and the countryside, in every building in Adopest. He already knew one of his council had betrayed him. How many more would? “Well done, Fingers,” Tamas said quietly. The spy waited a moment before he left, one eye fixed on Tamas the whole time.
“I’ll have to double what I’m paying the Barbers,” Tamas said. “They have the manpower, if I have the money.”
Sabon said, “It’s dangerous, depending too much on them.”
“A risk I have to take. These spies. They could bring down everything we’ve worked for. We’ll double patrols and give the local police more authority. Kresimir, we might have to push back plans for the new government.”
“We’ve always known it was a dodgy road we would have to walk. Just don’t forget about the people.”
“Of course not. How goes the training?” he asked Sabon. “Pray, tell me some good news.”
A weary smile crossed Sabon’s face. “Better than I expected. Andriya may be crazy, but the younger recruits like him. Vidaslav, as it turns out, has some talent for teaching. We’ve shown the ones with the least amount of talent how to find a powder mage and turned them around, sending them out recruiting. There are already more candidates than I thought possible.”
“How many?”
“Thirteen so far with a decent amount of talent. Two of those with the capabilities to rival me. Unfortunately none on your level, or Taniel’s.”
“Thirteen?” Tamas said. “You’re joking. It took me years to gather the powder cabal we have now.”
“I wouldn’t believe it unless I saw it myself,” Sabon said. “Remember, there was a powder-mage cull less than a hundred and fifty years ago in Adro. Every man, woman, and child checked for any strength with powder and executed if discovered. Nowadays people hide it if they find themselves with the affinity. At least, they did. We’re trying to work out a system to seek out powder mages directly.”
“You mean like the Privileged Dowsers?”
Sabon nodded. “The royal cabal had more potent sorcery at their call than we do. And greater numbers. I’m sure we’ll work out something, though.”
Tamas slapped him on the shoulder. “Good work, my friend. Keep me informed. I know you’re not happy about the assignment.”
“There is one other thing I should ask you.” Sabon seemed to hesitate for a moment.
“What is it?”
Sabon spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. “Until recently, Taniel and Vlora were meant to wed. I must ask you, did you put them together purposefully?”
“What do you mean?” Tamas asked, though he had a pretty good idea where Sabon was heading.
“Did you pair them in order for their children to be powder mages?”
Tamas considered his response. It was opportune, certainly, and his encouraging them to be together was definitely not without ulterior motive. “The thought had crossed my mind.”
“Not even the royal cabals resorted to such breeding,” Sabon said. It was obvious he disapproved.
“They didn’t? Why do you think the king provided each male sorcerer with his own harem? Benevolence? No, Sabon, they most definitely bred for Privileged. It’s not common knowledge, but the Beadle alone had over a thousand children.”
“Any Privileged?”
“One,” Tamas said. “A younger member of the royal cabal. Didn’t even know who his father was.”
Sabon’s mouth hung open in horror. “What happened to all those other children?”
“Work camps, orphanages, the Mountainwatch.” Tamas shrugged. “Some were even slaughtered as babes. The royal cabal has never been a pleasant place. I will not let my powder cabal become like that, but yes, I intended for their children to be Marked. In my own studies, powder mages inherit hereditarily far more often than Privileged.”
“How long have you been studying this?” Sabon asked.
“Since long before we met.”
Sabon regarded him with dark eyes. “Erika was a powder mage.”
Tamas fought the snarl that crept onto his face. It was a fair enough assumption on Sabon’s part. “Don’t even think it,” Tamas said. His voice came out an angry growl despite his effort. “I loved my wife. I’d give anything to have her back.” His voice cracked. He cleared his throat. “Taniel was not an experiment.”
“Good.” He seemed satisfied with the answer. After a brief pause, “I was hoping after your recent adventure you’d recall me.”
Tamas shook his head. “I’m sorry. I need you teaching new powder mages. I can take care of myself.”
Tamas could hear Sabon grinding his teeth. “You’re a stubborn bastard, and it’s going to get you killed,” Sabon said. “They’ll send more than one Warden next time.”
“Likely, but not yet. I’m going to get some sleep. Before you head back to