Sea of Quills (Tales of the Black Raven Book 2) by Seth Skorkowsky

Author:Seth Skorkowsky [Skorkowsky, Seth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Publisher: Ragnarok Publications
Published: 2015-09-25T22:00:00+00:00

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Beads of sweat gathered across Osgood’s brow as he waited in the dark and stuffy room. He peered through a narrow slot in the curved wall before him, allowing near complete view of the neighboring room without being seen. Ulva Fidhent, a wealthy Lunnisburg merchant, had the spying room built to observe how guests behaved while she wasn’t present. Now, Osgood used it to watch a pair of jeweled broadswords hanging above the mantle. Through one of his more unsavory connections, he had word spread of a hefty sum a country noble was offering for the blades. The formidable stone house would discourage all but the boldest of thieves. It was only time before the Black Raven would come. The real swords lay wrapped and hidden inside the narrow table beside him.

Two other guards patrolled the house; another four were hidden. The room offered enough light to see but still denied a clear shot from any accomplices hiding outside. He’d even hidden a crossbowman of his own on a neighboring roof, waiting for the Black Raven’s friend. Neither would escape him this time.

Osgood leaned back into his padded chair and dabbed his forehead, cursing the humid summer night. He tucked the handkerchief away and removed a silk cloth from his sleeve. The scent of lily and spiced incense still lingered in the thin fabric. Its owner had become the single beacon of contentment he’d found since arriving in this cursed and disgusting city three weeks prior. He sniffed it deeply, remembering when he’d met her.

A gray-eyed quellen had served him a glass of apricot liquor. Red dye painted the tiny whore’s cheeks and lips. Even the long, brown hair along the back of her large ears was pulled up tight and hung down her back over a mint-colored corset. Sipping his drink, he stood beside a polished table and listened to a young harpist. Her dark nipples peeked temptingly out from beneath a velvet dress.

Double doors opened, and a slender man with a trimmed goatee and long, dark hair stepped through. Golden buttons traced down the front of his burgundy and cream doublet. A petite blonde gracefully followed him, her round breasts bare and her face concealed beneath a sea-green veil.

“Sir Vankmir,” the man said with a bow. His accent hinted at southern Mordakland. “It is a pleasure. I am Karl Skerstein, owner of the Ruby House.”

Osgood scanned the lavish surroundings, his gaze lingering on the veiled woman. “I had heard of your establishment and of your courtesans but was not expecting a personal invitation.” He held up a square, folded envelope between two fingers. “How did you come to know of me?”

“It is my job to know.” Karl grinned. “With circumstances with the eels being as they are, most of my customers are away. When I learned the viscount’s home was again occupied, I hoped to welcome him back. But when I learned it was not him but yourself whose exploits I had already heard, I had no choice but to welcome you to our city and invite you to my home.

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