Next, she met with the Captain of the Whitecrest Guard. Yesterday, she had explained to him the necessity of a central command structure during the crisis, and he grudgingly agreed. Today, he had discovered that this would put him directly under the command of Lord Khaavren, rather than under the command of some nameless colonel under some general who reported to the Warlord. Serving under Khaavren, whom he knew and trusted, took away the sting of losing his own command, albeit temporarily. Daro said she understood, and he returned to his duty.
After some hesitation, she opened up the county books and made some notes about matters to discuss with her staff next week; she knew perfectly well that there might not be a next week, but she may as well act as if there would be.
She was still doing this when Cyl came in to inform her that the Viscount of Adrilankha had arrived, and been shown into the East Room. Daro smiled, closed the books, and stood. “I’ll meet him there.”
When she arrived, he was still standing. “Viscount!” she said. “Thank you for coming!”
“It is always a pleasure, madam.”
Daro hugged her son and said, “Where is Ibronka?”
“At the Palace, hoping to find a way to be useful.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. Cyl, bring us some wine. Sit, Viscount. How are the city preparations?”
“In truth, madam, the Lord Mayor is handling everything. I’ve offered her my services, but she seems to have everything in hand. I’m feeling useless; but I admit my life has not prepared me to be useful in this kind of crisis.”
“Then perhaps you can be useful in another way.”
“Really? That would please me very much. How can I help?”
“Something your father said triggered a memory of something you told me about several years ago. Do you recall something about a silver tiassa?”
Piro’s eyes widened a little. “Why, yes. You have a good memory.”
“Viscount, are you blushing?”
“I may well be, madam.”
“I’d like to know what makes you blush.”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“Really? Well, all right. What of the silver tiassa?”
“I’m familiar with it. I’ve seen it. Why?”
Daro shook her head and frowned. “Something odd. Something feels wrong.”
“What does?”
“Viscount, who has the silver tiassa?”
“So far as I know, Lord Feorae still has it.”
“Feorae? County investigations?”
“And city. He works for us both and collects a double salary. You know him?”
“We’ve met.”
“He is the last one I know to have had it.”
“All right. How did he acquire it?”
“Through the machinations of a Jhereg. His name is Taltos, and he’s an Easterner.”
“Yes. I recall him.”
“You recall him, madam?”
Daro smiled a little. “You must not underestimate the concern or curiosity of a mother. This Taltos prevented you from facing criminal charges, Viscount.”
Piro stared at his mother. “He—”
“We need not speak of that. Where is this Easterner, in case I need to talk to him?”
“He has left town.”
“Oh. That makes it harder. You don’t know where?”
“No, but he had a lover.”
“That was several years ago, Viscount; you know how changeable Easterners are.”
“That’s true.”
“Still, it’s worth checking. What was her name?”
“Cawti.”
“South Adrilankha?”
“No, the City. Lower Kieron area, near Malak Circle.”
“All right. Thank you.”
“Madam, can you tell me what this is about?”
“I don’t know, Viscount. It’s bothering me.”
“Is it related to the expected attack?”
“Related? In some way it must be, because that’s how I heard about it. But it might be tangential. It’s probably tangential. Perhaps I’m only concerning myself with it because there is so little I can do about the real problem.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
She smiled. “You’re right.”
“It is more likely that you have the feeling this is important, even though you don’t know why.”
“You know me well, Viscount.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Look into it.”
“Can I help?”
“You’ve already helped, Viscount.”
“I could accompany you.”
“No, thank you. It may be that your presence would impede my inquiries.”
“I understand. If there is anything else I can do, madam, you know I am ready.”
“Well, if you don’t mind being demoted to messenger—”
“I don’t.”
“Run to the Palace, then, and tell Feorae that I’m about to call on him.”
Piro bowed. “I’m on my way. You will give the Count my warmest greetings?”
“Of course.”
Daro considered for a few minutes after her son had left, then said, “Cyl, have a horse saddled for me.”
“Yes, Countess.”
“And have Noli prepare a valise with cosmetics and my winter walking outfit.”
“Yes, Countess.”
When she was ready, she left from the north door. Cyl handed her valise to the groom, who tied it to the saddle, after which he assisted Daro to mount.
Cyl said, “Any instructions while you are away?”
“No. I’ll be back by this evening.”
“Yes, Countess.”
She set off, riding with the easy seat of the accomplished horseman, to the Palace.
Feorae was expecting her, and she was admitted at once. He rose as she entered and bowed, then gestured to a chair. Daro nodded to him. She remained standing, though she set her valise down. She said, “Some years ago, you purchased a silver tiassa.”
His eyes widened. “Yes, my lady. Though I don’t know how you could know—”
“Please get it. I want to see it.”
Feorae hesitated, then said, “Yes, my lady. It is with my collection, in my chambers. I’ll be back at once.”
Two minutes later he was back, looking distressed. In his hand was an open case. He turned it around to show that it was empty. He said, “I don’t—”
“Yes,” said Daro. “I hadn’t thought it would be that easy.” She sat down. “When did you see it last?”
Feorae sat down behind his desk. “I spend a day with my collection every month. The last time would have been, let me think, a week ago yesterday.”
“Send for one of your sorcerers.”
He nodded. “I was just about to do that.”
Daro didn’t recognize the small, frail-looking woman who arrived ten minutes later, but she recognized the arms of Whitecrest (party per bend sinister ship and tiassa counter-charged argent and azure) on the collar of the shirt she wore, and at once identified the slightly flattened features, the dark complexion, and the colors of her clothing. An Athyra, it would seem, thought Daro. I should really learn more of the names of those who work for me. “Greetings,” she said. “I am Daro.”
“I recognize you, Countess. I am Lyndra, at my lady’s service.” She bowed to Feorae and said, “My lord?”
“This box,” he said, handing it over. “The contents were stolen. What can you tell me?”
Lyndra took it, and gave the inside and the outside a careful examination, after which she ran her fingers over it, her brow furrowed and her eyes almost closed.
Eventually she opened her eyes and said, “The thief was careful, and calm. There is a slight trace here, in the center, no doubt where the thief touched the box while removing the object.”