Im sorry for rousting you out of bed so late at night, she said, eyeing the absurd gown. We must look quite the couple, she mused, considering her own efficient black and the sword and pistols at her belt. I have something urgent to discuss with you.
He narrowed his eyes, then glanced at the watchman and soldiers who had escorted her down here. L-l-leave us. I, Ill be all right. With a slight bow he turned and led her to his chamber.
You could have taken over Margits apartments, you know, said Venera as she glanced around the untidy, tiny chamber with its single bed, writing desk, and wardrobe. Its your right. You are the botanist, after all.
Moss indicated for her to take the single wooden chair; he managed one of his mangled smiles as he plunked himself down on the bed. Wh-who says I w-w-wont? he said. H-have to get the sm-smell out first.
Venera laughed, then winced at the shards of pain that shot through her jaw and skull. Good for you, she said past gritted teeth. I trust youve been well since I left? He shrugged. And Liris? Made any new sales?
W-what do you want?
Tired and in pain as she was, Venera would have been more than happy to come to the point. But, First of all, I have to ask you something, she said. Do you know who I am?
Of c-course. You are V-Venera F-Fanning, from
Oh, but Im notat least, not anymore. She grimaced at his annoyed expression.
I have a new name, Moss. Have you heard of Amandera Thrace-Guiles?
His reaction was comically perfect. He stared, his eyes wide and his mouth open, for a good five seconds. Then he brayed his difficult laugh. Odess was r-right! And h-here I thought he was m-mistaking every new face for s-somebody he knew. He laughed again.
Venera examined her nails coolly. Im glad I amuse you, she said. But my own adventures hardly seem unique these days.
The grin left his face. Wh-what do you mean?
Not that you have any obligation to tell me anything, she said, but surely youve seen that there are odd things afoot in Greater Spyre. Gangs of soldiers wandering in the dark backroom alliances being made and broken. Somethings afoot, dont you agree?
He sat up straight. Th-the fair is full of rumors. Some of the l-lesser nations have been losing people.
Losing them? What do you mean?
When the f-first of our people v-vanished, we assumed M-Margits supporters were leaving. I th-thought it was o-only us. But others have also lost people.
How many of yours have left? she asked seriously.
He held up one hand, fingers splayed. Five, then. For a miniature nation like Liris, that was too many.
Do you have any idea where they went? she asked.
Moss stood up, walked to the door, and listened at it for a moment. Then he turned and leaned on it. Sacrus, he said flatly.
It cant be a coincidence, she said. I came here to talk to you about them. They they have one of my people. Moss, you know what theyre capable of. I have to get him back.
Her words had a powerful effect on Moss. He drew himself up to his full height, and for a moment his face lost its devastated expression; in that moment she glimpsed the determined, intelligent man who hid deep inside his ravaged psyche. Then his features collapsed back to their normal, woebegone state. He raised shaking hands and pressed his palms against his ears.
He said something, almost unintelligibly; after a moment Venera realized hed said, Are they toying with th-these recruits?
No, she countered hastily. My man is a prisoner. The recruits or whatever they are Moss, Sacrus has a reason to want an army of its own, possibly for the first time. Theyve finally discovered an ambition worth leaving their own doorstep. She said this with contempt, but in her imagination she saw the vast glowing bubble of nations that made up the principalities of Candesce. They dont have the population to support what I think theyre planning. But it wouldnt surprise me if theyve been recruiting from the more secretive nations. Maybe theyve always done it but never needed them all before. Now theyre activating them.
Puzzlement spread slowly across Moss face. An a-army? What for?
Venera took a deep breath, then said, They believe they have the means to conquer the principalities of Candesce.
He stared at her. A-and do they?
Yes, she admitted, looking at her hands. I brought it to them.
He said nothing; Veneras mind was already racing ahead. Their force must be small by my standards, she said. Maybe two thousand people. Theyd be overwhelmed in any fair fight, but they dont intend to fight fair. If we could warn the principalities, they could blockade Spyre. But wed need to get a ship out.
Uh-unlikely, said Moss, with a sour expression. One thing I d-do know about Sacrus is that they have been buying ships.
What else can we do? she asked tiredly. Attack them ourselves?
Y-you didnt come to ask me to h-help you do that?
She laughed humorlessly. Buridan and Liris against Sacrus? That would be suicidal.
He nodded, but suddenly had a faraway look in his eye. No, Venera continued. I came to ask you to help me break into Sacruss prison and extract my man. I have a plan that I think will work. Margit told me where they keep their acquisitions. I believe they view people as objects, too, so hes likely to be in that place.