Saving the Singer Chapter Four

Detective Hightopp

Tarrant sat in his Hat Shop, going over the books he had borrowed from the library. They were all books that dealt with potions and poisons, and he was trying to learn all he could about the creation and administration of Sleeper's Bane. As he had told Mirana the day before, he knew that one way to administer the poison was by soaking a glove in the poison, then simply brushing up against the intended victim. However, Tarrant had also noted that several of the texts advised against this method, since it was very easy for the poisoner to accidentally absorb some traces through small holes in the gloves. Tarrant frowned. Whoever had poisoned Alannah would soon be exhibiting the same signs of poisoning, and then perhaps…

He was bought out of his thoughts by a knock on the door. He called for the person to enter, and smiled sadly as Alice walked in, concern on her face. "Have you had any luck figuring out where to begin?"

Tarrant sighed, shaking his head in consternation. "No. I'm pretty sure it's someone at Court though. It's the only likely explanation. But I can't think of whom! I know that the Ladies are slightly jealous because Alannah has the favor of Mirana, and there are a few Lords who resent that she is married to Stayne, and not them. But I know these Lords and Ladies, and their deception does not go beyond an occasional white lie, and while the Ladies can be quite rude, they would never stoop to poison. This leaves the servants and the soldiers." He looked at Alice. "What would that detective in those Overland books do? That…Sherlock Holmes fellow?"

Alice frowned in thought. "He would first determine who would have a motivation to poison Alannah, then he would search for any clues that would help strengthen his case. What was Alannah doing before she collapsed?"

Tarrant shut his eyes, thinking. "Well, according to Stayne, they were walking in the garden when she complained that she was feeling dizzy. But he didn't say what they were doing before." He opened his eyes and smiled grimly. "I could see if she's awake, and ask her." He set off for the bedroom, and Alice put her hand on his arm.

"Tarrant, if she's sleeping don't you dare try to wake her. She usually goes in the kitchen in the morning. I'll go talk to Thackery, see if he can give me any idea of what she was doing."

Tarrant entered the room quietly, peering at Mirana. "Is she awake?"

Mirana nodded, and Tarrant slowly approached the bed, gazing at Alannah in sympathy. She looked up at him, and smiled weakly. He sat next to her, and spoke quietly. "Alannah, can I ask you something?" At her weak nod, he continued. "Do you remember what you were doing before you collapsed in the garden?"

Alannah nodded weakly, and Tarrant sighed in relief. "Thank Time! Can you tell me?"

She nodded again, and then made writing motions. Tarrant handed her the paper and pencil, and she wrote briefly, then handed him back the paper.

"Went down to barracks. One of Ilosivic's men was complaining of headaches. Don't know who, but it was a pawn."

Tarrant frowned. The pawns were the most numerous of the soldiers in the White Army. "Did you notice anyone else there? Any knights or rooks? Was anyone wearing gloves?"

Alannah shut her eyes, then opened them and nodded. She took back the paper, and wrote. Tarrant frowned as he read her answer.

"Waters had gloves. He said that his hands were sore from sword exercises. I didn't think anything of it." She frowned, then wrote something just below. "Do you think he?"

Tarrant shook his head in confusion. "I don't know. If it is him, he's held a grudge for a long time, it seems. It's been nearly eight years since he was demoted, hasn't it?"

Mirana spoke up. She had been watching the exchange, and a memory stirred inside her. "Yes. I demoted him due to his gross incompetence, and also because he had made advances towards Alannah!" Her eyes widened in shock. "But that couldn't be the reason, could it? Could Waters really still be so jealous all these years later?"

Tarrant smiled grimly. "He could very well be, Majesty. Let's face it, Alannah is quite a beauty, and there are several men here who admire her deeply. Also, she has had to endure a kidnapping from one of her former suitors. So it is entirely possible that Waters jealousy finally overwhelmed him. However, I think it best to not say anything until we are quite sure that it is him." He smiled madly. "Perhaps I can figure out a way to make him confess unknowingly."

Mirana nodded. "Whatever you must do, you have my full permission. Be as mad as you wish, Tarrant Hightopp." She suddenly grinned. "Or should we now call you Detective Hightopp?"

Tarrant laughed. "The detective is on the case!" He gently touched Alannah's arm. "I will find out if Waters is responsible for this. Hold on, my friend."

Alannah smiled weakly, and fell back to sleep. Mirana looked at Tarrant. "She's fighting with every ounce of strength she possesses, but Time is running out. In three days she will enter the final stages of poisoning, and all efforts will be in vain. So keep that in mind, Tarrant."

Tarrant nodded grimly. "I will, Majesty."

Mirana watched as he left, then turned to gaze at a sleeping Alannah. 'Time, if you are listening, watch over all of them, and please let Alannah and Ilosivic overcome this obstacle as they have overcome all others. Keep them safe.'

Next-Stayne encounters the Unicorn and Tarrant tricks a confession out of the poisoner.