Dragons envoy, p.15
Dragon's Envoy, page 15
On my seventh attempt, Em said, "I’ve got good news and bad news." I growled. "The good news is that it will work this time."
I smiled, then stopped. "And the bad news?"
"All these failed attempts, and now your success, have been done in the dream world. Now you have to do it in real world." I closed my eyes shaking my head, I had forgotten about that. "Don't worry, now it will be easier for you. Tomorrow go to a book binders’ shop and buy a fine leather covered journal. Then we'll make you storage book a reality."
I broke my fast then took a coach to the finest book binders in the city. An apprentice greeted me as I entered the shop. "Good morning, Sir Mage. What can we do for you?"
"I need a journal, one made out of the finest leather you have."
"Oh yes, we have just what you need, just over here,” he said as he stopped in front of a display case. "We sell a lot of these to mages who are in the process of making their own spell books.” In the case were some fine-looking journals, and from their look they were finely made.
The covers were dyed different colors, and all were shined to a high gloss. "That one," Em said drawing my eyes to an emerald green one.
"I'd like to see that green one," I told the man.
He lay a cloth on the case top and placed the journal on the cloth. I picked it up and examined it nodding. "Top quality," I said. "Nicely done. I'll take this one. I also need one the same size, but with the leather undyed." He nodded, going to the back.
"One to practice on?" Em asked, her voice smiling.
I nodded.
The clerk returned with an undyed leather bond journal. I examined it, and found It was of the same quality as the green one. I bought both.
When I got home, I went down to the secret work room sealing each door behind me so I wouldn't be disturbed. I spent the next several hours meticulously working on my stores book.
"Perfect," Em said. "Now to use it open the book to a page, concentrate on whatever you want to store in you book, then cast the storage spell. If done properly the item or items with be transferred onto the page of your stores book. The page will show a drawing and description of whatever you store there. Any food, water, wine, or anything else that’s edible will remain fresh as long as it's stored in the book. To get something out of the book, you reverse the process. You can reuse the pages to load and unload an infinite number of times. But remember, don't try to store any living creatures in the book. It will die instantly, and that page will be ruined.”
I nodded, turning to my sitting chair I concentrated on it and cast the transference spell. The chair disappeared from the room, and a drawing and description of it appeared on a page in the book.
"Well done," Em said. "Since you made your stores book, correctly using that one you can save your emerald book to use as your personal mage book. I'll teach you spells and techniques you'll need to write down and study. Here's a new spell for you to use right now.” She cast the spell on my storage book, and it shrank to a playing card size that would fit in my pocket. She showed me the spell again and had me cast it a few times to insure I had it commuted to memory.
"Will that spell shrink anything?"
"Within reason, you can't shrink a barn down to the size of an acorn, plus it has to be non-living.
"That will come in handy," I said. I felt her mental nod.
"Now I need to make a list of supplies for the henchman's apartment, and for this room. While I'm at it I should get extra to have on hand incase I'm caught away from everything."
"Better to have and not need, than to need and not have," Em said.
* * *
I needed another mage persona, an elemental mage perhaps. So, Moss, an earth mage was born––well, at least to the rest of the world. I, as Moss, caring a gnarled mage staff entered Master Wooten shop. "Good morning, Sir Mage,” a clerk greeted me. “How may I help you?”
“I’m in need of some supplies," I said handing him the list.
He looked down the list, nodding. “I can fulfil this list, will you need things delivered?"
"No, I have someone coming to pick it up. Just put it out on you loading dock." He nodded and began filling my order. When he finished, I paid him and sat down on the supplies like I was waiting on my wagon. After a bit, it was clear that no one was paying attention to me. I took out my stores book and cast the transference spell. The supplies disappeared into the book. I repeated the process at three other merchants.
I went to the castle to supply the henchman's apartment. when I had stored the supplies, I stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air. Looking to the courtyard I saw Duke Herald entering the main gate. He was most likely coming to see the King. Going back inside I cast merge and soft shoe. I took the passageway to the King's office. The King was alone working at his desk, and I expected Duke Herald to arrive shortly.
There was a knock on the door, and Duke Herald was shown in by escorts. The King nodded to the guard who left and closed the door. He asked quietly, "What news?"
"He has Barrister Crisp handling his affairs and accounts. He's the same one who had managed Lady Lark's. He, by the way, manages many nobles’ accounts. Crisp can't be bribed and is honest to a fault. He's made some investments, the mill you know about, but he's transferred the deed, and ownership to Greyson. Another is the Lark house, which they are turning into a grand inn and eatery. That deed was transferred to Jake Minder, the Riverfront inn keeper. The rest of the assets haven't changed."
The King nodded. "With Crisp managing the account, he won't hand them over to me. So, instead we’ll introduce him to your daughter."
Duke Herald nodded. "She understands how important this is and what she stands to gain."
"Good, and if that fails, my dog is more than ready to attack at any moment," the King said.
I’d heard all I needed to hear, I went back to the apartment and made tea. I sat by the fire considering my best course of action. I knew Duke Herald's daughter would fail in her task, there was no question about it. The King's henchman, on the other hand, was an unknown. I needed to get rid of that dog before he had a chance to bite me.
I returned to the guest house's hidden room and supplied it. The rest of the supplies I kept in my storage book.
I went upstairs and over to the main house. I found Weaver doing odd jobs for Keefer. "Do you know the King's henchman?" I asked.
"I do," he said nodding.
"I need to find out where he lives, where he eats and drink? Does he have a family, or a woman he visits? Does he owe anyone money, and who are his enemies?"
He nodded and left. "No waisted words there," I thought.
I was eating dinner at the Riverfront inn, and Barber was also there. I nodded to him in greeting and he waved me over." Good evening, Sir Mage, will you join me?"
I nodded sitting down. "Thank you.” I had eaten here so much, that they brought me an ale at that same moment, and I simply let them know when I was ready to eat––since I always had the same meal.
"How goes the Lark house rebuild?"
"Slow," I answered. "You deal in information, right?"
He nodded, taking a drink of his ale. "I may have some information that you can sell. I'll split the profits with you."
"What kind of information?"
"Potentially the money-making kind."
"If I can sell it, I'll cut you in."
"For half," I said.
He chuckled. "For half, aye lad."
"An investor is buying riverfront properties, and he or they may be buying more. If someone were to buy the properties first, then sell them to this investor..." I left the rest unsaid, wanting him to pry for information.
"Who's the investor?"
"Not sure, the company's name is ‘Drake Holding.’”
"What properties is he buying?"
"Riverfront is all I know."
"Why aren't you buying in?"
"Not my line," I answered.
He nodded, considering. "If I make money, you'll make money. Enjoy your meal," he said and left.
That should get things started, I thought.
Chapter 17
I was sitting on the roof of a house across the street from Duke Herald’s estate, watching the windows of his house for movement. I had figured out which room belonged to the duke's daughter, Mona, after a short while. The King's ball was less than a week away, so I need to do this sooner rather than later.
I launched myself from the roof, gliding to land lightly on the duke's roof. I eased along the roof to an attic window and went in. The attic was dusty and full of all manner of things. Listening, the only voices I heard were from two stories below. The duke, his wife, and daughter were in the parlor talking. I couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, so I decided to move.
I went down the stairs to Mona's room. As I searched through her vanity, I found her makeup. I added my prepared powder to her face paint, and powders. I made sure I left everything as I had found it and left her room. I stopping to listen at the top of the stairs before continuing on. I could hear the three of then talking clearly now that I was positioned differently in the house.
"Mona, you must take this seriously."
"I am taking it seriously, mother. He's a boy, he'll do what I ask, they all do. It won’t be an issue."
"This boy is different, Mona." I recognized the duke's voice. "He's a mage, not a pie-eyed stable hand. He's seen war and has killed men in battle. Do not underestimate him and his wishes."
"It will make no difference, he's a boy nonetheless. He'll not be able to resist my beauty and charms."
"Just remember, our fortune rides on the outcome of this. Marriage would be best, but a compromising position will work just as well," the duke said sternly.
Nice family, I thought. I left the house the same way I had arrived, with no one the wiser.
* * *
Weaver showed up midafternoon and said, "I have news." We went into the guest house and sat down.
"Marx, the King’s henchman, usually eats at the castle. When he drinks, he drinks at different taverns, but never gets drunk. He has no steady woman, but he does like to gamble. He usually goes to either the Copper Shield or the Dungeon on Wednesday nights. He usually wins more than he loses, but when he loses, he loses big."
"Thank you, that's all I needed to know. Send Keefer in, please."
He nodded and left.
Keefer came in shortly after and said, "Yes, Sir Mage?"
I signed a 1000 gold bank note and handed it to him with the address of the river front estate I’d gifted to the Greysons. "If I go into hiding, and you finish The Lark house, before I return, go to that address and start renovations. That estate belongs to Duke Greyson, kind of my adopted family. If you finish the renovations before I'm back, you will assume the role of caretaker until Duke Greyson replaces you."
"Yes, Sir Mage, all will be as you say." He knuckled his forehead and left.
Now, I think I need to visit a gambling house, I thought.
* * *
Both gambling houses were west of the castle, and the Copper Shield was the first one he'd come to after leaving the castle. I sat on the rooftop across from the Copper Shield, waiting. An hour after dark he showed up and went inside.
I dropped down from the roof into the alley. I took on a different guise, crossed the street, following Marx inside. I'd never be into a gambling house, I had to stay focused to stay in character. I ordered an ale and walked around watching a few games while keeping an eye on Marx.
He seemed to favor games using dice. Once he started to play, I joined the table and started betting. I concentrated on the dice, getting the feel of them, and in time I started controlling their landings.
I won some and lost some, but I now had the dice control down cold. It was finally Marx turn to throw the dice. He won a few throws, then lost what he had won. I set the dice to land where he would win a few throws. I then I set them to land so he would lose his gains, and quite a bit more. He was getting frustrated, he didn't like to lose, but who does.
I set the dice for him to lose until he took a house marker. When it was his turn to shoot again, I set the dice for him to win every other throw. Then he started hitting every throw. Just as he was about to throw again, a man grabbed his wrist.
"That seems a bit more than the average luck mate."
"Check those dice," I said.
"Yeah, check the dice," others joined in.
They took the dice from him, looking them over, then threw them. The dice landed on the point every time. That was all it took. When fighting started I backed away toward the wall. Knives were drawn and the bloodletting began. Marx didn't go down without a fight, before the house muscle could stop it, he and two other men were dead.
That dog won't be biting anyone else, I thought. I left with the rest of the crowd before the city watch arrived.
* * *
I arrived at the King’s Ball by rented coach, and as the wealthiest bachelor in the city dictated, I wore the finest of clothes. At least that's how my illusion made me look. Why waste money on clothes you might only wear once? The rich wouldn't be caught dead wearing the same outfit to a future ball, especially not the ladies. I paid the coachman and told him I wouldn’t need him to wait, and he was off.
The chamberlain announced me as I entered the great hall. "Sir David Slinger, Mage Healer to the King." We pretty much ignored each other after that.
I made my way pass the noble dressed peacocks to the refreshment table for a glass of punch. I chose the weaker blend with less liquor in it, as I still wanted to appear sociable. Now was not the time for a foggy mind. I moved to the wall so that I could see most of the room. I didn't socialize with these people, as I didn't really know anyone. The way they were eyeing me though, I'm sure they knew who I was––if only by reputation.
I was on my second glass of punch when I heard the chamberlain announce Duke and Duchess Herald, and their daughter, Lady Mona. Lady Mona went straight to the corner where a handful of the other young ladies were gathering. Putting their heads together they giggled sharing the latest gossip.
"Such a charming group of hay-brained young ladies," Em commented.
I smiled. Well, time to get this party started. I concentrated on Lady Mona and cast the makeup activation spell. She started blinking her eyes almost right away. She took out her handkerchief and dabbed her nose and cheeks. After a few seconds, she shook her head and started screaming. Rubbing her face, she ran toward the water fountain and launched herself into the pool, face first. She sat on her knees scrubbing her face, trying to stop the burning sensation. I reduced the burning sensation a tad but did not remove it completely.
Everyone in the great hall was staring at her. She looked like a drowned cat, hair in a drooping twist. Her father rushed to the fountain to help her, though it was clear he was mortified by this embarrassment. Good thing too, as she stumbled a few times trying to get out. The Herald family left the ball right away.
Lady Mona's face would have deep red blotches until I removed them later on. Well, that's one less problem for today, I thought.
A half hour later, the King and the crowned Prince made their grand entrance, and the receiving line started. As a lesser rank than others present, I was further back in the line. When it came my turn to greet the King, I bowed and said, "Thank you sire for you kind invitation."
All he said was, "Most welcome, Sir David," and moved on to the next person in the line. A bit off his game, I thought, smiling.
Since I could not leave before the King, I danced with a few ladies, and made polite conversation. Inevitably I was cornered by those who wanted to ask me about their ailments. Out of boredom, I healed one old lady’s bunion, and relieved one older gentleman's back pain.
Thankfully the King made an early night of it, and shortly thereafter the guests began to trickle out. I made my way to a side hall, merged, and went soft shoe. I made my way to my secret apartment and into the King's passageway. I no longer needed a peep hole to see and hear who was on the other side of the wall. There were several people in the King's office. The King, the crown Prince, the chamberlain, the magistrate, a few military officers, and a few nobles.
"So, Marx was killed fighting in a gambling hall...the buffoon," the King said shaking his head. "What of Duke Harald's daughter?"
"Minor burns incurred on her face, apparently she had a reaction to the amount of face paint she used," the chamberlain said.
The King looked around the room considering. "It's been a long day, you may all go." Everyone bowed and started leaving. The crown Prince made to stay until the King said, "Good night Claudus." The crowned Prince bowed and left. The chamberlain stayed behind regardless, waiting for everyone to clear out.
"Rucker," the King began. "I have decided that we shall arrest David Slinger. The charge will be suspicion of murder of Lady and Thomas Lark and conspiring with dark priests against the crown. He will, of course, be killed during his arrest. Seizing his assets will be easier without a trial."
"Yes sire, I'll make the arrangements,” the chamberlain said sneering.
Listening to them planning to have me killed, I made up my mind on how I would handle them. I felt Em on my shoulder––she felt larger than she had before. I cast a spell sealing the King’s office, and another spell keeping all sounds within the room. I cast merge, soft shoe, and––with Em's help––I merged through the wall into the office.
As the chamberlain turned to leave, I unmerged between him and the door. He lept back, stumbling into the King's desk. The King jumped to his feet, as the chamberlain scrambled around the desk to join him. Their eyes were wide, staring at Em.
"A Dragon Mage," the King whispered, the chamberlain was nodding.
I felt Em stretch her wings, "that's new," I thought.
"Guards!" the King shouted. I waited, nothing happened. "Guards!" he shouted again with the same results.
"It's just us...sire," I said sarcastically.
