When The Petal Fell

7-2

Klaron gave Onarus the paper. He didn't even blink at the dried blood, only wandering to a nearby desk occupied by another Scholar holding a large magnifying lens. Onarus took the lens from the Scholar, without thinking, and looked the piece of paper over. Once he read the one side, he turned the paper over and examined the reverse. After a while, he turned the paper over and again read the writing before standing, tapping the paper against his lips and dropping the magnifying lens on the edge of the desk.

The other Scholar caught the lens before it fell to the floor, shaking their head at Onarus, and continued their own work. Sora, despite her earlier awe at the Temple, now appeared to be losing interest, sitting down upon a pile of large volumes beside the desk. At the scowl from the other Scholar, the debt collector only grinned and winked.

"Well? Can you read it?" Klaron had neither the time nor the patience to deal with either the scatter-brained Scholar or Sora. She needed to finish the investigation as soon as possible.

"Hmm? Ah, yes. Well, no, not all of it. Well, not much of it." Onarus fumbled his words and glanced at the paper as if he didn't know he held it. "It's a little used Fae dialect. I doubt many Fae themselves could read it. It's from the very western edge of the Vale, cut off from the others by a river. A most fascinating region ..."

"So, you can't read it?" Sora scratched her scalp.

"No. But give me a day and I'll have it translated for you." Onarus looked from Klaron to Sora and back again, his eyes wide as if asking a question. "I recognise two words, but I doubt it's enough for you. 'Laraf' means 'flight' and 'Andir' is the word for 'petal'. If I were to make a guess, the first line reads 'The flight of the petal'."

Klaron considered this and could see Sora also turning that information through her mind. It didn't surprise her, the debt collector gave the impression of someone with little to her mind, but had shown a remarkable intelligence, so far. If only she were not so annoying.

"Thank you, Onarus. I, we, will return tomorrow." She turned to leave, not needing to remain any longer, but then turned back. "This remains between us, Onarus. Tell no-one and be aware of others if asked about it. Understand?"

"Of course." Onarus patted his nose with a finger and winked, then turned to Sora. "May I have some more peanuts? I don't believe I've eaten since yesterday. Or the day before. I can't recall."

Sora grinned and gave Onarus the whole bag leaving the Scholar delighted as he turned away, chewing the nuts and looking at the piece of paper once more, all interest in Klaron and the debt collector gone, in a second.

"So, what now?" Sora stood up from the pile of books, wiping her hands on her clothes and fell into step beside Klaron.

"Now, I must return to the Palace of Words and fulfil my other duties. Meet me here tomorrow, at the same time." Klaron glanced at Sora. "I expect you still have other inquiries to make?"

"I have an idea, or two." Reaching the outside of the Temple, Sora began to walk away, only turning her head to grin at Klaron, and giving a wayward bow as she walked. "Until tomorrow. Lady Klaron."

Klaron scowled, but had to admit, there was a certain charm to the human woman. If only she could dress less filthy and act more like an adult. The course they charted was not a game. Two people had already died and Klaron remained determined there would be no more. Acting the fool could get them both killed or, worse, another innocent like Little Manderi.

-+-

It was rare for Rifnarus to show annoyance. In fact were anyone to ask any of the numerous people in his employ, they would, he felt certain, be unable to remember the last time he had shown annoyance at all. He had, on many, many occasions felt annoyed, but showing it? That was a weakness he detested allowing others to see. It showed a loss of control and Rifnarus refused to relinquish control of anything, if he were at all able.