“Same to you, Cere.”
Martin strode away. The temple sat on a hill, the source of so much power—power the Lady forbade any to use.
He glanced up at the marvel of stone, the crowning jewel of E’Skaara.
A place of malevolent intent. Like a stench, the rottenness permeated Martin’s senses. Could he possibly convince Cere to leave this place?
Not likely.
He strode out of the gates, hackles prickling. Like evil watched him.
And still two missing children.
Now dressed for the lower city, Martin strolled down the street, pacing to keep up with Dmitri. Men, barely more than boys, lit the gas lights, one after the other. “What happened to the countess, whose body they found?” he ventured.
“A Chosen drained her powers. She died.”
“Does this happen a lot?”
“No. Power is channeled from the worshippers through the Chosen to the Lady. The Chosen who killed the countess hoped to keep some of the power for himself. He’s been drained and died. The others were told he’s been sent on a mission, so no one will suspect what actually happened. The Lady’s priests are a hard lot.”
Damnation! And Dmitri managed the whole explanation in dry tones, showing little emotion except for a touch of contempt.
Would the same happen to Cere one day? “Will her death be investigated by anyone other than the city guard?” She’d been nobility, after all.
Dmitri slowed his long strides. “The Royal Palace is two days’ hard ride from E’Skaara. As long as the city pays proper tribute, the king doesn’t involve himself with local matters, giving magistrates far too much power. The woman’s mate has not asked for an investigation, so there will be none. I’m told he’s already promoted his favorite mistress into her post.” Dmitri heaved out a sigh. “More than likely, money changed hands.”
So much for the glamorous life of those in the high city. Commander Enys and his bond mate had no fancy house, and she walked to do her shopping, never riding in a fine carriage, yet they were happy. If she passed, Martin doubted Enys would ever give his heart away again.
Esmerla Enys would take the commander’s very soul with her to the afterlife. And if she died under suspicious circumstances, Enys would tear the city apart to avenge her.
“Two children are missing from the docks.” Why not ask Dmitri since he seemed to be answering questions tonight? Martin seriously doubted much happening in this city escaped Dmitri’s notice.
Maybe Martin should bring all his questions here, as the priest seemed more current on gossip than even Cere.
“They aren’t missing. Someone knows where they are and chooses not to share the information.”
No one did cryptic like Father Dmitri. “Who?”
“Someone who knew they were in danger in this city and arranged to send them away.”
Danger? “They were mage-born.”
“Yes.”
“Who saved them?”
“Other mage-born.”
“More live in this city? Besides priests?” Sometimes Dmitri chatted on and on. Other times, he tried Martin’s patience. Then again, if Martin said so, Dmitri might reply,“That’s the point.”
Dmitri stopped suddenly, nearly sending Martin careening into him. “Did you honestly think yourself the only one?”
“I’ve been searching since I arrived in the city. I’ve found no one but priests.” However, Martin had recently seen medallions similar to his own. So, not merely a coincidence.
“You weren’t meant to.”
“Why not?” So much wasted time! Martin could have been learning!
