The Bone Mask Trilogy: (An Epic Fantasy Boxed Set), page 13
She stood. Notch shouldn’t know who she was. Even someone as prominent as her father was not widely known by sight – only by name. Certainly not by the populace. And now the Water Rat was sharing her identity about like a dockside whore. Safety through Secrecy. Silence is Safety. She’d heard Tantos chant it a thousand times. It only held up if everyone followed it.
The people of Anaskar would one day learn that their city was to have a female Protector, that was nothing she could control.
But the people should never know her face.
Storming into an empty hallway, Sofia strode to the top of the stairs and fell back when a short woman and a hulking man started up. The man smiled, green eyes warm, but the small woman, her features fine, skin pale and hair a whitish blonde, only raised an eyebrow. A Braonn man. And a Renovar woman from across the sea. Sofia knew of various envoys and Ambassador Lallor from the palace, but as a Carver, never had occasion to speak with either.
She moved aside to let the pair pass, but a voice called her name before the two reached the upper floor.
The Water Rat waited in a doorway across from her own. “Join us.”
“Join who?”
“Us.” The woman grinned as she passed. Her accent was slight, as if she’d been in Anaskar a long time. She wore a sword with ease, as though she knew how to use it.
The big man nodded, holding out a large hand. “I’m Luik and that’s Flir,” he said. “Seto told us about you. Welcome to the Queen’s Harper.”
“Ah, pleased to meet you.”
“And you, my lady,” Luik replied. “I guess you’ve already met Notch.”
Sofia could only nod as she trailed along. Who were these people? Who else lurked behind closed doors? It seemed only the common room was closed. But what was important was whether they could help her. And for the Water Rat to stop sharing her secrets.
“I hope you were right to trust this water rat, Father.”
Chapter 15
“Troubling things may be afoot at the Iron Pig,” the Water Rat, or Seto, as the others called him, said as he lowered his cup. The dining room was quite plain but warm at least. “First, what do we know? Then, what I propose we do about it.”
Sofia hadn’t touched her wine, but she’d made a considerable dent in the roasted potatoes and beef – a delicacy, layering the gravy. It was near to as good as anything she’d had in the palace. Despite her misgivings, she’d almost laughed when Luik told her he’d cooked their meal, and he was beaming at her over the candles now, obviously pleased that she was enjoying it. Both Flir and Notch had empty plates, having already finished up. A cup of the heady Fire-lemon sat before Flir but Notch had no mug. From Seto, she knew about their quest to restore Notch’s dubious honour – after his possible role in the death of Lady Cera’s handmaiden – and something of the events leading up to the meeting. What she didn’t know yet, was how or even if they could help her.
“We know that four young people have been murdered near the Iron Pig and that Notch has been implicated in one of them,” Flir said.
“And that there are at least six Renovar staying there. A man named Thalik may be their leader and he has met with the Mascare. In addition to this, he pays Anaskari street people to watch for certain types of citizens at different times, men, women, young or old.”
“They have done what?” Sofia interrupted. “Who said that?”
“A beggar we collected, who claims to have been paid by the Renovar. He witnessed such a conversation,” Seto explained.
“My father hasn’t mentioned it. He would have told me.” She hoped that was true. He was worried about the Renovar, why wouldn’t he mention it to her? Especially if she was to be Successor. And now she had information for him that she couldn’t deliver.
“Are you sure?” Notch said.
“He would have told me.”
Seto nodded. “Of course, but what of those who disobey orders and edict? Solicci for one.”
Sofia looked away. He was right. There was certainly no guarantee, simply because her father had been in a position of leadership, that all Mascare were honest. Or forthcoming. It was just one more betrayal. “Secrecy is Safety – the code works against us.”
“What about the palace, who from Renovar is there?” Flir asked.
“Ambassador Lallol. Father thinks he’s worried.”
“As I thought. They’re up to something,” Flir said. “The Conclave would never slink into Anaskar on official business. There would need to be parades and banquets.”
“Indeed,” Seto said. “That’s something I wish for you to uncover. Be personable, Flir. Very well, what else?”
“Well.” Luik rested his big arms on the table. “We don’t know what they’re up to. But we know that the Pig’s innkeeper drugged Notch. So I guess the question is why? What did he see? Or nearly see?”
“Wish I could remember.”
“Excellent question, Luik. That is something I wish for you to discover and to that end I have arranged for you to assist in the next wine delivery for the Iron Pig. Again, discretion is required.”
“Wait.” Sofia said. Their discussion wasn’t leading anywhere hopeful. “What can I do? Can you help me retrieve Argeon? Locate my father?”
“You and Notch will eventually infiltrate the palace, with our help, of course. But not before we clear Notch’s name. He’s not as effective when he has to skulk about,” Seto said, glancing at the mercenary’s arm. “And more, if the Renovar here are up to no good, you would do well to learn about it.”
“Why?”
“You are charged with protecting the Royal Family. Your position depends upon their health, does it not?”
Sofia shook her head. “Oson can rot at the bottom of the ocean for all I care, but you pledged your aid, Seto.”
“We do have an agreement. But on my terms, Sofia.”
What was the man doing? She needed his help, not obstinacy. Who had Father sent her to? “I can’t just sit here, helpless, while you police the city.”
“Unrest is bad for business.”
“But how are you going to achieve all these goals?”
He waved a long fingered hand. “By the usual means. Brute force, cunning and stealth. Money and connection. Deception, murder.”
“Murder?” Sofia stood. “I don’t mean to murder anyone, Seto.”
A man in a red robe lying prone on the floor, a chisel protruding from his back, flashed in her mind.
Flir giggled and Sofia glared at her.
Seto rose to move around the table. “Sofia my dear, you must understand. Lives will be lost in your struggle and you will be involved – did you think Oson and Solicci would simply leave or be slotted neatly into a jail cell? They will plot, scheme and undermine you. For what they have done to you, to your father, they must not be permitted to live. Moreso, for what they risk doing to our city. There is talk of a threat from the east, and yet they squabble amongst themselves.”
She folded her arms. To the Depths of the Ocean with him, but he was right again. If only Father were here to guide her. When she’d vowed to take everything back, had she truly meant only to imprison Oson? He was the Prince, and had no issue. The king was too old to sire another. “I would end the Line of the Swordfish.”
He shrugged. “Find a strapping lad and start a new line. One for Casa Falco.”
Sofia blushed but did not sit. “Don’t you see? My father’s in danger, I need your help now, not later.”
“That I cannot provide. But do strike out now, either for the palace or after your father. I will provide you with supplies and wish you luck.” He paused. “But you will die, Sofia. Or be captured. That I believe.”
She raised her chin. “Do you, Water Rat?”
He met her gaze. “Yes. I regret to say, but I do.”
“Then allow me to prove you wrong.” She pushed her chair in. “And without your help.”
She strode to the door and closed it behind her, calmly. Then she went to her room and began stuffing her belongings into the travel bag Seto had provided.
“Is this really what you want?”
Flir stood in the doorway, arms folded.
“Yes.” She added another vial into the folds of her robe. But it wasn’t what she wanted. She did need help – only it was clear she wasn’t going to get it here. Emilio and her father were wrong about Seto.
“Don’t be a damn fool.” Flir snapped. “The palace isn’t going anywhere and your father is probably safe. Just accept our help, girl – it’s the best offer you’re going to get.”
She didn’t look up. “I’m not without my own skills.”
“Then add them to ours.”
“You can’t help me. A pompous innkeeper, a couple of mercenaries and,” she glanced at Flir, frowning at the woman’s slight frame and fine bones, “whatever you are.”
Flir stalked forward, a grin on her face. “Whatever I am? Let me show you a fraction of what I am.”
Sofia stood her ground but the woman only held up her hand, palm open.
“What are you doing?”
“Move me.”
“What?”
“It’s a simple request. Move me. Use your whole body if you wish.”
Sofia scoffed. “What would that prove?”
“Try and find out. You won’t be able to. You’re too weak.”
Weak. An echo of Oson’s voice on the parapet.
Sofia clenched her teeth, then slapped her hand against Flir’s, giving a good shove. She even used her shoulder. Only it was like shoving a mountain.
Flir chuckled. “Nice try. I nearly felt that.”
Sofia pushed harder. Flir didn’t even twitch. What was this woman made of? Was she a witch? Putting her whole weight into the act, Sofia strained, feet scrambling on floorboards. Flir rolled her neck, refusing to budge.
“Now it’s my turn,” the small woman said.
“Wait, I’m –” Sofia was flung back. She thudded onto the cot with a grunt and then screeched when Flir hauled her to her feet, again with no apparent effort. “Now, some more education. Notch, Luik and I fought the Glass War against the Medah when you were just a child dragging around a blanket. When you get back to the palace and your privileged life is restored, do some reading on it. See if you can figure out who turned the tide in the black sands. And Seto? He’s far more than a rich innkeeper.”
“I know about the Glass War, now let me go.”
“No. You need to hear this. Ever wonder what happened to the king’s older brother? Who should have been king? That wonderful musician with the fine fingers and charming manner, whose hair turned silver as a young man and whose curiosity sent him twice round the known world?”
“He died at sea. Everyone knows that.”
“Do they? I’m sure Seto will be very disappointed to hear that, when I inform him of the fact. Now. You don’t have to believe me, but I think you will. This is no band of half-wits you’ve been handed to. Do you truly think so little of your own father, that he would send you to Seto if he didn’t trust the man?”
Seto was Oseto, the rightful king? What was he doing here? And how did he survive? She opened her mouth but all she could say was, “But, you’re mercenaries, my father doesn’t trust –”
“I’m sorry to say you don’t know your father as well as you think. He trusts Seto. He trusts the king’s brother – and Seto trusts us. You’ll just have to deal with it, or I’ll toss you out to the street myself. Right now.” Flir gave Sofia a shake that rattled her teeth.
“Let me go then,” she shouted.
Flir stepped back. “Good girl.”
“Don’t do that again.”
“Gladly. If you take us seriously and help us. Then we’ll help you.”
Sofia breathed hard. Her hands shook but she stilled them and schooled her voice. “Fine. Just keep your word, Flir of Renovar. Casa Falco has a long memory.”
The small woman gave a bow and left with the hint of a smile.
Sofia ran across the room and slammed the door, locking it. She slid down against the wood, unable to stop shuddering. Tears welled and she pushed her palms against her sockets, but they didn’t stop.
“Oh, Father, what do I do?”
Chapter 16
A knock on the door.
She raised her head. How long had she sat there, slumped against the grain? Her limbs were stiff, joints cracking when she shifted. “Who is it?”
“Notch.” He paused. “I’m going for a walk. I thought you might like to leave the inn.”
“Seto sent you, didn’t he?”
“Yes.” He paused. “But I don’t mind. I’d like to stretch my legs anyway.”
At least he was honest. She climbed to her feet. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea. Her ankle probably needed a stretch too. “Give me a minute.” She moved to the basin and splashed water on her face then tried to arrange her hair into a semblance of neatness. Snatching her chisels, she belted them on and pulled a cloak from a peg before opening the door.
Notch stood in the hall, his own dark cloak over his shoulders. “Where to?”
“The wall.”
He led her down the stairs, through a hot kitchen and into a courtyard where he signalled to a black-clothed man standing by a gate. The fellow opened the heavy gate without a word and then they were on the street, heading for the Second Tier’s wall.
Neither spoke in the afternoon cool. Sofia grimaced as she walked, but it was good for her ankle. By the time they reached the wall her muscles had warmed up and the pain dimmed. Even with the afternoon sun, it was cold on the wall, a breeze dancing across the backs of her hands where they gripped white stone.
She watched Notch where he leant on the parapet, facing the sea. How much was kindness and how much driven by Seto’s request – what was the old man fishing for? Notch’s hood was up, as was hers, but this close, his face was visible. His eyes were lined and his skin pale beneath the stubble.
He looked weary, as if he’d been dealt a blow, and one which might have been only one in a long list. Something she could understand.
“You’re tired too.”
“It’s all the hiding. I’m sick of it.”
“But we’re in plain sight,” she said. “Two people are holding hands a dozen feet away, anyone walking the walls today can see us.” The man wore a bone charm tied around his neck. Hardly fashionable, but at least it wasn’t a dried fish-head, like those in the Lower Tier.
“That’s true. But all my life I’ve been able to walk my home without hiding my face.”
“Secrecy is Safety.”
“And prison, Sofia.” He straightened and rolled his shoulders. Was he dismissing his own words? “Would you like to talk about your little argument with Flir?”
“No, thank you.”
“She doesn’t mean to be that way. It’s who she is.”
“Wonderful.”
Notch chuckled. “I know it’ll be difficult but you’ll have to learn to trust us.”
“It’ll be very difficult, Notch.” She frowned up at him. Perhaps he meant well, but simply trusting them wasn’t an option. “I’m only letting Seto help me now, because I have no-one else. Because Oson, Solicci, Cera, they outnumber me. I don’t trust you yet, any of you. I need you. There’s a difference.”
“Fairly said.”
She let the silence stretch a moment. “Flir said that Seto is really the king’s older brother. I don’t remember him.”
“So he is.”
“Then you believe it?” If the Prince had survived, then why not Tantos? But then, her father had searched and found nothing.
“I know it. Prince Oseto never died in that shipwreck. It’s a pretty unforgiving coast but he survived it and changed his name. When he recovered he became the man he is now. And when he heard his brother had declared him dead, and given up the search so quickly, and how he took the throne, Seto vowed never to return.”
Such a callous effort didn’t match the purposeful man she knew, but Notch didn’t seem like the type to exaggerate. “He didn’t search long? No-one speaks of Seto in the palace.”
“To hear Seto tell it, even taking into account his love of the dramatic, perhaps a day or two. Not the search of a loving brother, but the search of a man who never took his eyes from the throne.”
She scratched at the stone. “And you fought in the Glass War?”
He tapped a finger on the stone. “Yes.”
“Flir said you were important.”
“Every Shield in the war was important.”
“Yes, of course. But she said you saved King Otonos.”
“We did.” Notch’s jaw was tight and he said no more.
The war was not a good topic. Sofia blurted out the next question that came to mind. “Is your family here in the city, Notch?”
“No. My brother... died in the war and my parents... I don’t know if they’re still alive. It’s been too many years. They lived in the mountains, high above the city.”
“You haven’t seen them?”
“Not for a long time. My father made it clear, the last time we spoke, that cowards were not welcome there.”
“Oh.” She hesitated. “Do you miss them?”
“I miss my brother each day.”
“I miss mine too. And now my father...” Sofia shrugged. Why was it easy to speak with Notch, a man she barely knew? A whole life of squashing secrets down, of speaking few words to people outside the palace, outside her family, of sharing little even with the carvers, even keeping things from Pietta. Learning to mask everything. Of all the people she’d met at Seto’s inn, Notch appeared most open. More, he reminded her of Father somehow. Granted, she didn’t know Luik, and Flir was too angry. Seto was more in line with Sofia’s world, of nobles and games. But Notch was different. He didn’t volunteer anything, but he’d answered her questions.
“We’ll help you find him, Sofia.”
“Thank you.”
Notch leaned forward, eyes on the horizon. Black clouds boiled in the distance, growing large. She straightened when something big broke the ocean surface, a hint of black glistening. “Look,” she pointed. “Is that...?”
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