Page 88 of Anathema

“Yes.”

“It was the good King Sagaerin who freed you and made you one of his elite Letalisz.”

Zevander had spent years ensuring that only those who were seconds from death at his hands were privy to that information. And no one else, no matter their station. Again, he shot a glance toward the king, who nodded back at him. “Yes.”

“He commissioned you to kill Dolion Gevarys?”

“He did.”

“And did you carry out this request?”

“I did.” The poison bubbled in his stomach, churning like it wanted out through his mouth, but Zevander swallowed it back.

“You’re absolutely certain that Dolion is dead.”

“I am.” Another gurgling that rose up into his chest that time, and the Letalisz breathed through his nose to hold it down.

“How did you dispose of him?”

“My sword.”

A cold sweat came over him, his hands trembling against his thigh where he rested them under the table.

“Were you aware that he attempted to collect bloodstones?”

“No.”

A tightening in his chest expanded behind his ribs, and Zevander took deep breaths through his nose.

“You’ve absolutely no awareness of these stones?”

“None.” Acids rushed up his throat, and Zevander gripped the chair, swallowing the toxin back down.

“The guard who mentioned your name … do you know him?”

“Yes.” Zevander answered honestly that time, not wanting to risk vomiting what he fought so hard to choke back right then.

“How?”

“Seen him at the tavern a time, or two.” A deep, aching cramp twisted his insides, his hands trembling while his guts churned in chaos.

Still, the insufferable shrew kept on with her questions. “And why do you think he would mention your name with regard to the missing guards?”

“Don’t think he much cared for me.” Nothing that time, and Zevander was grateful for that.

“Did you kill the guards?”

Fuck.

“No.” A sharp stabbing ache sent another round of acids shooting up his throat. Zevander tensed and clawed the arms of the chair, his eyes damn near watering. Surely, his face must have gone pale. Thankfully, that wasn’t entirely unusual with Nilmirth–not even for those who told the truth.

“Interesting.” She sat back in her chair, tongue sweeping across her lips as she tapped her fingernail against the tabletop. “Would you be privy to what may have left the aura back at Bonesguard?”

“Enough of this. He’s not a seer, by the gods. What kind of question is that?” The king tipped back another sip of his wine and slammed the goblet onto the table, clearly vexed. “He’s answered your inquiries quite sufficiently. Dolion is dead. Perhaps your skills at identifying auras could use some sharpening.”

Magelord Akmyrios straightened in his chair, and even after the king’s insult, the woman’s gaze didn’t waver once, as she continued to stare back at Zevander. “I beg your pardon, My Lordship, but Melantha’s skills are unparalleled. She is exceptional.”

“Good. Perhaps she can put them to use and track down the real culprit in all of this. You put Zevander at great risk by requesting this meeting. By the gods, should any one of you divulge that he is a member of my Letalisz, I will see to it that you’re thoroughly interrogated in the dungeons. Am I clear?”

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