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“Can I set your minds at rest on that matter?” He sighed. “I wish I could, but I cannot.”
That brought more than a few murmurs.
“However, let me say that right after the first incident, many of us began our own inquiries. Our own investigations. We were helped in this by many others, not all from Gloamtide.” He glanced at Phineas. “I’m sure you’ve either met or heard the name of Lord Phineas Theryn, a noted expert on many facets of our world, including the Rhovan.”
Heads turned toward Phineas as he nodded quietly.
“I’m equally sure you’ve either met or heard of Lord Cyrus Drake. A good friend to all of Gloamtide, to whom we owe much.”
This time, Cyrus felt the gazes of several hundred people. He too managed a slight nod of acknowledgement.
“And there have been others, many others, too many to name, but to which we also owe thanks. You know who you are.”
He took a breath. “With our friends aiding us in our investigations, we have managed to accomplish several things.” He sighed, and turned a page in front of him.
Cyrus glanced at Bram, still standing tall in place.
The Count looked around him. “Thanks to Lord Decision to install Watchglass throughout Gloamtide, we were able to trace repeated movements around each victim before their disappearance.” He paused for a moment. “That is why some of you have noticed that a few lamps aren’t as bright as they used to be. Those lamps have been, however, a great deal more helpful than they were.”
Maelin reached for Cyrus’s hand and squeezed it, leaning close. “Nice job, Cyrus. Well done.”
He shrugged it off, but kept hold of her hand.
“Of course, more than a few of the criminally minded have found themselves in trouble thanks to this system. But the real achievement was in finding the person we believe identified and lured those four victims.” He took an audible breath. “This is the first step. One of many we must take before this mystery can be laid to rest. But it is a first step, and it is our hope that it will show us more steps that will take us even closer to a conclusion.”
He looked toward the door. “If you would, please?”
Maelin held her breath and squeezed Cyrus’s hand as the huge doors opened, allowing a flood of light to silhouette three figures in its light. Two burly men, and a figure that seemed to drag chains along behind it.
“This is the person who delivered four of our friends to their deaths,” intoned the Count. “This is the one who enticed an unwary member from each of our houses to a place where the most heinous of crimes took place. Where their bodies were violated in a way that defies description, and where their remains lay scattered in the darkness. Where parts of them were removed and the rest ignored, treated as detritus, left for others to find, and those who did will carry those memories for the rest of their lives.”
The figures reached the center of the dais in front of the door, and Cyrus wrapped his fingers around Maelin’s.
“Please remove the coverings.”
The Count waved his hand, and the two jailers, who—Maelin could now see—were shackled to the figure in the centre, moved toward it and tore away the sheet, letting it fall to the floor.
For a moment, Maelin blinked against the bright light behind the figures.
Then she leaned forward, and her heart stopped for a few moments, then began to thunder.
“No,” she whispered. “No, it can’t be...”
“I’m sorry, Mae,” Cyrus pulled her close. “It is.”
“Darady...”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Cyrus’s fingers were growing numb, but he refused to let go of Maelin’s hand.
She probably didn’t even realise how tightly she was holding on to him, but he was glad she did. These revelations had clearly been an excruciating shock, and now the period of adjustment was about to begin.
It wouldn’t be easy for her, and it would be hell for him sitting next to her, watching her suffer.
The Count had paused the Conclave, allowing everyone chance to digest what they’d seen and heard, and also giving the principals time to settle matters.
Lord Phineas was there, sitting on the other side of Maelin. A good thing, since he was a steady hand in all this, and might help Maelin understand what was happening.
