I apologize for the long wait between chapters! This was entirely my fault-it was hard getting this chapter done. I hope it was worth the wait! -Qwi-Xux
Note: To clarify, in this, Daja and Tris are seventeen, Briar is sixteen, and Sandry is almost sixteen. :-)
:-:-:
CHAPTER SIX
by Qwi-Xux
"Will they be able to trace your magic back to the cell?" Briar asked Daja in a low voice as they made their through the catacombs of the back alleys surrounding Summersea. Daja was not quite sure where they were going, but Briar seemed to have a destination in mind.
"No," Daja muttered back. "I only used magic on the hinges, and I erased the trace."
Briar nodded in satisfaction. "They won't be able to trace the magic back to Evvy, either. The only thing she spelled was the amethyst dust. Even if someone were able to tell that the drugged sleep the guards are in was amplified by magic, the traces of magic she put into it should be worn out soon with the dust."
"Briar, I'm supposed to return Penmic's signet ring at seven o'clock tomorrow morning," Daja said.
"Maybe you should hold onto it for now," Briar suggested.
Daja hesitated. "I think I'll go back and return it. He let us go; I'd like to know why. Anyone involved in this whole ordeal with you should be watched and investigated carefully. I want to know what his motives are. I'll go as soon as you and Evvy are safe, and then I'll come back and meet you. Don't worry; I'll make sure I'm not followed."
Briar studied her for a moment and then nodded his agreement.
True to her word, as soon as Briar and Evvy were hidden in an abandoned building in the Mire, Daja left. She had no doubt that Briar and Evvy could take care of themselves in the slums of Summersea. They had both once been street rats. They knew the type of people in this neighborhood. She was sure they would have been fine even if they didn't have magic in their favor.
They even looked the part-Briar in his plain white clothes, dirty from his time spent in the cell. His hair was ruffled and needed a washing. Evvy's clothes, while neat and clean, had been torn in the escape from the castle, and Briar made a point to stop and rub dirt on her clothes and cheeks.
As for Daja, she had no problem dealing with the type of people who lived in the slums. She had her magic and her staff. She was sure she would be able to get back to Briar and Evvy without a problem. Right now the sun was just rising, so her dark skin and clothes made it easy to blend into the alleys and buildings and get back into the less-deprived part of Summersea without troubles.
At six fifty-five exactly, when the sun had risen and was shining its early morning light on the Citadel, Daja appeared in the courtyard. Penmic was early, too. He was standing with his arms behind his back, seemingly waiting. For her?
"Captain Penmic," Daja said as she approached him.
Penmic turned and nodded once. "Mage Daja."
Daja pulled out his signet ring and hung it out on its chain. "Thank you for letting me use this."
"You're welcome." Penmic took the ring and tucked it into his pocket.
They stood there for a long moment, studying each other. "Why did you do it?" Daja asked bluntly.
"Do what?" Penmic asked.
Daja raised an eyebrow. Oh, he was playing her all right. Why? "You know what I'm talking about."
"Let's just say that I became a Captain so I could uphold something that I believe very greatly in. Something that Duke Vedris believed in, and that Duchess Sandrilene upholds: truth. It is something that I don't believe she would be mistaken about, even in dealings with her close friends. She's too honorable for that," Penmic replied, his eyes meeting Daja's seriously. "I may not know you, or Mage Trisana or Mage Briar, but I certainly have heard about you. The things that you four have done together has never been in harm of anyone." He hesitated for a moment. "And Truthsayer Haman...you would do well to look in on him. This is not the first case that has been-doubted by some. There was one in particular that you may find of interest. It occurred just after I started working at the Citadel, two years ago." He nodded at her again and said, "Good day, Mage Daja." He started to walk off on his rounds, and Daja knew that he had said everything he meant to.
Hmm...so he believed Briar innocent. And he thought she should check up on Haman.
Maybe she would pay Haman a visit before returning to Briar and Evvy. Briar, she called telepathically. There's been a change of plans. I'm not coming back right now. I have to go look into something.
Sandry was heading down for breakfast when she ran into Daja. The Trader girl had a distracted, yet determined, look on her face. "Sandry!" Daja stopped.
"Daja? You're filthy! What-"
"I was going to get changed."
Sandry quickly realized that something was going on. She gazed at Daja for a moment, then nodded. "Why don't you go get cleaned up, and then join me for breakfast."
Daja hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "I'll meet you in a few minutes."
Still puzzled at her friend's strange behavior, Sandry entered the dining hall and took her seat. The servant waiting on her asked what she wanted to eat for breakfast, so Sandry ordered a meal for herself and Daja. By the time Daja arrived, clean and in fresh clothes, the food was waiting on the table.
Sandry made sure to dismiss all of the servants. She waited for Daja to sit down and get food for herself before asking any questions. However, before she got a chance to ask anything, Captain Penmic entered the dining hall. He came to attention and nodded at Sandry and Daja. "Your Eminence, I have news. Briar Moss has escaped."
Shock ran through Sandry. What? Briar had escaped? A sense of relief washed over her-she didn't have to worry about trying to break him out of prison that night! But also worry-was he all right? Where was he? "How did he escape?"
Sandry couldn't help noticing that Penmic's eyes flicked over to Daja, and a trace of a smile crossed his lips. Then he straightened and said, "It is unknown, Duchess. The guards were all asleep."
Asleep? Sandry's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Daja didn't put people to sleep...but maybe Daja had something to do with this. Then the thought crossed her mind, and she would have rolled her eyes if Penmic hadn't been there. Evvy! Who knew what kind of magic Evvy knew how to do...and Evvy was certainly an impatient child, from what she had seen.
Penmic still stood there. What did he want her to do? She could issue an alert to go look for Briar, but she knew the harriers would do that already. "Thank you for informing me, Captain. I'm sure the harriers are taking care of it."
Penmic nodded and strode out of the dining hall.
Sandry whirled on Daja. "I don't suppose you would know anything about this?"
Daja calmly took a bite of food, chewed, and swallowed. "Me, saati? How would I know anything about this?" she asked idly.
Sandry let a small smile slip across her face. Is Briar all right? she mind-spoke.
Just fine. We're handling this, Sandry. Remember-you don't know anything.
No, I certainly don't. You haven't admitted to anything, now have you? Sandry's smile turned into a grin. And I'm sure Penmic doesn't know anything, either. She didn't know what Penmic had to do with any of this, but she was sure he fit in there somehow. She couldn't believe Briar was already out-had her friends done this so that she wouldn't be held accountable for it? So that she couldn't know anything? Probably so-and she was grateful for their concern of her position. She was also upset that her position kept her from doing anything without serious ramifications-but she had utmost faith that Daja would be able to handle this-especially if she had Briar with her. Now if only Tris were here... Sandry sighed to herself.
Out loud, Sandry said, "So, what are your plans for today?"
"I'm going to speak with Truthsayer Haman," Daja replied calmly.
Sandry rose an eyebrow. "Haman?" She didn't ask why-if Daja wanted to investigate him, all the power to her. Sandry wanted to investigate him, but had no time, and no way to do it.
"And what are you doing today?" Daja asked in return.
Sandry sighed. "The usual. Trying to get affairs sorted out. I have a meeting with the head of the merchant guild this evening, remember?"
Daja nodded.
"I also received a list of the demands of the merchants on strike. It's utterly ridiculous!" Sandry said in exasperation.
Daja cocked her head. "What are their demands?"
"They want more freedoms as to what can be sold in Emelan-and the only things that can't be sold right now are the things that are illegal or dangerous! They want more for their wares, which will cause upheaval with the people. This isn't a good time for food, medicines, and other needs to be more expensive!" Sandry replied, frustrated.
Daja nodded wisely. "They might be able to get more for their wares later on, but right when Emelan is shifting rulers? And I think they might just be pressing their rights, in trying to sell things that aren't already sold. Perhaps they're testing you-seeing how you will give into them, or if you will."
Sandry rubbed her forehead. "Well, they'll see exactly how I'll deal with them this evening." She sighed again and then smiled slightly at Daja. "I'm so glad you're home, Daja."
"Me, too, Sandry." Daja reached over and pressed her hand on Sandry's. "Don't worry. This will all get worked out. We've been through hard times before."
That got a laugh out of Sandry. "Yes, indeed we have."
:-:-:
Paloma's attention was split. Every time she started to really get into what the instructor was saying, she remembered she was here to keep an eye on Pasco. While she had seen Yazmin briefly-the short woman had flitted into the room to speak with the instructor she had put in charge for the time being-she had yet to speak with her. Yazmin had originally cancelled all of the classes, but had decided that it would be best to keep her students' minds occupied, so she had brought this woman in to assist. Yazmin was very distracted by the Duke's death, and was 'attending to other matters' for a while.
Paloma didn't mind. She was a little disappointed that Yazmin wasn't teaching, but she was glad that the classes had been reinstated. What really mattered was that she was actually in Yazmin's dance school, learning more about how to dance.
Studying Pasco while he danced, she realized just how much he knew what he was doing with his body. He was so graceful. He also had a confidence in the way he danced, as if he had been born to do it. Which, she mused, if he was really a dance-mage, he had been born to do.
Paloma felt a twinge of jealousy, but quickly pushed it back. She might not be a dance-mage, but she could still learn all she could! And she could do it while watching Pasco-just like Master Haman wanted her to! She focused her attention on keeping an eye on Pasco, while learning her dance steps at the same time.
When the class was over, Paloma trailed after Pasco as he headed down the stairs. He noticed she was following him almost immediately. "Can I do something for you?" he asked, spinning around on her.
Paloma tried to think of a good excuse that would allow her to stay close to Pasco. "I...well, I don't know anyone here, and I've never been around other dance students." She hadn't been around other people her age, for that matter. Haman had taken up most of her time, and always kept her busy. That wasn't a bad thing-Haman was wise, and knew what was best for Paloma. He cared for her. Sometimes, though, it could be very lonely.
Pasco studied her for a moment, then sighed impatiently. "Look, I have magic stuff that I need to practice right now."
Paloma's attention perked up. "Magic stuff? What kind of stuff?"
"Meditation," Pasco replied, grimacing slightly.
Ah. Pasco had seen Master Haman meditate before, but had never tried it herself. He had told her it was used for containing magic, but she didn't have any magic.
Pasco watched her for a moment longer. "All right, you can come with me. You can meditate, too."
"But I don't have any magic-why would I need to meditate?" Paloma asked curiously, following Pasco down the stairs.
Pasco snorted. "You don't have to have magic to meditate. It can also help you calm your mind and organize your thoughts." He sounded as if he were quoting something somebody else had told him.
He led her to a small room and sat on the floor, then waved a hand for her to join him. "I used to have to be spelled in-Sandry had to put a circle of magic around me so my magic wouldn't leak out when I meditate. But now I have a good control on my own magic, so I don't need it anymore."
Then he taught her how to meditate. How to breathe in while counting to seven, hold your breath for seven seconds, then let it out while counting to seven again. How you needed to empty your mind of all its thoughts. It came naturally to Paloma. She had spent a lot of her life calming and controlling her mind.
After meditating for a while, Pasco and Paloma went back upstairs for their afternoon freelance class. Here, they had to show the dance instructor something of their own choice-something that they wanted to dance. Each student took turns. Pasco was one of the first to go, and Paloma was again in awe of his talent.
When it came time for her turn, Paloma was a bit nervous. She had never danced, alone, in front of anyone before. She took a deep breath and began a routine that she had designed for herself several months earlier. It was a calming, peaceful dance. It reminded her of sweet dreams that came with slumber.
She focused completely on the dance, not paying attention to the teacher or the students. When she finished her routine, she stopped and looked around. Shock ran through her body. Everyone-everyone except Pasco-was asleep.
Her first thought was, did I really do that badly?/
Then Pasco jumped to his feet and strode toward her. He grabbed her arm and hissed, "Why didn't you tell me you could do dance magic?"
Paloma's eyes went wide. "What? I-I can't!"
"Well, you just did," Pasco said grimly. "I felt it-you put them all to sleep! And they won't wake up!"
That was ridiculous. Paloma couldn't do any magic. She knew she couldn't. "Why aren't you asleep, then?" she asked, her voice very small despite herself.
"Maybe because I'm a dance-mage it didn't affect me." Pasco studied her. "I did something like this when I first found out I had magic. I danced my cousins into the air, then I had to undo it. You need to undo this."
"But-I don't know how!" I don't have any magic! Paloma again thought.
"You danced a sleep dance. Now you need to dance a waking dance."
"I can't!"
Pasco sighed. "All right, listen. Normally you'd have to be the one to do this, but since we don't need your magic leaking everywhere, I'll do it."
"You can...undo magic by someone else?"
"I don't know. But I think because it's dance magic, I'll be able to. Now, go sit down," Pasco ordered.
Paloma obediently went and sat between the slumbering student. Pasco stood in the middle of the dance floor, drew a deep breath, and began to dance. Sure enough, by the time he had finished, everyone was awake.
The instructor looked at Pasco in bewilderment, blinking her eyes. "Pasco, what are you doing? You already had your turn."
:-:-:
Daja left Sandry with her purpose firmly in mind. She was going to speak with Haman, the truthsayer who had condemned Briar to death.
She found his home easily enough. It was a huge house in the upper-class area of Emelan, completely different from the Mire she had been in early this morning. She made sure the medallion she wore around her neck, proving that she was a mage, was showing. Normally, she kept it hidden, but in this case, she wanted Haman to know that she wasn't someone to be reckoned with.
A housekeeper answered the door. "I'm sorry, but Master Haman is busy right now," she told Daja.
Daja wasn't in the mood for games. She needed answers. She stuck her foot in the door as the housekeeper tried to close it. "I don't care how busy he is. I need to speak with him now. Would you please tell him that Mage Daja Kisubo would like a word with him?"
The housekeeper, looking very flustered, disappeared into the back of the house. Daja stood on the stoop and waited, her foot still stuck in the door.
A tall man with gray hair and eyes appeared a few moments later, the housekeeper trailing behind him. "Mage Daja Kisubo. Please come in." He gave her a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Daja followed him into a sitting room. She sat across from Haman. She had already decided that she didn't like him-and it wasn't because he had put Briar into prison. There was just something wrong about him. Something almost slimy. He gave her the chills.
The housekeeper came into the room carrying a tray of tea. She set it down on the table between them and left.
"Can I offer you some tea?" Haman asked, picking up a cup.
"No. I only came here to speak with you in regards to Briar Moss." Daja had decided that she was going to be as blunt as possible. She needed to get a reading on Haman-she needed to see how he reacted to certain things-or even how he didn't react.
"Ah. The plant-mage who killed Duke Vedris," Haman nodded, sipping on his own tea.
"Briar didn't kill him," Daja stated.
"You doubt the word of a truthsayer?" Haman asked, raising his thin eyebrows.
"Yes."
Haman's voice turned icy as he leaned forward slightly. "I have never been wrong. As a truthsayer, it is impossible for me to be wrong. I think that I, as a mage of many years, would have more experience than a girl of-"
"-seventeen," Daja cut in.
"Precisely."
"Age doesn't always make a difference when it comes to experience," Daja stated. "Especially magical experience." She thought of all of the things she had been through since coming to Winding Circle. She had been through so many hazards, she had become a mage, she had been a teacher to two students. It was impossible for anyone to judge her by her age.
"I think it awfully rude for a smith-mage to come in here and question my ability as a truthsayer," Haman said coldly.
Daja didn't ask how he knew she was a smith-mage. Everyone in Emelan knew that. She had gotten what she needed from Haman-there was definitely something wrong with him. Talking to him made it obvious. Her next step from here was to look into the cases he had handled as a truthsayer in the past. "Thank you for your time," she said, standing up.
As she turned to leave, Haman said, "You do know that Briar Moss has escaped from prison. It is spreading through Emelan. If you know his whereabouts, it would be wise to turn him in. Otherwise, you may find yourself beside him on the executioner's block-as an accomplice to murder."
Steaming, Daja ignored this and headed for the door. Before she got there, she ran into the housekeeper and a tall man. "I'll show you to his office," the housekeeper was saying.
Daja wouldn't have paid them any attention, except she recognized the tall man as a merchant. The merchants were all on strike-every single one of them. What would this merchant be doing in Haman's home? The housekeeper took the merchant into a room down the hall, giving Daja a hard stare. Daja reached for the door handle as the housekeeper disappeared into the sitting room. Listening carefully, Daja heard the housekeeper say, "Master Haman, the head of the merchant guild is waiting in your office."
Daja quickly slipped out the door. The head of the merchant guild? Maybe this was a perfectly innocent occurrence...but Daja had a dark sense that this was wrong. There was something very, very strange about all of this.
She headed down the stairs and out toward Haman's front gate. Before she got there, the gate burst open, and a young girl hurried through, followed by a teenage boy. "Paloma, calm down! We'll talk to Haman together!" the boy called.
"No, Pasco! You stay outside! I need to talk to Haman alone!" the girl, Paloma, called.
Daja stopped in her tracks. "Pasco?" she asked.
The boy also stopped and looked at her suspiciously. "Who are you?"
Paloma slipped by them and into Haman's house.
"I'm Daja Kisubo. Are you Pasco Acalon? Sandry's student?"
Pasco's face lightened. "Yes. And you're her smith-mage friend. She's described you before."
"What are you doing here?" Daja wondered.
"Trying to help Paloma-a girl who started at the dance academy yesterday. She just found out she has magic. Haman is her guardian," Pasco replied. He looked anxiously toward the front door.
Haman had a girl in his care? A girl that had magic? He didn't strike Daja as the type of person to care about a little girl.
Hmmm...I wonder if Sandry knows about this, Daja mused. She nodded to Pasco. "I have to be going. Does Sandry know you're here?"
"Umm, sort of," Pasco replied, not meeting Daja's eyes.
So Sandry doesn't know he's here, Daja sighed to herself. "Be careful," Daja said aloud, giving Pasco a stern look. She didn't see any harm in leaving him here-he was with Paloma, after all. She would let Sandry deal with him. She told him good-bye, then left Haman's property. Sandry, she called.
Yes? Sandry's harried voice came back.
Did I catch you at a bad time?
It's always a bad time lately, Daja. Right now I have a bunch of harriers here, doing an investigation on Briar's escape. But don't worry about me-is something wrong?
I just ran into your student at Truthsayer Haman's house, Daja said.
Pasco? He was supposed to be at the dance academy! What is he doing at Haman's house? Sandry exclaimed.
Apparently, he's with a girl who he said just found out she has magic. Her name is Paloma-she's Haman's ward. Pasco said that she just started at the dance academy yesterday.
There was a long silence from Sandry. What? But... she trailed off.
But what?
Daja, Rosethorn just arrived. Could you come to the Citadel? I think we need to discuss this in person, and Rosethorn should probably hear it, too. And I'll find Frostpine.
Of course. I'll be there shortly.
:-:-:
Pasco was distracted talking to that woman outside, so Paloma was free to slip into the house. The housekeeper, Leni, saw her and frowned. "I thought you had gone to the dance academy, Paloma."
"I did. But I'm back for a little bit," Paloma said tensely. She didn't want to tell Leni what was going on. She had a lot of questions and emotions boiling around inside of her. She was still confused about her magic-Pasco had pretty much shown her that she had magic, but it was so hard to believe! How could she, Paloma, have it? Wouldn't Master Haman have known? She was also excited. She couldn't wait to tell him! He would be so pleased!
Pasco had wanted her to speak with his teacher, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren, but she had insisted on coming to Master Haman. For one, she didn't know Sandrilene-and Master Haman was working on a plot to kill her-for the good of Emelan, of course, but how could Paloma face Sandrilene knowing this? And secondly, Master Haman would know what to do. He would answer any questions she had.
Paloma waited for Leni to disappear into the kitchen, then headed for Master Haman's study, where he spent a lot of his time. She was about to push open the door when she heard voices.
"-keep it going for a while," a strange man's voice was saying. "The merchants are doing their job. We're keeping our end of the bargain. When this plan is complete-"
"When the plan is complete," Master Haman's voice spoke up, "you will be much freer in Emelan, because I will be ruling. And the mages will no longer get in the way. Especially the Four. They are quite a nuisance. And Winding Circle will be changed. The mages of Winding Circle have no respect for what true mages should be! They let anyone into their ranks!"
"What about the students of the Four?" the other man asked. "Word is Briar Moss has a student who magics rocks. No one's seen her yet. And what of Pasco Acalon? We had been going to get rid of him originally, but as you know, Briar Moss took precedence."
"I have Paloma at the dance academy keeping an eye on him. When the time comes, he will be destroyed."
"She's a child. Is she able to handle this?"
"Paloma is entirely under my influence. She will believe anything I say. I could tell her that the moon is made of bread and she would believe me. She will also do anything I tell her to. That's all she's good for," Haman said lazily.
Paloma took an inadvertent step back from the door. Never had she heard Master Haman say anything so hurtful! He had always made her feel needed and wanted...
"Paloma could be smart, but fortunately, she doesn't use her brain for anything other than doing what I tell her to. That's what comes of being brainwashed at a young age. I'll use her for what I have to, and she will do her job," Haman said.
Use her...use her...was that all she was to Haman? A pawn to be used? She could be smart, but he didn't think she was smart? Paloma's eyes filled with tears. Was it true? Was she stupid? No. No! She wasn't stupid! She could read and write and do her math and science...but...it was true that she generally did whatever Master Haman wanted her to. She wanted to please him, in return for all his kindness and goodness!
Had it gone to the point where she never thought for herself anymore? That she only thought and did what Haman wanted her to?
Could she even think for herself anymore?
Paloma took another step back, wiping the tears from her eyes. She glared at the door. He was wrong about her! She would prove that he was wrong! She had magic, she could use that how she wanted, and not how Haman told her to. What would he say then?
Paloma turned and crept back down the hallway, then threw open the door and ran out. Pasco was waiting for her. Pasco, who Haman had been going to frame...going to frame, just like Briar, because it was right. Master Haman said it was right. He was sad about it, but he knew best.
Or so Paloma had thought. But she had thought that he cared for her, and now it was obvious that he didn't. She was just a tool to him. Well, she could throw that right back in his face! "Pasco, I need to speak with Lady Sandrilene."
:-:-:
Sandry's mind was a whirling pool of thoughts and emotions. She was trying to deal with so many things. She still didn't know what was going on with Briar. At least she could truthfully tell people that she didn't know what had happened to Briar. She so desperately wanted to contact him in her mind, but she knew she had to avoid finding out anything about what he was doing or where he was. Why did her rise to Duchess have to get in the way now?
Rosethorn had arrived in the middle of the mess of harriers with news for Sandry, which was now repeated for Daja and Frostpine. The four were in a small room in the citadel, discussing everything that was going on.. "I finished my investigation of the grain fields outside of Winding Circle. Briar was indeed there the whole night. He was there when Duke Vedris was killed. I felt his magic there, and the plants don't lie."
Sandry's smiled again at the news.
"That's good news, anyway," Daja said. "Briar probably had connected with the grain plants while in the fields, so of course his magic would be there."
"Yes, but who will believe it? As far as the people of Emelan are concerned, he was sentenced by a truthsayer, and now he's an escaped convict," Rosethorn snapped. She looked more tired than anything, and was just as frustrated as everyone else.
"We'll work that out. The good thing is, you have proof. You're very well-respected, Rosethorn," Sandry put in.
"I'm also Briar's former teacher. A lot of people might not believe evidence that I have."
"I'm going to send some harrier-mages out to investigate the grain fields. Would you mind going with them and showing them Briar's magic? They'll be able to see how long it was there and such," Sandry requested.
"Of course I will. I wouldn't let the harrier-mages go there alone. Who knows what they would do to the grain?" Rosethorn said, sounding much like her usual self.
"Daja learned something that makes me awfully suspicious," Sandry said, nodding at Daja.
Daja recounted her conversation with Haman.
Frostpine frowned. "It could have been dangerous, going to his home by yourself, if he is part of a conspiracy against Briar."
"I was fine, Frostpine." Daja smiled at her former teacher's concern. "But I think I could handle him."
"Anyway," Sandry broke in. "Daja learned that Haman has a girl in his care, who supposedly has magic." She let Daja explain about her encounter with Pasco and Paloma, and then said, "This is awfully suspicious. This girl-Haman's ward-was sent to the dance academy, where Pasco is, yesterday. The day of Briar's sentencing. A sentencing that was proclaimed by Haman. Why would Haman send his ward to my student's dance academy just after my uncle's murder? And just how would Paloma end up having dance magic-a magic that I've only ever seen with Pasco? Why does that strike me as odd?"
Rosethorn frowned. "I don't trust Haman at all."
Daja nodded. "I don't trust him either. There's something very wrong with him. And Sandry-while I was there, I saw the head of the merchant guild go to speak with him."
This was news to Sandry. She sat up straighter. Her meeting with the head of the merchant guild was tonight. "The merchant guild? What would he be doing there? Do you think there's a connection between the strike and my uncle's murder, or Briar's trial?"
"I don't know, but the merchant strike happening now is very strange. I was planning on investigating that, too," Daja said.
Frostpine frowned. "Daja..."
Daja gave him a fond look. "Now, Frostpine, you were the one who said I was qualified as a full smith-mage. Besides that, I think I'm old enough to qualify as an adult. I can watch out for myself."
Frostpine sighed. "I know you can." He smiled warmly. "It's still ingrained in me to watch out for you, though."
Before anything else could be said, the door to the small room burst open. Pasco and a girl around his age stood at the doorway trailed by several guards. "They insisted on seeing you, milady," one of the guards said. "And I knew that the Acalon boy was your student..."
"It's fine, Josef. Thank you." Sandry dismissed them with a nod, then turned to face Pasco and the girl who had to be Paloma. "I'm actually glad you're here."
Paloma had smooth dark hair that fell around her shoulders and brought out her bright green eyes. She also looked incredibly nervous. Sandry thought it might have something to do with being in the Citadel, or perhaps she was intimidated by Sandry. There was a guilty look on her face, as if she had been caught with her hand in the bread box, but there was a stubborness in her eyes that Sandry liked.
Despite Sandry's frustration and anxiety with the current situation, she managed to give the girl a small smile. "I won't bite," she promised. She studied Paloma carefully. She wanted to know if she really did have magic. Paloma shifted her weight from one foot to the other, and Sandry saw a brief flash of silvery-white in the girl-so faint and elusive that it almost wasn't there. "You do have magic," she told Paloma, frowning as she tried to see the magic better. "But...it's so hidden...it's like it's not there." She glanced over at Daja. "Do you see it?"
"Barely. It disappears when you try to get a closer look at it," Daja said.
Paloma swallowed hard and took a step back. "I...I can't have magic," she whispered. "He would have told me if I did."
Sandry raised her eyebrows. "Who would have told you? Haman? Not many people can see ambient magic, Paloma. You would be difficult to identify."
Paloma shook her head. Sandry could see an inward struggle going on in her eyes. "He lied to me. He lied."
Sandry frowned again, even more puzzled. "Who, child?" She didn't realize how much she sounded like Lark until she said that.
"My-my master," Paloma said dizzily.
"Haman." Sandry pressed her lips together. "He-"
Pasco interrupted her. "Sandry, Paloma has news that proves Briar's innocent."