“Are there reagents that can make someone invisible?”
My thoughts spun back to the Okon I had saved in Tabaa and their chief. The chief's mentor had made cloaks with Raltven bone marrow that would render the wearer invisible.
“Master Sevarin?” King Falken leaned closer.
“There's no potion to make someone invisible.” I lifted my chin. “Not that I know of. The easiest explanation is usually the correct one in my experience.”
“And what is the easiest explanation?”
“One of your alchemists set the explosive. No one would think anything of them taking a stroll on the wall walk, would they?” I looked from the King to the Commander.
The Commander swung his head, cursing. “I'll interview the horns on duty tonight.”
“It could have been set to explode later.”
The Commander narrowed his eyes at me. “How much later?”
I shrugged. “There are explosives triggered by fire or water. Did it rain tonight?”
“Holy fuck,” the Commander whispered. “Yeah, just a light drizzle.”
I nodded. “Do you know when it rained last?”
The Commander shrugged and looked at the King.
King Falken shook his head. “Wait. I recall it rained the day you arrived, Master Sevarin.”
“Yes!” I pointed at him. “I recall the grass being damp when I fell on it.” I turned to the Commander. “That gives us a window of three days.”
The Commander grimaced. “Three days. Well, at least it isn't a week. I'll do my best.”
The King leaned closer to the Ricarri man. “Do better than that. I want a thorough investigation. You have my approval to interrogate every alchemist in the palace.”
“I can give you my whereabouts for the last three days now, Commander,” I said. “The first day, I was with the King until I retired for the night. The second day , I breakfasted with the King and then went into town to investigate several sites infected with the Silver Rot. Then I went to a cafe for lunch, where the King joined me. We returned to the palace together and remained in each other's company until I went to sleep. Today, I was in my laboratory until dinner, which I believe the servants who brought me my meals could corroborate. When I arrived in the dining hall, I had an altercation with Lord Orro. I went to my room, and then later went to apologize to Lord Orro. That's when we heard the explosion and came out here.”
“Thank you, Master Alchemist.” The Commander bowed. “That wasn't necessary. I think we can rule out your involvement.”
“You shouldn't rule out anyone, Commander. Anyone could be angry with the King, or maybe there's another reason for the attack. You never know what people are thinking. Verify my story and check with your men that I wasn't on the wall tonight during those hours when I have no one to verify my whereabouts. Only then can you be sure I had nothing to do with this.”
The Commander gaped at me as the King chuckled.
“He's right, Commander Rongru.” The King smirked at me. “And I'd like him cleared of any suspicion. Speak to the other alchemists tonight, before they come up with a lie to save themselves, and then speak to your soldiers. That will give the horns time to clear this rubble and relax a little. It's easier to recall things when you're relaxed.”
“Yes, Sire. I just need to speak with the men clearing the courtyard and then I'll go speak with the alchemists.” He bowed and strode over to the men still waiting to be told to continue.
The King and I went inside the palace and up the stairs toward the royal apartments. But I left the stairwell on the fourth floor.
“Where are you going?” the King called after me.
“To analyze this metal.” I tapped my jacket pocket.
“No, you're not.” He held a hand out to me. “It's late. You need to sleep.”
“By morning, many traces of alchemical ingredients will dissipate. I must conduct the tests immediately.”
“Then I will join you.” He left the stairwell.
“That's unnecessary, Your Majesty.”
