Light of the Heavens

V. The Silvertang

The boards of the dock creaked under their feet as they found a place to stop and talk, sheltered from view by stacks of crates. Such a secluded place without witnesses other than the occasional sailors who were not likely to even be near a guard would not have been Seben's choice, but she understood also that a man like Masaharta could have them killed in broad daylight at the center of town without fear of repercussions. The stories painted him as a forked-tongued devil with fangs aplenty, but also as a man who could charm a dragon into parting with its precious hoard.

Vassa's hand touched her back between her shoulder blades and stayed, offering silent reassurance. At least, that was what it appeared. The reality was that Vassa was readying herself for a far-step if things soured. It had been a long time since she'd had cause to bring another along, but she was confident in her ability to give them an ample head start even if Seben found the experience incredibly jarring.

Seben eyed the nobleman cautiously, unsettled by the way his smile shone in the flickering torchlight as a stark contrast to his dark skin. He seemed perfectly pleasant, but the stories of him said one could never tell the difference between a smile and bared teeth. Hopefully Vassa's damned perception would work on him as easily as it had on her. "There must have been a reason for you to assist, milord," she said, willing her voice to be calm and collected. The words came out more confident than she'd feared they would be, but there was still a subtle tremor.

"Indeed," Masaharta said with a chuckle. "Though judging by your unease, my reputation must precede me."

"You would be hard pressed to find anyone in Ethilir who hasn't heard a whisper of you," Seben said cautiously. She glanced over at Vassa to see if her companion was familiar with the reputation, but was instantly reminded that she couldn't see the masked woman's expression. Her posture gave no cue, perfectly still and calm. Perhaps that was sign enough that Vassa didn't know anything about him.

"True enough," the nobleman said, leaning back against a stack of heavy crates. His guards moved away, to protect the approach along the dock. He studied the pair of them, smoothing a hand along his square-cut beard. "Still, let us have proper introductions. I am Masaharta Osei, Lord of Ashpeta, Keeper of the Seal." He flashed Seben a broader smile. "Though I have other, less flattering names."

"Well met, Lord Osei," Vassa said with an inclination of her head.

Seben envied how poised the masked woman sounded. She steeled her own nerves and tried to summon up the same level of calm. The hand on her back was at least helpful there, a reminder that Vassa was still present. "Thank you for your intervention, milord."

He chuckled. "I do appreciate your gratitude. It speaks of good manners," he said pleasantly. "Now, I must tip my hand here and say that I know a little of you, Seben Femi. You are correct, I had a reason to intervene: your father and I were acquainted, when he lived, and his last wish was that I seek you out."

Despite every attempt to not react, Seben stared at him like he'd sprouted a second head. She didn't have words to address the thousand and one questions that immediately charged forward. "You knew him?" she asked after a second of processing. "How?"

"I know many," Masaharta said with amusement. "Surely to be acquainted with a soldier in the Kingsguard is not such a stretch for a man like myself."

Seben took a deep breath. "And why would a noble honor the last wish of a simple soldier?" she asked.

Vassa's lips tugged into a smile, though the expression was invisible behind her mask. There was a hint of the inquiring mind she had suspected the apprentice fire-speaker possessed even in the face of danger. The appearance of it now was timely. This matter was quickly becoming far more dangerous than even Vassa had expected. The masked woman understood the man smiling at them better than Seben did with all her knowledge of Ethilir.