“Wise council. Who knows if there is another attack coming or not. The sooner we get out of these accursed lands the better,” said the second guard.
Bazur smiled. The badlands weren’t cursed. They were harsh and rugged. Only the strong survived in the badlands. It was his home now. It humored him that the legendary royal guards of Draisha were so worried about crossing the badlands. “I’ll scout ahead.”
5
DRAISHA
KYRA followed the menacing looking royal palace guard as he led her deeper into the palace. As they walked down a veritable maze of corridors and down secluded stairwells, it became apparent to Kyra they were not going to one of the normal palace meeting chambers. Kyra knew a little of the palace, what good thief wouldn’t? However, even she hadn’t known the full extent of the palace. They were already two levels below what she had thought to be the palace basement.
The royal palace guard stopped at the end of the dark narrow corridor and pointed into the next room. “Wait in there.” The surely looking fellow turned and started back down the corridor.
Kyra walked into the room. It was large and empty, with the notable exception of a few statues and a collection of paintings on the walls. The torch lit chamber was not the best place to experience such art. The poor flickering light created shadows that danced over the paintings. Normally, with only a minute or two of studying a painting, Kyra could replicate a near perfect forgery. However, in this lighting, she could not trust her eyes to produce a true image. A pity, she thought to herself. An amused smile crept across her face. Had the prince purposely chosen this room to tease her? Or did he have a different reason for the clandestine meeting being held in a hidden part of the palace?
“It’s a lovely collection, isn’t it?”
Kyra turned to see the prince standing behind her. He had not come through one of the two corridors into the room. She’d purposely been standing in a position where she could see the exits. The prince obviously had a hidden doorway to this room. “Yes, it is a beautiful collection. I recognize a few of the paintings as being Draishan artists, but most are foreign works. The statues in particular are elvish works.”
“Good eye. Yes, the statues are elvish, except for the one in the far corner. That one is actually from an orc artist. I have art works from all over the known world. If a culture produces art, I try to find it. I believe you can learn a lot from studying other cultures, their art included,” said Prince Valentine.
“I have no doubt,” said Kyra. “But I don’t think you brought me here for a lesson in world cultures.”
“No,” said the prince with a small smile. “I did learn you have an appreciation of the arts, that you are a rather talented artist yourself. I thought you’d appreciate this collection more than most.”
Kyra kept her facial expression neutral as the prince mentioned her art. That he knew so much about her was concerning. Her clients never knew who was forging their paintings or documents. It was why she used Hoggard as an intermediate. He was not one to reveal details about his associates. And Kyra had only done a few paintings for a powerful friend in Azmarin. If the prince was referring to those paintings, he had a broader reach than she’d given him credit for.
“I brought you here because I have a problem. I know Hoggard told you some of the details. I need to stop these attacks and find out who is behind them. The city guards are coming up with nothing. And everyone that I’ve hired to dig around has ended up dead or missing. The best investigators Draisha has to offer and they find nothing except an early grave.”
“What makes you think I won’t end up dead as well?” asked Kyra.
“Actually, I fear that is a likely outcome. However, I sincerely hope that doesn’t happen. I asked Hoggard for someone unique, someone who would come at this problem with a different mindset from the normal investigators. I’m hoping that you are the answer to my problems.”
Kyra was impressed with the prince’s honesty. It wasn’t comforting that he expected her to end up as his investigators had, but at least he was honest about it. “Well, first I will need to know as much as possible about the attacks.”
“The attacks started six months ago. Several of my key supports have been attacked, as have their business interests. Basically anyone who supports my becoming king has become a target. I have a journal with notes on who’s been attacked. I have also made a list of who hasn’t yet been attacked, and a list of possible targets. Everything I know is in the journals.” Prince Valentine handed her the journals. “There is some very sensitive information in those journals. I’m trusting you will keep them safe.”
Kyra accepted the journals. The prince’s notes would be a great place for her to start her investigation. “These will help tremendously.”
“As will these,” said the prince as he handed her a pair of brooches. The brooches were the official palace insignia. “As of now, you and your mystery companion are official representatives of the Astar family.”
Kyra nodded as the prince handed her the brooches. Having the brooches made her and Bazur two of the most powerful officials in all of Draisha. Even the city guards answered to the representatives of the Astar family. The prince was giving her every possible resource to help find out who was behind the attacks. The weight of the brooches went beyond the mere physical weight of the emblems, she was now official a royal investigator, with all the power and danger that came with the title. It was a surprisingly sobering feeling, holding a simple brooch. “We’ll do our best.”
“I’m told your associate has a tendency to get violent. Try not to hurt anyone, but do what you must to get results. I fear the attacks are only going to escalate until no one will associate with me. I may have a noble birthright, but without political backers I cannot bring in the reforms I seek.” A look of concern washed across the prince’s face. It was obvious he wasn’t totally comfortable with bringing Bazur into Draisha.
Kyra bit her tongue. Bazur certainly would cause issues walking around Draisha. Violence seemed to follow the half-orc everywhere he went, but she wouldn’t take on the task without him. “I realize you may have some doubts about my choice of partners, but I won’t take the job if he doesn’t agree to come. I’ve no intentions of becoming the fourth dead investigator.”
“I understand. I have no choice but to trust your judgment. Traditional methods have failed so now I must embrace more creative methods.” The prince gave a small smile. “My grandfather is probably rolling over in his grave if he is watching me give a thief and a notorious brawler two of the most important positions in the entire kingdom. Are you even sure that he will agree? I hear he is fairly reclusive.”
“Yes. I think I have the one thing that would entice Bazur into Draisha.”
The prince raised an eyebrow. “What is that?”
Kyra flipped her hair over her shoulder and placed her hand on her hip. “Me.” From the first time they had met, there had been an attraction between them, but Bazur had always acted professional. But she’d never fully flirted with him, something she was more than willing to do if it meant getting him to agree to be her partner. Bazur was the perfect combination of scary and trustworthy. She needed him. She would go to the badlands and bring him back or return the brooches, it was that simple. In the meantime, she would start thinking about the prince’s problem. “Do you think your reforms are the cause of the attacks?”
“Yes. This kingdom has long been ripe with greed and corruption. The majority of the people of Draisha will welcome my reforms, but there are many wealthy Draishans who hate the idea of reform. Sadly, the list of potential people behind these attacks is too long to even start. I’m expected upstairs shortly. Is there anything else you need to get started?”
“No. This is more than enough to get started. First, I will have to track down my partner. He doesn’t yet know he will be an investigator.”
“Is that going to be a problem?” asked Prince Valentine.
“I don’t think so. I know
where to find him, and I can be very convincing when I put my mind to it,” said Kyra with a wink.
6
BADLANDS
THE fire crackled and spit sparks into the cool evening air as Bazur waited for the fire to burn down to cooking coals. The trip to defend Angora’s shipment of diamonds had been a success, and he was glad to be home. The royal guards were pleasant enough while he accompanied them, but them seemed equally happy to see him leave.
Nestled into a small canyon, Bazur’s home was a simple yet comfortable dwelling. A limestone cave that nature had cut into the canyon wall. Bazur had since carved further into the rocks, linking his cave with another that was further into the rocks. Between the two connected caves, Bazur had a large roomy dwelling, cool during the hot desert days and easily heated during the nights. Strategically placed holes in the ceiling, carved at an angle to maximize efficiency, allowed in plenty of afternoon sunlight and provided ventilation for his fires. The small canyon also had a natural spring that provided a small amount of water year round. By carving a small well into his cave, Bazur had an ample supply of water at all times, a critical necessity for living in the badlands.
As he cleaned and prepared his dinner, a couple jackrabbits he’d caught earlier in the day, Bazur waited for his guest. While checking his traps, Bazur had noticed a single traveler at a distance coming towards his canyon. The canyon, part of a larger collection of desert canyons that filled the northern part of the badlands, was not on any trading routes. Nor was it near any watering holes aside from his own. The traveler could only be coming to see him. Why was the question. Did they wish a good beating? His heart grinned at the thought.
When a shadow crossed the entrance to the cave, Bazur called out, “Come in. Supper is not quite ready.”
“Supper? I was hoping you’d offer me a drink. Walking across the badlands is thirsty work.”
Bazur turned from his work. Kyra. It was a mild surprise to have the beautiful blonde thief showing up at his home. She’d never ventured into the badlands to meet him before. On the occasions where they had business, she normally left word in Pera. Not that Bazur minded. Kyra was not only beautiful, she was smart and full of fire. He would enjoy her company; she was a strong female with a tongue as sharp as any sword. She would have made a fine orc. “What brings you to the badlands? I presume you didn’t walk all this way to try my roast rabbit.” Bazur pointed to the baked clay cups sitting on one of his shelves.
Kyra grabbed a cup and sauntered over to the well. She slowly leaned over and scooped up a cup of water. Her taut and athletic body easily stretched out, showing off her well-formed ass and shapely legs.
Bazur watched Kyra’s performance with a mixture of arousal and amusement. He’d seen her use her sexuality to get things from other men, but she’d never turned her charms on him before. She must really need something, thought Bazur as he took the pieces of rabbit from the marinade bowl and skewered them. Satisfied that the coals were now perfect, he placed the rabbit skewers across a cooking stand he’d built from old sword blades. Bazur glanced at Kyra. She was leaning back against the cave wall watching him. “You know you don’t have to do that.”
“Do what?” asked Kyra.
“Seduce me to get what you want.”
Kyra grinned. “That obvious, am I? What if I was seducing you for my own pleasure?”
“You didn’t walk from Pera to get a little physical attention. What is it that you need?” Whatever it was, it was important enough that she felt the need to seduce him into doing it. Their previous work together had been simple, he’d provided security while she did whatever it was she was doing, which usually meant stealing something or reading something so she could create a forgery later. This had to be something big, something he wouldn’t want to do.
She put down the water cup and sat down across the fire from Bazur. “When is the last time you’ve been to Draisha?”
Draisha. Bazur, in the four years he’d lived in the badlands, had only been to the kingdom twice. The first time he’d been working for an Azmarinian trader as a bodyguard until a pair of Draishan City guards picked a fight with him in a bar. After Bazur was done with the two city guards, his employer decided he couldn’t afford to have the city guards on his bad side. The city guards controlled the trade market and required bribes for foreign traders to enter the kingdom. With Bazur as his guard, the bribes would’ve been abhorrent. The second trip to Draisha had been to deliver a document to a forgery expert. That was the first time Bazur and Kyra crossed paths. “You were there the last time I was in Draisha. They don’t like my kind there.”
“Your kind? You mean big aggressive fighters with a chip on their shoulder?”
Bazur laughed. She didn't have the right of it, but he wouldn't refuse the compliment. Though he didn't go looking for a trouble, he would never refuse to satisfy it should it find him. He was half orc after all. “Perhaps you are right. Now tell me what you are stealing.”
“Actually, this is far worse than stealing. This is a legit job.”
Bazur eyed Kyra. Now he was curious. To his knowledge, she’d never had a legit job. “Why on earth would you take a legitimate job, and what does that have to do with me?”
Kyra tossed Bazur a brooch.
Bazur’s eyebrows raised as he studied the brooch. It was an emblem of the Astar family, used by their representatives. The royal brooches were not randomly handed out. “Where did you steal this?”
“I didn’t steal it,” said Kyra with a slight tone of indignation in her voice. “You know, I am not only a thief. As it happens, Prince Valentine handed me that brooch himself, along with this one.” Kyra opened the flap on her tunic, revealing her own brooch. “You and I are now official representatives of the royal family. We have nearly unlimited authority in Draisha.”
Kyra and himself official representatives of the royal family? Had the royal family lost its collective minds?
“I can see what you are thinking. I am not that kind of thief. I am not going to take advantage of this to steal from the royal family. I am going to attempt to do this job straight. However, I need a partner I can trust. I need you Bazur.”
Bazur shook his head. “What would you need me for? I am no official.”
Kyra smiled. “Nor am I. You and I are going to be investigators. Someone is messing with Prince Valentine’s business associates, trying to erode support for the prince. Prince Valentine wants us to stop the attacks and figure out who is behind them.”
“Sounds like a job for the city constables.” Going to Draisha meant being surrounded by people. Exactly the type of job he didn’t want. Even worse, an investigator would have to converse and be friendly with people. Why did she think he would be a good fit for this job? It seemed an unlikely match.
Kyra scoffed. “You know as well as I do that the Draishan city constables are available to the highest bidder. If our mystery suspect has any influence with them, they will never find an answer.”
Bazur rubbed his chin as he pondered the crazy idea of being a royal investigator. “I suppose you are right about the city constables. But why would you want me as a partner? There are plenty of sellswords in Draisha that have contacts in the underworld of Draisha. I’m an outsider. Hell, one look at me and they know I’m an outsider.” Being half-orc, Bazur had a particular look, not quite human not quite orc. His skin tone and facial features were mostly human with the exception of his overgrown incisors, which were small by orc standards, but marked him as half-blood more than any other feature. His dark hair and bright blue eyes were traits he inherited from his father. His powerful frame and height came from his orc blood.
“I’m not the first person that Prince Valentine has contracted for this job. He has hired three separate investigators, all men with skills and knowledge of the city. The type of men you would automatically think of for investigating such crimes… All three are dead or missing. That is why the prince wants us. He wants a different approach. And I want you beca
use you are an outsider. I am going to need protection. I have no intentions of being the fourth dead royal investigator. If I can’t pry information out of suspects with flashes of tit or batting my eyes, you can scare the information out of them.”
“So I am the muscle.” Bazur nodded to himself as he said it. He was always up to play that part if it paid well enough. That he got do so with Kyra was a double bonus. Kyra was smart as a whip and as likely to figure out any clues as any real investigator, and she certainly had the ability to use her attractiveness to make men tell her what she wanted. It never ceased to amaze Bazur to watch Kyra lay on the charm. He’d only seen it a few times including now, but each time had been an eye opening learning experience in the powers of female persuasion. He’d known enough women over the years to not be a babe in the woods, but Kyra was on a whole new level, no woman he’d ever known was as attractive or as seductive. As for his own suggested role, Bazur knew few, if any, sellswords in Draisha would be able to intimidate suspects as well as he could. Humans feared orcs, even half-orcs like Bazur. That and Bazur’s reputation in the badlands as a dangerous warrior would give Kyra an advantage when dealing with suspects who didn’t fall for her charms. “I would hate to see you become the fourth dead investigator, Kyra. I will think about it and tell you in the morning.” In truth, he was ready to say yes, but with a woman like Kyra, it was best to make her wait. He had to prove he wasn't so easily susceptible to her charms.
“That is fair. But I was wanting to go over the prince’s notes on the attacks tonight. No prying eyes looking over our shoulders here.”
“After dinner. First we eat. In the basket by the wall are two bapa fruit. Grab them.”
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