Page 39 of Shield of Fire

“Yes, but as he pointed out, he’d technically completed all contractual obligations to us the moment he’d led us safely from the summit of Ben Nevis.”

Which was the absolute truth, I guess, but didn’t make it morally right. “Who issued the contract? Kaitlyn?”

“No, surprisingly. It came through a small broker in Swansea.”

I frowned. “Then why did the men we questioned say Gratham was responsible for hiring them to steal the sword?”

They actually couldn’t have lied. Not when I was questioning them.

“This was a separate contract offered solely to Holgan on the off chance Gratham’s people weren’t successful.”

Which they weren’t. “Do you think that’s why Gratham was killed?”

“Unlikely—the Eve token you found under his bed and the fact his office was ransacked suggest they were after something else.”

And we had no idea what that something was, as last I heard, the IIT and local police were still sifting through his records to see what, if anything, had been taken.

“It’s still a bit of a coincidence that both Holgan’s contractor and the Eve coin came from the same area.”

“I agree, which is why I think we need to take a drive over there tomorrow?—”

“No need, as I’m heading down there this afternoon with Eljin.” I paused. “Were you aware that Nialle had been researching relics from the missing hoard?”

“No, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Researching one often uncovers mention of others. I take it this has something to do with your sudden decision to head to Swansea with Eljin?”

“I take it you haven’t seen or heard the recent news?”

“Why—what’s happened?” he said sharply.

“Another ruby showed up, this time in the hands of an elf mage?—”

“I didn’t think elves were capable of magic.”

“The Myrkálfar are. It’s how they lock the gates, remember.”

“This one is Myrkálfar?”

“He has the dark skin, but red hair and green eyes, so either he’s a half-blood or his lineage originated from overseas. He said we’d met before, but I can’t for the life of me remember where. I thought maybe he might have worked for you.”

“Not in my department, but it’s possible he did work elsewhere in the museum. Why? What did he do?”

“He used the ruby to destroy Cynwrig’s building and attempted to do the same to Kaitlyn’s.”

Lugh swore. “Many casualties?”

“Almost everyone who was in Cynwrig’s building at the time.”

He swore again. “I take it Eljin found mention of the rubies while he was sorting through the mountain of Nialle’s notes?”

“Not rubies so much as the shield itself. The council has prioritized me finding both, though.”

“Did you ask them for record access?”

“I did. They’re contemplating their answer as we speak.”

“Well, at least we have Mathi and Cynwrig on our side.”

“Whether they can bring enough pressure to bear is another matter.”

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