Wolf-Speaker

‘But he said he didn’t work for the emperor any more.’

‘In addition to his other talents, he is an accomplished liar.’

Hearing iron control in his voice, Daine shivered. It took a great deal to anger Numair Salmalín. She would not give a half copper for the well-being of someone who did make him angry. ‘Then why let us go? Surely he knew when he saw you that there’d be trouble.’

‘He let us go because he dumped enough nightbloom powder in my wine to keep me asleep for a century. As far as he knows, I drank it.’

‘Did you?’

He smiled mockingly. ‘Of course not. Those years of working sleight-of-hand tricks in every common room and village square between Carthak and Corus weren’t wasted. The wine ended up on the floor, under the table.’

‘He should’ve known you’d see the potion.’

‘Not particularly. When we were students, I had no skill in the detection of drugs or poisons. I knew nothing practical. People are impressed that I am a black robe mage from the Imperial University, but black robe studies cover esoterica and not much else. Yes, I can change a stone to a loaf of bread, if I want to be ill for days and if I don’t care that there will be a corresponding upheaval elsewhere in the world. Much of the practical magic I have learned I acquired here, in Tortall. From the king, in fact.’

‘But if it’s just Tristan shielding this place, can’t you break through? Oh, wait – you think those other two wizards are helping him.’

He smiled. ‘There were five mages in that banquet hall. Tristan called Masters Redfern and Gardiner merchants, but if they are, it is only as a cover occupation. They have the Gift, too.’

Daine guessed, ‘Another thing Tristan doesn’t know you can tell?’

The man nodded. ‘From the way the others defer to him, he is in charge of what is transpiring here. That means this affair is the emperor’s business. Tristan has been his dog for years – only Ozorne can tell him where to bite.’

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