“Right. What did you find?” I asked and pulled out the last pastry.
“We've been trailing the Shanba who came to see the King,” Huso said. “Heard them talking. That relic that was stolen, it's ancient. Priceless, they said, though I don't know how anything could not have a price.”
“It means it's more important to them than any amount of money,” the King said, then frowned. “They're still here?”
“They're not leaving until they speak with you,” Huso said. “One of them said the relic is dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” Cyn frowned. “Where are the priests now?”
“They're staying at the Bear's Den,” Huso said.
“No,” I said as I turned to face Cyn and pointed my half-eaten pastry at him. I knew exactly where his thoughts were taking him, and I'd be damned if I let him follow. “That's in a wealthy district. You'll be seen.”
“I'll pull down my hood as I've been doing here.”
“That's fine for when you're outside in the snow, but when you walk into a nice establishment like the Bear's Den, you'll have to pull that hood back.”
“Why?”
“Because they don't let just anyone walk through their hotel,” Kimu said. “And they'll target you for your company too.” He waved at me.
“Then I'll go alone.”
“The fuck you will,” I growled.
“You can wait outside.”
“Not happening.”
“Or you could send them a message and have them meet you somewhere,” Kimu suggested, then licked the sugary remnants of his pastry off his fingers.
Cyn and I blinked at each other, then looked at Kimu.
“I don't know why I have to keep reminding you,” Kimu huffed. “I'm smart. Real smart.”
Cyn snorted. “Yes, you are, Kimu. Thank you for the suggestion.
“We'll deliver the message,” Huso offered.
“They won't let you in either,” Kimu said.
“We'll just wait for one of the Shanba to come out,” Huso said. “Then we can hand it directly to them.”
I went to fetch some paper, a quill, and ink from the trunk, then set it down on the table. “Your Majesty.” I waved at the writing implements.
Cyn sat down and wrote a quick message, pausing only once to ask us where he should have the Shanba meet us. Then he waited for the ink to dry, folded the paper, and handed it to Huso.
“Here.” Cyn pulled out two silver coins and handed one to Neb, then the other to Huso. “For your efforts.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Huso leapt up and motioned for Neb to follow.
When someone handed you payment, especially one of that size, you didn't give them a chance to take it back.
Neb got up, started to walk out, then paused before Cyn to say, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“You earned it.” Cyn patted Neb's shoulder, and the boy hurried off.
I followed them to the door, Kimu trailing after me.
