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(Page 3 of 12) Ivaris - Chapter 6 by Jennifer Raney
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Someone thinks we know more about it than we do, and is trying to kill us for it," I offered. Seroan nodded agreement.
The woman sat down, "I don't know anything about thieves," she started, cautiously easing her weight back into the chair.
"Rorcher said you might have heard something," Seroan added, before she could dismiss us.
She scrutinized him, "And why should I compromise myself to give you information? I have delicate relationships with my clients."
I'll tell you, at this point in the conversation I wanted to slap her for being so curt. As far as I could tell we were being very polite, but for the sake of not making another mortal enemy, I kept my mouth shut and my hands to myself.
Seroan must have sensed my indignation, and continued before I could think of anything to say, "We're not asking you to compromise your position, ma'am, my god father suggested you might have something to offer, that's all." She studied him over her glasses.
"Well," she said after a moment, "I have heard nothing. But my associates hear rumor that Itriscia is working a fairly extensive spy ring in Enora. And as you know, the term ‘spy' is synonymous with ‘thief', and there is a great possibility with spy rings for the theft of important information, but also of valuable items," she said carefully.
I added it up, "And Itriscia might employ an experienced, well-known spy to operate this ring?"
"You know more than you think," she said.
Seroan looked concerned about something, "But how would that connect to the assassinations? Diversion?"
"Possibly. Who was assassinated? I recall a few of the names being Parliamentary Security Panel members..." she baited.
"Ah," I said, "maybe they making progress uncovering the spies, causing trouble for them."
"Mm," Seroan muttered. I knew what he was thinking, but I wasn't sure how much information we could trust this woman with. I didn't even know her name. What we were both asking ourselves in our thoughts, though, was what did the imposter Jovraan spy have to do with all of this? Was he himself the leader, or an associate? Was Varren also dealing with Jovraan on the side, and being investigated for it?
"Can you think of nothing," she continued, "that Enora's enemies might want to steal? Something ancient and powerful, and important to the empire? Something considered ‘unstealable' it is so well guarded and trapped?"
Seroan looked up suddenly, and she smiled at his epiphany.
"Thank you, ma'am," he said abruptly, "we appreciate your advice." He turned to go and I followed. Obviously he knew what ‘the stones' were now, though I was still as clueless as before.
As we went for the door she called after us, not a little sarcastic, "Happy to help."
We went outside and found Rikash with the horses. Seroan didn't seem to want to discuss what he was thinking while we were in so public a place, so I suggested we go ahead and find a room for the night.
We found a pleasant little pub called ‘The Warrant', and bought our room and board for the night.
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