not supposed to, and repeats all of it to anyone that will give him the time of day. You know that phrase, loose lips sinks ships?”
Riana and Ash nodded.
“This boy could sink an entire armada. He’s one of my favorites to pass ‘confidential’ notes through, as I’m guaranteed to have a copy of that note to everyone in Kremser before the hour has struck. He’s terribly efficient when it comes to gossip. He is not, sadly, always credible, however. I have found holes in his information as he will sometimes mix things up a little.”
Which meant he wasn’t a very good spy. “But doesn’t that make anything he says dangerous?”
“Indeed so, but for our purposes of misdirection, he’s invaluable as he’ll put a spin on things in the most creative of ways. Now, for our last person: Lady Sircy. She’s an interesting one. She’s the wife of Lord Sircy, Minister of Finance. If you ask her, she abhors gossip, wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole. She’s a very uptight and self-righteous woman.”
“But…?” Ash encouraged, eyes crinkling up in amusement. “That’s not at all the case, I take it.”
“Not at all,” Woelfel agreed cheerfully. “For a woman that doesn’t gossip, it’s amazing how many rumors pass through her hands. She has bat ears, I swear she does, as she’ll pick up on things that my other three don’t. And while she’s above the whole thing, if you ask her about some subject or person, she’ll tell you every single thing she knows all while informing you that it was just rumor and you shouldn’t pay attention to any part of it.”
Ah, one of those types. Riana knew them well. She’d encountered women like her before. They were easily enough handled, as long as you played along with the game. “Surely those aren’t the only Court gossips?”
“No, there are others, these four are just my favorites. Of course, I’ll introduce you to them. Before I forget to mention this, there are two people specifically that you need to watch out for: Hyde and Larcinese. Hyde is the new Captain of the Guard.”
“Wait,” Ash interrupted, “I met the Captain of the Guard when we came in for that disastrous audience with Zelman. You mean to tell me that Halloway got replaced?”
“Child of a second wife,” Woelfel explained with a grimace.
Ash puffed out a breath of disbelief. To Riana, he explained, “There’s a few people that are actually worth their salt and keep Iysh from crumbling to the ground. Halloway is—was—one of those people.”
“As to Larcinese, he’s one of Axley’s compatriots and I dare say his strongest supporter. His tastes in pleasure are even more questionable than Axley’s and believe me, that’s saying something. I do not want you anywhere near him.”
Riana blinked. For a moment there, Woelfel looked as protective of her as Ash was. “He’s truly that terrible?”
“Worse. I can’t describe how bad without going into detail, which I’m loathe to do. For one, its offensive, for another, Ash would have my head if I were to taint your ears in such a way.”
Ash gave a confirming nod, expression impenetrable behind a mild smile.
Woelfel nodded back, lips tucked up into a wry quirk. “I thought as much. Suffice it to say, no lady of any breeding would be caught near him. Especially since you are playing the part of a sweet, naïve girl, you should avoid him at all costs. I do mean all costs. Even if it means getting physical, do not make contact with him.”
“Point him out to me the first night in Court,” Riana requested. “So I can avoid him properly.”
“Of course, of course. Other than that, I have other minor people that are either useful or should be avoided, but those are the main ones.”
Riana’s head swam with names, roles, and information so she was glad that he chose to stop there for the time being.
With a finger, Woelfel lifted the curtain aside on the carriage windows and looked outside for a moment. “We seem to be nearing Vailwood. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch. Let’s take a break, shall we, and continue later this afternoon.”
Riana hoped her brain could hold out. This trip was wearing out her memory and they still had four days to go until reaching Kremser.
Chapter Eleven
Riana actually didn’t get to see most of Kremser on the ride in. They came in mid-afternoon, during the busiest time of the day. Riana had a clear view of the city as they came in, seen from her carriage window. Kremser was built on a succession of low rolling hills, making it possible to see other sections of the city’s roofline. In the far distance, she could see part of the palace rising up and above, noticeable because of the banners flying high on top of the towers. It didn’t seem to reside in the exact center of the city, but closer toward this northern gate. Perhaps it originally was in t
he center, and then the city just grew every which way until it was in this lopsided shape instead.
The place bustled with people of all types, at least a third of them foreigners in the city, which didn’t come as much of a surprise. Surely a capital city would attract any and everyone. The streets were flat and paved, the buildings mostly brick or stone, and it all seemed tidy and well kept. Since they were in wartime, she’d expected some sort of martial law to be in place, or at least a heightened sense of security, but there was little evidence of that. Guards were on the gate, certainly, but the crest on the side of the carriage door was enough to grant them immediate entrance into the city.
Having lived in dangerous climes most of her life, this lax attitude made her head hurt.
Perhaps Woelfel sensed her thoughts, as he gave her a rakish grin. “Relaxed security makes a spy’s playground, my lady. Do not complain when your enemy is in the midst of making a mistake.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, my lord,” she drawled back. “Even if I do think it is stupid.”
“Well, how do you think Edvard, Ashlynn, and I waltzed in here, then managed to escape again?” Ash queried them both, voice rich with amusement. “By the time an alarm sounded, the guards were too badly out of position to catch us, even though they scrambled to do so.”
Seeing it with her own eyes, it now made more sense. “And here I thought it was because of your amazing magical prowess.”
Ash, without batting an eye, shrugged. “But of course. That too.”
Woelfel clearly realized she was teasing but still had to ask, “How much of it is rumor? That you and your sister were the reason why you won the first two battles with Iysh.”
Regarding him steadily, Ash responded simply, “We had thirty-five guardsmen in Estole during the first two battles.”
The full implications hit and Woelfel let out a low whistle. He didn’t say another word but the impressed look he gave the wizard spoke volumes.
Privately, Riana was glad to see this. Woelfel had seemed to take Ash more or less for granted, like an extra addition to Riana and little more. Now that they had been traveling for the past eight days, getting to know each other better, that attitude had been altered. She always wanted people to properly appreciate Ash, of course, but it also was a matter of safety. Woelfel needed to know that when the chips were down, their wizard backup was a force to be reckoned with.
They rode through the city streets and straight to Woelfel’s townhome. It was here that they had to be semi-tricky, as no word of Ash’s presence could be leaked to the outside. At least, not his true identity. He had been posing as Woelfel’s servant throughout the trip. As a spy house, Woelfel only had the most trusted of staff inside, so Ash was safe enough once he was in the house. He just had to be extremely careful entering or exiting it. His arrival today would be especially watched as Woelfel had made a show of fetching his “cousin” from Senn. Anyone that was curious enough to keep tabs on his whereabouts would be on the lookout for the lord and his backwater guest.
The plan was for Ash to stay in the carriage after the other two had left, ride into the stable, then don a glamour to copy Woelfel’s livery so that he could pose as a servant simply entering the house after fulfilling his duties. As long as no one had any magical detectors, this plan should go flawlessly. It was a fine line that they tread, as they needed word of Riana’s arrival to spread, and had planned their arrival for this busy time of the day for that reason.
Riana was swept into the house with a bit of flair, which relieved her, as she was deathly tired of being trapped in the narrow confines of the carriage. A petite woman with a whipcord frame and iron grey hair pulled back in a tight bun stood just inside the door, waiting on them. Something about her reminded Riana of the very capable housekeeper in Estole. Perhaps it was that air of competence? The two women didn’t look anything alike.
For the first time in days, Woelfel relaxed a hair and gave someone a heartfelt smile. “Penny.”
The woman gave him a brief curtsey and a smile in return, just like a mother welcoming a son home. “Master Cyr. You made good time. Who is your companion?”
“Saira Vaulx,” Woelfel introduced with a sweep of the hand. As previously discussed, Riana’s name would never be used in Kremser, not even here. “Saira, this is Mrs. Pennington, my very capable majordomo, housekeeper, and keeper of all secrets.”
So this was the woman that kept track of all the informants and the intel they gave? Woelfel had bragged about her off and on while they rode, and Riana was very curious to know what kind of woman could multi-task so flawlessly. This hardened grandmother was outside her expectations, but if there was anything she had learned about spies at this point, the nondescript people often excelled in the craft. “A great pleasure, Mrs. Pennington.”
“We are pleased to have you, Lady Saira.” The woman’s blue eyes raked over her from head to toe and she gave a nod. “You’ll be wanting a bath after your long journey, I think, and some good food. I’ll show you up myself. Master Cyr, our other guest?”
“Will come through the backdoor in a few minutes under glamour. See to him as well, Penny, and put him in a room adjacent to Lady Saira’s.” Half teasing, half serious, Woelfel confided, “They’re bonded partners and Fallbright won’t take any true separation kindly.”
Riana thought about correcting this. Then she pondered Ash’s behavior of late and decided Woelfel might have a point after all.
“Very well.” Pennington gestured for Riana to follow her, discreetly giving orders to a maid and footman as she moved, like a general dispatching officers. Riana took the opportunity to study the man’s home as she moved. In a way, it was rather like Edvard’s castle—not as large, not quite as grand, but it had the same sort of rich furnishing and elegant touches. Marble floors, polished paneling, beautiful landscapes hanging on the walls. The place spoke a little of age, as if it had been here for at least fifty years, but it was all immaculately kept and one couldn’t beg a piece of dust to land anywhere.
With all due efficiency, Pennington had her in a drawn bath, soaking away the stiffness of the journey and enjoying the hot water. Riana was loathe to move and did not even dream of doing so until every ounce of heat from the water was gone. Only then did she begrudgingly climb out, towel dry and think to join the men for an early dinner. A maid came in to help her with her hair, which was another odd thing for Riana to get used to, as she normally just tied it off and moved on with life. But now it was all pins and updos that took time and effort to do and undo.
Really, why did women do this to themselves?
When she finally made it downstairs, she found the men were already seated at the table and waiting on her. Neither of them seemed the least impatient, which made her think they expected Riana to take this long, if not longer. Was this normal for society women, then?
She took the seat next to Ash, which he pulled out for her, playing the part of gentleman to perfection. Riana was dead certain he did it in part to draw lines with Woelfel. For some reason, the man challenged Ash on an instinctive level. Not sure why, but Riana was not above taking advantage of it.
Woelfel nodded to a man hovering nearby, although Riana wasn’t clear what position the man held, just that he was in staff uniform of grey on grey. Then he turned his attention to the two guests at his table. “I thought to start you off easy, Saira. There’s an informal—well, informal for Court—gathering before dinner tomorrow. It happens twice a week, just a chance for people to mingle, gossip, and politick. I can introduce you to some of the key players and expose you to the public.”
The sooner she started, the better, in Riana’s opinion. “I’m ready to start when you are, cousin.”
A glint in his eye, Woelfel purred, “Excellent. Don’t glare at me, Fallbright, it wounds me to the quick.”
“Do not take advantage of your supposed relationship,” Ash warned in a low timbre. “I’ll know if you do.”
“Perish the thought, old cha
p.” Woelfel beamed at him, oozing sincerity.
Riana didn’t buy it for a moment. Was the man incapable of remaining serious for more than three seconds? Or was tweaking Ash’s nose just that irresistible? Trying to drag him back on track, she asked, “Will you give me a quick overview of who I will likely meet tomorrow?”
“It varies,” Woelfel denied with a thoughtful frown at the ceiling. “But there are a few that routinely show up. I should be able to give you at least half a list.”
That was better than nothing at all. Riana nodded in acquiescence.
Dinner was mentally exhausting in a way, as she tried to remember everything told to her, and she felt glad when it ended. The men chose to retire early, as they were all a little exhausted from the long journey they had just completed. Riana withdrew to her very stately bedroom, an opulent affair of greens and dark maple wood, and promptly escaped the dress. It took some wrangling to get it off herself, without any aid from the maid, but she managed it. Climbing into a baggy shirt and some loose leggings, she brushed out her hair while sitting next to the fire. Even this far south, the air had a slight nip to it in the evenings, so the fire was a very welcome thing. Staring at the flames and not-thinking was also a welcome relief after the past three weeks.
A flash of worry, mixed with irritation, came from Ash. Riana paused mid-stroke and turned to stare at their connecting door with considerable exasperation. Was he stressing on that again? She sent a firm feeling of Stop that to him. They weren’t at a telepathic level, certainly, but she had caught on to the finer art of emotional messages.
It worked, as Ash openly flinched and a guilty feeling came back to her. He always thought he had somehow closed himself off from her, so that she wouldn’t know when he was chewing on something that should be left alone. Why he thought this, Riana had no idea, as she caught him every time.
A little cautiously, there was a knock on their shared door. “Come in,” she encouraged dryly. “It’s better you talk to me than chewing on it silently.”
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