a simple herdsman.
He had caught a brief glimpse of the sword Sorak wore beneath his cloak. It had a most unusual configuration, and though Timor could not be certain, for the blade had been covered by its scabbard, it appeared to be a metal one. A simple herdsman did not carry such a weapon. It would be way beyond his means. Moreover, a simple herdsman did not carry himself the way Sorak did. The elfling had the bearing of a fighter. There was definitely more to him than met the eye, and Timor wondered if he was not a plant from Nibenay, sent to spy out any potential weakness in the council.
He had assigned some templars to investigate the claims Sorak had brought to the council, for he could afford to take no chances. At the same time, however, he had sent a team of templars to work in shifts and have Sorak watched. As each watcher was relieved, he reported back to Timor on Sorak’s activities. The most recent report had been especially enlightening.
Sorak had been escorted by Captain Zalcor and a squad of city guard to the warrens, so that he might secure some cheap accommodations while ostensibly waiting for the investigation to confirm the validity of his claims. No sooner had Zalcor left, however, than Sorak had made his way straight to the Crystal Spider, and a short while later, Rikus himself had been seen entering the gaming house, as well. This could not be coincidence. It was a well known fact that the half-elf female who operated the gaming house had once been a gladiator, as had Rikus. Undoubtedly, they knew each other. And now Sorak was there, as well. It was a clear indication of collusion. Only, what was their plan?
Was it possible, Timor wondered, that Rikus and Sadira had somehow managed to get wind of his plans for the Night of the Scourging? Then, just as quickly as the thought occurred to him, he dismissed it. If that had been the case, he would surely have been arrested, even the absence of proof would not have stopped Rikus and Sadira from moving against him. Sadira was not above letting the end justify her means. No, it had to be something else. If he was plotting against them, then could they not at the same time be plotting against him?
Neither Rikus nor Sadira made any secret of their distrust and antipathy toward the templars. However, for the moment, the templars had strong support among the people of the city. If Sadira moved against them now, she would have difficulty justifying her actions, and she would be perceived as using Kalak’s methods. On the other hand, if she could make a strong case against the templars…
“Of course,” said Timor to himself. “She plans to accuse us of collusion with these so-called spies from Nibenay. The elfling is her cat’s-paw. The whole thing was contrived to make the templars look like traitors to the city.”
“My lord…”
Timor turned around. One of his templars stood at the entrance to his chambers. “Yes, what is it?”
“We have apprehended two of the spies,” the templar said. “We found one at the merchant house of Kulik, and the other was arrested in the elven market, coming out of the Drunken Giant wineshop. He was observed at several inns and taverns, making inquiries about the Veiled Alliance.”
“Indeed?” said Timor. “Where are they now?”
“Downstairs, my lord, awaiting your pleasure.”
“Excellent. Have them brought in.”
He poured himself some wine and raised the goblet to his lips. A moment later, he heard shouting on the stairs, and then a scuffle. He frowned. There was more shouting, and the sounds of blows falling, then several of his templars entered, accompanied by soldiers from the city guard, dragging the two prisoners. Oddly enough, the prisoners were not so much resisting them as trying to get at one another.
“What is the meaning of this?” Timor said, his voice a whip crack. “How dare you create a disturbance in my home?”
The two men fell silent as they stared at him. Then one turned to glower at the other and spat out, “If you tell him anything, you misbegotten son of a silt Wader, I shall tear out your tongue and feed it to you!”
“Silence!” Timor said sharply. “The only one to make any threats here shall be me.” He turned to the soldiers. “Leave us.”
“But, my lord, these men are dangerous…” the sergeant of the guard protested.
“I said leave us. I