The Emperor's Wolves (Wolves of Elantra #1) - Michelle Sagara Page 0,45
fit. He did not, however, wear a tabard. Nothing about the clothing itself was meant to make a public statement.
Elluvian was not interested in being unseen today.
“You will need to learn Barrani,” Elluvian said, stopping to allow a small wagon procession to pass.
Severn shrugged. “I know some.”
“You will need to learn to read it. Or to read in general if you lack that skill. It is remarkably useful. Were you taught to read?”
The second shrug was stiffer than the first.
“You have a place to stay?”
Severn nodded.
“I will not ask how you came by it, or how you afford it. But those questions will become very relevant, very quickly, as a Wolf. The people who serve the Imperial Law are expected to uphold it; it sets a poor example otherwise, in the Emperor’s opinion.” His grin was bitter but genuinely amused. The Emperor’s opinion carried more weight with Elluvian than the laws themselves. “You will have access to rudimentary Records once Helmat completes his cursed paperwork.
“At that point, you are to study maps. In the interim, walk the streets of the city itself. Seeing maps—or mortal maps—in Records is not a substitute for experience. Were you to serve the Swords or the Hawks, you would focus the entirety of those studies on the city streets. Most of your work will be done within the city. But not all.”
“Do you know where we’re going?” His expression was neutral. Good. He appeared to understand that Elluvian had taken a detour from the route Ybelline had offered Severn.
“Yes, in fact. At the moment, we are going to visit a man on Elani street.”
“He’s an informant?”
Elluvian chuckled. “No. And I suggest, if you do not wish a permanent and indelible mark on your record, you refrain from ever asking that question again.”
* * *
When the door to what appeared to be a fixed storefront opened, Severn noted that the man behind it was old. He moved slowly, his shoulders bent; his face was lined with a network of wrinkles that made it impossible to guess his age. Those wrinkles were folded around the corners of his eyes and mouth in a way that suggested a permanent frown.
“I should have known,” he said, glaring at Elluvian. “I’ve half a mind to shut the door in your face.”
Elluvian wasn’t offended, which made clear to Severn, if nothing else had, that Elantra was not the fief of Nightshade. No one in Nightshade, no matter how important they were, spoke to the Barrani this way.
“It wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Why are you here?”
“I’ve come to introduce a new recruit.”
The old man snorted but allowed his gaze to drift to the left and back. “If you’ve any other options, boy,” he said, and his age was great enough that boy seemed neither condescending nor diminishing, “take them. Elluvian isn’t known for his gentle treatment of so-called recruits.”
“My duties do not involve coddling the hopeless.”
“No, of course they don’t. What do you want?” Severn noted that while the door was open, the old man had not stepped back to allow them entry.
“A word with you, of course.”
“Have several.” He continued to study Severn, and after a moment exhaled heavily. “You’d best bring him in.”
“It is not my apprentice I wish to discuss.”
“Of course not.” He glanced at Severn before he turned. “But you only bring apprentices when you want to make certain I don’t slam the door in your face.”
* * *
The old man’s name was Evanton. Severn introduced himself, as Elluvian didn’t seem concerned about something as insignificant as a mortal name. “You’re new to Elantra.”
Severn nodded.
“And you’ve joined the Wolves.”
He nodded again.
“You’ve met the Tha’alani.” At this, Severn glanced at Elluvian. Elluvian’s face was shuttered.
“Yes.”
“It wasn’t a question. Why did Elluvian bring you to meet me?” When Severn failed to answer, he added, “That was a question.”
Severn said, “Apologies, but I don’t know.”
“Evanton—”
The old man held up a gnarled hand. It was, however, entirely steady. “When I want your answer, I’ll ask you.”
“He has the only useful answer,” Severn said. He was not defending Elluvian; nor was he defending his own ignorance.
“You would be amazed at how often that is untrue. It has been some little while since he has brought an associate into my store.”
Severn now glanced at the Barrani Wolf. Even by mortal standards, it hadn’t been that long since Elluvian had last had a mortal partner.
Elluvian said nothing.
“Come, why are you here? My time is of some value. Who are you hunting?” Evanton now asked, folding