Page 13 of Aubade Rising
Captain Devath is infuriating. None of the ferrymen look me in the eye when I next implore them to take me across the river. Not even kindly old Diogel, my personal ferryman. He is happy to take me to the laboratory, but gives me a sympathetic smile when I plead to go to the city.
“It’s not worth my job and I happen to agree with the Captain. The city isn’t as safe as it used to be.” His eyes crinkle with concern as he regards the city across the river with dismay.
I resort to badgering one of the palace guards to escort me. I’m assigned a guard who looks half my age, fresh out of training. I feel so very safe…
We make an odd pair, traversing the city towards the address Dervla gave me for her geologist contact.
Taking his duty of my safety seriously, the young guard scans every road junction and crossing, frequently holding me back so he can check for danger.
It’s ridiculous and now I’m running late.
What on earth is he actually even looking for in the middle of the day as we walk through the market?
I highly doubt rebels are lurking in each alleyway, waiting to grab me.
I’m relieved when we reach the address and make our way up the steep stone steps to the wide doorway. But the guard reaches to knock before I can. “What do you think you’re doing?” I hiss. “Your role ends here. Wait outside until I’m finished.”
“But Captain Devath instructed me to be your escort.”
For ocean’s sake! It’s bad enough that Dervla has commanded me to ask for help from a Mordros.
I’m not going to let another one witness this moment.
“That doesn’t entitle you to my personal business.
Feel free to pass that back to the Captain.
” I summon ice into my voice and glare at the guard until he sensibly retreats to the bottom of the steps.
I knock on the door and wait.
A willowy young man throws open the door, dressed from head to toe in an impeccably tailored, rich burgundy tunic, his light brown hair perfectly coiffed. He looks like he would be right at home in the shopping district of Pentargon.
“Howl Karek. It’s a great pleasure to meet you.” He shakes my hand keenly, welcoming me in.
We stride down a long corridor to his office, feet tapping on the polished stone floor.
An immaculately tidy desk commands the space.
Howl leans casually against it with a beaming smile and gestures for me to sit opposite.
I lower myself cautiously onto the futon, careful to avoid crumpling the soft cushions, all too aware that everything in this house is fastidiously tidy and ordered.
“Now tell me exactly how I can be of service?” His smile is a little too big, the warm reception unwarranted. I wonder what exactly Dervla told him about me.
“Dervla mentioned you are something of a geologist and that you owe her a favour.” I glance around, expecting to see some evidence on the shelves to validate this assumption. Perhaps a collection of rare rocks or gemstones but the room is bare – tasteful but minimalist.
I turn back to see him covering his surprise at my question.
“Well, I wouldn’t call myself that exactly…”
Embarrassed, cheeks flushing at Dervla’s mistake, I go to stand.
“Hold on, I didn’t say I couldn’t help. If Dervla is calling in her favour then I’m bound to assist.” He performs a slight bow, before turning to walk around the desk and takes a seat.
“I’m a purveyor of rare and exclusive goods, most of which happen to be rare gemstones or minerals. I take on very few assignments and have very specific payment terms.”
Confusion must be evident on my face as he continues. “I am the complement to Dervla, her business counterpart. There’s not much we can’t source between us although she’s never sent me one of her people before. Where has she been hiding you?”
“I’m an academic and she sponsors my research. I’m not involved in her business interests.”
He startles briefly, casting his eyes up and down, evaluating me.
But before I question him, he strides across the room, footsteps silenced by the expensive carpet.
“Dervla runs the largest and most successful acquisitions business in Trevesiga. She supplies ships, grain, iron, weapons. Whatever you need, Dervla delivers,” he explains.
“I am more nuanced. I cater to unique requests. Where you need something a little more special, a little more discreet.” He turns, capturing me with a direct stare.
“I assume that’s what you’ve come here for? ”
“I’m looking for a mineral, with a very specific set of properties,” I venture.
He pauses, waiting for more information and I debate how much to reveal.
Something about the crafty glint in his eye tells me he wouldn’t be opposed to one or two shadier deals if the payment was right.
I think that’s what Dervla alluded to when she said he would be able to find what we need. She must be getting desperate.
“I can give you a list of requirements that the mineral will need to have...”
He scoffs, “Well at least that’s something. I wouldn’t want to be hunting completely blind now, would I?”
I shrug, a little out of my depth.
“I suppose Dervla has quite an urgent need for this mysterious item?” I nod and he chuckles.
“Alright, consider me intrigued. I do love a challenge.” His grin widens.
“Tell Dervla to consider her favour fulfilled. You can leave me with the list of properties on your way out. I’ll contact you when I have news.
” I watch his eyes flicker to the bookshelves lining the hallway as he ushers me out of his house and back into the charge of my disgruntled escort.