Page 19 of The Omega Thief

Eryken scoffed. “Abergenny was run by fools. The ruling family was the biggest trader in fever white.”

Shocked, Attiker leaned back and studied him. “The ruling family?”

Eryken nodded curtly. “Contrary to popular belief, I want what’s best for the people.” He leaned forward. “And in Cadmeera, that seems to be you.”

Attiker eyed him, not trusting the weasel one jack.

Eryken sighed as if he was sick of it all. “I hear your prince has guts. That between him and his grandmother, they’ve got the right of it.” He leaned forward. “But if you ever tell anyone, I won’t need to deny it. I’d laugh as it became a tale for the drunks.”

That was true. No one would believe he’d sat next to the revolutionary leader and discussed keeping the king in power because he had guts.

“So you’ll give him a chance?”

“That depends on you.”

Attiker scoffed again. “I think that you seem to have the idea I have influence. No idea why.”

Eryken leaned forward and lowered his voice. “The mark on your neck, for starters.”

Attiker’s hand flew to his neck, pulling the cowl on his cloak lower. Shite, he hadn’t even thought about it.

Eryken studied him for a moment. “Maybe I made a mistake.”

“You think?” Attiker muttered. It might be the only thing they agreed on.

Eryken shrugged, then stood up. “I suppose you have to believe in yourself before you can convince others.”

Attiker frowned, hissing, “Convince them of what?”

“That you’re the people’s champion.” Attiker was too busy gaping to answer, and before he knew it, Eryken had left. He was going to follow him just as a cry went up. Attiker stiffened, sensing danger, then he heard the shouts.

“The flags, look!”

“You’re never gonna believe—”

“Never seen the like.”

Attiker stood and followed the throng outside. It was barely six bells, so there was enough light to see the palace.

“Gawd bless us,” some older woman said, and Attiker glanced towards the palace walls.

The flags were always raised when the king was in residence, but for a long time, they’d been at half-mast while the kingdom mourned. Then no one seemed to know what to do because the flag wouldn’t be changed until the crown prince was bonded, and there fluttering in the breeze was the royal standard of the Fenrirs, risen high. Next to it, on an equal level, was a flag that Attiker recognized but hadn’t seen for years.

It was the old flag of Cadmeera. The people’s flag. And it was flying just as high as the royal standard.

“I heard he took one of us,” an older man said, such excitement in his voice.

“That’s right,” his companion said. “Attiker Lynch. You know, the seeker. I think he used to room at the Two-Headed Salamander. Well, before the fire anyhow.”

The woman dug him in the ribs. “Ya, blitherin idiot. He’s hardly likely to have been there even before the fire. He’ll be at the palace.”

Attiker didn’t stop to listen to any more. His heart was beating so loud in his ears that he could hardly hear anything. He pushed his way through the crowd, made difficult because he was making sure his head was down. He didn’t have a choice. He had to go and talk to Raz. Find out what the seven hells was going on. He couldn’t just leave. He glanced up just as someone nearly ran into him and was horrified to see Jeremiah Grape staring at him. Damn and blast, he’d been seen. Another knock of his shoulder damn well hurt, and he rubbed the sudden sting.

He turned his shoulder in and tried to head away. Grape was on him, though. “Attiker, what you running for?”

Attiker shook his head in confusion. It seemed like Grape was whispering. Grape took his arm, all friendly-like, and led him away out of the crowd. Which was a good thing because his legs seemed a little wobbly. Attiker licked his suddenly dry lips and squinted down the road. He was walking with Grape, but they seemed to be heading away from the palace. He tried to concentrate on where he was, but this strange feeling of complete contentment settled over him, and he smiled at Grape. He was sure they’d argued, but he couldn’t seem to remember why. Then a chill prickled his skin, and he yanked his arm away. What the seven hells was wrong with him?

Grape chuckled. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”

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