have offered land for a temple in Riverrun, a prosperous town that has long denied us permission to establish a presence.”
“Land owned by the Gemcrofts, correct?”
Eliora halted and looked at Veliana. At least, she assumed she looked at her by the way her head tilted. It was hard to know with that damned cloth over her face.
“What are you saying?” Eliora asked.
Veliana shrugged.
“Seems if you’re doing all this for the land, then the Kulls are irrelevant. We just need a promise from Alyssa.”
Eliora crossed her arms.
“What do you get out of it?” she asked.
“Give me two days,” Veliana said, winking. “I need to find out what happened to my guild. I’ll do anything I can to take Thren down a notch. Can you keep Alyssa safe and out of Pelarak’s hands until then?”
The faceless woman thought for a long time. The shadows swirling about her slowly cooled.
“One day,” Eliora said. “Then return to me. I am not releasing you from your oath.”
Veliana drew her two daggers and laughed.
“I wouldn’t dare risk you lovely ladies coming after me when I sleep,” she said. “But I’ve sworn vengeance on Thren. Long as you’re helping me do that, I’ll behave…enough.”
Eliora watched her go back into the heart of the city. She crossed her arms. Their plan was already fragile. Cutting out the Kull family would make matters even more precarious. Everything seemed to hinge upon the Kensgold.
A Kensgold that would be starting in less than a week.
“Forgive me if I go against your wishes, Karak,” Eliora whispered as she turned and dashed into the dark alleys. “But Pelarak is only a man. He is not you. We will do your will as we know best.”
The bar was empty but for an unconscious man slumped over a table, a lone serving wench cleaning around him with a cloth, and two lovers feeling each other up in the corner. Gileas would have preferred them all gone, but he couldn’t afford to be choosy. With Veliana still alive, his days were numbered. He sat in the opposite corner of the lovers. He leered at them, enjoying the sight of the woman’s thigh. When she finally glanced over and saw him, she flipped a finger at him and then returned her attention to her man.
Gileas noticed the man entering the tavern but pretended not to. He kept his head down, staring at the table as if stuck in a drunken stupor.
“Strange place for a worm,” said the man as he sat down across from him.
“Soil beneath the wood floor,” Gileas grunted. “And you’re late, Senke. I’m pushing my luck as is.”
Senke chuckled as he glanced about the room. The serving wench seemed determined not to acknowledge his existence, so he decided against a drink.
“You told Thren of some rather valuable information,” Senke said, sounding vaguely amused by the idea. “I’m not sure if I believe you have it or not, but apparently my master is willing to give you a chance.”
Gileas handed over a yellow piece of paper. Senke flipped it open, read it, and then raised an eyebrow.
“This is her location?” he asked. “You’re sure?”
“Would I lie to the great and mighty Spider Guild?” he asked. “Spiders kill worms, or at least, they would if they fought.”
“Yeah, but worms eat the spiders after they’re dead.”
Gileas laughed as if this were the funniest thing he’d ever heard. Senke shifted in his seat. He hated dealings with the Worm. It always left him feeling dirty afterward.
“A good laugh is priceless, but my information is not,” said Gileas. “Where is my pay?”
Senke reached into a pocket of his long gray cloak and pulled out a small bag of coin. He tossed it onto the table.
“You’ll get the second half when the information pans out,” Senke said. Gileas snorted.
“Keep the other half for yourself, or donate it to some orphans. What I have is all I need to leave for a more, hrm, friendly environment? Once a few certain people are dead, I’m sure I’ll come back to sell you the rest of my little secrets.”
Senke shrugged.
“Your loss. I’ll find some orphanage suitably rundown to match your charming personality.”
Gileas laughed. “To think I’ll miss your wit,” he said.
“And to think I’ll miss your lies.”
Senke tugged at his hood in a mock salute, then left the tavern. Gileas nibbled on the ends of his fingers, waiting a minute or two to make sure Senke wouldn’t see him leave. He heard the door creak. He looked up. No one was there.