Mather and Swan have mentioned this Howler and Soulcatcher. They did not speak well of them. But they didnt speak well of you, either, as you were. Whats their interest here?

I talked about them till the crows returned. Blade had no trouble grasping the intricacies of scheming in the old empire. He must have had experience.

The crows reestablished their watch. I did not disturb it. Too often would generate suspicion. Blade wore a thin, pleased smile. As we approached the others, waiting silently, watching intently, each with his concerns too evident. Blade whispered, For the first time Im glad Cordy and Willow dragged me out.

I glanced at him quickly. Yes. He seemed completely alive for the first time since Id met him.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Four

The Prahbrindrah Drah turned slowly before a mirror, admiring himself. What do you think?

The Radisha eyed his tailored dress, bright silk, and jewels. He cut a handsome figure. When did you turn into a peacock?

He half drew a sword hed had forged as a symbol of the state. Nice?

It was as fine a weapon as could be produced by Taglian craftsmen, hilt and pommel a work of art incorporating gold, silver, rubies, and emeralds in a symbolic intertwining of the emblems of Taglian faiths. The blade was strong, sharp, practical, but its hilt was overweight and clumsy. Still, it was not a combat weapon, just a trapping of office.

Gorgeous. And youre trying to make a fool of yourself.

Maybe. But Im having fun doing it. And youd be having fun making a fool of you if Mather was here. Eh?

The Radisha eyed him narrowly. He was not as open as he had been before Lady caught his eye. He was up to something and for the first time in their lives he was not sharing. That worried her. But she said only, Youre wasting your time. Its raining. Nobody goes to the gardens when its raining.

It wont last.

That was true. It was just a brief rain. They always were, this time of year. The real rains were more than a month away. But still... She felt he should avoid the gardens tonight, with no rational basis for her feeling.

Youre investing too much in it. Slow down. Make her work harder.

He grinned. Give the woman that. Murderess she might be but she did put a smile on his face. Dont count me so smitten Ill give away the palace.

I wasnt thinking that. But shes changed since she came back. It concerns me.

I appreciate it. But Im in control. Taglios is my first love. And hers is the Company. If shes up to anything its trying to make sure we dont go back on our bargain.

That could be enough. Regarding the Black Company she still hovered over the abyss between his position and Smokes.

Hows Smoke? he asked.

Hasnt come to yet. They say he lacks the will to recover.