And Nirvathis is your puppet. Yeah, I could see why Levistus wouldn’t want it to go to Morden. “Given our relationship, why exactly are you telling me this again?”

An expression of irritation flickered across Levistus’s face. “This is common knowledge to anyone with an elementary understanding of Council politics. Please believe that I have an abundance of matters more pressing than providing you with remedial education.”

That stung, especially since I knew it was true. “Go on.”

“To push through his proposal, Morden needs to significantly change the political landscape of the Council,” Levistus said. “He has chosen to do so by targeting White Rose. If he succeeds in destroying or suborning them, he will gain significant influence. Enough to win him his seat.”

“Hold up,” I said. “How exactly would destroying White Rose get Morden anything?”

Levistus had the expression of a teacher dealing with a particularly slow-witted pupil. “White Rose’s influence is exercised through the information they possess. If Morden were to gain control of their records and databases, their influence would become his. He would become the most powerful Dark mage in the British Isles, in a position to begin taking over the Council from the inside.”

“Somehow I doubt it’d be quite as simple as that, but I get your point. So if you get on so well with White Rose, why don’t you use all of your abundant power to have the indictment squashed?”

Levistus’s lips thinned. “Unfortunately, certain mages within the Council have taken this opportunity to pursue their existing feuds with White Rose as an organisation.”

“Gosh,” I said dryly. “I can’t imagine why some of the Light Council would have a problem with an organisation based around sex slavery.”

“This is not a laughing matter. If Morden achieves his goals, he will command more power than any Dark mage has had since the Gate Rune War.”

“This is all very interesting,” I said, “but I think there’s something you’ve forgotten. You’re right, I don’t particularly like Morden. However, I also don’t particularly like you. And since Mage Nirvathis is a friend of yours, it’s a safe bet I’m not going to like him either. Why should I care whether the Council seat goes to a Light-aligned bastard or a Dark-aligned bastard?”

“I was under the impression that you claimed to oppose what Dark mages stood for.”

“Yeah, you tried that one last time.”

“And you claimed to be a mercenary. Perhaps it would prevent further miscommunications if you were more honest about your motivations.”

“Okay then. I don’t like you, I don’t trust you, and I’m not helping you expand your political empire. Is that enough honesty?”

“And how does your old master factor into your calculations?”

My voice sharpened. “I don’t see how that’s anything to do with you.”

“I assume you at least know that Morden and Drakh are working together?” I didn’t answer, but after a moment Levistus went on as if I’d agreed. “Should White Rose fall, the greatest beneficiary will not be Morden. It will be your old master. Whatever his long-term plans, it appears they involve placing Morden on the Council.” Levistus raised an eyebrow. “Perhaps you still serve him after all?”