Trick of Shadows (The Duskhunter Saga Book 2) by Sara C. Roethle

Author:Sara C. Roethle [Roethle, Sara C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vulture's Eye Publications
Published: 2021-03-20T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Vannier awaited us behind the guild hall at first light as promised. Even hidden near the cellar doors, he stuck out like a red flycatcher standing stiff-backed in his showy livery.

His shoulders relaxed as he spotted us coming toward him. “It’s about time. I must get back before I’m missed.”

I glanced up at the first hint of sunlight just now showing over the rooftops. We were precisely on time, but I didn’t bother pointing that out. He didn’t have to meet us. I could be patient with a bit of bluster . . . but only a bit.

“Stand guard,” I said to Steifan. “I don’t want anyone sneaking up on us.”

I tugged the hood of my brown traveling cloak forward a little further, making sure it covered all of my hair. Steifan wore a similar cloak. After one attempt on our lives, we couldn’t be too careful. I had belted my sword around my waist instead of across my shoulders to make it less conspicuous. The blade was a bit too long for comfort, and it might take me a few moments longer to draw it, but a woman with a greatsword would stand out. At least around my waist, someone searching for me wouldn’t spot it from a distance.

Steifan walked out to the narrow intersection and disappeared around the corner. We both had Ryllae’s ointment smeared across our eyelids and over our ears, so hopefully even if someone with glamour came, Steifan would be all right.

I turned my attention to Vannier. “Tell me everything you know.”

His eyes couldn’t seem to settle on a particular part of my face. He wrung his hands, finally meeting my gaze. “You swear to me you will find the boy?”

“I will not give up until he has been found one way or another.”

Vannier rubbed his tired eyes. It looked like he hadn’t gone back to sleep after we left him. “Lady Charlotte had many secrets, and I was sworn to keep them, but if telling you will help solve her murder and bring back the boy, I will break my oath.”

I anxiously waited for him to continue.

He let out a long breath. “Lady Charlotte had a . . . business. She had suitors other than her husband.” His lined face grew redder as he spoke.

“If you are trying to tell me she was selling her womanly charms for coin, you can save your breath. Lady Montrant already hinted at as much.”

His eyes flew wide for a moment, then he seemed to settle himself. “I suppose that makes this explanation a little easier. Lady Charlotte kept to a regular schedule, and while her business was less than proper, it seemed she was staying safe. Then I noticed the first vampire bite. I caught just a glimpse of it when her sleeve pulled up too far, revealing her wrist.”

I lifted my brows. “So the bite on her neck wasn’t the first one. How long was this going on?”

“It started a few weeks before she went missing,” he explained.

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