The Broken Eye(44)
“Was.” Ben-hadad’s eyes widened, like he’d given something away.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Teia asked.
Ben-hadad’s jaw clenched, and he scowled, then said, “War changes everything. I thought maybe it could change that. You know.”
“Know what?”
“Kip’s dead, Teia. It’s been weeks. If a loyalist had picked him up, we’d have heard by now. If a slaver had picked him up, they’d have asked for a ransom. They don’t hold on to prizes like a nobleman’s son.”
“He’s not dead.”
“Even if you’re right, he’s dead to us. Even if he survived, he attacked the Red, Teia. He can’t be a Blackguard.”
“The Red is lying. There’s no way Kip—”
“Because Kip never acted on a mad impulse before, right? He’s so levelheaded. Orholam’s balls, Teia. It doesn’t even matter what really happened. The Red is the Red. And he’s the head of his family. And he’s Andross Fucking Guile. If Kip comes back here, it’s suicide. He’s out of your life. I just thought…” He blew out a breath, seeming to deflate. “Look, I’m sorry I said anything. This was not…”
“Not what? Not what?” Teia demanded.
“Look, I—dammit! Forget it!” He stormed off.
Asshole! Teia turned her glower on a little slave girl who was staring at her.
“Pardon me, Mistress,” the girl said. She gulped. She couldn’t have been more than ten, hair in tails. There hadn’t been any wars recently enough that she could have been seized in them, which meant the girl had been sold by her parents. Betrayed.
Teia made her face a calm mask. No need to frighten a helpless girl with fury that had nothing to do with her. “Yes, caleen?”
“A man sent me to tell you he must meet with you immediately. He’s in your room.”
“A man? What did he look like?” Teia said.
“Tall, Mistress. Red hair? Smiled a lot?”
Teia cursed loudly, scaring the slave girl. “I’m sorry. You may go. Thank you.”
It was time. Master Sharp had her job. One job, and she’d be free. Right. Teia knew how that worked. One job, to get you in deeper. How dumb did he think she was? On the other hand, what choice did she have?
How awful could it be?
She didn’t want to think about that. She went to her room—Kip’s room—quickly. She hesitated in front of the door, then, figuring that Master Sharp could kill her quickly, invisibly, and without leaving a trace no matter what she did, she opened the door.
Master Sharp was seated on her bed, legs crossed daintily, hands folded in his lap. He favored her with a large, beautiful, false smile. “There’s a ship docking within an hour. It’s called the Red Gull, from Green Haven. There’s a man aboard, a mund, Dravus Weir, distinctive red and yellow and green hat. He’ll be carrying a bundle of papers. Maybe in a messenger case, silver scrollwork on the ends. But maybe not.”
“You know I’m red-green color-blind. And if the papers aren’t in a case, I won’t be able to see them regardless,” Teia said. “You know—”
“I’m well aware of your limitations. I’m trying to figure out your abilities,” Master Sharp said. “You’ll be expected to … relieve him of those papers before he makes it to the Blood Forest ambassador’s residence. Dravus Weir is a spy, so he’ll be on his guard. Whatever happens, you are not to let him identify you. I’ll trade you those papers for your papers. You understand? Your freedom, for one little theft.”
Of course she did. She’d been dreading this task for—“Did you say one hour?” she asked. It would take her that long just to get there.
He smiled his selachian smile.
“Get out,” she ordered.
“Pardon?”
“I have to change. I’m not going in nunk’s clothes. Now. I don’t have time for your nonsense.”
He slapped her heavily, knocking her down. “Remember who gives the orders here, caleen. You can show respect, or you can be taught it.”
Teia stood on shaky legs, fists clenched. Time’s wasting, Teia.
She shucked off her gray inductee’s trousers and tunic and stared death and vengeance at Master Sharp as she pulled on her discipula’s garb. It would stand out less than the inductee’s clothes, but still more than she would have liked. Unfortunately, she wasn’t rich enough to have more than two changes of clothes.
Master Sharp merely watched her passively. “What’s the vial you wear? Oil? Perfume?”
“It’s nothing.”