“So she follows this man herself, finds where he lives. Gets in to look when he doesn’t lock door.” Kadka grinned. “I like this girl.”
“So do I,” said Carver. “Which is why we need to help her. Because if these people want her so badly, she must have seen something she shouldn’t have. And if they get her first, they’re going to make sure she never tells anyone what it was.”
Chapter Seven
_____
“WELL,” SAID INDREE, bracing her hands on her knees to examine the charred body of the kidnapper, “at least you called me in this time.”
“I’m occasionally capable of growth,” Tane said. “It just takes a while.” He’d contacted her with the sending locket she’d given him—an artifact with a lock of her hair inside that could send her an Astral signal to open a sending. Without magecraft, he couldn’t do it himself. “Anyway, I didn’t have much choice. It wouldn’t have looked particularly innocent if we hadn’t said anything and then your diviners found traces of us here.”
Indree straightened and turned to face Tane and Kadka. “I like to think that wasn’t the only reason,” she said. “But you’re right, it wouldn’t have looked good.”
“Can you tell us anything about him?” Tane asked.
“Not much,” said Indree. “The name associated with these rooms is Nelton Heynes, but that’s about all I know. Divination doesn’t give me much. His final vision doesn’t show anyone, it’s just… him burning. He never laid eyes on this Tinga girl you say was here. Which, by the way, makes her a suspect too. Especially if Heynes took her friend. That’s motive. Maybe justifiable, but still.”
Tane shook his head vehemently. “She didn’t kill him, Indree. He was using… some sort of uncontrolled magic. I saw him jump halfway up a factory wall. Kadka saw more than I did.”
“Too fast, too strong,” Kadka said, taking up the thread. “Looked like spellfire in his eyes, burning. Gets worse as we fight, but he gets stronger too. Not something Tinga does to him.”
“Exactly,” said Tane. “If anyone’s responsible, it’s probably whoever sent him to kidnap these people. I don’t think he came up with that spell on his own. I couldn’t tell you if he was even a mage—he never cast anything in front of us.”
“I believe you,” said Indree. “But I’m not the one who needs to. Whatever happened, it looks like someone murdered him with spellfire. Being first on the scene gives me authority for now, but I’m Lady Abena’s liason, and there’s nothing about this man’s death that justifies her involvement. Which means Chief Durren isn’t going to make it my investigation.”
“We just need you to do what you can to keep the focus off Tinga,” said Tane. That was part of why he’d called Indree to the scene rather than letting the bluecaps stumble upon it themselves—he trusted her to see reason. “Please. I’m sure she was just looking for her friend, and she saw us here. If the bluecaps come after her now, she’ll think Kadka and I are working with you. She’s never going to trust us after that.”
“What, you don’t think Durren will have this handled with grace and discretion?” Indree sighed. “Honestly, you probably don’t have to worry. Another death in Greenstone is just business as usual as far as he’s concerned. Heynes won’t be a priority, with everything else going on in the city right now. Still, I’ll do what I can if it perks any ears.”
“Thanks, Indree,” said Tane. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She snorted. “To abuse my position so you can follow a hunch? The scary thing is, I’m starting to get used to it.”
“Great,” said Tane. “Because there’s something else I need. Have you ever heard of a Lorek ‘Lefty’ Lodestone?”
Indree looked surprised to hear the name. “I have, actually. Why?”
“Because he’s looking for Tinga too. And with less pure intent, I suspect.”
“He was a constable,” Indree said. “Inspector, actually. Before I joined, but I’ve heard his name. There were some rumors about corruption, and then he lost his arm on the job. A fire, I think. After that he took a leave and didn’t come back.”
“Was bluecap?” Kadka nodded knowingly. “Thought so. Talks same way.”
“I thought the same thing,” said Tane. “Arrogant, like we were on his crime scene.”
“Oh, so that’s how we talk, is it?” Indree arched an eyebrow.
Kadka grinned. “You, act in charge? Never. Is others we mean.”
“Right.” Tane said. Even with a dead man sitting a few feet away, it was hard to keep a straight face. “I can’t recall a time when you’ve tried to order us around.”
Indree rolled her eyes. “If I didn’t give you so much slack you’d already be in prison. Do you want to hear more about Lodestone, or not?”
Tane raised his hands in submission. “You’re right, you’re far too good to us. Go on.”
“That’s more like it.” Indree gave a satisfied nod. “Now, as far as I know, he’s been working freelance out of Stooketon since the accident, and for fairly high-level clients. Businesses, wealthy people. He still has connections in the constabulary, and that’s valuable to some people. Apparently it paid for his new arm, which I understand is something to see.”
“Is good magic,” Kadka confirmed with enthusiasm. “Knocks me out with glyph in palm, like daze wand. Like it better than him.”
“Not surprising,” said Indree. “I can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone praise his personality. I’ve never met him, but a missing goblin girl doesn’t seem like the sort of case he gets involved in. Unless he’s being paid by someone who wants to keep something quiet, like you say.”
“Can you find more?” Tane asked. “There must be something about him on file at Stooketon Yard.”
“Maybe,” said Indree. “Anything in particular? You sound like you’re looking for something.”
“I don’t know exactly,” Tane said. “But… last night there was a moment. He told us to find Tinga fast, and it almost sounded like he meant it. I mean, I don’t think he’ll let us do it if he can help it, but I got the feeling that he might not mind if we did. If that makes sense.”
“But he is liar,” said Kadka. “Maybe he tries to trick us.”
“Could be.” Tane had considered the notion. “I’ve been tricked before, but he felt… in the general direction of sincere, if only for that one moment. And if he’s got any doubts about what he’s doing, that could be useful to us. I’d like to hear more about those corruption rumors, and how he left the constabulary. Get a better feeling for him.”
“I’ll look into it,” said Indree. “And I’ll try to get a few plainclothes constables to watch over this Nest from a distance, without spooking anyone. I think Lady Abena’s authority can manage at least that to keep these people safe.”
Tane squeezed her shoulder. “You really are too good to us.”
“I know.” Indree smiled at him. “Now get out of here. This is a crime scene and I’ve got procedures to follow.”
“Probably should get some rest anyway.” Tane yawned by way of demonstration. It had been a long night. “But let us know what you find. Here, or on Lefty. We’re running low on leads right now.”
As he turned to go, Indree took his hand, pulling him back. “Be careful, Tane. I’m not trying to stop you—I think you’re right that this girl won’t let the constabulary get close, and if anyone can help her, you can. But this looks like it’s going to get dangerous.” Her eyes went to Heynes’ charred body. “Use the locket if you need me and I’ll be there, any time.”
“I will.” He didn’t give it much thought; she always told him to be careful, and he always said he would.
But she didn’t let go of his hand. Instead she stepped close, her face inches from his, and looked him right in the eyes. “Don’t just humor me this time. Promise. Endo Stooke is still out there with a grudge, and he’s almost killed you a few times already. I can’t…” She swallowed. “Just promise.”
Whatever di
stance had been between them lately, it wasn’t there in that moment. Tane met her gaze. “I promise,” he said, and this time he meant it.
“Good.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “And good luck. If what happened here is any indication, Tinga is going to need your help, and soon.”
Chapter Eight
_____
THE TAVERN WAS dimly lit and grubby, but it met the only criteria it needed to: it served drinks and it was still open at this hour. It had to be at least two o’clock in the morning, maybe three—Tane’s watch didn’t work, so he couldn’t be sure. There were more than a few such places in Greenstone that never closed their doors, the only resort for people who worked late hours in the quarries and factories. A scant few patrons sat at the bar now, tired and haggard, but soon enough a new shift would come in, looking for a drink.
Tane slid into a booth in the back corner and sat his glass down in front of him. Kadka squeezed herself into the seat on the other side of the table.
“Thought it was time for rest,” Kadka said with her customary sharp-toothed grin.
“This is… a kind of rest.” Tane took a sip of his drink—the cheapest whiskey they’d had to offer. Which, in a Greenstone tavern, was extremely cheap. “I need to think some things over before I can sleep.”
She took a long pull of her own drink—a heavy ale that had apparently reminded her of home. “Not complaining. Is hard not to think of Tinga out there. What is next?”
Tane swirled his whiskey, thinking. “Well, now that we know she’s acting under her own will, we need to know where she’d want to go. Divinations are out. She’s masked somehow, or Greymond would have found her. Must have lifted an artifact.”
“Sounds like what you would do,” Kadka said.
“It’s what I did do,” Tane said. “Not to mask myself, but when I was preparing to trick the University entrance exams I didn’t exactly have the money to pay for the artifacts I needed. Not easy without getting caught, but Tinga managed it. She’s resourceful.” He took another long sip. “I hope that keeps her ahead of whoever’s looking for her a little longer.”
“She will last, I think. Wants to find her friend. Is easier when you have reason to fight.”
“I think so too. She’s… impressive, as far as I can tell. I just wish I knew what she’d gotten into. Whatever killed Heynes was serious magic, and she can’t keep ahead of this forever. I could say a few unflattering things about Lefty Lodestone, but he doesn’t strike me as incompetent.”
“We will find her first,” Kadka said firmly. Her eyes narrowed. “Dwarf tries to get in our way, maybe he loses another arm.”
Tane snorted. “I’d like to see that. But if we’re going to find her before he does, we need to know where to start looking.”
“Maybe parents know where she would go,” Kadka suggested.
“We should definitely talk to them. They might have some insight, and they ought to know she’s alive. That’s somewhere to start. And maybe Indree finds something on Lefty we can use.” Neither option sounded terribly promising when he said them aloud. He drained the rest of his drink and fell silent, staring at the empty glass.
After a moment, Kadka spoke. “Carver, is something wrong?”
“Well, as leads go, they aren’t much to—”
She shook her head. “Not about case. With you, last few weeks. And today, when Greymond invites you to ceremony, you say no. After everything you do to get students without magic in University. I know is important to you. Why not go?”
Tane grimaced. “Why do you always have to notice everything?” Kadka was a woman of many talents, but the one he always forgot was how insightful she was under all that easy amiability.
“I have this friend, always says to me how he reads people.” Kadka grinned, and took a swig of her ale. “Is annoying, yes?”
“Very.” He sighed. “It just didn’t feel right, getting involved at the University again. I wasn’t lying about all the damage I did chasing the non-magical student thing. I’m glad it’s finally happening, but… I don’t know, now that it’s done I don’t really feel like I belong there anymore. The people I knew are mostly gone, for one reason or another. And now I have”—he gestured around the grungy tavern—“all this. The excitement, the glamour. We’ve had some rough cases, and it’s not exactly steady, but we’re helping people.”
“But doing new case all the time is different than chasing one thing for so long. Must feel strange to let go, yes?”
Tane shrugged. “I suppose. It’s nothing, Kadka. Really.”
Kadka quirked a bushy eyebrow. “Is it? I think Indree notices change too. Something is different with you and her now.”
That hit closer than he liked. “That’s not… I’m not… That’s her, not me!” Tane sputtered. “Spellfire, Kadka, will you drop it? I came here to drink and figure out the case, not… whatever this is.”
Kadka raised her hands. “If this is what you want. But you are both my friends, Carver. I like my friends to be happy. If you want to talk, I will listen.”
Astra, why not, though? Apparently I’m not doing a very good job hiding the problem. It might have been the drink talking, but once his initial self-consciousness passed, it didn’t seem like such a bad idea. “Fine. Maybe you’ll know how to fix it, because I certainly don’t. The thing is, I thought she and I were finally getting back to where we were, but now she’s avoiding me. I mean, not entirely, but any time we might get… close. And I don’t know why.”
“I think she sees same thing I do,” said Kadka. “You are different. When I first meet you, you have focus on only this one thing. Solve case and University will listen to you, so nothing else matters. Don’t listen to anyone else. Now you have other things that matter. Listen to me more, and Indree.” She grinned. “Still do stupid things sometimes, but not so much.”
“That’s good, though, isn’t it? Why would that scare her off?”
“Is good,” Kadka said gently. “But new. She is used to you with old focus. Sees you without it, maybe she wonders how long before you find something else. Leave again, like before.”
Tane shook his head. “No. That’s not going to happen. That was a stupid mistake.”
“I know this. But Indree is careful, yes? Always tells us not to rush in over heads. Is being careful in this, too.” Kadka smiled without showing her teeth, the way she always did when she was trying to be comforting. It looked as unnatural as ever. “But she still worries for you, like tonight. Is good sign.”
“I hope so,” said Tane. “I’m not going anywhere this time.”
“Tell this to her. Maybe helps to hear. More honest you are, more she trusts.”
Tane nodded slowly. “I can do that. I suppose I can’t blame her for being cautious, after what I put her through.”
“No,” Kadka agreed. “Was very stupid of you.”
He shot her a glare. “Well thanks.” Then, after a moment, “That probably should have been more sincere. It wasn’t bad advice.”
“Such praise. You are welcome, Carver.”
Tane leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “So… how do these things go? I don’t have a lot of late-night relationship talks. Do I ask about you now? You and Iskar seem good. Always… licking each other’s faces in front of people and whatnot.”
Kadka cackled at that. “Is good, yes. We have fun.”
“Oh, believe me, I know,” Tane said. “I’ve seen more of it than I care to. Just fun, though?”
She hesitated, just a moment. “Could be more? He is good man.”
“He is. Obnoxiously so. Makes the rest of us look bad.” Tane rubbed the back of his neck. I suppose if there was ever a time to bring it up, this is it. “But… you know he’s keeping some secrets, right?” For instance, how exactly he can breathe fire that breaks through wards. Iskar’s dragonfire—a gift many other kobolds claimed but none could actually demonstrate—had saved Tane and Indree from Endo Stooke, and he was extremely grateful for
that. But it still bothered him that he didn’t understand it. “I’m not trying to be… I trust your judgement, but I want to—”
“Is fine, Carver,” Kadka said with an amused grin. “I know. I am not blind. And I do not forget dragonfire when we break you and Indree out. He will tell me when he is ready.”
“Aren’t you curious, though? It would drive me crazy.”
Kadka drained the last of her drink and slammed the mug down on the table. “Of course I am curious! Is dragonfire.”
Tane laughed. “There’s the Kadka I know. I was worried it was all sage emotional wisdom now.”
“Only when I drink,” she said with a slight grin that quickly fell away. She leaned forward over the table, lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Sometimes… I wonder if he is dragon. In old stories, they change shape. Is this possible?”
“He’s certainly an unusual kobold, but if he’s a dragon in hiding, his disguise is a little bit on the nose, don’t you think?” Tane spread his hands. “I don’t know, Kadka. I’ve been trying to figure him out since you told me about him breaking that ward. But kobolds are an actual race that I know currently exists, and some are born with more draconic traits than others. If we go by historical record, the last dragon died out shortly after the Mage War, and when they were still around, they weren’t very friendly. Sentient to some degree, but apparently prone to fits of violent ‘dragonrage’ that led to attacking villages and the like. Doesn’t sound much like Iskar.”
“No.” Kadka scowled. “But I like these stories less. My mother always tells of dragons who take orc shape, befriend tribes. Protect us.”
“I haven’t heard those ones, but we’ve got some similar legends here. Taking human form and falling in love, that kind of thing.” Tane shrugged. “Dragons are easy to romanticize. There’s a lot of mystery there and not much information. I wouldn’t put too much stock in stories. Most of the tall tales out there probably don’t have any substance.”
“Much nicer than your history, though.” Kadka sighed. “But maybe no answers. Better not to guess. I will wait until Iskar is ready, like I say.” She tipped her head to her empty mug. “Another, or do we sleep?”
The Dragon Machine (Magebreakers Book 3) Page 6