Cast in Peril. Michelle Sagara

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СКАЧАТЬ he value what you do?”

      “You don’t understand what I value. You assume because I’m a Hawk, I share yours. This is not a safe assumption,” she added in case it was necessary.

      “Why did you come to the Hawks?”

      “For reasons of my own. They are not particularly relevant. They were reasons,” she added drily, “you would possibly approve of; your own…were not.”

      “But the reason I stayed—”

      “Oh, hush, kitling. Not all of our heartless plans work as we intend; nor do all of our good intentions. We are where we are, and we can rarely predict where we will go, no matter how firm our beliefs.”

      After a longer pause, Kaylin said, “I can’t tell whether or not you’re warning me off Nightshade or telling me not to judge him.”

      “Can I not do both?” Teela turned to her then. “It has never been safe to know him or to keep his company. That much is true. But this is less about Nightshade, to me.”

      “How so?”

      “He is what he is, Kaylin. Accept that; you will find the Barrani less daunting. He is not mortal, and his concerns are not mortal concerns.”

      “He sold mortals to the Arcanist,” was her flat reply.

      Teela’s eyes darkened. “That is unfortunate,” she finally replied. “You are certain?”

      “Yes.”

      “The same Arcanist—”

      “Who was responsible for a portal that led to what Tara called the outlands, yes. And who destroyed my home.”

      “What is he doing?” Teela said, but she didn’t ask it of Kaylin; she spoke to herself. Realizing that she had a rapt audience anyway, she shook herself. “We are almost at the High Halls. I should warn you that the High Halls are in slight disarray at the moment.”

      “…What do you mean by ‘slight’?”

      “I did mention that our raid was not entirely conclusive. The Eternal Emperor paid a visit to the High Halls—in person—this afternoon.”

      “He went Dragon?”

      “Ah, no, you misunderstand me.” Teela hesitated and then added, “Or perhaps not. He did not, however, arrive at the High Halls in Dragon form. He did arrive at the head of the Palace guard, companioned by the worthy Lord Diarmat.”

      “And he was let into the Halls?”

      “Let us say that a detachment was sent—in haste—to greet him. He was not, by all reports, in an entirely pleasant mood, nor was he willing to embark upon the more delicate dance of diplomacy usually employed between the Barrani High Court and the Dragon Court.”

      “What happened?”

      “Swords were brought, armor was brought—I’m afraid you’ve probably missed them; they are artifacts, preserved in the Halls, from the wars between our kind.”

      “The Emperor wasn’t impressed.”

      “I wouldn’t say that. They didn’t enrage him, however; he was already too close to that state to be concerned about simple armor or weapons.”

      Kaylin grimaced. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

      “I assure you, a Dragon in the High Halls—”

      “I meant tormenting me.”

      “Oh, that. Yes, I admit your very mortal patience is a delight to try on occasion. I have to get it out of my system before we reach the High Halls and I’m forced to call you Lord Kaylin in a serious way.”

      “As opposed to the way you use the title in the office?”

      “As opposed to that, yes.” She smiled. She had a beautiful smile.

      “So the Emperor was hunting for the missing Arcanist in the High Halls?”

      “Yes.”

      “I don’t understand.”

      “I believe there is some confusion. He wasn’t hunting for the Arcanist because of the Arcanum’s interference with the Human Caste Court; the investigation into the matter of the Exchequer, while a growing annoyance and a severe inconvenience, is unlikely to bring the two Courts to the brink of open conflict.” She paused. “It is likely, however, given your current suspicions, to cause far, far more concern to both Immortal Courts. At the moment it is in the hands of the Tha’alani and the Imperial Order of Mages.”

      “Ugh. Let me guess: the Human Caste Court is claiming that they were enspelled.”

      “Very good, kitling.”

      “Is there any possibility that’s true?”

      “If greed is a spell, yes, in my opinion. The Tha’alani will sort some of it out. At the moment, it’s uncertain how many of the Caste Court were involved in covering up for the Exchequer because they were expressing racial solidarity and how many were being heavily bribed. We have our actuarial experts working on that, as well. It is just possible that the Caste Court was collectively the victim of severe extortion; Nightshade indicated two Arcanists, one of whom perished and one of whom is missing.”

      “It’s not likely he’ll flee to the High Halls.”

      “No. As Lord Evarrim will, however, be present at the High Halls, it would be best if you tucked your pet under your tunic until we reach my rooms, if at all possible. I don’t think I need to tell you to—”

      “Avoid him like the plague?”

      “Indeed. I realize you are not fond of him. He is my cousin, and I am not fond of him, either.”

      “Do you have any idea who the Barrani was?”

      “I believe so.”

      “What are the Emperor’s chances of catching him?”

      “Not, at the moment, high. It would also be an interesting fight, although I think I would place odds on the Emperor.”

      “Speaking of the Emperor—”

      “He would have been content to leave the investigation—and the usual negotiations that occur when the Law and the High Halls collide—in the hands of the Halls and the Hawklord.”

      “But?”

      “Patience. You will recall one other event of significance that occurred yesterday?”

      “My apartment was destroyed.”

      “Very good. Yes. Your apartment was destroyed, and by some stroke of luck, folly, or very peculiar destiny, neither of its two occupants joined it.”

      “He’s СКАЧАТЬ