The Emperor's Wolves (Wolves of Elantra #1) - Michelle Sagara Page 0,85
the information on as part of a joint investigation.”
“What does that mean?”
“They will have access to our files in the investigation—which will not affect you at all. We, however, will then have access to theirs, which might.”
* * *
In the morning, Helmat’s grimmest expression had taken up what appeared to be permanent residence on his face. Severn had barely stepped into the office when Rosen waved him over.
“I’m not sure what you did,” she whispered, “but Helmat is in a mood. He’s demanded to see you, first thing.”
“Is it the Tha’alanari or the Hawks?”
Rosen’s mouth opened, but no words fell out. “When Helmat is in this mood, no one asks questions that aren’t directly relevant to their mission. Even then, it can be touch and go. You’d better head to his office. He’s probably observing us through our mirror connections as we speak.”
* * *
Severn wasn’t surprised to see Elluvian in the Wolflord’s office. This time, however, Garadin wasn’t present. Elluvian’s eyes were blue. Helmat’s were the same brown they’d always been, but his brow was furrowed in a way that suggested rage.
“Both of your requests have caused disturbances,” the Wolflord said.
“You found the possibility amusing yesterday,” Elluvian pointed out. Severn wouldn’t have dared. “Which of the difficulties is currently enraging you?”
“We have another body in the morgue.”
Elluvian’s amusement was discarded instantly. “The Hawks found the corpse.”
Helmat nodded.
“Manner of death?”
“Not yet determined. There were no obvious wounds, no obvious broken bones. The person in question appeared to have died at home. It’s likely his body would have been discovered in the next few days, as he lived alone, but the Hawks were sent to speak with him.”
“On what grounds?”
“Do I look like the Hawklord?”
Both the Wolflord and Elluvian now turned to Severn, as if waiting for his input.
“They know we’re investigating,” Severn said. “Or they know we will be.”
“Give the boy a cookie,” Helmat said to Elluvian.
Severn turned to Elluvian. “The High Halls?”
Elluvian nodded grimly. “There is a possibility that the informant works for the Imperial Service, but Helmat thinks it unlikely, when the High Halls are already in play.”
The Wolflord’s eyes widened before they narrowed to slits. “Dismissed,” he said, clearly to Severn, as he turned to face Elluvian.
* * *
“Does he often shout like that?” Severn asked Rosen.
“Not normally, no. The last time it happened, someone had just blown the hinges off his doors. The explosion was meant for Helmat,” she added. “Helmat survived. The would-be assassin didn’t. On the bright side, you can be certain he’s not pissed off at you—he threw you out before he started. The new door has a few magical enhancements.”
“To protect it?”
“To protect the rest of us from hearing most of his ire.” Rosen shook her head. “It’s Elluvian again.” She glanced at Severn. “Do I want to know?”
“I wouldn’t if he was that angry.”
She chuckled. “Do you know?”
“Not exactly. Does Records have information about the Barrani High Court?”
The good humor drained from Rosen’s face, leaving an expression that was much closer to what the Wolflord’s had been before Severn was ejected from the office.
“No. There are no members of the Barrani High Court who have ever been arrested and brought to trial. There are no Barrani informants. Severn, you’re young enough that you probably don’t listen to advice when it’s offered. I’ve been you. But I’m going to offer advice anyway.”
Severn waited.
“Do not involve yourself in Barrani politics. Not now. Not ever.”
“Laws of exemption—”
“Laws are at best estimates of decent behavior. If they were set in stone, if they were immutable, the entirety of the Halls of Law would cease to exist. Murder is against the law. People still murder. The laws of exemption—as far as I can tell, from years of experience—are a game to the Barrani. They understand that to lose is to enrage the Emperor, which is why they play this particular game more carefully than most of their games.”
“I’ve been assigned to partner Elluvian. Because of the laws of exemption.”
“Which is why Mellianne’s been in a mood.” A volley of poorly enunciated syllables shook the Wolflord’s office door, almost literally. “You keep your head down if you’re following in his footsteps. Understand?”
Severn nodded. “The Wolflord obviously has some knowledge of the Barrani High Court.”
“Did you hear a single thing I just said, or was I wasting my breath?”
“I heard you. Practically speaking, though, there’s no way I can avoid the Barrani. They’re the only reason I was assigned to Elluvian. I’m not going to jump into any