Night Study Read Free

much time to make a decision on anything.
    “I’d bet they’re in a panic,” Leif said. “The Commander has Curare, and he won’t be afraid to use it. Unlike our soldiers, I’d bet every single one of his soldiers will have darts laced with the stuff in no time. He could be preparing to invade Sitia as we speak.”
    As the Liaison between Ixia and Sitia, I found that scenario to be unlikely. However, with the Commander keeping secrets from even Valek, I might not know the Commander as well as I’d thought. Still... “Or he could just want to even the playing field. Having both Curare and magicians, Sitia has had the advantage for years.”
    Leif picked up the spoon. “Which has made me feel all safe and warm. Now I’m wondering what type of uniform I’d have to wear when we’re conquered.”
    Considering the Commander had banned all magicians, except me, from Ixia and executed most of those caught inside his borders, I knew that, at best, Leif and the others would be incarcerated in a magic-proof cell for the rest of their lives—or, at worst, they’d all be killed. I decided not to sour his mood any further.
    Instead I said, “I’m sure the Commander will find a job that’s perfect for your qualifications. You’d look good in a stable boy’s uniform, or spiffy as a chamber pot manager.”
    “Sure, you can laugh. The Commander likes you. And now you...” Leif ducked his head, focusing on the bowl in front of him.
    “What? Now I’m not a Soulfinder anymore, the Commander will welcome me with open arms?”
    He wouldn’t meet my gaze. “Something like that.”
    “Then say it. I don’t want people dancing around the subject or treating me different...or locking me in jail ‘for my own protection.’”
    “I was under orders from the Council,” Leif protested.
    It had backfired. The second assassin had found me in no time. “And look how well that turned out.” Thank fate I still had a few tricks up my sleeves.
    “Sorry. Won’t happen again,” Leif promised.
    “Good.” I changed the subject. “Are you staying here until Father comes?”
    “Yes. I expect he’ll arrive in about fifteen days.”
    That was a long time to wait. Leif’s wife, Mara—a real sweetheart—wouldn’t ever complain, but she couldn’t be happy. “What will you do all that time?”
    “We plan to search the surrounding towns and villages, looking for more of those hothouses.”
    “We?”
    “Devlen believes it’s a good idea. And he’s got a way with the locals. They talk to him.”
    With Owen at large, Devlen’s daughter, Reema, would have to remain with Ari in the Commander’s castle until it was safe. Owen had threatened to kill her.
    “Have you found any records here? That would make it easier.” And so would interrogating Ben. I wondered if Valek had “talked” to him before the authorities swooped in.
    “It appears Owen didn’t keep any records at this location. Which is why I’m hoping to find another place where he may have left information behind.”
    “Or you might find him.” The thought of the two of them hunting Owen alone caused a queasiness to roll in my stomach. Leif had been kidnapped by Owen before. And while Devlen was skilled with a sword, Owen’s magic outmatched Leif’s.
    “Even better,” he said in a low, dangerous tone.
    Not good. “At least make sure you take Hale with you.” I was glad Hale had been assigned to travel with us for added protection.
    “Hale’s gone. He was ordered back to the Citadel.”
    Interesting. “And you weren’t?”
    “Oh, I was.”
    “Leif—”
    “Don’t ‘Leif’ me.” His green eyes sparked in annoyance. “You know as well as I do the Council will debate what to do for months. Meanwhile, Owen’s out there—”
    “Along with Rika Bloodgood and Tyen Cowan. Two powerful magicians, which brings the total to three against you and Devlen.”
    He squared his shoulders with that stubborn Zaltana determination.
    I tried another tactic.