“Most days,” Indree said, and moved to stand beside the Lady Protector’s chair. She had a package under one arm. “It’s been busy. We’re still dealing with the damage from Endo’s attack. But it’s not nearly as bad as it could have been.” She looked to Tane with a slight smile. “Thanks to you.”
Tane rubbed the back of his neck. “Any sign of Endo yet?”
Indree shook her head. “We’ve got patrols scouring the Channel and every road, but I don’t think we’re going to find him. He’ll have gone to ground by now.”
“But that is not why we’re here,” said Lady Abena. “Unlike the Nieris matter, there is no reason the Protectorate cannot thank you two for your service in stopping these killings. We come bearing gifts.” She nodded to Indree, who placed her package on Tane’s desk. “Firstly, a token of appreciation, commissioned under Inspector Lovial’s guidance.”
“Open it after we leave,” Indree said, a glint of mischief in her eye.
“And secondly,” said Lady Abena, “a matter I think has been overlooked for too long.” She reached into her coat and pulled out a roll of papers, which she unbound and spread on the desk. “Miss Kadka, if you would look these over.”
Kadka cocked her head curiously and removed her feet from the desk to lean forward over the papers. She frowned, trying to puzzle out the Audish words, and glanced to Tane. “Carver? Is what I think?”
Tane looked over the papers, and his eyes widened. “These are citizenship papers.”
“You weren’t born within our borders, but few native citizens have done as much for the Protectorate as you have,” said Lady Abena. “I thought it only fair. Of course, it is your decision. You only need sign your name.”
Kadka didn’t hesitate. “Where is pen?”
Tane pulled open a desk drawer and handed her a pen and inkwell. She snatched them up, signing her name in a messy scrawl at the bottom of the papers. Then, she looked up at Lady Abena. “Is done?”
The Lady Protector gently took the pen, and turned the papers toward herself. She signed across from Kadka’s name in a much neater hand. “It is now. Welcome to the Protectorate, Miss Kadka.”
“Congratulations, Kadka,” said Tane, laying a hand on her shoulder.
“Is my fight now,” Kadka said softly, and though Tane didn’t know what that meant, he could have sworn he saw a glint of wetness in her eye before she blinked it away. “Thank you, Ladyship. I will not let you down.”
“I don’t expect you will,” said Lady Abena. “And we may need your help again soon. Mister Stooke is a brilliant man, and his recent demonstration will, unfortunately, draw those of a certain mindset to the Knights of the Emperor. He has, it seems, managed to take with him a large portion of the Stooke fortune, and his house has trade connections all across the Continent. Even as a fugitive, I suspect he will not find himself lacking for resources. You two have as much insight into the man as anyone—I hope we can rely on your assistance in dealing with him.”
Tane and Kadka shared a glance, and nodded their assent at the same time.
“You can count on us,” said Tane.
“I knew we could.” Lady Abena rose to her feet. “Now, we must be on our way. There is still much to do, and I’m sure Chancellor Greymond would prefer it if you kept at work on the new wards. Inspector Lovial?”
They were on their way out the door when Tane finally mustered up his nerve. “Ree, wait.”
She turned, with a half-smile that said she knew exactly what he was going to ask. “Yes, Tane?”
“Maybe we could get that dinner tonight?”
Indree’s smile broke full across her face. “I think we’ve waited long enough. I’ll see you tonight.” She nodded to the package still waiting on the desk. “And don’t forget to open that.” Again, that spark of amusement in her eyes. Then she was gone, and the door swung closed behind her.
Kadka grinned toothily at him. “Takes you long enough to ask.”
“Shut up,” said Tane, but he couldn’t stop smiling.
“Wipe off funny look and open present,” Kadka said, tapping the package. “I want to see it.”
Tane picked the package up, hefted it in his hand. It was heavy, probably metal, flat and rectangular in shape. He tore off the wrapping to find an engraved brass plaque, held it up to read.
And groaned.
“What? What is it?” Kadka stood and craned her neck over, trying to get a look.
Reluctantly, Tane put it down on the desk for her to see. “I wonder if I can give it back.”
Kadka cackled loudly as she read it. “Have to use. Is gift from Lady Protector. No choice now.”
The plaque was clearly intended to replace the unfinished one on the office door. It was lovely work, engraved at the center with Audland’s rearing gryphon, and inscribed underneath with the words, In honor of courageous service to the Protectorate.
Which wasn’t the part that bothered him. Now he knew what Indree had found so amusing—the name inscribed above the gryphon. A name he was apparently stuck with.
Magebreakers Consulting and Investigation.
Thank you so much for reading The Emperor’s Mask. I hope you enjoyed it! If you want more of Tane and Kadka, and you’d like to be notified when more books are released, you can sign up for my mailing list here, or find a link on my website at bensdobson.com. And please, consider leaving a review of this book on Amazon. It’s a great way to help me build an audience so I can keep writing!
About the Author
_____
Ben S. Dobson is a Canadian fantasy author. When he isn’t writing to indulge his lifelong passion for epic tales, he can probably be found playing Dungeons and Dragons, or watching a Joss Whedon show, or something equally geeky.
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The Emperor's Mask (Magebreakers Book 2) Page 22