Time's Assassin by D.B. Jackson

Author:D.B. Jackson [Jackson, D.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Falstaff Books

Chapter Sixteen

4th Day of Sipar’s Ascent, Year 634

When Orzili could stand again, he left the castle by way of the west gate. Fewer guards there, fewer questions about where he was headed.

Droë thought she had defeated him, but she couldn’t have known all that transpired between the Arrokad and him that night on the bay in Herjes.

He strode through empty lanes to a lonely stretch of shoreline and spoke a name to the wind and the rush and retreat of the surf. Soon, he spotted a pale form slipping through waves like a porpoise, approaching the strand at speed.

The Arrokad emerged from the brine scaled from his waist down, moonlight gleaming on his wet shoulders and broad chest. Watching him walk out of the gulf, Orzili tried to control his breathing. He hated treating with Ancients, this night a stark reminder of why.

“Human,” Qiyed said by way of greeting. Silver, serpentine eyes scanned the coastline before settling on Orzili.

“Good evening, Most Ancient One.”

“You summoned me.”

Carefully. He did not wish to owe anything to this creature. “I did as you instructed.”

The Arrokad’s gaze sharpened. “You have seen her?”

“Just now. She’s here, in Hayncalde.”

Qiyed glanced around again, lifted his chin as if sniffing the air. “I sense...something. Tirribin. More than one.”

“She said there are Tirribin in this city. She’s concerned for their well-being. I have been using a Walker, and she told me that the misfutures we’ve created have been harmful to them.”

“That could be useful. Thank you.”

“Have you seen Tobias?”

The creature stilled and for a second time that night, Orzili feared for his life. “Did I not tell you that if I did I would inform you?”

“Yes, but—”

“That is what I will do.”

“You have much that occupies your time, Most Ancient One. I merely thought—”

“I know what you thought. You believe I am likely to disregard your wishes, to take all I can from you and offer little in return. You believe I bargained in bad faith. You are correct about all but that last. I do not care about human squabbles. But commerce is all to an Ancient. If I find the Walker, you will know of it.”

He wasn’t certain he believed the Arrokad, but he could only say, “Of course, Most Ancient One.”

Qiyed flashed a cold smile—Orzili wasn’t fooling him—and began to wade back into the surf. “You have done well. I will remember that you have done me a service.”

“Thank you,” Orzili called after him. Already the Arrokad had slipped under the water’s surface.

Orzili stood on the strand for some time, too weary and dispirited to walk back to the castle. Not so long ago, he had been a man others respected, even feared. He had love, he had gold, he had whatever future he might choose for himself. Or so it seemed.

Now Lenna was gone, Ancients treated him with contempt, and Tobias remained a threat to all his ambitions. It was infuriating.

Eventually he left the shore and trudged back to the castle, his boots as heavy as stone.

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