Night Study (36 page)

Leif stepped back. “You’re not going to get upset again, are you?”

“No. I understand what’s going on here.”

Relief smoothed his features. “Finally! Isn’t Bruns a genius?”

Not the word I’d use, but I had to choose my words with care. “Leif, there’s a good reason why you love the food. It’s been cooked with Theobroma.”

His brow crinkled. “You must be mistaken.”

“You know I have a sensitive palate.” My survival had depended on it when I’d been the Commander’s food taster. “Take a bite.”

He did. Concern flashed, then he smiled. “Of course! It makes total sense. The Commander has Curare, and Bruns wants to protect our soldiers. If they’re hit with a dart, the Theobroma will keep them from becoming paralyzed. I told you he’s a genius.”

So close. “But the substance also has other effects. That’s why you’re helping Bruns.”

“No, it isn’t. He wants to protect Sitia and so do I.” Leif crossed his arms and stiffened into his stubborn stance.

But his gaze held a tiny seed of doubt.

“Come on, Bruns is waiting for us.” Leif opened the door. Wrapping his hand around my upper arm, he escorted me out.

Bruns glanced at each of us. “Is everything all right?”

“Yelena is still not convinced,” Leif said. “But I’m sure she’ll come around in a few days, just like I did.” He frowned at me.

I kept my expression neutral, but inside I allowed hope to grow. Perhaps my comments would snap my brother out of it.

Bruns showed me his garrison and demonstrated an impressive mock battle. His ideas and concerns for Sitia’s battle readiness were sound; it was his execution that lacked basic morals. Leif remained Bruns’s biggest cheerleader.

As we watched a training session, I asked Bruns, “Why did you change your mind about me?”

“My reasons were twofold. Assassinating you always came with the risk your heart mate would trace the hit back to me. When the Commander sent his other assassin after you, I’d hoped he’d think the second hit was also ordered by the Commander, and therefore it’d be a major upset in the Ixian leadership.”

I kept quiet about just how much of an upset there was between Valek and the Commander right now. “And the second?”

“Your brother convinced me that your knowledge and intelligence would be an asset, despite the fact you no longer have magic. Also, the Commander has blocked your magic somehow, and we need to learn how he achieved this. If he can do it to you, he’ll do it to the others. And while I’m all for no more magicians...” He frowned. “We need them for the upcoming invasion.”

What a swell guy. He had a few things wrong, but I wasn’t going to correct him.

“And there’s also your knowledge of Ixian tactics and their military that will aid us.”

Ah. I wondered what Bruns would do if I told him Valek suspected the Commander planned to invade after the Fire Festival a mere six months away. Probably freak out and kidnap every magician in Sitia. We looped back to the magicians’ barracks.

“I realize it’s quite a bit to take in,” Bruns said. “I’ll give you a few days to think about it before asking for your answer.” He indicated the two goons who had stayed close by for the entire tour. “They will remain with you to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to explore the garrison. The dining hall is open all day.”

“What happens if I decide not to join and wish to leave?” I asked.

Bruns’s smile failed to reach his eyes. “I don’t think that will be an issue.”

“And if it is?”

“You’re a smart girl, Yelena. You know there are always casualties during a war.”

Before I could respond to the threat, Leif linked his arm in mine.

“Come on, sis, you’re exhausted. You’ll think better tomorrow. I’ll fetch you supper.”

Leif escorted me to the white room. The goons trailed us, but remained in the hall. Probably taking up flanking positions by the door, which Leif closed.

“Don’t bother bringing me any food,” I said. “I’ll find my own.”

“You’re being paranoid. Bruns is—”

“Killing magicians, hiring assassins, kidnapping people and committing treason.”

He glowered at me.

“You tasted the Theobroma. Come on, Leif, think about it.”

“You’re wrong.”

I almost groaned in exasperation. “Okay, then prove it. Stop eating the food for a couple days and see if you still feel the same way about Bruns.”

Leif gasped. “Stop eating?”

“At least find food that isn’t tainted by Theobroma. Can you do that for me?”

He met my gaze. “And if I prove you wrong, will you join Bruns?”

“Yes.”

* * *

Over the next three days, I tested the limits of my imprisonment. The goons bookended me whenever I left my room and kept within two paces of me at all times. Leif brought our meals to my room. It was mostly fruit and raw vegetables—the only edibles not tainted with Theobroma. He ate with me and griped about the food, but he was determined to prove me wrong.

Even with all the various war preparations going on, I spent most of my time in the armory. A number of the new weapons fascinated me, and I practiced with a few at the range. It was amusing to see the goon brothers so tense and ready to tackle me should I aim a weapon at them. Amusing and infuriating, since they completely blocked any opportunity for me to escape.

I also had to fight against the constant barrage of positive thoughts about Bruns and his efforts. Suspecting a magician able to mentally communicate these good feelings to everyone, I asked Leif about it when he brought supper that night.

“I didn’t notice it before, but...”

“But what?”

“Oh, for sand’s sake! You were right. Since I’ve been Theobroma-free, it stinks big-time.” He speared a piece of broccoli with his fork. “Happy now?”

“Yes!” Relief flowed through me. “What’s been going on?”

“There are magicians arriving daily who are already on Bruns’s team. I’m guessing his recruiters are using Theobroma to convince them.”

That was disturbing. “How is he getting to them?”

“Probably the same way he’s doing it here, by spiking their food.”

“Do you know where we are?” I asked.

“Krystal Clan’s garrison, near the coast.”

“Do you know where the other training areas are?”

“No. But I’ve been Bruns’s best buddy, and I’m hoping to be part of his inner circle soon. He’s assigned me to convince you to be on our side, so you’re going to have to spout the bullshit to keep my cover.”

“Can’t wait,” I said drily.

“I hope you’re a better actress than that, little sis, or we’re all in trouble.”

As we finished our meals, I had an idea. “Is there any way to swap the Theobroma for a substance that tastes like it, but doesn’t have the same magical properties?”

“I wish. Theobroma is one of a kind.”

“Do you have a plan?”

“I suggest you play nice, show up for meals and pretend to be influenced by Bruns.”

“Then what?”

“We gain his trust and find the chink in his armor. Then we send a message to Ari and Janco and Irys.”

It sounded easy, except... “We can’t eat the food in the dining room.”

“But I can’t keep coming here. Bruns is getting suspicious.” Leif rubbed his chin. “And frankly, I’m sick of eating nothing but fruit and vegetables. I’m friends with Alvar, the chef—let me see what I can do.” He stood, squeezed my hand and turned to go.

I made a quick decision. “Leif.”

“Yes?”

“Make sure you get plenty of food. I’m eating for two.”

He jerked as if I’d slapped him. Then a range of emotions crossed his face—surprise, excitement, worry and then concern. “You shouldn’t have risked the baby for me!”

“I couldn’t
not
try to rescue you.”

Leif wrapped me in a hug. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Congrats, sis. Does Valek know?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’d better escape before he sends the entire Ixian army to rescue you.”

* * *

The next morning I met with Leif in the dining room. He had two plates of scrambled eggs and bacon waiting for me. I thanked him before shoveling the food into my mouth. Leif filled me in on how he’d offered to help Alvar with the morning rush and managed to snag a few servings of eggs before they were glazed with a
special
sauce.

“Holy snow cats! There’s Dax Greenblade.” Leif gazed over my shoulder.

I crushed my napkin in my hands to keep from turning around. Was he captured? “Does he have goons with him?”

“No. Just a goofy smile, and he’s heading this way.” Leif leaned forward. “Remember, we love Bruns.”

“Leif! Yelena! So this is where you two have been hiding,” Dax said. “I should have known you’d be where all the action is.”

I glanced way up at the tall man with light green eyes. For him, I didn’t need to fake a smile. He’d been my first friend when I’d been a student at the Magician’s Keep. “Hi, Dax! Did you just arrive?”

“Yup. Isn’t this place great? Much better than that stuffy old Keep, where we don’t do anything but study. What a waste of time. Now we can contribute to the welfare of Sitia.”

“Yes, isn’t it wonderful?” The words tasted like ash on my tongue.

“That looks yummy,” Dax said. “I’m famished.”

I grabbed his wrist before he could leave. “You can have the rest of mine. It’s still warm.”

“Great.” He dug into my plate with abandon.

“So how did you hear about this place?” I asked.

“One of the students, I think,” Dax said between mouthfuls. “This is good, but not as good as the Keep’s.”

“Really?” Leif asked.

“Yeah. We got a new chef and her dishes are...divine!”

Nausea bubbled in my stomach. I met Leif’s equally horrified gaze. If Bruns had managed to put Theobroma into the food at the Keep...

“I don’t remember a new chef,” Leif said. “When did she start?”

“Oh, a couple weeks ago, I think.” He shrugged, oblivious to our alarm.

I sagged back in my chair. Everyone at the Keep ate their meals at the dining room, including Irys and Bain, the two most powerful magicians in Sitia.

Leif used a series of subtle hand signals, telling me to stick to the plan.

I replied,
What plan?

Get Bruns to trust us.

And then?

We stop him.

That’s not a plan.

Do you have anything better?

No.

Discouraged, I said goodbye to Leif and Dax. I scanned the faces in the dining room as I left, searching for more magicians from the Keep. I recognized four others. At this point, I thought only the Commander’s army could stop Bruns. But what if he couldn’t?

I was so preoccupied, I tripped and sprawled on the floor.

Before my goons could help me, another soldier swooped in and lifted me to my feet. “Are you all right?” he asked.

I met Janco’s gaze without visibly reacting. Inside, my heart was doing a jig. “Yes. Just a bit clumsy.”

“Not your fault—there are
lots
of people in here. It’s hard to move.”

My depression lifted. Help had arrived! “All the better for when we go to war.”

“True. Bruns will lead us to victory.”

I took a step, but wobbled and fell into Janco, who caught me with ease. He’d dyed his hair red and wore a fake ear that covered his scars.

“Don’t eat the food,” I whispered in his good ear before straightening. “Guess I must have tweaked my ankle.” I gestured to my goons and let them support me as I limped from the dining room. Ha!
How’s that for acting!

My elation over seeing Janco faded as I realized that even with more people on our side we still didn’t have a clue how to stop Bruns.

* * *

Bruns joined me in the armory the next day. I’d been practicing using one of the new blowpipes that had scoring in the barrel to improve accuracy and distance. Too bad the dart wasn’t filled with poison. That would have been a quick way to solve the problem of Bruns.

“I heard you twisted your ankle. How are you doing?” Bruns asked.

I smiled at him. “That’s so sweet of you to ask. It was a minor sprain. Nothing a good night’s sleep couldn’t take care of.”

“Wonderful. Leif tells me you’ve changed your mind about me,” Bruns said.

It about killed me, but I stretched my lips wider and beamed at him. “Yes, I was being so silly. I mean, once I thought about it, I wondered why I would protect the Commander when he fired me as the Liaison.”

“Oh? I hadn’t heard that. Let’s go to my office and have a little chat.”

“All right.”

With his arm linked in mine as if we were old friends, he led me to the main administration building in the center of the garrison. Before entering, Bruns ordered my goons to remain outside. As we climbed to the top floor, I searched my memory for any bits of information that I could give to Bruns about the Commander.

We arrived at a waiting room, complete with a pretty secretary. She handed him a stack of papers and mentioned a number of people who had been looking for him.

“I’ll deal with them later. Can you bring us a pot of tea, please?”

She jumped to her feet. “Yes, sir.”

Opening a door behind her desk, Bruns escorted me into his vast office. It occupied the rest of the fifth floor. The sleek furniture was made of ebony wood. My boots sank into lush carpets, and the opulent paintings had gold frames. Floor-to-ceiling windows covered the entire back wall. Unable to resist, I gazed at the view. Sunlight glinted off the Jade Sea in the distance. Right below were the training yards and armory.

“Did you buy the garrison?” I asked, pressing my hand on the glass.

“No. Councilor Krystal agreed that we needed to prepare for war and offered it to me.”

“How many other Councilors are helping you?”

“I believe I’m supposed to be asking the questions.” Bruns’s voice held a dangerous tone.

Uh-oh. I turned. “Sorry! I shouldn’t ask such obvious questions. Of course
all
the Councilors support you. You’re going to save Sitia.”

Bruns relaxed. “Sit down, Yelena.”

I sat in one of the leather armchairs. The dark maroon color reminded me of dried blood. Bruns tossed the papers on his desk before sitting across from me.