Stalking Darkness

look around the deck of the ravaged vessel, then climbed down to the waiting boat.
    Cloaked in Ashnazai’s magic, they passed the quay and custom house without challenge. Climbing a steep, icy street, they found rooms ready for them at the Half Moon tavern.
    Mardus and Ashnazai were just settling down over a hot supper in Mardus’ chamber when someone scratched softly at the door.
    Captain Tildus entered with a grizzled man named Urvay, Mardus’ chief spy in Rhiminee for the past three years. The man was invaluable, both for his skill and his discretion. Tonight he was dressed as a gentleman merchant and looked distinguished in velvet and silver.
    Urvay saluted him gravely. “I’m glad to see you safe, my lord. It’s nasty sailing this time of year.”
    Mardus dismissed Tildus, then waved the spy to a nearby chair. “What have you to report, my friend?”
    “Bad news and good, my lord. Lady Kassarie is dead.”
    “That Leran woman?” asked Ashnazai.
    “Yes. The Queen’s spies attacked her keep about a week ago.She died in the battle. Vicegerent Barien committed suicide over the matter and there are rumors that the Princess Royal was implicated somehow, though the Queen’s taken no action against her. The rest of the faction has gone to ground or fled.”
    “A pity. They might have proved useful. But what about our business?”
    “That’s the good news, my lord. I have new people in place with several influential nobles.”
    “Which ones?”
    “Lord General Zymanis, for one—word is he’s about to be commissioned with overseeing the lower city fortifications. And one of my men just got himself betrothed to Lady Kora’s second daughter and has the run of the villa. But of particular interest, my lord—” Urvay paused, leaning forward a little. “I’m in the process of establishing a contact inside the Orëska House.”
    Mardus raised an eyebrow. “Excellent! But how? We haven’t been able to get a spy in there for years.”
    “Not a spy, my lord, but a turncoat. His name is Pelion í Eirsin. He’s an actor, and highly thought of at the moment.”
    “What’s he got to do with the Orëska?” demanded Vargûl Ashnazai.
    “He’s got a lover there,” Urvay explained quickly, “a young sorceress said to be the mistress of one or two of the older wizards as well. Her name’s Ylinestra, and she’s got a bit of a reputation around the city; a fiery little catamount with an eye for handsome young men and powerful old ones. This man Pelion is evidently part of her collection. Through him we may be able to get to her and perhaps others. She’s not a member of the Orëska herself, but she lives there and has rooms of her own.”
    “I hardly think we need the services of some slut to get into the place,” the necromancer scoffed.
    “Maybe not,” Urvay interrupted, “but this slut numbers the wizard Nysander among her lovers.”
    “Nysander í Azusthra?” Mardus nodded approvingly. “Urvay, you’ve outdone yourself! But what have you told this actor of yours?”
    “To him, I am Master Gorodin, a great admirer of his work. I also understand how important patronage is to a young actor on the rise, and to a certain playwright who’s willing to create roles especially for him. In return, my new friend Pelion passes on whatever bit of gossip he picks up around town. He likes the deal,and knows better than to ask too many questions. As long as the gold flows, he’s ours.”
    “Well done, Urvay. Spare no expense with him. We must infiltrate the Orëska before spring. You understand? It is imperative.”
    “I do, my lord. Shall I make arrangements for you in Rhíminee?”
    “No. Nothing’s to be arranged in advance. I’ll contact you when I need you. For now, keep an eye on Pelion and his sorceress.”
    Urvay rose and bowed. “I will, my lord. Farewell.”
    When he was gone Mardus returned to his interrupted meal, but Vargûl Ashnazai found his appetite had fled.
    The Orëska
, he thought bitterly, fingering the ivory vial that hung from a chain around his thin neck. That’s where
they’d
gone, the thieves who’d stolen the Eye from under his very nose.
    Mardus had nearly killed him that night in Wolde. Worse yet, he’d threatened to banish him from their quest. If Mardus had entrusted
him
with the disks in the first place, of course, it would never have happened, but that was a point not worth arguing. Not if he cared to live longer than his next word.
    His standing with Mardus