“No,” I interrupted.

“Then who do you suggest?”

I considered. No doubt Valek’s spies would be hunting for my attacker, but they didn’t have magic or intimate knowledge of Sitia’s back alleys. Two people came to mind—one had magic while the other had the knowledge.

“Leif and Fisk. I trust them both.”

“Would they be willing to work together?” Bain asked.

“They have before. Remember the gang of scam artists that plagued the Citadel a few years ago?”

“Ah, yes. A nice bit of detecting.” Bain tapped his fingers on the edge of his teacup. “However, this assassin may not be from the Citadel or have ties here.”

“Fisk has been branching out to other cities.” I smiled, remembering the dirty street rat who had begged me for money. I’d emptied my pouch into his small hands, but when he approached me a second time, I’d hired him to help me navigate the overwhelming market.

Eventually he founded the Helper’s Guild and recruited other beggar children to help shoppers find good prices, quality merchandise and to deliver packages, all for a small price. His network of guild members also had the unique ability to gather information on the criminal element.

“I didn’t know he’s expanding,” Irys said. “That little scamp. I shouldn’t be surprised.” She sipped her tea. “Well, he’s not so little anymore. It’s a good idea to ask them.”

If they had time. “Is Leif out on assignment?”

“Not right now,” Bain said with a significant look.

Meaning the Sitian Council might have a job for my brother soon, which led to another question. “Should I inform the Council of my condition?”

Bain ran a gnarled hand down his sleeve. Since becoming the First Magician, he’d aged more than just the natural passage of time. His duties included overseeing the Keep and being a member of the Sitian Council—same as Irys. She, too, had aged. Gray streaked her black hair and a few more wrinkles etched her face.

“Not about your lost magic,” Irys said. “Not until we know more. However, we should tell them about the attack. They might have intel from their clans.”

Each of Sitia’s eleven clans had one representative on the Council, and, along with the two Masters, the Council governed Sitia.

Bain straightened in his chair. “I believe we have a plan of attack. I will liaise with the Council and do extensive research. Irys will check the gate logs and talk to Quinn and Pazia. Yelena will visit Healer Hayes and talk to Fisk and her brother, Leif. Did I miss anything?”

“No.” For the first time since the morning I’d woken without my magic, my chest didn’t hurt. Too bad it didn’t last.

“Yes,” Irys said. She leaned forward. “Yelena, you need to keep a very low profile. If you interact with the Keep’s students, they’ll figure it out eventually and then it will be impossible to keep your condition a secret. Plus you’re vulnerable. Whoever did this to you knows magic can influence you. What if they use you to get close to one of the Councilors or the Commander and Valek? Or turn you into an assassin? I’d suggest you ask Leif to weave a null shield into your cloak and, once you’ve talked to Fisk, you need to go into hiding. That’s the safest thing you can do right now.”

Run and hide? That was so not my style.

4

VALEK

Ben Moon escaped with help? Who could have broken him out of Wirral Prison? Most likely a group of rogue magicians. They’d have to be intelligent, resourceful and powerful in order to get through Wirral’s supertight security. Valek dug his fingernails into the chair’s armrests, but kept his expression neutral as the Commander relayed the information. His first impulse—to race to the Citadel to warn and protect Yelena—throbbed against his hollow chest.

“As I said, we will not be getting involved in what is strictly a Sitian affair,” the Commander said, not fooled by Valek’s calm demeanor.

“How long ago did this happen?” Valek asked.

The Commander stilled. “It is not our concern.”

Valek chose his next words with the utmost care. “Not directly, but Liaison Zaltana was ambushed and shot with an arrow two days ago.”

“What...? How...? Why didn’t you tell us?” Janco sputtered in outrage.

Concern hardened Ari’s face.

“She’s fine,” Valek assured them. “Kiki sidestepped and the arrow missed her heart.” He explained what had happened.

“And you think this attack is related to Ben Moon’s escape?” the Commander asked.

“It would depend on the timing, sir.”

“I see.” Commander Ambrose scanned the parchment.

Valek suppressed the desire to snatch it from the man’s hand.

“The incident happened ten days ago. Not enough time for Ben to set up the attack on Yelena.”

“Unless his buddies planned it and all Ben had to do was show up and hide behind the null shield and wait for her,” Janco said.

Good point, except the Commander failed to appear impressed.

“Regardless, we will let the Sitian Council handle the investigation. After all, she was ambushed in Sitia.” The Commander gathered his files.

“May I send a message to Yelena, warning her about Ben?” Valek asked.

“She probably already knows, but if you feel it’s necessary, then go ahead.” He stood. “I expect daily reports on your progress regarding the smuggling routes.” The Commander paused. “Valek, stop by my rooms later tonight.”