“Unfairly,” Ducot repeated with a snort.
Eira bit back sharing Deneya’s secret. She knew, for all the wrong Ulvarth had done, that his imprisonment was unjust. But explaining why would only earn Deneya’s ire and likely push Ducot away.
“Yes…well, before he was locked away, he fathered a son.”
“A son?” Ducot arched the glowing dots that served as his brows.
“Ferro.”
“How do you—”
“We found out this manor belonged to his mother,” Alyss explained. “There was a book in the Archives.”
“So this is the Archives incident.” Ducot sounded almost amused.
“And Lorn had additional records on its owner, Yewin. I think Ferro is Ulvarth’s son, and his mother was Yewin. Ferro was hidden away and was integral in organizing the Pillars and ultimately helping free Ulvarth because Ferro was an unknown agent, even to the Court of Shadows. He could move freely,” Eira said. “The Pillars want power. And to do that they need to undermine the government and prove that they’re ordained by the goddess.”
“I follow.” Ducot nodded. “I take it you have more?”
“Yes.” Eira stopped pacing and sat, but her legs bounced with restless excitement. “Cutting down Lumeria is tied to what Ferro did in Solaris…what I’m afraid they’ll do when the tournament starts.”
“That’s undermining the government—how will they prove they’re ordained?”
“I was thinking about the conversation I heard from the dagger…something about four relics.”
“And those are?” Ducot asked and Eira bit back a groan. She was hoping he’d know.
“I don’t know for sure… But if I remember what I heard correctly, Ulvarth said something about them reigniting the flame that guides the world.” Eira leaned in, her voice dropping further to a whisper. “I also overheard them mention a dagger at the meeting. I think it was the golden dagger. I think it’s a relic along with the Ash of Yargen.”
“And the other two?”
“I don’t know,” Eira admitted. “But I think with all of them they’ll prove they were selected by the goddess, somehow.”
“It’s an interesting theory.”
“It’s more than a theory,” Eira insisted. “This is right, I know it. Just like I know Ferro’s mother is Mistress Harrot and that this place isn’t as safe as the Specters think it is. He brought the dagger to hide right under Lumeria’s nose, right where the Court of Shadows would never think to look, so it could be collected at his leisure.”
“Now you’re reaching.”
“I found Harrot in my room one night.” When Eira disclosed that piece of information, Ducot’s demeanor shifted. It was slight, but Eira didn’t miss it. “She was looking for it. Ducot, please, I know the court has every reason not to trust me. But the Specters won’t let me get a word in. You’re the only person who will listen. If I can just see the dagger again, I can try and listen further. I still think there’s more to that conversation; my powers have grown since my time with the Pillars, I’m certain I could hear the rest of it now. And with that information I can figure out what it is the Pillars are trying to do with these four relics.”
“Youwon’t do anything,” Ducot said firmly. “I think Deneya made that clear enough.”
“I…” Eira sighed. “Yes, I know. But the court can take action. If the Pillars need that dagger, Harrot knows it’s gone. They must be hunting for it. And I’m sure they already suspect the court.” Ducot continued to stare at her with that enigmatic look. The conversation hadn’t gone how she’d hoped. But it could’ve been worse. “I’m not going to take any action. I swear it. But thank you for listening to me. I needed you to know—as someone who considers you a friend—that this place isn’t safe and to stay on guard. I leave the rest in your hands, Ducot. If you think anything of what I’ve said has merit, please take it to the Specters and then if they can entrust me with the dagger, even just for a few moments, they will.”
“We shall see.” Ducot stood and left, unreadable.
Eira looked to Alyss hopelessly. Her friend stood and gave her a squeeze.
“You did what you could,” Alyss said.
“Yeah…” She watched Ducot go, resisting every urge to demand he take her to the Court of Shadows. Eira knew she could do more. She could find a way to sneak into the court. She knew the passage there and then somehow she could get to the Specter’s war room. Or maybe she would corner Mistress Harrot herself and demand answers—
No. That type of thinking was what got her in trouble and put the court at risk in the first place. She would stay put and do as she was told, come what may.
* * *
Something hard banged against the glass of Eira’s window, rattling the panes and frame. She was jolted awake with a yelp of surprise. Moonlight washed the room in silver as magic crackled under her fingertips, rising in her like a tide.
