The Red Wolf Conspiracy [html] by Robert V. S. Redick

Author:Robert V. S. Redick [Redick, Robert V. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub

“Of course, we will take no chances,” said Ott. “None of the suspects will leave our sight for a moment, from here to the port of Uturphe.”

“By Uturphe, Hercól may be dead.”

Ott was silent a moment. “Perhaps,” he said. “But I have seen more wounds than anyone should in a single lifetime. I'm a fair judge of death's approach. Your Hercól has a warrior's toughness, m'lady. For what it's worth, I expect him to live.”

Ott's words made something snap inside her. She found herself shaking. “I'm sorry,” she said. “I've been terrified for him. All along. I'm not used to fear, but now I'm sick with it for his sake.”

“All along?” Ott asked gently, eyebrows knitting. “Before the attack as well?”

Thasha nodded. A moment later it burst from her: “I don't trust Syrarys. I never have. I can't tell my father—he's too much in love with her to listen. I don't know what to do.”

“Dear lady!” said Ott, taking her arm. “I think you know exactly what to do, for you have just done it. You have told me your fears.”

“Should I have?” she asked softly. “I mean, I hardly know you.”

“But I have known you all your life—from a distance. No favorite of His Supremacy is without a guardian officer like myself. When Admiral Isiq married your esteemed mother, I guarded the outer temple. When she died, I stood watch at the cemetery.”

Thasha looked at him in astonishment. “You were there?”

“When you were born,” said Ott, “my guard company built the summerhouse that stands in your garden, as a token of the Emperor's affection. Your mother loved that garden. What a tragedy she enjoyed it so briefly.”

A lump swelled in Thasha's throat. This old man had protected them her whole life, and never asked for a thank-you. “But why did you stop guarding us?” she said.

“I received new orders,” he said. “When you get to be as old as I am, your Emperor must consider how he will replace you. I was given the honor of training a new generation of the Imperial Guard. You were but five or six. Now that training is complete, and in his generosity the Emperor has allowed me to protect his favorite admiral—and new ambassador—one last time.”

“Was it you who shot that man in my garden, then?”

Ott shook his head, pursing his lips with regret. “Merely a man who works for me. The intruder should have been kept alive, and questioned. But my man feared for your safety.”

How could he, Thasha wondered, with Jorl and Suzyt holding that ragged stranger in their teeth? But before she could ask, she noticed Ott glancing up and down the passage. Certain they were alone, he reached into his pocket and drew out—

“My necklace!” Thasha cried. “Commander! How in the world did you get it?”

“I'm old, Lady, but still quick.” Ott grinned and raised a sleeve: there was a fresh, deep scratch on his forearm. “That Sniraga is a hell-cat, but I caught her tail and spanked her till she howled, and made her let go of this pretty thing.

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