I have a clear view of his gums and front teeth. A few are missing, of course.
Mindlessly, I brush a finger over my own right eye.I would not look good without one.
Vexx slaps his hostage a few times over his cheeks until he finally regains consciousness. The dwarf grunts from pain. When he opens his only remaining eye, he scans the room.
There is no fear left in his gaze. He just looks tired. I bet he already made peace with his destiny. He had plenty of time for that from the looks and smells of it.
“Where did you hide the package? Give me the location,” Vexx demands in Ekiosh.
I translate the question for the dwarf in Emerian. He perks up when he hears me speak his tongue. Slowly, he blinks, trying to make sure I’m not an illusion and won’t disappear into the thin air.
Finally, he says, “It’s hidden in the Ezkai Castle grounds. There is a plum blossom garden behind the main building, at the very end of the palace grounds. There is a fae who works there, Gael. He’s a groundskeeper. He had nothing to do with it, don’t hurt him. Tell him that Omar sent you for the package and he’ll give it to you without a fight.”
Jax translates it to Ekiosh for Vexx, and he lets go of the dwarf’s hair.
“Tell them I will do better next time, if they let me go.” The dwarf speaks in Emerian, spilling the words quickly, in one breath. “I swear on all my god’s spirits, my mother’s and sister’s life, on all that I hold dear, I won’t fuck up again. Please, please, you must help me.”
Ah, here’s that desperate terror that comes with knowing you’re looking death straight in the eye.
I purse my lips, aware of Vexx’s eyes on me.
“You know, it might be too late for this lesson right now,” I say to the dwarf in Emerian. “But here in Ekios, rats only ever get one chance.”
After a heartbeat of silence, the dwarf barks a laugh. It doesn’t last long, because he wheezes and starts coughing blood.
“Translate,” Vexx demands.
I glance at him. “He begged for me to tell you that he will do better if you give him another chance. He swore on his gods, family, and everything that’s dear to him. I told him that, unfortunately, we only get once chance in Ekios.”
Vexx huffs a laugh. “I see you’re learning fast,gadgi. You might have a future here after all.”
“Appreciate the confidence, Vexx,” I say, bowing my head lightly. “I’m going to leave you to it, then?”
Vexx doesn’t say anything. He cocks his head towards the stairs before turning his full attention to the naked man in the chair.
I hurry up the stairs. But not fast enough. The screams of agony follow me all the way to the crowded street.
As I make my way to Lynx’s Den, a thought crosses my mind.
Am I a corrupt man?
Maybe.
All I know is that my pockets are heavier than they were before.
And the weight of coin has always outweighed guilt.
CHAPTER SEVEN
JAX
Lynx’s Den is packed when I enter the building.
The air is hot and heavy, filled with chatter and laughter. I move between tables towards the bar at the very end of the room and look around, trying to find Kugi. We agreed to meet at four in the afternoon, sharp. But because of my slight detour, it’s half past four and I’m late.
Fae of Ekios don’t appreciate being kept waiting. Even filthy criminal rats like Kugi.
“A small bottle of sweet wine, Dae,” I say to the bartender once I reach the bar. “Dzenku.”
