Page 55 of Rune Assassin

“I don’t think so, but she’s chosen to lay low until Lusio calls her to the last trial.”

I sighed. “That means we’re on our own and that’s why we need to stick together.” I tugged on the covers again and Tegan reluctantly acquiesced to my demands. “Now let’s go see who’s home in the catacombs.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

I didn’t wantto admit it but I still didn’t feel up to my normal vigor. Tegan didn’t say a word but wrapped his arm around my waist and helped me down the winding stairs. We reached the entrance hall and were met by our ‘kind’ host.

Lusio had a scowl on his face as he looked us over. “Where are you going?”

“To find your would-be assassin among your disgruntled workers,” Tegan told him.

A dark shadow settled on his brow. “Then you think it’s one of them?”

“Don’t you?” Tegan challenged him. “They have many reasons to attack you. More than anyone else.”

Our host puffed out his chest a little and wrinkled his nose. “They shouldn’t. I took them out of those holes and gave them wealth beyond what they could have earned doing anything else other than robbing their victims.”

I glared at him. “They don’t do that anymore.”

He lifted his nose. “You think so? Who else could have created magic strong enough to keep Clara at bay?”

Tegan narrowed his eyes at him. “You sound like you have someone you suspect.”

Lusio scoffed. “I suspect everyone but if your mission means I’m no longer troubled by these troubles then I wish you well.” He inclined his head before he slipped away to the depths of his home.

I looked up at Tegan and found his expression was not happy. “Mind if we get this over with as quickly as possible?” I pleaded.

“It would be my pleasure,” he agreed as he led me outside.

I was glad when we turned away from the road and walked over to the stables. Tegan left me in the open doorway on one of a half dozen simple chairs and walked over to the stablemaster. Though we’d only walked the short distance from the house, I was glad for the respite. My head pounded and I couldn’t help but lean my forehead into my palm.

“Is something the matter, Miss Kate?”

I looked up and found myself staring into Beringer’s kind but worried face. He had his usual cane with him and studied me with a curious look. I shook off my fatigue and sat up straight. “It’s nothing.”

“I missed your company during the last trial,” he told me as he took a seat in the chair beside me. “Both Mr. Tegan and you were not present for the display. It was quite a show.”

I managed a weak smile. “Was it?”

He smiled and nodded. “Oh yes. Miss Cordelia made a magnificent scented basket out of her field and Mr. Colombo’s bird friends pricked the grasses to create a magnificent design of a flower.”

His mention of the trial brought to mind a question. “You don’t happen to know where the next trial is and what’s going on, do you?”

He leaned back and shook his head. “I fear not, Miss Kate. Our kind host is being quite secretive and has not informed his servants except to say they must prepare to become wet.”

“That’s. . .vague,” I commented.

He chuckled. “Quite.”

“Good afternoon, Mr. Beringer,” Tegan spoke up as he came up to us. “Trying to woo my wife?”

Beringer grinned and stood. “I would have trouble giving her the proper company with these old bones, sir, but I must congratulate you on such a catch. She is a rare sight.”

“Yes, she is,” Tegan agreed as he smiled down at me. “And is this rare sight ready for a carriage ride?”

Beringer lifted an eyebrow. “You are going out at this hour?”

“Just to meet some old acquaintances,” Tegan told him as he helped me out of my chair. “We should be back in plenty of time to see the last trial.”

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