The footsteps echoed. Closer.
I reached for the door latch, the oiled metal cold against my palm. It, too, was locked.
Be still, Lilik. Breathe.
I realized my held breath had made me dizzy, and I slowly exhaled.
Good.
Tyrak extended a thread of comfort accompanied by the sensation of his body near mine, just a hint rather than the full weight I’d felt lying atop me earlier in the evening. My heart slowed, and without my pulse pounding in my ears I could hear more clearly. From down the hallway, the click of metal against metal—a key in the lock—was followed by a thunk and the shushing sound of a door opening.
Moments later, the door shut with a quiet snick.
No doubt it had been Trader Ulstat entering his room. I heaved a shaky sigh. “Too close,” I whispered.
You still think this is a good idea? Tyrak asked.
I didn’t answer him; an argument would just distract me. Once again slipping into the hall, I tiptoed forward. It would be a while before Trader Ulstat fell asleep. As I advanced along the hallway, I tried the other two doors. Neither were locked. If I could figure out which was Mieshk’s, I could hide there while I waited for the prime trader to finish his nighttime preparations and climb into bed. Unfortunately, I’d have to peer inside to be certain. And there was no reason to risk it until I knew if I could get inside Trader Ulstat’s chamber later.
Once again standing in front of the ironbound door, I closed my eyes and laid a hand on the latch. I pressed against the metal, a hard lump in my throat. The latch moved, just enough to tell me the door was unlocked.
I shuffled backward and away from the door. Now I had only to wait.
The question was, where?
If you won’t let me persuade you to abandon this idea, may I at least give you some advice? Tyrak asked.
I always listen to your advice, I said. But when you’re trying to tell me not to do something because you’re worried for my safety, I reserve the right to ignore it.
That’s one thing you and Zyri have in common. Stubbornness. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I . . . enjoy being with you.
I heard plenty of unspoken emotion in his words. But I wouldn’t let him distract me from my plan.
Are you going to tell me your advice or not? Because I’m feeling rather exposed here in the middle of the hallway.
A hint of his frustration joined his words as they threaded into my mind. You have at least an hour to wait. It’s stupid to stay near this part of the house. Go back to your room.
To do that, I have to pass the guard again. Don’t you think that’s a bigger risk?
At the reminder, his frustration shifted to embarrassment. He withdrew his emotions from our connection, but it was too late. We both knew he’d made a mistake.
You don’t have to know everything for me to respect your opinion, I offered as a token of peace.
I know, but I feel like I should. I’ve been alive for a thousand more years than you have. Don’t you think that should grant me at least a little wisdom?
I tiptoed back along the corridor while I considered that. I hadn’t thought about Tyrak in that way before. True, he knew a lot about fighting, but mostly I remembered him through Zyri’s experience, as a boy—a young man maybe—not much older than me.
I’ll try to keep that in mind, I said.
Sometimes I feel like I’m showering you with unwanted advice. Zyri always told me we should talk more . . .
Hmm. I seem to remember her wishing you would clap shut and kiss her.
A wave of sadness flowed from him. That too, I’m sure. Oh, Lilik. I miss her so much sometimes.
I know you do. What do you think about the study?
I peered into the chamber, Trader Ulstat’s desk a hulking shadow in the middle of the room.
Perfect, he said.
I wish you could be with her.
I know you do, he returned, echoing my statement from moments before.
Unfortunately, the papers were no longer piled on the desk. Rifling through them would have kept me occupied while waiting. I tried the desk drawer. Locked. I shouldn’t have expected anything else, but if there was one thing I excelled at, it was hoping for the unlikely. At least the desk provided cover. Sitting on the cold floor beneath it, I kept my ears alert for any approach. But aside from the occasional clicking of rodents’ claws somewhere deep in the house, I heard only silence.
After a long time, Tyrak spoke. Say this works, and you assassinate the prime of House Ulstat. What then?
We take their ships, recruit fighters, and leave for Ioene.
So that’s the Boket strategy . . . Kill them and take their stuff.
Seems to work for most armies.
Tyrak’s phantom gave me a little knuckle-nudge to the shoulder. He’s probably asleep. Ready?
In truth, I felt Tyrak’s hatred for murder as strongly as the emotion sat in my heart. I’d killed three men, and I regretted every one. But if the alternative were to watch the Islands ruined by Mieshk’s cataclysm, I’d kill as many evil men and women as it took to protect my friends and my family and my homeland. Joking about it didn’t make the task any less despicable, but it might help me get through the next few minutes.
I clambered out from beneath the desk and stretched the kinks from my limbs. One of my knees popped with a crack that echoed in the stone-walled room. I cringed, imagining the sound summoning guards from some distant recess of the home. But no footfalls reverberated through the corridors.
Stepping into the hallway, I slipped like a ghost toward Trader Ulstat’s bedroom. Moments later, I once again stood facing his door, hand on the latch. My fingers dug into my jacket pocket and pulled Tyrak free. In the dark hallway, the blade glinted, the color of a moon hidden behind a layer of clouds.
I squeezed the latch, and the door swung open, exposing the pitch black interior of the room. As I stepped into the chamber, I blinked, hoping my eyes would adjust and allow me to get at least a sense of what lay before me.
Another step, and I felt the edge of a fur rug beneath my bare foot. The animal’s pelt was stiff and bristly. Keeping my weapon arm forward I shuffled to get both feet on the rug. Still, I saw nothing.
As I advanced, I kept my balance centered, ready for my forward leg to knock into something. I just hoped it wouldn’t make a clatter.
I don’t suppose you want any more advice right now. As in turn around and leave.
Not right now. Though if you could figure out how to conjure a light, I’d be eternally indebted.
Eternally, huh? I like the sound of that.
Clap shut, Tyrak.
My foot hit something hard, and I squirmed my toes over it only to realize it was the skull of whatever poor creature had given its life to become Ulstat carpet. As I detoured to avoid the dead beast’s head, I felt something behind me.
No. Someone.
A hand clamped over my mouth, sealing in my scream as an arm like iron wrapped me around the waist and lifted me from my feet. I struck backward with the dagger, the motion awkward and hitting nothing but air.
Lilik. Go quietly! Wake the trader, and you’re dead.
Go quietly? Are you crazy? I said back, still struggling. The man behind me gave a quiet grunt and squeezed tighter. I bit at his hand, tasted leather and sweat, but couldn’t get purchase on his callused palm.
You’re giving yourself away! Don’t be an idiot.
When I kept fighting, Tyrak leaped from the dagger and sank into my body. He filled me with calm. It didn’t work. I lashed low with the dagger, catching fabric with the point, but I still couldn’t cut flesh.
That’s when Tyrak took control. Abruptly, I had no command of my arms or legs. I was helpless, trapped in my own mind as Tyrak held me motionless.
I’m sorry, he said. So sorry, Lilik. I didn’t know what else to do.
Out! I shrieked into the aether that bound us. Get out!
I will. Promise me one thing. Don’t
get yourself killed. I can’t lose you. With that, he withdrew. I started to fight before glimpsing my surroundings. While Tyrak had held me frozen, my captor had dragged me back into the hallway. He spun me around and set me on the floor, facing the door to Trader Ulstat’s chamber once again.
The door was shut.
Ashhi stood between her father’s bedroom and me. Her eyes shot to the person holding me. “Let her go. If she yells, she’s only killing herself. And her family.”
The hand left my face, and I pursed my lips. I spat on the floor, trying to rid my mouth of the taste the man’s sweat. Craning my neck, I saw an Ulstat House guard standing behind me, his face stony.
“You were lucky,” Ashhi said. “My father’s guard tonight had no desire to clean your blood from his master’s chamber. He saw you in the hallway earlier and brought the story to me.”
I glared at her, furious. Behind me, the guard shifted. I could feel his body heat against my back.
Ashhi rolled her eyes. “Now’s the part where you put away your weapon.”
My eyes flicked to my weapon hand. I hadn’t realized I still held Tyrak before me. It probably wouldn’t work out well if I tried to fight the guardsman here in the hall. Meeting her stare to show I wasn’t intimidated, I tucked the dagger back into my jacket.
She nodded. “Good. Now, you’d be smart to go back to bed. Obviously, I couldn’t let you attack my father. But I don’t want to see you—or anyone—hurt.”
I think you might make an ally of her if you keep your temper under control, Tyrak said.
I curled my toes. I wanted to ignore him, especially after what he’d just done to me. But he was probably right. At the very least, I’d have no luck carrying out my plan to get rid of Trader Ulstat tonight.
“How do you know I won’t just try again?” I asked.
Her brows raised as she shrugged. “I just have to hope. You must believe me, I don’t like how your family is being treated. I’m working on it.”
“Do you understand that there’s more at stake here? Your sister—”
She cut me off, her words almost sharp enough to penetrate the solid wood door behind her. “This is not the time to talk of such things. Now go.”
It took all my self-restraint to turn and pad from the hallway. After returning from Ioene, I’d vowed never to submit to a trader’s command again. But right now, my only choice was retreat.
I hated every step.
I yanked the door shut behind me and stomped to my bed, stumbling in the dark. I was acting like a child, but I couldn’t help it. The truth was, I was embarrassed. Tyrak had been right. The plan had been stupid.
Not only that, he’d had to save me in the end.
If you ever take control of me like that again, we are finished. I’ll have you melted down. I don’t care what happens to your spirit.
When Tyrak responded, his voice was heavy with exhaustion. I’m so sorry, Lilik. I didn’t expect that to happen, but once I realized what I’d done, I took advantage of it. I was afraid I’d lose you.
So you violated my trust? How can I keep myself open to you after that?
I didn’t think . . . Listen, Lilik. All I was trying to do was calm you. We’ve joined before, with equal control. So I thought if I just tried a little harder, I could break through to you. Help you realize what was going on. And all of a sudden, I realized you weren’t fighting me.
Because I couldn’t fight you.
I know. I understand. But by that time it was too late, so I held on long enough to keep you from waking Trader Ulstat. I really am sorry. It won’t happen again.
I pressed my fist against the outside of my jacket, pinning the dagger against my body. You’re right. It won’t happen again.
But think of it this way, Lilik. You were in my power for a few breaths, whereas I am in your control every minute of every day. Like you said, you could have me melted down.
I flopped down on the covers. I hadn’t thought about it that way, but Tyrak was right. I had more power over him than he could possibly exert over me.
Fine. I accept your apology, I said.
I don’t know what I’d do if you wouldn’t. I mean it. You are my only window into life, Lilik.
I sighed. I wish fate hadn’t put us in this position.
We remained silent for awhile, listening to the air move through the room.
As for your assassination attempt, he said finally. I suppose there’s no need to say “I told you so.”
Keep talking about that and we’ll go back to the blast furnace idea. You. A fire hot enough to melt steel.
With a phantom finger, he nudged my shoulder. At least you learned something. Ashhi is not as ruthless as the rest of the Ulstats. There’s opportunity there.
Maybe, I said. Or maybe she’s just more conniving.
Tyrak sent a tendril of approval through our bond. I like how you think.
Don’t lie.
Okay, I like how you think some of the time.
I laid my hands, palm up, atop my forehead as I stared into the darkness above the bed. I know it was reckless. After Istanik, I ended up with the idea I was more capable than I am.
You’re entirely capable, Lilik. It’s part of the problem. Makes you too confident.
I guess that’s why I’m so frustrated. At least on Istanik, I could do something. When the traders wouldn’t help, I recruited the gutterborn. But here, any move I make endangers my family.
He left the dagger and sat beside me, legs outstretched on the bed with his back propped against the headboard. Or at least, that’s how his phantom felt to me.
And if you do nothing, it’s not just your family who will be hurt. I understand. We’ll solve this, Lilik. But what you do think about working together rather than trying to demolish House Ulstat all on your own?
I smiled into the darkness. All right, Tyrak. We work together.
Chapter Nine
THE NEXT MORNING, my heart raced when I answered the summons to Trader Ulstat’s study. Seeing him sitting behind the desk, all I could think of was my hour spent huddling beneath it. Despite Ashhi’s reassurances, I had a hard time believing she wouldn’t warn her father. Palms slick, I waited until he looked up from his papers.
“Water sources,” he said. “I’d like to know locations and any other information you consider relevant. As you recall, by volunteering more than I ask for, you have the chance to earn food for your family.”
My cheek twitched. It appeared he wasn't going to confront me for trying to kill him. Instead, he wanted to continue this other torment. Nostrils flaring, I took a deep breath.
Remember to be patient, Tyrak said. Angering him will only make it harder for us.
“There are freshwater springs on the lower slopes of the island. Specifically, there was a rocky pool near the last location I saw your daughter. Too close to the ocean, and the springs are usually brackish. But you’d find that out as soon as you try to drink from them.”
The corners of the man’s mouth drew down in a frown of consideration. “Not bad. And as it happens, much of your information agrees with your friends. This time. You see, I knew you valued your lives enough to see things from my perspective.”
“If there’s nothing else . . .” I took a step backward.
“Actually, there is.”
Sweat sprang up at my hairline. I rubbed my thumbs against the edges of my index fingers, trying to keep calm.
“I’ve spoken to Trader Ovintak already,” he said. “You are not to be alone with him under any circumstances.”
This again? I glared. “Your servant expressed some distaste for our relations when he evicted me from Raav’s room.”
“As he should. It's inappropriate.”
“I’m not concerned about your opinion on what’s appropriate, and neither is Raav.”
Purple splotches darkened his face. “Within my household, I am the ultimate authority. You’d do well to remember that.” He paused, controlling himself. “Prep
are for an early call to the midday meal,” he said, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.
I headed for the rear of the house, crossing the empty great room before shouldering out the door into the morning sun. Squinting, I marched toward the blacksmith’s workshop I’d spotted the day before. As I stamped along the narrow gravel path, I scanned the jagged hills beyond the grounds. Already, heat shimmered off the bare stone. Across the grounds, I glimpsed Nyralit near the graveyard. Nodding to myself, I headed the other direction. We’d find this tunnel. We had to.
While I searched the grounds, more Ulstat soldiers arrived at the compound. Squad after squad marched for the barracks. Each footfall and snarl added to my growing fear. I needed to start considering alternatives in case we couldn’t get help from outside. Escape? Abandon my family? Join with the Ulstats in hopes of betraying them later?
From the house, I heard the bell announcing the preparations for the midday meal. Early, as promised. I wanted to keep searching, but whatever my plans, I didn’t want to give our host reasons to act prematurely. As I passed back through the house, I stared at my feet to avoid feeling crushed by the ceilings. Every passing minute added to the urgency coloring my thoughts. If I didn’t have a good answer by nightfall, I’d need to consider drastic options.
Shadows filled my room, despite the midday sun. I lit a couple lamps and paced, awaiting a summons to eat or a delivery of more bland food. After a few minutes, I noticed that the underclothes had been removed from the gaps in the wall. Maybe I’d stuff them back in later just to spite the Ulstat spies.
When a servant entered without knocking, I spun.
“You are instructed to appear in the dining room,” he said.
“What if I’m not hungry?” I said, watching him for a reaction. My hopes for finding allies among the staff were fading, but I shouldn’t give up.
“I only pass the message,” he said with an annoyed shrug.
Following the servant into the hall, I brushed past him and marched to the dining hall. When I pushed the door open, only Raav stood inside. I slipped past the door and let it swing shut behind me. Raav looked confused. Stepping aside, he gestured at the small table which had replaced Trader Ulstat’s previous monstrosity. Four chairs surrounded it, and on the tabletop, four place settings stood ready. Crystal goblets were filled with some sort of juice—or maybe wine.
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