Blade Singer by Aaron de Orive & Martha Wells

Author:Aaron de Orive & Martha Wells [Orive, Aaron de & Wells, Martha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cloak & Dagger Studios
Published: 2014-06-11T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

When Manny returned to the private room, Adriana was already talking to Etienne, who sat opposite her. Gaudulfus was listening intently between huge bites of pastry. Manny took a seat near Adriana. Gaudulfus slid a small wooden plate over to him with a piece of the pastry on it. It smelled of spiced apples and almonds.

Manny reluctantly tore off a small piece with his fingers.

Gaudulfus was watching him closely, his bushy eyebrows raised in anticipation. Manny chewed on the bit of pastry and managed a smile and a nod at the dwarf. Satisfied, Gaudulfus returned his attention to Adriana.

Etienne‘s questions focused mainly on Morrigan herself and not on Adriana’s part in past crimes, which was a relief. Adriana had been part of the Hands of Shadow for many years. Morrigan employed Unseelie spies all throughout Lutetia, especially goblin pickpockets and cutpurses, but she also had far more fearsome Unseelie at her disposal, like Lothair and the Redcaps. Although Adriana had never seen Morrigan cast any spells, she was certain that the witch wielded great magical power. She had a way of knowing what you had done even if you told no one, and her enemies had a way of disappearing in the night.

Manny felt a chill, remembering the hag’s eyes and her terrible smile. It was weird that she seemed only interested in thieving. She looked like she should be doing something way worse than that.

As the interrogation continued, Adriana refused to answer any questions regarding Remy. She declared that topic forbidden and would not budge.

“But there may be a connection between Remy and Morrigan,” insisted Etienne. “It may be the key to why Manny is here now.”

“There is no connection beyond the fact that Remy was another one of her pickpockets,” Adriana said. “And if you continue to question me about him, I will leave.”

Etienne glanced at Gaudulfus, who shrugged and said, “Fair enough. Everyone is entitled to their secrets, after all.”

“Very well.” Etienne didn’t look happy. “Tell us about this secret meeting, then.”

Adriana made an impatient gesture. “All I know is that it’s happening at Gassot’s place at midnight.”

Etienne frowned. “I haven’t heard of that establishment.”

“I’m not surprised.” Adriana smiled tightly. “It’s a private tavern frequented by Unseelie. It’s also reserved for very important meetings between the Hands of Shadow and… others in the trade. Whatever will be discussed there should no doubt be of great interest to you.”

“How many hours before midnight?” Etienne asked Gaudulfus.

“I’d say three, at the most,” Gaudulfus said.

“Then we should waste no more time.” Etienne got to his feet.

Manny sat up straight. “You’re going back into the city? What about us?”

“You’re welcome to stay here.” Gaudulfus waved a hand, indicating they had the freedom of the inn. “You should be safe enough. I’ll have Othon and my men stand guard outside.”

“That’s a fine idea.” Adriana glanced at Remy. “We’ll stay here.”

“Oh, not you,” Etienne said. It was clear he didn’t entirely believe everything Adriana had told him. “We need you to lead us to Gassot’s and to act as a witness against Morrigan.

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