Draconic Sphere Ω

Chapter 28: KZKZKZRRRKGNNKZORLUGHK Doesn't Exactly Roll Off The Tongue

Dandelion followed Wyk, first through Hendrik's hole into the sewers, then along the sewer's tunnels, stepping lightly and timing her footfalls to come just after Wyk's, like an echo.

The cleric was easy to track; he lit his way with a spell. Dandelion stayed at least one corner behind him, following the glow.

The sound of Wyk's steps stopped. Dandelion padded to the corner and used a discreet mirror to peek around it.

There was a black robed figure before Wyk. A black robed figure wearing sunglasses.

Melindan, thought Dandelion. Sure enough, there were purple glimmers in the shadows near the man – that strange glow of those monster's eyes.

"I believe," said Wyk, "That the agreement was for each of us to come alone."

"This sewer belongs to the Insomnids," said Melindan. "I do not have as much sway over them as you may think."

As if to illustrate Melindan's point, an Unsleeping burst forwards.

Wyk jumped back in shock — but the creature now had a rat in its hands. As Dandelion watched, purple light flared; the rat squealed, writhed, then went silent. It shrank and shrivelled, drying up, almost mummifying.

The Unsleeping tossed the corpse away. It made a distinctly hollow sound as it hit the stone.

"Sinite nos," said Melindan in a commanding voice. "A te peto."

"Sitio..." growled one of the monsters in a dry, rattling voice. Whatever that meant, it did not sound subservient. It shrank away, however.

"Very intelligent," said Wyk, collecting himself. "Making this the meeting point in order to try and intimidate me. You think you can weaken my bargaining position. You do realise, however, that as a cleric, my holy power gives me a distinct advantage over your little pets."

"Spare me," said Melindan. "Do you have the Sphere?"

Wyk took a black sphere from his pocket so Melindan could see – then put it back. "We have half an hour to come to an agreement," he said. "The risk in keeping it unprotected is too great. This time, I hope you see sense and accept my terms."

"A risk, indeed," said Melindan. "And, besides... the longer you hold it, the more likely it is for Chekhov to notice its absence, I'll wager."

Wyk's eyes were indignant.

Mel gave a dry laugh and nodded. "Thanks for the confirmation," he said.

"I never said..." started Wyk.

"Perhaps I should make a deal with Chekhov directly?" asked Melindan.

"I do not ask for much, given what you stand to gain," said Wyk.

"A high-profile political assassination might cost tens of thousands of gold pieces," said Melindan. "I've done two for you. And now you want five thousand actual pieces on top of that. You changed your terms, Wyk. Do the honourable thing and just hand over the artifact."

"Honour doesn't come into it," said Wyk. "It is a matter of demand and supply. I've had another offer for the sphere. The extra money is to cover the difference."

"I've already paid," growled Melindan.

Dandelion grinned in the darkness. She was starting to wish she had some popcorn.

*

Dusk turned to night in the glade.

Lacrie said a prayer and the area lit up with dozens of floating orbs of light.