Firebrand

Chapter 414: In the Market for Trouble

In the Market for Trouble

Combat training had returned to its usual dull state. They did not practice with golden weapons or in any kind of challenging conditions, such as twice the number of mageknights against fire acolytes; it was once more individual sparring or else battlemages practising together with protectors, learning to fight in synergy. While useful, Martel doubted that much more could be gained, at least for him; it had become routine, practising the same moves over and over, facing the same challenges again and again. He suspected that only actual combat, with all the confusion and unexpected difficulties thrown in, would improve his skills. He would much rather spend his time and spellpower practising enchantment, for instance; while equally boring, at least he might progress.

"Martel, I meant to talk with you after the celebration, but I could not find you yesterday." As the lesson approached its end, Eleanor approached him. "I heard that you had an argument with Duke Cheval." She looked at him with concern.

"Just a few words exchanged. Nothing to cause hurt. Don't worry."

"Very well, if you say so. It is exactly what I wanted to avoid. I'm sorry I was absent when it happened. I did intend to stay close, but there were so many well-wishers and guests I had to speak to, and when I looked to find you, I had no luck."

Understandable, since Martel had made himself scarce for most of the evening. "Don't think about it. Everything is fine. And please accept my well-wishes also," he added with a smile that he had to fake.

"Thank you." She glanced away, looking almost shy. "I should get myself to the baths. I will see you at the meal."

"Sure. Or on Solday if nothing else."

She gave him a parting smile, hurrying along.

***

His lessons at an end, Martel walked east through the city towards the bridge district. While making his way to The River Pearl, he had time to plan his approach. He knew Lady Pearl would be disinclined to tell him anything, and his mere presence might start trouble. At the same time, she was restrained by the Pact, which protected him. She could not attack him, but she could refuse help. The question was if Martel could straddle the line between demanding answers, using the threat of his powers or position to gain them, without going so far that he forfeited the protection of the Pact by being the aggressor.

Probably not if he asked Lady Pearl; but he might get somewhere if he approached Ruby. He knew the bald woman to be not only cunning, but also entirely cold and calculating. While it would not do to underestimate Ruby either, she had given Martel aid when she felt that she owed it to the wizard; even though Martel knew she had exploited him, she did not seem entirely ruthless. Perhaps with the right combination of words, she could be swayed.

He was about to find out; looking at the entrance to the Pearl, Martel steeled himself and walked forward. The guard outside tried to speak, but a gesture from the mage silenced him.

As Martel entered the common room, he received various looks as could be expected. Those from patrons were typical; some curious, some disinterested, probably depending on how intrigued they were by a wizard's presence. As for the staff, at least some of them seemed to recognise Martel, as their expressions became apprehensive. Tellingly, none of them approached him with offers to satisfy various appetites.

Martel looked at the nearest serving girl. "Tell Ruby I am waiting for her outside." He turned around and walked outside again, loitering around on the street. Doing so served in part as a gesture of goodwill, seeing as his presence inside the common room could be considered a provocation; it also lessened the risk that Lady Pearl walked by and saw him.

"Leave."

Martel turned his head to look at Ruby. Seeing her in this place, outside The River Pearl where they had once spent an evening of festivities together, almost made him regret how things had turned out. But he was not to blame for that, nor could anything be done. He had come for another purpose. "I will, once you tell me what I need to know. Who hired the Silver Serpents?"

"I have no reason to tell you. I suggest you leave. If you provoke my mistress, she will be within her rights to demand the protection of the Pact is rescinded from you. Don't let it come to that."

"It is in your interest that I know. Whoever stole the relic tried to frame Lady Pearl. We have a mutual enemy. But I can't do anything against them unless I learn their identity."

Ruby pressed her lips together, looking hesitant.

"I have no reason to tell others," Martel added. "And I would make a powerful ally against this person, should the day come."

Finally, she glanced at the traffic outside and made a throw with her head. Martel followed her some steps away, walking around the building to enter the nearest alley. "He is known as Ironside," she finally spoke with a quiet voice. "Ninth Lord of the market district."

"Why would he target your mistress?"

"His territory lies in the middle of Morcaster. To bring goods in and out, he must go through someone else's district. He used to do this through the harbour, but it's under new leadership. He's been negotiating with Lady Pearl, but clearly, he did not like the fees she demanded for him to use the bridge gate. Now go!"

Martel gave half a smile before he turned around and walked away.

***

The walk home gave Martel the opportunity to reflect on what he had learned. It was always possible that Ruby lied to him, of course. Perhaps she or her mistress had some reason to incite feud between Martel and this Ironside. But the answer made sense, especially when paired with other bits of information, which Martel doubted that Ruby knew about.

Searching his memory, Martel thought back on the one task he had done with the Night Knives on behalf of Ironside. Guarding goods and transporting them from Smallport through the bridge district to the market. That aligned with what Ruby had mentioned about needing routes through other districts than his own.

Furthermore, something had happened which none of them could make sense of. They had been ambushed by a group of brigands, though swiftly dispatched. It had happened deep in the market, suggesting that Ironside had arranged for them to be attacked; at the same time, it had been easy for two mages to disperse their assailants. Martel had a feeling that this explained it. The ambush had been to test their abilities; making use of some worthless thugs to get a measure of the mages working for Lady Pearl.

The ambush at the docks had been the next step in removing them, while also stealing the relic to fan the flames between Lady Pearl and the Comtesse. All for what - control over the routes leading in and out of Morcaster? Sadly, that seemed exactly like the thinking of a Ninth Lord.

Martel had thought himself safe due to the protection of the Pact, but he realised that the assault upon his life had not been a singular event orchestrated by Flora. This Ironside had been planning Martel's demise for a long time. Reaching the gate of the Lyceum, Martel had only one thing left to ponder; he needed to decide how to respond.