Page 23 of Rune Assassin

Cordelia chuckled. “That’s the price you pay for relying on animals. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if can’t make something more of this audience like a free necklace.” She sauntered off into the crowd.

Beringer bowed his head to us. “I, too, will pay my respects to those who sought to see us.” And with that, he also left.

Fidel ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “I think I’ll go rest up.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “Does calling the birds wear you out?”

He sheepishly smiled at me. “Not exactly, but I really should be going. See you later.”

He scooted off before I could ask for the particulars. Instead, I looked up at Tegan whose attention lay on the crowds around Lusio. I leaned toward Tegan and lowered my voice to a whisper. “Do you think Lusio made that bubble magic himself?”

He shook his head. “I doubt he had an ounce of magic in his body. No doubt he has a magician helping him.”

I studied the crowd for anyone who looked possessed of magic but all that came up was Morrigan in her purple robes. She had a smile on her face as she chatted with her host but, like so many times before, the happiness was only skin deep. Her eyes told the true story, especially when they flickered in Tegan and my direction. Our presence, without shackles and chains, irked her.

Good.

“So what now?” I wondered.

He sighed. “Now we watch over our kind host and see if anyone tries to kill him.”

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

It wasa long and boring watch. The guests were thirsty and hungry but not homicidal. They drank through most of the fine wine and went their merry way in their fancy carriages. I was relieved when the last of the vehicles rolled down the lane and vanished into the dusky distance. Conrad wouldn’t be happy about our being late to the diving show.

Lusio, however, was brimming with glee as he turned to the house and practically pranced into the front hall. Tegan and I stood on the first-floor balcony overlooking his happiness. “Miles! Miles!”

The butler made a prompt appearance from the direction of the terrace. “Yes, sir?”

“Will the second trial be ready by tomorrow evening?” he wondered.

“She assured me the magic would be ready by then,” Miles replied.

Lusio’s exuberance was dampened by the lackluster answer and he frowned. “That is poor comfort to me, Miles. When did you last speak with her?”

“This morning, sir.”

“Then speak with her again tomorrow morning and make sure she gives a guarantee,” Lusio demanded.

Miles bowed his head. “As you wish, sir.”

“Now return to your duties,” Lusio commanded him as he waved his hand at the servant.

Miles slipped away, leaving our host alone in the hall. Lusio grasped his hands together behind his back and frowned before he strode down the hall toward the rear of the house.

“We had better follow him,” Tegan suggested as he took my hand.

We hurried down the winding stairs and peeked down the hall. Lusio stepped out onto the terrace as the sun set behind the far horizon. Miles and a few other servants scooted past him and into the house with their hands filled with full platters.

Our host strode over to the low wall that abutted the beach and stared out at the view. Tegan and I slipped closer until we reached the open doors. A cool breeze wafted over the patio and disturbed the remnants of programs given to the audience. The papers scattered across the stones and knocked against the back of Lusio’s ankles. He looked disapprovingly down at the trash as the last rays of sun settled below the horizon.

Tegan stiffened before he darted out across the terrace. He wrapped his arms around Lusio and tackled the man to the ground. I saw something shoot across the terrace and embed itself into one of the umbrellas that shaded a table.

“What are you doing?” Lusio shouted as he thrashed in Tegan’s hold.

“Kate!” Tegan shouted.

I got the hint and swept my eyes over the area, but the night was still. “I don’t see anyone!”

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