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queen-scribbles · 10 months

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The Long Burning Torch ch 7

Big chapter for my @shepherds-of-haven 20s AU, both in terms of length(9k) and plot happenings :3 Enjoy!

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Xaeryn woke earlier than she’d intended, largely thanks to barking her sore knuckles against the bedframe in her sleep.

She clenched the hand into a fist, instinctively cradling it close to her chest. Red had done a good job tending to it, it was just more sensitive the morning after. As was the way of injuries in her line of work.

But the thought of Red dragged her the rest of the way awake. She ran a hand down her face, fingers slowing as they passed over her lips. No. She wasn’t thinking about that literally first thing in the morning.

Mr. Syndran was coming by. That was where her thoughts should be dwelling; preparation for that meeting. She needed to be focused. Professional.

A yawn cracked her jaw and Xaeryn glanced over at the alarm clock. Almost an hour’s lost sleep. But her mind was already too busy--with thoughts of the day ahead and ones she was trying not to think--for much success at reclaiming that hour.

Wonderful. She groaned as she shoved back the covers and swung her legs down. She headed to the kitchen, made herself tea and toast for breakfast. She knew when Mr. Syndran was coming, it was Red and Pan who were the wild card for her schedule.

They’d promised to come say goodbye before they headed back to Solhadur, but she wasn’t sure when that would be. Pan hadn’t exactly been a willing early riser during their school days, but he could do it when called for. Like wanting to get an early start on a drive.

Best to be prepared, Xaeryn decided. She finished her breakfast swiftly--at least, swiftly as she could with both elbow and hand sore from yesterday’s scuffle--showered, and dressed in trousers and a coordinating blouse. Professional, practical for any legwork she might do later, and didn’t look half bad if she said so herself.

The thoughts she’d been trying to ignore pushed their way in. The gentleness of Red’s hands as he helped her. Her whispered confession of wanting to do something improper. The irritation she’d swear she’d seen in his eyes at Pan’s timing. Tying it all together, the persistent thought:

I almost kissed my best friend--and he looked ready to kiss me back.

They clearly needed to talk. She just wasn’t sure if there would be opportunity today, with Pan here as well.

Xaeryn threw herself into busy work, putting away her evening gown until she could get it cleaned properly, dealing with the dishes from her breakfast, reviewing her notes from the gala. She’d need to speak to Miss Acquell about investigating the portions she’d seen Stormbreaker heading for before she lost her. If she could find the woman’s destination, that might give some clue what she was up to, either physical or scrying.

A knock on the door broke through her thoughts, and Xaeryn’s gaze instinctively went to the clock. Too early for Mr. Syndran.

A nervous flutter passed through her as she stood from her desk and headed for the door. She glanced at Red’s tuxedo jacket, still hanging over the chair, and reached for the knob. It was, as anticipated, him and Pan waiting in the hall.

Red smiled soon as their eyes met. “I knew you’d be up this early.”

“I’m a bit surprised you two are,” she admitted in return, stepping back to let them join her in the office. “Well, more you.” She arched a brow at Pan.

“Trust me, not my first choice,” he said wryly. “But since Red has a class to teach, we wanted an early start.” He smirked. “And I know how you two like to bump gums; figured this way we don’t have to rush goodbyes.”

She chuckled. “You do know us well. It was good to see you, Pan. However briefly. Maybe next time can be longer.”

“Ditto, Xaer.” He held out a hand to shake. “I’ll try to make myself easy to find when you visit next, maybe we can have more of a chance to chin, if you’ve the time.”

“That does sound keen,” Xaeryn said with a smile, shaking his hand. It would be nice to do some more catching up with old friends. “Where’s likely to find you?”

“His office is just down the hall from mine,” Red chipped in.

“But I’m not there much.” Pan shoved his hands in his pockets. “More likely in the gardens trying to impart my wisdom to a new gaggle of students.” He stifled a yawn. “Now, I’m gonna go sit with our stuff and hopefully not fall asleep. Red, remember we do need to be getting on the road soon, hm?”

“I know, I know,” Red said, raking a hand through his hair, something of his usual confidence lacking from the motion.

“See ya ‘round, Ryn,” Pan winked, and ducked out of the office.

Xaeryn’s stomach twisted with nerves at the loss of his presence as a buffer. Did she bring up last night? Would Red? Was it better to pretend it didn’t happen--or, almost happen--in the name of preserving their friendship?

“You, ah, forgot your jacket last night,” she fumbled, stepping over to the chair to retrieve it. The slight increase in distance didn’t help settle her nerves as she’d--somewhat--hoped.

“Yes, I didn’t realize until we were halfway back to the hotel,” Red admitted with a small laugh. “Seemed silly to come back when we were already planning to stop by today.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he crossed the room. “I also figured you’d turn in quickly and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Her pulse jumped at the thought of if they’d come back, of him seeing her in her pajamas and Xaeryn cleared her throat to shoo it away. “I did pretty much fall in bed soon as you two left.” She picked up the jacket, held it out. “It was a draining night.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” he said wryly, taking the jacket. “I still had a good time.” His gaze dropped to her bandaged knuckles. “For the most part, anyway. How’s your hand?”

“Sore,” Xaeryn said. Her fingers instinctively flexed. “A tad stiff. But definitely on the mend.” She brought it up, the other hand rubbing the side of the injured one. “Thank you, again, for helping patch me up. That would’ve been much trickier to handle myself.”

“Oh, ah, you’re welcome.” Red draped the jacket over his arm. “Always happy to help, Xaer, you know that.” He was standing so close, barely an arm’s length away.

She nodded. “And I’m always grateful, and willing to return the favor. But that was... a little outside the wheelhouse, far as things I’ve asked of you.”

He bit his lip, hesitating on a question. His gaze flicked to her hand, her mouth, quickly to the bookshelves, grip tightening on the jacket. “Is that... something you have to do a lot, Ryn? Patch yourself up?”

Xaeryn smiled faintly and sucked the inside of her cheek. She rested a hand on his arm. “Do you really want me to answer that?” I know how you worry.

“I...” Red sighed, met her gaze again. “...do.”

“I wouldn’t call it a lot,” she said, still choosing her words with care, “but occasionally it’s called for.”

“Mm.” He shifted, the motion leaning slightly into her touch.

“It’s usually like this or less serious,” she assured him. “Scrapes, bumps to ice, that sort of thing.” A laugh escaped her. “Some are even self-inflicted due to stubbornness in chasing leads.”

Red chuckled fondly. “Of course they are.” He reached for the injured hand, tugging it close to look over. “Glad this one’s healing, but try to be more careful, Xaer? This case seems like it’s pretty high stakes, and thus high risk.”

Xaeryn nodded, trying not to be distracted by the way his thumb brushed the side of her hand. “It is a bit more... involved than my usual job,” she allowed. “And I don’t do unnecessary risk-”

“Having seen some of what you considered necessary during school, that’s not the comfort you might think,” Red interjected wryly.

She huffed a small laugh and reluctantly withdrew her hand. “My point, Liefred, is that detective work comes with a few more risks than academia, but I know what I’m doing in navigating them.”

“I know.” His gaze ran over her face. “And I trust you, but as your friend” --did his pulse jump in his throat on the word, or was it just a trick of the light?--”I am still going to worry about you. A little.”

“Only a little?” Xaeryn teased.

“I’m trying to be better about it,” he said with an abashed smile, “so it doesn’t get in the way of more important things.”

“A wise plan.” She smiled in return. He’d been a worrywart as long as she’d known him, she wondered how much success he’d have relaxing that facet of his personality.

A sharp knock sounded against her door. They both snapped a gaze toward it, though Xaeryn’s quickly shifted to the clock.

“That’s too awake and impatient to be Pan,” Red joked.

She laughed. “Given the time, I suspect it’s Mr. Syndran. We had an appointment. How lucky you’re still here for introductions.”

“I’ll be on best behavior,” he said, twinkle in his eye as he mimed adjusting a tie he wasn’t wearing and ran his fingers through his hair.

She rolled her eyes and tried to school her expression into something professional on the way to the door. Her guess had been correct. “Good morning, Mr. Syndran.”

“And to you, Miss Shrike.” Mr. Syndran arched a brow at Red. “And your guest.”

“Yes, I didn’t get to introductions last night,” Xaeryn said. “Mr. Riel Syndran, head of Whitestone Couriers; Headmaster Liefred Antiqua of Solhadur Academy in Capra.”

“Ah, yes, I know it.” Mr. Syndran stepped into the office, giving a formal half-bow of greeting. “We’ve handled some artefact deliveries headed there, though nothing recently.”

Red inclined his head in answer to the bow. “Hasn’t been much coming in for study, sadly. We’ve had to content ourselves with teaching and research.”

“Yes, what a struggle for you,” Xaeryn said dryly. “Liefred’s been helping with the historical research for Solimer’s Torch,” she explained to Mr. Syndran.

He cut her a sharp, knowing smile. “So he’s the one who prompted your inquiry about outsourcing?”

She nodded, flashed a smile to Red. “I felt it was smart to use an expert I trust. And his help has been... invaluable.”

“I see.” Mr. Syndran ran a glance over Red; the half-rolled sleeves, wrinkled waistcoat(at least it was buttoned this time), the tuxedo jacket draped over his arm. “And the gentleman trying valiantly not to nod off in the car out front? Is he another outsource?”

“No, he’s my ride,” Red said with a laugh. “And on that note, I should be going. So he doesn’t doze off.”

Frustration flared in Xaeryn’s chest, but she quickly clamped it down. Yes, they needed to talk, but that was a conversation she wasn’t keen to have in front of a client. So she just nodded farewell. “Thank you again for all your help,” she said, flexing her fingers to keep them from stiffening.

Red nodded, bit his lip, and stepped closer to give her a quick hug goodbye. “Anytime, Ryn. And I’ll have that information together by lunch tomorrow for you to come pick up.”

That seemed ambitious, if he had a class today, but if he wasn’t done when she got there, it would be a chance to visit more. “See you then.”

One last dimpled, lingering smile, something unsaid in his deep green eyes, and he was gone.

Mr. Syndran waited until the door clicked shut behind him to fix her with an appraising look. “You truly trust him?”

“Implicitly,” Xaeryn said with a firm nod. “He’s top notch and won’t blab about working on it.”

“He looks too honest by half,” Mr. Syndran muttered, and she couldn’t deny that, but he rolled on before she could comment. “What information is he gathering for you? I’d think you have all the background you need by this point, Miss Shrike.”

“And you’d be correct.” Xaeryn moved behind her desk, gesturing for him to take a seat as she settled in her chair. “My handbag was stolen, and my notes happened to be inside at the time. I copied down what I remember-”

He held up a hand. “Your notes were stolen?”

“My handbag was, yes, and with it my notes. Which are written in personal shorthand, so I wish anyone who might try to read them the best of luck.”

“This is still a distressing development,” Mr. Syndran mused, twirling his walking stick against the floor. “though I do applaud the precaution.”

“It might be, but as I said, I copied down what I remember, and Liefred’s reassembling the historical data he found for me in case it becomes relevant. Nothing about this is slowing down my search.”

“Mm. And you rewarded his efforts by bringing him along to the gala?” he asked archly.

“I needed a plus one to get in,” Xaeryn reminded him just as archly. “It was more asking him for an additional favor. One he didn’t mind granting, given what he got to see. He’s my best friend and helped me a lot. Even if it was a reward, would that be so bad?”

“I simply do not care for you to get distracted from the task for which you were hired.”

She bit the tip of her tongue, forcing down irritation at being lectured like a child. “I assure you, I am still focused, Mr. Syndran. Some mingling and taking in the exhibits between... interviews was called for to avoid drawing attention.”

“And, to the point of this meeting, were those interviews fruitful?” He steepled his fingers over the walking stick as he asked.

“They were, and there’s more besides...” Xaeryn gave him a recap of the chats she’d had with Ms. Aescar and King Kaza, as well as mentioning the odd behavior of the latter’s bodyguard. “My hope for today is to pick up her track, see what she was up to, where she went, if anyone else was there. This ties to her and the king somehow, I just need to find the connection.”

“That does seem likely, but do keep an open mind, Miss Shrike,” Mr. Syndran said, lips pursed.

“Of course, comes with the territory,” she returned. There was something in his look that made her wary, like he was about to suggest a theory she wouldn’t like. But he didn’t, instead nodding toward the battered knuckles she’d been idly rubbing the latter half of the conversation.

“Have to fight someone over the punch bowl, did you?” he asked drolly.

She snorted a laugh. “No, just a bit of excitement on the way home from the gala. I’d had Liefred leave with the car while I was following Stormbreaker, so I had to walk back and was... menaced by a thug for ‘sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong’.” A thin smile. “I handled him. This is just scrapes.”

“I should see the other fellow?” Mr. Syndran said, arching a brow. “A pickpocket and a menacing ruffian in the span of a couple days? Miss Shrike, your neighborhood is not that dangerous.”

“Oh, the latter incident is undoubtedly tied to the case. Means I’m getting close. They’re trying to make me breeze on it, or at least slow me down.” Xaeryn shifted in her chair. “Unfortunately for them, this sort of thing only makes me more determined. And I have some solid angles to follow today so I get even closer.”

Mr. Syndran’s eyes glittered. “Good to hear, Miss Shrike. Whitestone Couriers is eager for a positive resolution to the matter.”

And a rapid one, from how you keep nudging, But he’d made that clear from the start, so she could hardly complain. She’d already missed one deadline--the gala--and wanted to wrap this up quickly herself. “I’m close to giving you one,” she promised.

One side of his mouth twitched as he picked up the subtle hint. “Best of luck in your efforts today, Detective.” He stood, then paused, lips pursed. “You are quite certain no one will read your notes, should they fall in the wrong hands?”

She thought briefly about bringing up she’d had this conversation with Ms. Aerin last night, but that might seem like deflecting. “Yes. I developed it with Liefred in school for faster note-taking and then further altered it when I took up detective work, so I doubt even he could read it anymore.”

(Not entirely true; Red could probably figure it out with a little time, but she didn’t like the suspicion crinkling Mr. Syndran’s brow.)

He seemed satisfied, giving a nod. “Very well, I’ll take you at your word, Miss Shrike. Again, best of luck today.” He inclined his head in farewell and was gone.

Xaeryn blew out a breath and deliberated on the better course of action from her options. She could go back to the museum, see if Miss Acquell would let her in to try and pick up Stormbreaker’s trail. The earlier she got on that lead, the better her odds of it going somewhere. She could also scry on the woman, or on the green-haired man from the alley. That could be fallback, she mused. The museum was the best bet, and staff should be there for the day by now.

She called the direct number the curator had given her, fervently hoping Miss Acquell was in her office rather than roaming the floor.

It was answered--slightly breathless--on the fourth ring. “Shery Acquell’s office.”

“Mis- Shery, it’s Detective Shrike.” Xaeryn glanced at the clock. “I was wondering if I could swing by the museum to follow up a lead or two from last night.”

“Oh, detective.” She gave a frazzled-sounding cough. “Of course. We’re closed to the public today, gala cleanup, but I’ll tell the doorman to keep a watch for you. When do you think you’ll be coming?”

Xaeryn shrugged. “Earlier’s better; does five minutes work? Maybe a little more?” It might be prudent to walk in case she wound up following something away from the museum; she wouldn’t have to return later for her car.

“Certainly. I’ll let them know you’re coming and allowed in.”

“Thank you, Shery.” She hung up, fetched a hat, and was off.

---

The museum, much to her chagrin, did not prove fruitful. She followed the same route as the night before, branched in each direction Stormbreaker could have gone. There were only a half dozen display rooms and they were all undisturbed, no matter how closely she scrutinized. The second hallway, however, did have an exit at the end of it. Stormbreaker could have either stepped out or simply talked to someone without being observed. Security had been mostly focused around the gala. Miss Acquell confirmed nothing was missing and Xaeryn, annoyed, headed back to her office.

Scrying it is, then, she thought, trying not to dwell on the wasted time in the museum.

If she’d just stuck with Stormbreaker instead of getting distracted... but there was nothing to be done about it now other than work with the problem. She just had to decide if it was a surer thing to scry on the green-haired man or Stormbreaker. One she’d only seen in a previous scry, the other was guarding a person likely to have warding or protective sigils.

It only took a few minutes’ deliberation to settle on the green-haired man. It would take some extra effort to scry on someone she’d never met in person, but she’d bumped into protection sigils before. They gave her a monster of a headache. If King Kaza was utilizing those--and he seemed the type--it was a surefire way to make her day worse.

Xaeryn took out the polished bronze disk she used for scrying, set it on the desk, then locked the door and took the phone off the hook to minimize distraction before getting down to business.

A present-day focus was at least easier than trying to see something from the past. Her vision shimmered, the dish clouding over before clearing to reveal a silent, sepia-tone image of the man she sought.

He was walking briskly along a street, the shadow of other pedestrians few but present. The stores her passed were all too blurred to give any clue of his whereabouts. His newsie cap was tugged low but couldn’t quite hide the flash of green hair, the scar on his neck just showing over his shirt collar. He slowed, checked something on a scrap of paper, and ducked into a café.

That she did recognize. It was only a few minutes from her office, she’d lunched there frequently. Xaeryn broke the scry, hurrying to collect handbag and hat. Lucky for her it was lunchtime, so she could snag a peek without drawing too much attention.

As long as her quarry was staying a while, not just meeting someone to head for a secondary location. Hence her haste. She pinned on her hat once more, confirmed the desk was locked, and headed out, careful to lock the office door as well.

----

The weather was nice, so Xaeryn found herself with plenty of company as she walked. She was the one one to step into the café, which was a relief. A glance around the space quickly revealed the man she sought.

Her search was made easier by the fact other patrons appeared to be giving the table a wide berth. The unusual hair colors of the occupants made them stand out as Diminished even more; her quarry’s hat was off, and his companion’s pale pink hair was corralled by a dark red ribbon.

A companion Xaeryn recognized, though she tried to keep that recognition off her face as she took a seat at a relatively close booth. The One-God works in mysterious ways. She was far dressed down from last night, but Green Hair’s emphatic conversational partner was none other than Stormbreaker, King Kaza’s bodyguard. She was also rather agitated about something.

“...no Diviner, whaddya want me to do?” Green Hair muttered.

“He’s only planning to stay in town a few more days, Darius,” Stormbreaker hissed back. “Our window’s closing.”

“That knowledge doesn’t magically give me the ability to track things down,” Darius growled. “I wanna stop him as bad as you, Bry, but-”

They both fell silent as the waitress approached with Xaeryn’s order. She sent up a small prayer they didn’t look too closely at the booth. Stormbreaker at least would recognize her.

Apparently the One-God was feeling kind. After an extra minute or so of silence, their conversation resumed, albeit in more hushed tones. Good job she’d always had keen hearing.

“You don’t have any idea where he would’ve squirreled it away?” Darius asked, so low Xaeryn barely caught it.

“Nothing more than we’ve found. I thought he was gonna keep in at the hotel, where he could have eyes on it. But he’s not, and whatever the details of what he and Jarkyth are doing, they’re playing cards close to the chest.”

Xaeryn’s brows twitched even as she bit into her cucumber sandwich. Assuming ‘he’ was who she thought, not only was there more going on than appeared with Solimer’s Torch, but King Kaza was plotting something with one of the most influential religious and political figures in the known world.

Which presented her with a conundrum-- if King Kaza was involved in the theft but these two weren’t, she should probably talk to them. They could fill in some blanks, maybe point her in the right direction. But if they weren’t on the up and up, she’d be making things worse to show her hand. They could have their own selfish designs on the Torch.

The dilemma was at least partially taken out of her hands even as she turned it over in her mind. “Circe??”

Fortunately, she’d used the alias for a few other cases, and still had the instincts to react to it without too much of an interval. “Hm?” The pause at being pulled from her thoughts wasn’t an affectation in the slightest. “Oh. Stormbreaker, right?”

The woman grimaced slightly. “Only when certain parties are trying to show off. I prefer Briony.” She cocked her head, expression riding the fine line between curiosity and suspicion. “What a coincidence running in to you here.”

“It certainly is,” Xaeryn said with a light laugh. “My office is nearby This is my go-to when I want to step out for lunch.” She held up the uneaten portion of her sandwich as evidence. “And you? Did you find time away from your duties to see some sights today?”

Briony nodded, cheerful smile and hard eyes, her companion gone stone-faced. “A few. Haven’t gotten much time away. His highness doesn’t care to be unprotected for long.”

If her distaste were any more thinly veiled, it would be sheer. Xaeryn’s gut said to gamble, and she listened to it. “Well, I’m glad you managed it, Haven has a lot to offer.” She set down her sandwich. ”I’m also glad I bumped into you; I was hoping to speak when we could be more... open.”

“,,,What about?” Briony asked cautiously.

“There’s a piece I’m trying to track down with possible ties to Elinden. Wouldn’t want King Kaza to think I’m accusing him of involvement in it’s disappearance with no proof, now would I?”

Briony’s eyes narrowed, likely judging, in turn, if this gamble was worth her taking. She gestured for Xaeryn to join their table, shushing her companion when he started to protest. “And what would this piece be?”

“An artefact from the Jalis desert,” said Xaeryn, still measuring her words. It would really put her behind the eight ball if she read this wrong. “I’ve been tracking it on behalf of the proper owner”--Or near enough, she thought to herself--“and signs are starting to point toward Elinden.”

“Is that why you were chattin’ up his highness last night?” Briony asked with a keen look and faint smile playing at her lips.

“More or less, He has previously tried to claim this artefact through legal means and failed. But his is not the only faction on Elinden, either.”

She didn’t miss the look between the two her words prompted.

“So why were you hoping to talk to me?” Briony asked, tracing one finger ‘round the rim of her cup.

“I happened to note your... early exit and couldn’t help wondering if that was related,” Xaeryn said coolly.

“I told you s-!”

“Darius, close your head,” Briony cut him off, squeezing his arm. She looked back at Xaeryn. “I think we should continue this bull session somewhere just a bit more private, don’t you, Circe? If we’re gonna be discussing things like that.”

“Probably a good idea,” Xaeryn agreed.

“You said you have an office nearby?”

“I do.” And that would work nicely. Familiar ground and all. “Though one thing you need to know if we’re moving there... My name is not Circe Blackwood.” She pulled out a business card and slid it across the table. “I’m sure you can understand how aliases might come in handy for my line of work?”

Briony nodded, but Darius still looked suspicious. “I can,” she said. “Shall we?”

The three of them settled up and left the café, Xaeryn carrying the uneaten half of her sandwich wrapped in waxed paper. They were all silent as they walked. She spared only a brief moment to muse over their thoughts before sinking into her own.

They had agreed to go to an unfamiliar location with an unknown actor with surprisingly little fuss, and it made her wonder if they were planning something she needed to worry about. Or maybe Briony had a gut instinct as good as her own. She’d deal with any scenarios that arose accordingly. Her true concern was how much of her hand to show.

When they reached her office, Xaeryn let Briony and Darius examine the room as she settled in her desk chair. After they’d prowled around enough to satisfy themselves it was safe, they sat opposite.

“So,” Xaeryn said with a searching look.

“So,” Briony echoed, holding her gaze steadily.

Apparently the first trust fall was on her. Very well. “I was hired to locate an artefact stolen from the collection on display at the museum and return it to the proper owner. Certain... aspects of what I’ve learned in my search have pointed very firmly toward Elinden So, of course, it was of great curiosity to me, seeing the bodyguard to the current--controversial--king of that island slink away from her charge.”

Briony snorted, ignoring Darius’ uneasy shift in his chair. “Oh, he’s actually quite a brawler. I’m more... flaunted for show and paranoia.” A sharp, bitter smile curved her lips. “He doesn’t really need me, just wants people to think he does.”

“Well, he might want to do something about the number of records describing him as warlord,” Xaeryn said wryly. “That certainly conjures images of ferocity. It’s also not my point. What were you doing?”

“Why should I tell you?” Briony crossed her arms with a shrug. “No offense, Xaeryn, but what reason do I have to trust you?”

“Fair.” Xaeryn steepled her fingers. “Assuming King Kaza is involved in the theft of the relic I’m tracking, I have a feeling you’re also trying to get it away from him. This would, I hope, put us on the same side, and we could work together looking for it.”

Darius scoffed. “Y’want us to trust you, but that’s blazing hard when you won’t even tell us what you’re looking for.”

She grimaced. “My client specifically requested discretion. I’m trying to give you enough while still honoring that-”

“Is it Solimer’s Torch?” Briony blurted. “B’cause that’s what we’re looking to get away from Kaza.”

“Briony!” Darius growled.

“I’m tired of this cat and mouse bunk, D.” She tugged on the ribbon in her hair absently. “If Xaeryn here is an actual snooper” --an emphatic gesture at the sign on Xaeryn’s desk--”she might be luckier’n we’ve been figuring what happened.”

“I am very good at finding things,” Xaeryn promised, tapping her fingers on the desk. “Maybe if you give me what you know, it’ll fill in some blanks that have been tripping me up?”

“Might as well, cat’s outta the bag,” Darius grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

Briony gave his arm a light punch, which made him rock in his chair, before looking back to Xaeryn. “So the Torch is what you’re looking for?”

Xaeryn nodded.

“Well, then, Kaza Ackshin is your man. He timed his visit to Haven to line up with the gala for two reasons; trawling for support of his claim to the throne, and to steal the Torch. Two birds and all that. I dunno everything about how they pulled it off, but he’s involved.”

“You’re quick to throw over your boss,” Xaeryn commented.

“Because he doesn’t deserve what he has,” Briony said fiercely. “And I’ll do what I have to to set that right--even work for the bastard.”

“What she means is, we’re from Dar-elin, the largest rebelling faction,” Darius explained wearily. “We’ve been workin’ to get that muti off the throne since the moment he took it. Outright conflict was dragging, so we switched to infiltration. Stormbreaker here has spent the last two years ingratiating herself so she has better access.”

“Right, that.” Briony waved a hand. “He’s been after the Torch--obsessed, really--since before I started, though. He can trace his ancestry to some Jalis warlord who owned it. Only problem for him is there’s some gaps where he only has a parent or grandparent’s say-so to back him up, no records. So even though he tried the official route, and outright buying it, he didn’t have any luck.”

“So he turned to thievery,” Xaeryn muttered.

Briony gave a grim smile. “He sees it as liberating, he’s that up his own ass about it belonging to him.”

“What good does he think it will do him, to make him so focused?” Xaeryn got out her notepad to start scribbling down at least rough notes.

“Aside from prestige and pride,” Briony snorted. “He’s superstitious enough I think he at least half believes all the applesauce about it bringing good luck or invulnerability and would use it to try and take at least a kingdom’s worth of the desert by force.”

“What, he’s not happy with Elinden’s throne?”

“Warlords never are,” Darius scoffed, and she nodded a concession.

“And I imagine it’s hard to, ah, increase your territory and influence from an island after a certain point,” she said.

“Well, and he knows there’s at least a chance it doesn’t end well for him, fighting three dissenter factions at once,” Briony added. “He still believes the throne is his because he took it, which is why he’s looking for political and financial support to fend us all off. But if he can establish a place of authority elsewhere, he has a fallback in case the ungrateful masses get to be too much for him.”

“So you’re trying to get the Torch away from him.” Xaeryn doodled a ship in the corner of a page.

“It’s two-fold.” Briony curled a loose wisp of pink hair around her finger and tugged on it. “It’ll mess up his plans, makes it harder to establish himself in Jalis if he’s a random power-hungry outsider. Gods know they have enough warlords of their own without adding a new one.” She caught Xaeryn’s eye and held her gaze as she continued. “And we want the Torch back with its owner, since from what I understand she has a solid claim to it.”

“Well established and documented, yes,” Xaeryn nodded, thinking back to her conversation with Miss Acquell about the provenance. “There’s also... a sentimental connection.” She tapped her pencil against her notepad. “I’m a bit surprised someone from a place as... insular as Elinden has the pull to hire competent thieves or deploy his own in any city on the mainland, but especially a hub city like Haven, with no connections.”

“Who said he doesn’t have connections, doll?” Darius smirked.

“Are you saying he did, despite never leaving Elinden? And it’s Miss Shrike. Or Xaeryn, if you really must.” She would grit her teeth through being addressed as doll by random shop- or barkeeps who didn’t know her name, but not a potential ally.

Darius’ brows arched, but he gave a nod of understanding.

Briony, however, was the one to answer her question. “Talquist Jarkyth.”

“The Western Hierophant?” Xaeryn’s stomach rebelled at the thought of one of the most prominent members of the church being involved, but he did dabble in business and politics, and she had seen King Kaza talking to him at the gala.... “He’s not local, either,” she protested, “He’s based in... Heth Macoll, I believe. He might be powerful there, but-”

“He travels. He’s been in Haven four months,” Briony cut her off. “Attending to business and avoiding the home climates. And d’you really think someone like him didn’t find at least a couple hoods to do his dirty work while he’s here?”

Someone like... The phrasing, and vehemence with which Briony uttered it, made something click for Xaeryn. “Are you saying you believe the scuttlebutt about him being a Faceless Lord?”

“It’s not just rumors and hokum, Xaeryn.” Briony let go of the hair she’d been twisting to lean forward. “Some of it, as we’ve recently found, is very, very true.”

Well, that was news she hadn’t been expecting--and had trouble believing. The Faceless Lords were grown-up bogeymen; powerful leaders in every sphere of influence--political, religious, cultural--manipulating events across Blest for their own ends and profit. Anyone with at least a decent amount of influence or wealth was accused of membership at some point.

Xaeryn had always felt the ‘cabal trying to control the world’ concept was an exaggeration, a flight of fancy, an excuse. But if Briony was truthful and correct, she’d been very wrong. It was a lot to wrap her head around.

“Assuming... assuming I take you at your word,” she said slowly, “why would Jarkyth be helping King Kaza? I can’t imagine there’s anything in Elinden he’d want to exploit.” She grimaced at how that sounded the second it left her mouth, no matter how true it was. Forthright, huh, Red?

“There’s not,” Briony said with a shrug. “Jalis, however... He looking to establish trade in the region with some of the larger settlements. There’s lots of... specialty goods you can only get from Jalis, and they aren’t cheap, thanks to the difficulty acquiring them. Jarkyth probably thinks if he helps Ackshin get this secondary kingdom running, he’ll have an in for trade with almost no competition.”

“So he’s, what, financing the theft of an artefact as a... business decision?” Her thoughts went to Chase commenting how the ‘butter and egg man’ for a Thieves Guild job on the same caravan had breezed. An interesting coincidence, if it was one.

“Would hardly be the worst thing his blessedness has done, if half of what we’ve heard is true,” Darius said gruffly. “Long as he thinks it’s profitable, in one sense or another. Quite the businessman, he.”

“So, what about you two, then?” Xaeryn asked, partly to change the subject, partly because she was actually curious. “What makes you care so much about the artefact, and what part have you played here in Haven?”

“I’m really tempted to say that would be telling,” Briony laughed. “But there’s something about you I like, and I’m keen on the idea of working together, so. Building trust.” She wiggled a little to settle more comfortably in her chair. “It might seem to make more sense, chasing Kaza off Elinden and saying good plan, go build your sandcastle. But. Who’s to say he wouldn’t either set up in Jalis, build an army, and come after Elinden again, or muff it hard, and crawl back to ‘his’ throne in an even fouler temper? We want him stuck with us, so he can’t tuck tail when we win, and has to face justice.” She grinned fiercely. “B’sides, the Torch isn’t his. Isn’t right to let him keep it.”

“As to the second part...” Darius ran his fingers through his hair, reluctantly accepting this alliance, though it was clear he still had doubts. “I came over early, ahead of the scheduled arrival. Briony was stuck coming with his highness, of course, but that would’ve been too late to be any good, and I’m a known rebel besides. That muti so much as saw us make eye contact the whole game would be up. He’s that paranoid.

“So I scouted ahead with a few others, cased the museum, figured out likely approaches for the caravan when it arrived, and we hammered out a plan or three for keeping thefts at bay til it was safe inside.” He snorted softly. “Only, turned out the schedule we’d found was bogus. False trail. Caravan showed up a day earlier than we thought. Had to hustle to the service entry to keep an eye out. The others posted themselves along different routes, ‘long with a few local street kids we’d been paying for gossip. I asked ‘em after ,and no one saw anything.”

“Nothing?” Xaeryn frowned.

“Nothing.” He gave a sardonic smile as he picked red paint from under his nails. “I was planning to mark the truck we’d been told held the Torch, so I wouldn’t lose it in the shuffle, could keep an eye ‘til it was safe inside. But some hobo started yellin’ ‘bout me bein’ in his alley and rushed me with a blazin’ knife. By the time I’d thrown him off, I’d missed my chance with the truck and a couple of the guards were startin’ to look our way with the ruckus. So I dusted out and hoped for the best. Next time I talked to Briony, she said Ackshin was struttin’ like a peacock over getting his prize, knew we’d failed to keep it away from him. Now we’re shifted to getting it away from him.”

“And not having much luck, though we are on the trail of where he might’ve hidden it,” Briony added wryly.

“So your sneaking off at the gala was...?” Xaeryn prompted, wanting to be sure her original query got answered.

“Part searching display rooms, part checking in with Darius,” Briony said. “We wanted to be sure the Torch wasn’t just stashed somewhere inside the museum.”

“Mm.” She could see the wisdom in that. Xaeryn chewed the inside of her cheek, fingers inching closer to the desk drawer as she debated the wisdom of her next move. In the name of building bridges she went with it. She turned to Darius. “You say this bum in the alley charged you with a knife?”

He nodded. “Just a little one, but it still threw me he was so... fierce about it. Tried to wrestle it from him but couldn’t manage.”

“So you didn’t have a weapon of your own?” Xaeryn pressed.

“Peashooter in m’boot, but I couldn’t get it before he was on me, an’ didn’t want the attention, anyhow.”

“So this isn’t yours?” She withdrew the sheath from the drawer and set it on her desk.

“Hael, no,” Darius scowled, shaking his head. “Got Ackshin’s seal on it and everything.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “Where’d you get it, snooper?”

Briony cut him a warning look, which he ignored. Xaeryn was unfazed; she’d dealt with worse. “The alley behind the museum,” she said coolly. “It was dropped in your scuffle, gave me something of a lead. If it’s not yours, and this ‘bum’ had a knife, I’d imagine it belonged to him.”

She watched the fire flash in his eyes as he connected that his opponent, who distracted him from watching the caravan at a crucial moment, likely worked for Kaza Ackshin.

“That rat bastard,” he growled. “Muti.” He rubbed the scar on his neck before focusing in on Xaeryn again. “How do you know what it’s from, anyway, Miss Detective?”

“I scryed,” Xaeryn said. “Saw what happened. Unfortunately Seer is not my main focus for this talent, so-”

“You’re a blazing Diviner?! Why don’t you just spy on the damn Torch and save us all a load of trouble?!”

Xaeryn sat a little stiffer, a little straighter, at his tone. “It’s scry, and don’t you think I tried?! Divining is a valuable skill as a snooper.” She pursed her lips. “Attempting to scry on the Torch, however, nets me only... dead air.” It was the best comparison she could think to make. “I don’t know what’s keeping me out; maybe they have some sort of protection.”

“Sigils or wards like that are tricky, aren’t they?” Briony asked with a frown.

“They are. It takes a very skilled Binder to lay and maintain something like that, and it wouldn’t be cheap.” But they were talking about a king and the Western Hierophant(supposedly a ‘Faceless Lord’ of immense influence), surely between them they had the resources. “Had you found any clue where they might be storing it until King Kaza leaves? I assume he’ll take it with him?”

Briony nodded. “That is the plan, far as we know. And we have a few leads, but nothing definite. We think they’re in Ashtown, but there’s a lot of people hiding things there,” she said with a laugh. “So we’re having trouble narrowing it down, and there’s the time limit. And since his highness isn’t personally involved, there’s no reason for his bodyguard to pry for details.”

“He’s not personally involved?” Xaeryn echoed, brow furrowing.

“He saw it once, on arrival, to confirm they nicked the right thing, but otherwise doesn’t want to rouse suspicion by constantly checking on it. He might be a tyrannical bastard, but he’s smart,” Briony said grimly.

“So, then, best way to proceed?” Xaeryn asked, mentally sorting all the new information. “Should we continue separately and check in with developments? Or arrange somewhere to meet and work together?”

“I like the first one better,” Darius muttered. “Lets us spread out more and won’t raise high and mighty suspicions.”

“Agreed.” Briony nodded. “And it’s probably better if you talk to Darius if you find anything; since King Kaza’s met you, it might raise eyebrows if Circe is seen chatting up his bodyguard.”

“Good point,” Xaeryn said. Darius looked less pleased with this arrangement, but still nodded. “Where can I reach you?”

He hesitated. “The Quarssen. Leave a message for Mr. Thrace.”

She nodded. “I’d further suggest, since I imagine the king will be heading home soon? that if we haven’t heard anything either way by... three tomorrow afternoon we meet at either the same café or the curiosities shop across the street, Chandry’s. Either makes a good cover for a meeting.”

She’d done so before, a few times, for clients who didn’t want to be seen visiting a detective’s office repeatedly.

“Works for me,” Briony nodded. “Long as I can get away from his highness again.”

“Fine with me as well,” Darius said, pushing out of his chair and tugging on his cap. “But we should get back to it, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Briony stood as well, flashing Xaeryn a smile. “Glad to make a friend in this, at least. And he’ll warm up,” she whispered, nodding toward Darius. “He just has some hard-learned trust issues.”

“I understand.” Frankly, Xaeryn didn’t cared if the man kept her at arm’s length as long as he didn’t dig in his heels about working together. “Best of luck to you, and I’ll see what I can find.”

“Thanks,” Briony said brightly. “Good luck to you, too.” And she darted after Darius, already walking down the hall.

Xaeryn could hear them talking as they walked, but didn’t bother trying to eavesdrop.

She had a lot of new notes to transcribe.

---

Writing everything down took a while, even using shorthand, but Xaeryn was determined to include all that she’d learned. Even the... disquieting fact the Faceless Lords might be real and not the conspiratorial scapegoat she’d always thought. Election didn’t go the way you wanted? Don’t think someone deserves the position they were given? Easiest to blame some group of anonymous, hidden, and powerful string-pullers. But if what Briony and Darius relayed was correct, this conspiracy, at least, was true. And she did have to admit, of all the various bogeymen she’d heard of in the course of her life, this one was the closest to being plausible.

Xaeryn still sighed as she scribbled a note about it. She knew keeping an open mind was important, but she didn’t think she’d have to keep it this open. What was next, banshees were real, too?

The clock showed early afternoon by the time she was done. Events had been as worthwhile as they were time-consuming, however, so she didn’t mind terribly. With the time left in the day, maybe she could fit a visit to Ashtown; see if Thieves Guild had noticed anyone using a warehouse they shouldn’t be. Given Briony and Darius’s suspicions in that direction, maybe she’d even ask if they could keep an eye out.

What would that cost me, I wonder? she thought wryly, before pinning on a hat and heading for the gates between city circles.

---

It was, for obvious reasons, not that easy to dance in and speak to Chase Trinaeste, even if you had left a favorable previous impression. Xaeryn had to talk her way past two layers of brunos, and even then got stonewalled by the lieutenant she’d met before.

“Chase isn’t here,” Ari said, arms crossed and chin jutting forward slightly. “So you can just scram, Miss Private Dick.”

Xaeryn sighed. She didn’t entirely believe the claim of Chase’s absence, but either way, “I’m not after Thieves Guild, I’m after someone else who might be mucking around in your territory. You’d likely know as well as Chase.” She explained what she was looking for.

Ari cocked her head and thought for a long moment before gesturing negative. “Ain’t seen anything like that.” She grinned wolfishly. “Twenty deucalions a day, we can keep our eyes peeled.”

“Ten,” Xaeryn countered, crossing her arms as well.

“Fifteen, and not a danar less,” Ari said, finality in her voice.

“Deal.” It was an expense she could at least partially claim on her bill to Whitestone Couriers, and it was worth it when they were so close and on a deadline.

“Pleasure doin’ business,” Ari said, looking pointedly toward the door.

“I’ll check in tomorrow with coin for both then and today,” Xaeryn said as she took the hint. There were a few other, minor leads she could check this afternoon.

She made her way back out of Ashtown--safely once again, despite hearing Red’s voice fretting in the back of her mind.

The other leads didn’t pan out too much, though a little probing at the right sources did confirm what Briony said about Jarkyth and King Kaza. Satisfied with the day’s work, Xaeryn headed home for the night. Tomorrow she’d check in with Thieves Guild before she went to Capra, then her new Elinden acquaintances when she got home. And maybe seeing all the historical information together would jog something.

Or maybe Red will find something new in the process off compiling this, she mused fondly as she settled into bed. He did have a knack for honing in on books that had just what he needed for whatever he was currently researching. It was a talent she’d envied in school and was grateful for now. She drifted off with a smile on her lips. The mental image of Red, tousle-haired and surrounded by books, was a very pleasant last thought for the day.

---

Xaeryn woke in a fine mood, and stuck to her plan for the morning--though she did have to talk herself out of the outfit part of her wanted to wear(a golden yellow dress with red and navy embroidery) in favor of a much plainer grey blouse and deep green skirt. Best to not stand out on her visit to Ashtown.

The Thieves Guild report was about what she’d expected; they’d seen a bit of “unsanctioned” activity at a few warehouses, but none of it stood out as particularly furtive or foreign. Promising to check again later, Xaeryn backtracked to retrieve her car and start for Capra.

Leaving now, if she made good time, she’d get there before lunch. But she could always bump gums with Pan or stroll the grounds if Red wasn’t ready for her yet. She suspected he knew she liked having the excuse to visit, and that was why he hadn’t offered to bring the information to her. After all, he knew where she lived now, Traveling would be much safer and faster.

She hoped, after he passed off the research, they had a chance for a private chat. They really needed to discuss the night of the gala, what--if anything--it meant for their relationship. He valued her forthrightness, maybe it was time to show some in regards to him, she mused, then snorted softly as she steered around a curve.

If only it was that simple.

Xaeryn sighed and shook of the whirling thoughts as she pulled on to Solhadur’s grounds. Business first, then personal matters. If for no other reason than to help it not distract her at such a crucial point. By all accounts there was less than a sennight before King Kaza headed home, and he would undoubtedly take the Torch with him. She only had a few small losses on her professional record, and no desire to add one this large to the ledger.

She bypassed the desk as she headed inside; the girl was deep in conversation with a security man, and she didn’t want to wait through their chat or be a distraction.

She was a quarter of the way up the stairs when her passage registered and she heard the receptionist’s “Wait-!”

A few steps further when she noted the additional security personnel at the top. Someone must have pulled another prank; the headmaster’s hall was a favorite site for the bolder jokesters. Xaeryn was torn between amusement the tradition held string and annoyance at it delaying her meeting with Red.

Halfway up, one of the security men noticed her and headed down, a hand outstretched. “Miss, you can’t come up here.”

“I have an appointment-” Xaeryn began, still walking.

The guard cut her off. “You need to wait downstairs.”

“It’s alright, Kellan,” a familiar voice floated down before she could protest further, “you can let her by.”

Kellan frowned, looking back up the stairs. “You sure, sir?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” Pan said, gesturing for Xaeryn to join him. “I’ll talk to her.”

Kellan stepped aside with an uncertain shrug, and she moved past him to join Pan. There was no evidence of a prank, and it made something odd pulse in her chest.

“What’s all this?” she asked, indicating the goings-on with a swivel of her wrist.

Pan sighed. “I tried to call, but guess you’d left already...” He rubbed the back of his neck, then met her eye with a sympathetic smile. “Xaer, Red’s gone.”

The words hit but didn’t fully sink in. “What?!” she blurted, “What d’you mean gone?” We had a meeting. “He wouldn’t just leave.”

“You’re right,” he said, green eyes more serious than Xaeryn could remember ever seeing them. “He wouldn’t.”

Her fingers curled, digging into her handbag. “Panrachus, what are you saying?”

The odd pulse had turned into something foreboding.

“What I’m saying, Xaeryn, is it looks like Red was kidnapped.”

#queens fic #tlbt #shoh #I'M SORRY FOR THE CLIFFHANGER #an also cacking a little ngl <3 #xaeryn shrike #red antiqua #ryn/red

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